Immigration Info

Visiting Chile is usually a simple process and can be free for some while others may pay a small fee. A tourist card is required and can be obtained at the airport when entering the country. The tourist card is good for 90 days and can be extended for another 90 days for a fee. The tourist card does not allow the visitor to work of take classes while in Chile.

If you will be working while visiting Chile a special work card or a Subject to Contract visa may be required. There are different instances where each may be required and either can be obtained prior to entry at a Chilean Consulate in your country or the Foreign Legalization Department in Santiago. Different fees and restrictions will apply to each.

Temporary residence visa is very liberal in its use but also harder to obtain. This visa allows a visitor to stay in Chile for a year and can only be renewed one time allowing for another one year stay; after this time if you want to continue to live in Chile you'll need to apply for permanent residency. The temporary residence visa is popular for freelance workers and the self employed. It enables the holder to conduct business in a low key manner while in Chile. This visa relieves the holder of the loss of job restrictions of a Subject to Contract visa. The visa holder will be allowed to bring in a spouse and minor children with proper paperwork. The cost for this visa ranges from nationality to nationality.

Permanent residency visa allows the holder to work and live in Chile indefinitely. You may apply after one year of temporary residency and must apply after two. The process can take 6 months to a year and during that time you will function in Chile under the temporary residence visa rules. The cost is minimal and will only expire if you leave the country for a period longer than one year. If this will be the case you can make arrangements ahead of time to avoid this cancellation.

Other visas are available for different situations including student visas. The most common paper work needed to obtain any visa is copies of your valid passport, copies of birth certificates of minor children and copies of a marriage certificate. If you will be working or conducting business while in Chile a letter may be required from your employer or from business people who plan to use your services.

Once you receive any type of visa from Chile it will be necessary to register your visa with the International Police and apply for a Chilean Identification Card. To register your visa you will need to present your passport, provide 2 2x3 photos which can be obtained at any photo shop and pay a small fee. Once you register your visa you can apply for your Chilean Identification card. To receive your identification card you must visit the Civil Registry and produce your visa, 1 2x3 photo and you will receive your Identification Card. This card is now your official identification while in Chile and must be with you at all times.

Locating your embassy in Chile and registering there is another important step while residing in Chile. By locating and registering you allow your embassy to have your contact information incase of emergency and will allow your embassy to help you while in Chile.

For immigration information before entering Chile find the Chilean Embassy or one of the consulates in your country for help and information about the visa process. It's often easier to go through the visa process before you arrive in Chile and the consulate will help you with the registration process after you reach Chile.