{"id":148390,"date":"2026-09-07T10:35:11","date_gmt":"2026-09-07T10:35:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/my.legal500.com\/guides\/?post_type=comparative_guide&#038;p=148390"},"modified":"2026-09-07T10:35:11","modified_gmt":"2026-09-07T10:35:11","slug":"chile-corporate-immigration","status":"publish","type":"comparative_guide","link":"https:\/\/my.legal500.com\/guides\/chapter\/chile-corporate-immigration\/","title":{"rendered":"Chile: Corporate Immigration"},"content":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"template":"","class_list":["post-148390","comparative_guide","type-comparative_guide","status-publish","hentry","guides-corporate-immigration","jurisdictions-chile"],"acf":[],"appp":{"post_list":{"below_title":"<div class=\"guide-author-details\"><span class=\"guide-author\">Hurtado &amp; Bonito Abogados,<\/span><span class=\"guide-author-logo\"><img src=\"https:\/\/my.legal500.com\/guides\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/1\/2026\/08\/HYBlogo.jpg\"\/><\/span><\/div>"},"post_detail":{"above_title":"<div class=\"guide-author-details\"><span class=\"guide-author\">Hurtado &amp; Bonito Abogados,<\/span><span class=\"guide-author-logo\"><img src=\"https:\/\/my.legal500.com\/guides\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/1\/2026\/08\/HYBlogo.jpg\"\/><\/span><\/div>","below_title":"<span class=\"guide-intro\">This country specific Q&amp;A provides an overview of Corporate Immigration laws and regulations applicable in Chile<\/span><div class=\"guide-content\"><div class=\"filter\">\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t<input type=\"text\" placeholder=\"Search questions and answers...\" class=\"filter-container__search-field\">\r\n\t\t\t<\/div>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t<ol class=\"custom-counter\">\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">What are the relevant government entities relating to immigration in your jurisdiction?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>The <strong>Servicio Nacional de Migraciones<\/strong> (SERMIG) is the principal executing body: it grants, extends, changes and revokes residence and stay permits and applies migration sanctions. Above it sits the <strong>Ministry of the Interior<\/strong>, which collaborates in formulating, implementing and supervising migration policy, proposes the National Migration and Foreigners Policy to the President, and chairs the Migration Policy Council; and the <strong>Undersecretariat of the Interior<\/strong>, which resolves expulsions and entry prohibitions in qualified cases, rules on refugee status, and may authorise temporary residence permits in exceptional or humanitarian cases as a regularisation mechanism. The <strong>Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Chilean consulates<\/strong> handle consular visas and official residence matters abroad.<\/p>\n<p>The <strong>Polic\u00eda de Investigaciones de Chile (PDI)<\/strong> conducts migration control at entry and exit points and enforces migration measures. The<strong> Civil Registry and Identification Service<\/strong> issues identity cards and administers enrolment for the Unique National Identification Number (Rol \u00danico Nacional, RUN). The <strong>Directorate of Labour <\/strong>enforces labour law as it applies to foreign workers, while the <strong>Internal Revenue Service<\/strong> (Servicio de Impuestos Internos) is relevant to employer activity and tax records that support certain permit categories. The <strong>Chilean Foreign Investment Promotion Agency (InvestChile) <\/strong>issues the sponsorship letter required for the investor and related-personnel category. Finally, the <strong>Migration Policy Council,<\/strong> chaired by the Minister of the Interior, advises the President on migration policy and proposes the National Migration and Foreigners Policy.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">What are the options available for sponsor-based employment in your jurisdiction and timelines involved in securing a work permit?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>Chile does not operate a general sponsorship-licence system of the type used in some common-law jurisdictions. The principal employer-linked route is temporary residence for foreigners carrying out lawful remunerated activities under subordination or dependency, normally requiring a contract of at least three months with a Chilean individual or company having a domicile or branch in Chile \u2014signed by the employer before a Chilean notary and by the worker before the competent Chilean consulate. A formal-offer variant is also available: if approved, it provides a 90-day temporary permit, after which the worker has 45 calendar days from entry to submit the notarised employment contract and its electronic registration.<\/p>\n<p>Beyond that main route, two further categories are relevant to sponsor-based employment. Seasonal-worker permits address short-term, cyclical labour needs. The investor and related-personnel category covers foreign investors meeting a minimum investment threshold of US$500,000, as well as managers, senior executives and specialist technical personnel connected to a foreign-capital company established in Chile.<\/p>\n<p>No general official processing time is stated in the immigration regulatory framework. Applications are generally electronic, and the Servicio Nacional de Migraciones must report the status of temporary and permanent residence applications every 60 business days \u2014a reporting obligation, not a decision deadline or a guarantee of approval.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">What are the primary options available for unsponsored work and investment in your jurisdiction?