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Visas and Immigration

If you want to stay in Chile for more than 90 days you should start thinking about visas. There are various visas to choose from, depending on your reason for being in the country.

If you did not arrange a visa before hand, you will receive a Tourist Card (Tarjeta de Turismo) when you enter Chile. At Santiago's Arturo Merino Benitez International Airport, the Tourist Card is issued at the immigrations desk. Read about Chilean Tourist Cards...

Special Work Card

If you plan to work in Chile for a short period of time, you can apply for the Special Work Card (Tarjeta Especial de Trabajo). The Special Work Card permits foreigners to work while they are in Chile on a Tourist Card. More on the Chilean Special Work Card...

Subject to Contract Visa

The Subject to Contract Visa (Visa Sujeta a Contrato) is the most common work visa. Most Chilean employers hire foreigners under contract. You must present a notarized copy of this contract to the Foreign Legalization Service (Departamento de Extrajería), Read About the Subject to Contract Visa...

Temporary Residence Visa

The Temporary Residence Visa (Visa de Residencia Temporaria) is the most flexible visa, but it is more difficult to obtain. This visa does not require a contract with a single employer, so it will not expire if the holder loses his job. Read about Temporary Residence Visas in Chile...

Permanent Residency

Permanent residency (residencia permanente) allows you to live in Chile indefinitely and pursue any legal activity. You may only apply for legal residency after you have held temporary residency for one year or a student or subject-to-contract visa for two consecutive years. More on Chilean Permanent Residency...

Student Visa

The student visa (visa de estudiante) allows you to study at a school or university in Chile. You must enroll yourself in a school before you apply for the visa. Apply for the student visa at the Foreign Legalization Service (Deparamento de Extranjería). More on the Chilean Student Visa...

Registering Your Visa

Once you receive your visa, you are required to register it at the International Police (Policia Internacional) and apply for a Chilean Identification Card (Cédula de Identidad). If already had a visa when you came to Chile, you must do this within 30 days of arrival. Learn about Registering Your Chilean Visa...