Chile — Complete Emigration Guide 2026
20,206,953 people · Capital: Santiago · South America
Updated H2 2026 · Compiled from official government sources, re-checked on a rolling basis
Overview
Chile is located in South America, with a population of 20,206,953. Its currency is the Chilean peso. Our database tracks 29 visa pathways for Chile, each linked to a named source.
See also: Chile country profile
Popular routes to Chile: Colombia to Chile (Immigration) · Venezuela to Chile (Immigration)
Compiled from official government sources, re-checked on a rolling basis. See our methodology and data sources.
Visa Pathways (29)
Sponsored Employment (1)
| Programme | Min Income | Fee | Duration | Processing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Residencia Temporal — Actividades Lícitas Remuneradas (Subordinated Employment / Self-Employed) | — | €92 | 24 mo | 90d |
Entrepreneur & Business (1)
| Programme | Min Income | Fee | Duration | Processing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Extranjeros que desarrollan actividades lícitas remuneradas | — | — | 24 mo | 90d |
Investment / Golden Visa (2)
| Programme | Min Income | Fee | Duration | Processing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Inversionistas y personal relacionado | — | — | — | — |
| Residencia Temporal — Inversionista (Investor) + Personal Especializado | — | €92 | 24 mo | — |
Retirement (1)
| Programme | Min Income | Fee | Duration | Processing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Retirement Visa (Pensioner) | — | €92 | 24 mo | — |
Study (3)
| Programme | Min Income | Fee | Duration | Processing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Estudiantes de establecimientos reconocidos | — | — | 24 mo | — |
| People covered by international agreements | — | — | 24 mo | — |
| Residencia Temporal — Estudiante (Student) | — | €92 | 24 mo | — |
Working Holiday (1)
| Programme | Min Income | Fee | Duration | Processing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Residencia Temporal — Working Holiday Programme | — | €92 | 12 mo | — |
Seasonal Work (2)
| Programme | Min Income | Fee | Duration | Processing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Residencia Temporal — Trabajadores de Temporada (Seasonal Workers) | — | €92 | 60 mo | — |
| Trabajadores de temporada | — | — | 60 mo | — |
Family Reunification (1)
| Programme | Min Income | Fee | Duration | Processing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Residencia Temporal — Reunificación Familiar (Family Reunification) | — | €92 | 24 mo | — |
Spouse & Partner (1)
| Programme | Min Income | Fee | Duration | Processing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nacionalización Calificada — Cónyuge de Chileno (Spouse Track) | — | €8 | — | — |
Ancestry & Descent (1)
| Programme | Min Income | Fee | Duration | Processing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nacionalidad Chilena por Descendencia (Jus Sanguinis — Hijo de Chileno Nacido en el Exterior) | — | — | 12 mo | 60d |
Birthright (1)
| Programme | Min Income | Fee | Duration | Processing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nacionalidad Chilena por Nacimiento (Jus Soli) | — | — | — | — |
Free Movement (1)
| Programme | Min Income | Fee | Duration | Processing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Residencia Temporal — Reciprocidad Internacional MERCOSUR (Asociado) | — | €92 | 24 mo | — |
General Residence (1)
| Programme | Min Income | Fee | Duration | Processing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Residencia Temporal — Gestión de Negocios (Business Manager — Multi-Entry) | — | €92 | 24 mo | — |
Permanent Settlement (2)
| Programme | Min Income | Fee | Duration | Processing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Residencia Definitiva (Permanent Residence) | — | €143 | 24 mo | — |
| Residencia Definitiva por Gracia (Discretionary PR by Grace) | — | — | — | — |