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>For unsponsored work, a foreigner may use the temporary residence category for lawful self-employed activity. Before entering the country, the applicant generally needs to have entered into a civil or commercial agreement with a Chilean national or a holder of permanent residence, covering specialised professional or other intangible services lasting more than 90 calendar days. Students, for their part, may work lawfully for up to 30 hours per week under the student category without needing any additional authorisation.<\/p>\n<p>On the investment side, the investor and related-personnel permit is available to a foreigner or foreign company looking to invest at least US$500,000 \u2014or the equivalent in another currency\u2014 in the production of goods or services. It can also extend to managers, senior executives and specialist technical personnel employed by, or providing services to, a Chilean company that a foreign investor controls through at least 10 per cent of voting rights or an equivalent interest. The application is made from abroad and requires an InvestChile sponsorship letter.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">What are the requirements for becoming a sponsor of employment-based migrants and what are the role and reporting duties of sponsors?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>There is no general sponsor licence or statutory sponsor-registration regime in Chile. An employer may only employ a foreigner who holds a residence or stay permit authorising work, or who is otherwise duly authorised. Beyond that threshold requirement, the employer needs to provide a compliant contract, ensure its purpose is consistent with the activities declared to the tax authority where applicable, and comply with the Labour Code &#8211; including electronically registering the contract within the applicable deadline. These labour and social-security obligations apply in full, and continue to bind the employer, whatever the worker&#8217;s underlying permit situation turns out to be.<\/p>\n<p>There is no general recurring immigration report to the Servicio Nacional de Migraciones equivalent to a sponsorship-maintenance report, though employers and others employing foreigners may be required to provide information to the migration-control authority on request.<\/p>\n<p>One notable exception sits within the formal-offer route: failing to submit the required contract and its electronic registration within 45 days can result in cancellation of the 90-day permit and an order to leave, without prejudice to potential civil or criminal responsibility on the part of the offeror where applicable.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Are applications filed electronically, or paper base? Is a physical visa\/work permit document issued or is an electronic approval issued?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>Applications for temporary residence are filed through the electronic platform provided by SERMIG. Applications made from abroad are processed remotely. If the requirements are met, SERMIG makes an electronic document certifying the permit available for download and communicates through the email address supplied by the applicant. Applications made in Chile can generate an electronic certificate of residence in process, which evidences regular status and may authorise work where the relevant category permits it.<\/p>\n<p>Physical visa stickers in passports and work permit cards are no longer issued. Permits are currently granted and recorded electronically (featuring a QR verification code) and are listed in the National Registry of Foreigners. However, the holder must print out the granted permit to present to the inspecting authorities at any time, provided they do not yet possess a Chilean identity card (RUN).<\/p>\n<p>Temporary or permanent residents must apply for that physical Chilean identity card within 30 days of the date the corresponding permit takes effect.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Is an in-person attendance\/interview required as part of the visa\/work permit application process? Is an individual required to enrol their biometrics (digital photo, fingerprint scan) as part of the visa\/work permit process?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>There is no universal in-person interview requirement. A residence application from abroad is normally remote, but SERMIG may ask a Chilean consulate to collect additional information, which may include a personal interview. In visa cases, a consulate may also interview the applicant or request further evidence where it needs to verify the stated purpose of residence and exclude an undisclosed purpose.<\/p>\n<p>The legal framework does not establish a universal biometric-enrolment step for every visa or work-authorisation application. Biometrics are expressly captured when a foreigner is enrolled for a RUN (the Chilean ID card): the person attends the Civil Registry and Identification Service, which captures fingerprints and a photograph. This RUN process is separate from the general electronic residence application and is carried out only after the visa has been granted.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">What persons qualify as dependants? Can dependants work based on their dependant visa status? Are there any restrictions?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>In the case of temporary residency, dependents include the spouse or domestic partner of the principal resident, children under 18 or with a disability, and children over 18 but under 24 who are enrolled in a state-recognised educational institution. To this end, the applicant must prove the relationship using the documentation specified in Decree 177, while the principal holder must demonstrate economic activity or stable income sufficient to support their dependents.