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Chile

South America

Chile offers one of the most straightforward visa processes in South America with 90-day visa-free entry for over 90 nationalities. While there is no dedicated digital nomad visa, remote workers can use the Temporary Residence Visa for longer stays. The country boasts excellent infrastructure, fast internet, and a stable economy, making it attractive for digital nomads despite higher costs compared to neighboring countries.

5
Visa Types
90
Nationalities visa-free
🪪Your Passport:

Visa requirements vary by nationality

🎫 Available Visa Types

⭐Recommended for Digital Nomads
Tourist

Visa-Free Tourist Entry (Permanencia Transitoria)

Most nationalities can enter Chile visa-free for up to 90 days. A Tourist Card (Tarjeta de Turismo) is issued on arrival by PDI (Investigative Police). This is the most common entry method for digital nomads.

90 days
Duration
$0
— fee
+$150 additional

✅ Key Benefits

✓No visa application required for eligible nationalities
✓Immediate entry on arrival
✓Can apply for Temporary Residence from within Chile (limited cases)
✓Tourist Card allows VAT exemption at hotels when paying in USD or by credit card
✓Access to one of South America's most stable economies
📋 Requirements (4)
  • •Valid passport for duration of stay
  • •Proof of sufficient funds ($46 USD minimum per day)
  • •Return or onward ticket (may be requested)
  • •Proof of accommodation (may be requested)
📝 Application Process
Embassy Required⏱ Immediate on arrival
  1. 1Arrive at Chilean port of entry (airport or land border)
  2. 2Present passport to PDI immigration officer
  3. 3Receive Tourist Card (Tarjeta de Turismo) stamped with entry date
  4. 4Keep Tourist Card safe - required when leaving Chile
  5. 5If lost, request duplicate through PDI online portal
Apply Online
🔄 Extension & Renewal

Extension: 90 days (max 1x)

Cost: $100

Process: Extension must be requested at SERMIG (immigration service) within the last 30 days of your tourist permit. Apply online through the SERMIG Digital Procedures Portal. Pay $100 USD equivalent in Chilean pesos. Extension grants additional 90 days.

Renewal: After 180 days (initial 90 + extension), you must leave Chile. Border runs grant new 90-day permits but frequent re-entries may raise questions.

💡 Pro Tips

  • •Keep your Tourist Card safe - take a photo of it as backup
  • •Demonstrate sufficient funds if asked at immigration
  • •Book accommodation for at least the first few nights
  • •If staying long-term, consider applying for Temporary Residence from abroad
⭐Recommended for Digital Nomads
Special Program

Temporary Residence Visa (Residencia Temporal)

The main option for digital nomads planning longer stays in Chile. Valid for up to 2 years and allows remote work for foreign companies. Must be applied for from outside Chile in most cases.

365 days
Duration
$310
— fee
+$700 additional

💰 Income Requirement

Minimum $1,500/per_month

Alternative: Bank statements showing consistent income or savings of approximately $18,000 USD

✅ Key Benefits

✓Legal basis for extended stay in Chile
✓Can work remotely for foreign companies
✓Access to Chilean ID card (Cedula)
✓Can open bank accounts with Cedula
✓Family members can apply as dependents
✓Path to Permanent Residence
✓Access to FONASA public health system (optional)
✓Can leave and re-enter Chile freely
📋 Requirements (7)
  • •Valid passport with at least 1 year validity
  • •Criminal background certificate from country of origin (apostilled)
  • •Proof of income or financial solvency
  • •Health insurance valid in Chile
  • •Passport-style photo (color, white background)
  • •Documents translated to Spanish if not in Spanish or English
  • •All foreign documents must be apostilled or legalized
📝 Application Process
✓ Online Application⏱ 2-4 months, can extend up to 6 months in complex cases
  1. 1Create account on SERMIG Digital Procedures Portal
  2. 2Select appropriate Temporary Residence subcategory
  3. 3Upload all required documents in PDF format
  4. 4Pay application fee through the portal
  5. 5Wait for processing (2-4 months typical)
  6. 6If approved, download Electronic Stamp (Estampado Electronico)
  7. 7Enter Chile within 90 days of approval
  8. 8Apply for Chilean ID card within 30 days of entry
Apply Online
🔄 Extension & Renewal

Extension: 730 days (max 1x)

Cost: $150

Process: Apply for extension through SERMIG portal at least 90 days before expiration. Must demonstrate continued eligibility and provide updated documents.

Renewal: After 2 years of temporary residence (or less depending on subcategory), you can apply for Permanent Residence (Residencia Definitiva).

💡 Pro Tips

  • •Start the application process several months before planned arrival
  • •Ensure all documents are properly apostilled before submitting
  • •Keep copies of all submitted documents
  • •Consider hiring an immigration lawyer for complex cases
  • •The 'Retired persons or leasers' subcategory is often used by digital nomads with passive income

Tourist Visa (Visa de Turismo)

TouristPopular

Required for nationalities not eligible for visa-free entry. Must be obtained from a Chilean consulate before travel. Valid for tourism, business meetings, and short visits.