Naturalisation & Citizenship (4)
| Programme | Min Income | Fee | Duration | Processing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chilean citizenship | — | — | — | — |
| Nacionalidad Chilena | — | — | — | — |
| Nacionalización Calificada — Parientes de Chilenos por Consanguineidad / Adoptados | — | €8 | — | — |
| Nacionalización por Carta (Naturalisation — Carta de Nacionalización) | — | €40 | — | 60d |
Exceptional Merit (1)
| Programme | Min Income | Fee | Duration | Processing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Honorary Citizenship (por Gracia) | — | €0 | 24 mo | 30d |
Religious Workers (1)
| Programme | Min Income | Fee | Duration | Processing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Religiosos de cultos reconocidos | — | — | — | — |
Business Visit (1)
| Programme | Min Income | Fee | Duration | Processing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Negocios de múltiple entrada | — | — | 24 mo | — |
Tourism & Short Stay (2)
| Programme | Min Income | Fee | Duration | Processing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Permanencia Transitoria — Habitante de Zona Fronteriza (Border Resident) | — | — | 3 mo | — |
| Permanencia Transitoria — Tourism, Sports, Health, Studies, Business or Family Visit | — | €92 | 3 mo | 90d |
Transit (1)
| Programme | Min Income | Fee | Duration | Processing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Permanencia Transitoria — International Transport Crew (Tripulante) | — | €92 | 1 mo | — |
Cost of Living
| Item | Chile | W. Europe Avg | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1BR) | €650 | €1,200 | -46% |
| Rent (3BR) | €950 | €2,000 | -52% |
| Groceries | €280 | €350 | -20% |
| Transport | €65 | €80 | -19% |
| Utilities | €140 | €150 | -7% |
| Dining (meal) | €12 | €15 | -20% |
Salary & Employment
| Sector | Median (gross, €/yr) |
|---|---|
| Construction | €24,000 |
| Education | €18,000 |
| Engineering | €32,000 |
| Finance | €29,000 |
| Healthcare | €26,000 |
| Hospitality | €14,000 |
| IT | €38,000 |
| Retail | €15,000 |
Shortage Occupations
- Software Developer (IT)
- Nurse (Healthcare)
- Mining Engineer (Construction)
- Data Scientist (IT)
Tax
Healthcare
Education
| University | QS Rank | English Progs | Tuition (Intl) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pontifical Catholic University of Chile | 152 | 45 | €8,500 |
| University of Chile | 175 | 38 | €7,200 |
| University of Concepción | 261 | 28 | €6,500 |
| Andrés Bello National University | 375 | 35 | €7,800 |
| Diego Portales University | 411 | 42 | €8,200 |
Practical Info
Banking
Driving
Phone & Internet
Credentials
Quality of Life
Official sources
The visa data on this page is compiled from official government sources — 32 of the 32 pathways link directly to the government page they were verified against, and 28 financial requirements below carry the exact quote from the official source. Values that fail verification are removed, not guessed — see the live verification freshness index.
- serviciomigraciones.cl · 5 pathways · verified 2026-06-09
- serviciomigraciones.cl · 4 pathways · verified 2026-06-22
- serviciomigraciones.cl · 3 pathways · verified 2026-06-09
- serviciomigraciones.cl · 2 pathways · verified 2026-06-09
- serviciomigraciones.cl · 2 pathways · verified 2026-06-22
- serviciomigraciones.cl · 2 pathways · verified 2026-06-22
- serviciomigraciones.cl · 2 pathways · verified 2026-06-24
- serviciomigraciones.cl · 1 pathway · verified 2026-06-24
- serviciomigraciones.cl · 1 pathway · verified 2026-06-21
- serviciomigraciones.cl · 1 pathway · verified 2026-06-20
- chile.gob.cl · 1 pathway · verified 2026-06-23
- serviciomigraciones.cl · 1 pathway · verified 2026-06-23
Verified requirements — exact official citations
Each figure below was verified verbatim against the official page linked, on the date shown.