<\/p>\n<p>The validity of dependents\u2019 permits is contingent upon the validity of the principal holder\u2019s permit, and they are fully authorised to engage in paid work, subject only to the general provisions of the Labour Code regarding the employment of minors. Additionally, a dependent may apply to become a principal holder if they meet the requirements for the corresponding category.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">What is the general time frame and processes for obtaining permanent residence and citizenship for sponsored and unsponsored business-related immigration?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>The same residency regulatory framework applies to both employed and self-employed workers, as well as to investors. To be eligible for permanent residency, it is an essential requirement that the corresponding temporary subcategory expressly allow for such an application.<\/p>\n<p>The standard period for filing the application is at least twenty-four months of temporary residency. However, this period may be extended to thirty-six or forty-eight months if the foreign national demonstrates insufficient means of support, employment instability, prolonged absences from the country, or violations of Chilean law.<\/p>\n<p>Conversely, the period may be reduced (to a minimum of twelve months) due to specific family ties, the receipt of pension benefits, or the maintenance of investments or businesses operating effectively in Chile.<\/p>\n<p>In the case of dependent family members, they may apply for permanent residency without being subject to separate time requirements, provided that the principal applicant has fulfilled their own required period and their permit allows for the application.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">What productive type activities can a business visitor undertake and for how long?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>Business visitors may engage in executive or managerial activities related to business or investment ventures that companies maintain in Chile\u2014such as commercial discussions and related managerial activities\u2014without this implying the establishment of residence. This stay is generally granted for a period of up to ninety days and may be extended once for a similar period.<\/p>\n<p>Likewise, on an exceptional basis, individuals who need to carry out specific and sporadic activities for which they receive compensation or financial benefits (in Chile or abroad)\u2014such as members and staff of public entertainment productions, athletes, lecturers, consultants, and technical experts, or foreign residents of border areas\u2014may apply to SERMIG for special authorisation to work.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Can remote work be carried out from your country?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>Yes. Remote work may be carried out from Chile, but Chile does not have a specific immigration category or visa for \u2018digital nomads\u2019. Instead, the legality of remote work is determined under the general immigration rules governing remunerated activities.<\/p>\n<p>Under Chilean law, holders of Temporary Residence are expressly authorised to engage in remunerated activities. Accordingly, a foreign national residing in Chile may work remotely from Chile, including for an employer or client located abroad, provided that the applicable residence status authorises remunerated activities.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Are there any productive work \/ revenue generating activities that can be carried out as a visitor and without the need for a work permit? If so, what activities and for how long?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>As a general rule, no. Chilean immigration law does not establish a general exemption allowing visitors to carry out remunerated or income-generating activities without prior authorisation. Foreign nationals holding Permanencia Transitoria are therefore generally not permitted to work in Chile, regardless of whether the remuneration is paid by a Chilean or foreign entity.<\/p>\n<p>The law does, however, contemplate an exception whereby SERMIG may authorise, on a case-by-case basis, specific and sporadic remunerated activities during the visitor\u2019s stay. The authorisation must be expressly requested and duly justified, and SERMIG assesses the circumstances and merits of each individual application. The legislation expressly contemplates activities such as those performed by members and staff of public entertainment events, athletes, lecturers, consultants and technical experts, among others. Accordingly, these activities are not automatically permitted merely because they fall within one of the categories mentioned by law; the relevant authorisation must first be obtained from SERMIG.<\/p>\n<p>By contrast, visitors may generally engage in non-remunerated business activities, such as attending meetings, conferences, negotiations or exploring commercial opportunities, provided that these activities do not amount to the performance of productive or regular work in Chile.<\/p>\n<p>A Permanencia Transitoria is generally granted for up to 90 days and may be extended once for a similar period, subject to the applicable requirements. The duration of the visitor status does not, in itself, confer authorisation to perform remunerated activities.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Is there a remote work or nomad visa category in your jurisdiction? If not, how likely is it that this will be implemented in future?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>There is no remote-work or digital-nomad visa category in the current Chilean framework. Consequently, foreign nationals who reside in Chile while working remotely for an overseas employer or client must generally rely on existing immigration pathways that were not specifically designed for remote work. This may create legal uncertainty and practical difficulties, particularly in determining the appropriate immigration status and the applicable contractual, tax, and labour framework.