90d
Duration
$50
— fee
+$180 additional
📍Apply: Embassy
⏱3-10 business days, varies by location
🔄Extendable +90d
View full details
💰 Cost Breakdown
USDUSD
Required
Tourist visa feeFee varies by nationality, some countries receive free visas
$50—
Additional (estimated)
VFS service fee (if applicable)Processing through visa service center
$30—
Travel insuranceRecommended
$150—
Required Total
$50—
+ Additional (estimated)
$180—
Estimated Total
$230—
💡 Costs may vary. Additional costs are estimates and may not all apply to your situation. Always verify current fees with official sources.

📋 Requirements

  • •Valid passport with at least 6 months validity
  • •Completed visa application form
  • •Passport-style photo (recent, color)
  • •Criminal background certificate
  • •Medical certificate (not suffering from contagious diseases)
  • •Proof of accommodation in Chile
  • •Return or onward ticket
  • •Proof of financial means

📝 Application Steps

  1. 1Locate nearest Chilean Embassy or Consulate
  2. 2Complete online visa application form
  3. 3Gather all required documents
  4. 4Submit application at embassy/consulate
  5. 5Pay visa fee
  6. 6Wait for processing (typically 3-10 business days)
  7. 7Collect passport with visa stamp

⚠️ Restrictions

  • •Cannot work in Chile
  • •Must apply before travel
  • •Processing times vary by consulate
  • •Maximum 180 days with extension

💡 Tips

  • •Apply well in advance of planned travel
  • •Chinese and Indian nationals with valid US/Canada visas may enter visa-free
  • •Check reciprocity - some nationalities get free visas

Work Contract Visa (Visa Sujeta a Contrato)

Work

For foreigners with employment contracts from Chilean companies. The visa is tied to the specific employer and job contract.

365d
Duration
$210
— fee
+$100 additional
📍Apply: Online
⏱2-4 months
🔄Extendable +730d
View full details
💰 Cost Breakdown
USDUSD
Required
Work visa application feeVaries by nationality
$200—
Chilean ID cardRequired within 30 days
$10—
Additional (estimated)
Document legalizationFor foreign documents
$100—
Required Total
$210—
+ Additional (estimated)
$100—
Estimated Total
$310—
💡 Costs may vary. Additional costs are estimates and may not all apply to your situation. Always verify current fees with official sources.

📋 Requirements

  • •Valid passport
  • •Employment contract from Chilean company (notarized)
  • •Criminal background certificate (apostilled)
  • •Educational credentials (apostilled, if required)
  • •Medical certificate
  • •Passport-style photo
  • •Employer must sign contract before notary in Chile

📝 Application Steps

  1. 1Secure job offer from Chilean employer
  2. 2Employer prepares and signs contract before Chilean notary
  3. 3Employee signs contract before Chilean consul abroad
  4. 4Apply through SERMIG Digital Portal
  5. 5Upload all required documents
  6. 6Wait for approval
  7. 7Enter Chile and obtain ID card within 30 days

⚠️ Restrictions

  • •Tied to specific employer
  • •Changing jobs requires new visa application
  • •Cannot freelance or work for other companies
  • •Must be applied from outside Chile
  • •Processing can be lengthy

💡 Tips

  • •Ensure contract meets Chilean labor law requirements
  • •Employer should have experience sponsoring foreign workers
  • •Keep copies of all employment documents
  • •Minimum wage in Chile is CLP 500,000 (approximately $535 USD) as of 2024

Student Visa (Visa de Estudiante)

Education

For foreigners enrolling in educational programs at Chilean institutions recognized by the State. Valid for the duration of studies.

365d
Duration
$160
— fee
+$500 additional
📍Apply: Online
⏱2-4 months
🔄Extendable +365d
View full details
💰 Cost Breakdown
USDUSD
Required
Student visa application feeVaries by nationality
$150—
Chilean ID cardRequired within 30 days
$10—
Additional (estimated)
Health insurance (annual)Required
$500—
Required Total
$160—
+ Additional (estimated)
$500—
Estimated Total
$660—
💡 Costs may vary. Additional costs are estimates and may not all apply to your situation. Always verify current fees with official sources.