Residencia Temporal — Búsqueda de Oportunidades Laborales (Jobseeker via Consulate) · 2 verified requirements
Requirement: “SERMIG arancel oficial 2026: 'Foreigners in general: Fees according to nationality' — rango típico USD 100 (≈ €92) por trámite Residencia Temporal; Bolivia exento por convenio bilateral.” — serviciomigraciones.cl
Savings / proof of funds: “siempre que cumplan con los requisitos que se determinen al efecto en virtud de lo dispuesto en el artículo 162 de la ley N° 21.325, y en tanto exista disponibilidad de permisos [Decreto 177 não fixa montante de fundos; delegado a resolução administrativa]” — bcn.cl
Residencia Temporal — Reunificación Familiar (Family Reunification) · 2 verified requirements
Requirement: “SERMIG arancel oficial 2026: 'Foreigners in general: Fees according to nationality' — rango típico USD 100 (≈ €92) por trámite Residencia Temporal; Bolivia exento por convenio bilateral.” — serviciomigraciones.cl
Minimum income: “This permit may be applied for by foreigners who certify having a family bond with a Chilean citizen or foreigner holder of a Residencia Definitiva permit ... (a página lista documentos por vínculo familiar — cônjuge, pai, filho — e não menciona qualquer requisito de…” — serviciomigraciones.cl
Residencia Temporal — Estudiante (Student) · 2 verified requirements
Requirement: “SERMIG arancel oficial 2026: 'Foreigners in general: Fees according to nationality' — rango típico USD 100 (≈ €92) por trámite Residencia Temporal; Bolivia exento por convenio bilateral.” — serviciomigraciones.cl
Savings / proof of funds: “you must submit documents that prove the financial means with which you will be able to cover your stay in the country” — serviciomigraciones.cl, 2026-07-06
People covered by international agreements · 2 verified requirements
Requirement: “For permits applied for outside the country, before finalizing the submission of the application, you will be asked to pay for the fees in the Payment Portal of the Tesoreria General de la Republica (TGR). — no fee amount is published (fees are set by nationality/reciprocity).” — serviciomigraciones.cl, 2026-07-07
Savings / proof of funds: “Who are unable to exercise a profession or trade and lack the means of support that would allow them to live in Chile.” — serviciomigraciones.cl, 2026-07-06
Estudiantes de establecimientos reconocidos · 2 verified requirements
Requirement: “For permits applied for outside the country, before finalizing the submission of the application, you will be asked to pay for the fees in the Payment Portal of the Tesoreria General de la Republica (TGR). — the students subcategory page publishes no fee amount.” — serviciomigraciones.cl, 2026-07-07
Savings / proof of funds: “you must submit documents that prove the financial means with which you will be able to cover your stay in the country” — serviciomigraciones.cl, 2026-07-06
Residencia Temporal — Working Holiday Programme · 2 verified requirements
Requirement: “SERMIG arancel oficial 2026: 'Foreigners in general: Fees according to nationality' — rango típico USD 100 (≈ €92) por trámite Residencia Temporal; Bolivia exento por convenio bilateral.” — consulado.gob.cl
Savings / proof of funds: “Requisitos: Contar con fondos suficientes para costear la estadia; ticket aereo de ida y vuelta o medios para solventarlo — sem montante fixo publicado” — consulado.gob.cl, 2026-07-06
Residencia Temporal — Tratamiento Médico (Medical Treatment) · 1 verified requirement
Savings / proof of funds: “Additional information that certifies the existence of economic means for their subsistence during the time they will remain in the country, as well as to finance the treatment. This can be certified with a health insurance that provides the necessary and sufficient coverage to…” — serviciomigraciones.cl
Permanencia Transitoria — International Transport Crew (Tripulante) · 1 verified requirement
Requirement: “SERMIG arancel: 'Crewmember Card Extension USD 100' (≈ €92).” — serviciomigraciones.cl
Nacionalización Calificada — Parientes de Chilenos por Consanguineidad / Adoptados · 1 verified requirement
Requirement: “SERMIG arancel: 'With Chilean child / Adopted by Chilean: $7,740 CLP' (≈ €8).” — serviciomigraciones.cl
Nacionalización por Carta (Naturalisation — Carta de Nacionalización) · 1 verified requirement
Requirement: “SERMIG arancel: 'Chilean Citizenship / General foreigners: $38,697 CLP' (≈ €40 @ FX junio 2026).” — serviciomigraciones.cl
Nacionalización Calificada — Cónyuge de Chileno (Spouse Track) · 1 verified requirement
Requirement: “SERMIG arancel verbatim: 'Married to Chilean: $7,740 CLP' (≈ €8).” — serviciomigraciones.cl
Negocios de múltiple entrada · 1 verified requirement
Requirement: “For permits applied for outside the country, before finalizing the submission of the application, you will be asked to pay for the fees in the Payment Portal of the Tesoreria General de la Republica (TGR). — no fee amount is published (fees are set by nationality/reciprocity).” — serviciomigraciones.cl, 2026-07-07
Trabajadores de temporada · 1 verified requirement
Minimum income: “Acreditar liquidez para la contratación del solicitante.” — serviciomigraciones.cl
Residencia Definitiva (Permanent Residence) · 1 verified requirement
Requirement: “SERMIG arancel verbatim: 'Residencia Definitiva permit / General foreigners: $138,974 CLP / Spouse of Chilean citizen: Exempt / Under 18 years old: Exempt.' (≈ €143 @ FX junio 2026).” — serviciomigraciones.cl
Residencia Temporal — Actividades Lícitas Remuneradas (Subordinated Employment / Self-Employed) · 1 verified requirement
Requirement: “SERMIG: 'Foreigners in general: Fees according to nationality' — rango USD 100–200 (≈ €92–€184) según nacionalidad/convenio. Bolivia exento por Convenio Bilateral.” — serviciomigraciones.cl
Permanencia Transitoria — Tourism, Sports, Health, Studies, Business or Family Visit · 1 verified requirement
Requirement: “SERMIG arancel oficial: 'Extension de permanencia transitoria USD 100' (≈ €92 @ FX junio 2026). Tourist initial entry free for visa-exempt nationals; consular visa fees per Cancillería per nationality.” — serviciomigraciones.cl
Extranjeros que desarrollan actividades lícitas remuneradas · 1 verified requirement
Minimum investment: “¿Qué exigencias debo cumplir si ejerzo actividades por cuenta propia? En el caso en que pretendas ingresar al territorio nacional para ejercer actividades remuneradas lícitas por cuenta propia, y que no correspondan a la subcategoría migratoria de inversionista ... deberás…” — serviciomigraciones.cl
Residencia Temporal — Jubilados y Rentistas (Retirees / Passive Income) · 1 verified requirement
Requirement: “SERMIG arancel oficial 2026: 'Foreigners in general: Fees according to nationality' — rango típico USD 100 (≈ €92) por trámite Residencia Temporal; Bolivia exento por convenio bilateral.” — serviciomigraciones.cl
Residencia Temporal — Reciprocidad Internacional MERCOSUR (Asociado) · 1 verified requirement
Requirement: “SERMIG: 'In the Migration Agreement between Bolivia and Chile, the application fee for Bolivian citizen was eliminated.' — Otros MERCOSUR pagan tarifa reducida USD ~50-100.” — serviciomigraciones.cl
Residencia Temporal — Gestión de Negocios (Business Manager — Multi-Entry) · 1 verified requirement
Requirement: “SERMIG arancel oficial 2026: 'Foreigners in general: Fees according to nationality' — rango típico USD 100 (≈ €92) por trámite Residencia Temporal; Bolivia exento por convenio bilateral.” — serviciomigraciones.cl
Residencia Temporal — Trabajadores de Temporada (Seasonal Workers) · 1 verified requirement
Requirement: “SERMIG arancel oficial 2026: 'Foreigners in general: Fees according to nationality' — rango típico USD 100 (≈ €92) por trámite Residencia Temporal; Bolivia exento por convenio bilateral.” — serviciomigraciones.cl
Permanencia Transitoria — Habitante de Zona Fronteriza (Border Resident) · 1 verified requirement
Requirement: “La autorizacion previa o visa es otorgada por los consulados chilenos en el exterior y exigida, por motivos calificados de interes nacional o por motivos de reciprocidad internacional, a los nacionales de ciertos paises para ingresar a Chile como titulares de permanencia…” — consulado.gob.cl, 2026-07-07
Frequently Asked Questions
How many visa pathways does Chile have?
Our database tracks 29 visa pathways for Chile across 20 categories, the largest being Naturalisation & Citizenship, Study, Investment / Golden Visa. Each entry links to a named source — 6% direct to an official government portal, the rest to a named embassy or professional reference while we complete direct verification.
What is the average salary in Chile?
The average gross salary in Chile is EUR 881 per month. The statutory minimum wage is EUR 456 per month.
How much does rent cost in Chile?
A one-bedroom apartment in Chile averages EUR 650 per month, and a three-bedroom apartment averages EUR 950 per month.
What is the top income tax rate in Chile?
The top personal income tax rate in Chile is 35.5%. The standard VAT rate is 19%.
How long does it take to qualify for citizenship in Chile?
Among the pathways we track, the Nacionalización Calificada — Cónyuge de Chileno (Spouse Track) lists 2 years to citizenship. Timelines vary by route and personal circumstances — check the official source for your case.
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