📋 Requirements

  • •Valid passport
  • •Acceptance letter from Chilean educational institution
  • •Criminal background certificate (apostilled)
  • •Proof of financial means
  • •Health insurance
  • •Passport-style photo
  • •Academic transcripts (if required)

📝 Application Steps

  1. 1Obtain acceptance from Chilean educational institution
  2. 2Create account on SERMIG Digital Portal
  3. 3Apply for Student subcategory of Temporary Residence
  4. 4Upload all documents
  5. 5Pay application fee
  6. 6Wait for approval
  7. 7Enter Chile and register for ID card

⚠️ Restrictions

  • •Cannot work without separate authorization
  • •Must maintain student status
  • •Limited to approved educational institution
  • •Permit revoked if studies abandoned

💡 Tips

  • •Chilean universities often have agreements with banks for student accounts
  • •Apply well before semester starts
  • •Check if your institution helps with visa process

📊 Quick Facts

CapitalSantiago
CurrencyCLP (Chilean Peso)
LanguageSpanish
TimezoneUTC-4 (CLT)
Last UpdatedDec 1, 2025

🔗 Official Resources

Immigration BureauEmbassy Website

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Does Chile have a digital nomad visa?
No, Chile does not have a dedicated digital nomad visa. However, many remote workers use the 90-day visa-free tourist entry, which can be extended once for another 90 days ($100 USD). For stays longer than 180 days, the Temporary Residence Visa (Residencia Temporal) is the best option. The 'Retired persons or leasers' subcategory is commonly used by digital nomads with passive or remote income.
Can I work remotely for a foreign company while in Chile as a tourist?
This operates in a legal gray area. Technically, the tourist permit (Permanencia Transitoria) does not authorize any paid activities. However, remote work for foreign companies where payment comes from abroad is generally tolerated. For complete legal compliance, apply for a Temporary Residence Visa. Note that if you stay over 183 days in a calendar year, you may become tax resident and owe taxes on worldwide income.
How long can I stay in Chile as a tourist?
Most nationalities receive 90 days visa-free on arrival. This can be extended once for an additional 90 days by paying $100 USD at SERMIG (immigration service). Apply for the extension within the last 30 days of your initial stay. After 180 days total, you must leave Chile. Border runs (exiting and re-entering) are possible but immigration may question frequent crossings.
What is the Tourist Card (Tarjeta de Turismo) and why is it important?
The Tourist Card is a paper slip issued by PDI (Investigative Police) at immigration when you enter Chile. It shows your entry date and authorized stay duration. Keep it safe as you must present it when leaving Chile. If lost, request a duplicate through the PDI online portal (free). Importantly, presenting this card at hotels can exempt you from 19% VAT when paying in USD or by credit card.
Can I do a border run to reset my tourist permit?
Yes, border runs are possible and common. Argentina is the most popular option due to numerous crossings and good infrastructure. Each time you re-enter Chile, you receive a new 90-day tourist permit. However, immigration officers may question very frequent border runs. It is recommended not to do more than 2-3 border runs per year. After your second re-entry, consider applying for Temporary Residence.
What are the best cities for digital nomads in Chile?
Santiago is the main hub with the most coworking spaces, fast internet (200+ Mbps), and large expat community. Neighborhoods like Providencia, Las Condes, and Ñuñoa are popular. Valparaiso offers a more artistic, bohemian vibe at lower costs. Viña del Mar provides beach lifestyle. Valdivia in the south offers nature and lower costs. Puerto Varas is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts near lakes and mountains.
What is the cost of living for digital nomads in Chile?
Santiago: $1,400-$2,000/month for comfortable living. Rent for a furnished 1-bedroom apartment: $500-$800/month in good areas like Providencia. Smaller cities like Valdivia or Concepcion: $900-$1,300/month total. Chile is more expensive than most South American countries but offers better infrastructure. Food, transport, and utilities are reasonably priced. Coworking spaces cost $150-$400/month.
How difficult is it to open a bank account as a foreigner?
Very difficult without residency. Chilean banks are conservative and typically require 2+ years of residency for full accounts (cuenta corriente). The exception is BancoEstado's CuentaRUT - a basic account available to anyone with a Chilean ID card (requires Temporary Residence). CuentaRUT has limits (max balance CLP 3,000,000, monthly transfers CLP 2,000,000) but works for daily needs. Consider using Wise or Revolut initially.
Do I need to register with police or immigration during my stay?
No, tourist registration with PDI is no longer required since the 2022 immigration law changes. Simply keep your Tourist Card safe. If you obtain Temporary Residence, you must apply for a Chilean ID card (Cedula de Identidad) at the Registro Civil within 30 days of your visa being activated. Failure to do so results in fines.
What are the tax implications for digital nomads in Chile?
If you spend more than 183 days in Chile within a calendar year, you become a tax resident and may owe taxes on worldwide income. Chile has tax treaties with over 30 countries to avoid double taxation. On tourist status, income earned from foreign sources is generally not taxed. For the first 3 years of tax residency, only Chilean-source income is taxed (foreign income exempt). Consult a local tax advisor for your specific situation.
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Important Disclaimer

Visa requirements can change frequently. This information is provided for general guidance only and should not be considered legal advice. Always verify current requirements with the official embassy or immigration authorities before making travel plans. Last updated: December 1, 2025

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