<\/p>\n<p>The government&#8217;s National Migration and Foreign Affairs Policy does flag an intention to evaluate a new subcategory covering both short and long stays for students, postgraduate students, researchers and academics, but there is no indication of a digital-nomad proposal along similar lines. Given the lack of any concrete timeline in the policy, it is not possible to estimate when, or whether, such a category might materialise.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">How easy is it to switch visa categories\/jobs\/employer from within country? And\/or if made redundant, can the individual regularise their stay in another capacity and what is the timeframe allowable?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>The law expressly permits it, and the process is relatively straightforward. A temporary resident may apply to change subcategory through the Servicio Nacional de Migraciones electronic platform, provided the requirements of the new subcategory are met, as set out in Decree 177. The immigration law establishes that the change may be made during the validity of the existing permit, but it should be filed before the statutory renewal window, which runs between 90 and 10 days before expiry. A holder of temporary residence in the employed-worker category may change employer without notifying the Servicio Nacional de Migraciones, since termination of the supporting contract is not, by itself, a ground for revocation.<\/p>\n<p>Where a permit has already expired, the immigration law allows renewal to be requested within nine months of expiry, subject to applicable fines that increase the longer the delay; the implementing Regulations further provide that failure to request renewal within that period may result in expulsion. A valid residence-in-process certificate maintains regular status and may authorise work where the pending category permits it.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">What common issues or concerns may arise for employers under business immigration in your jurisdiction?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>Employers in Chile face several recurring issues. First, getting the application right: choosing the correct residence subcategory, distinguishing a business visit from work requiring a permit, and managing applications that usually must be filed from abroad. Contracts and job offers must meet specific form, signature and electronic-registration requirements, and the contract&#8217;s stated activity should match what the employer has declared to the tax authority, backed by appropriate tax or solvency evidence. Once granted, permits require active tracking of validity, electronic notifications, the separate identity-card process, and any residence-in-process certificate.<\/p>\n<p>A central obligation is verifying that each foreign worker holds valid work authorisation before employment begins. Failing to do so exposes the employer to a significant fine, scaled by company size and applied per worker, with repeat breaches within two years punished at the maximum rate \u2014and these fines do not excuse the employer from its ongoing labour and social-security obligations, which apply regardless of the worker&#8217;s migration status. The worker may also be sanctioned for working without authorisation, though not if they report the employer&#8217;s non-compliance.<\/p>\n<p>Workforce planning must also account for the Labour Code&#8217;s 85 per cent Chilean-worker rule, subject to the exemption for employers with 25 or fewer workers and the exclusion of specialised technical staff. Beyond that, practical risks include processing delays, missing legalisations or translations, complications from employee changes, and migration fines generally. There is no general sponsor-reporting system, but the Servicio Nacional de Migraciones may request information at any time, and employers must respond accurately.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Is there a fast track process \/ certification that business can obtain to expedite visa \/ permit processing?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>No general fast-track procedure or business certification is established under Chilean immigration law. Electronic filing and the obligation to provide status information every 60 business days do not, in themselves, create an expedited procedure or guarantee a specific processing time. Processing times must therefore be assessed in light of the circumstances of each application and the applicable administrative-law standards.<\/p>\n<p>However, certain immigration applications supported by InvestChile, particularly those relating to investors and their associated personnel, may benefit from significantly shorter processing times than ordinary applications. InvestChile\u2019s support and sponsorship mechanisms facilitate the processing of these applications and can substantially reduce the time required for obtaining the relevant immigration status. The InvestChile sponsorship letter should nevertheless be understood as a supporting or eligibility document for the corresponding immigration category; it does not itself grant immigration status or create independent investor rights.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">What are the recent trends, both political and social that have impacted (or are anticipated to impact) your jurisdiction with regard to immigration policy and law?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>Chile&#8217;s overall policy direction still rests on a longstanding commitment to regular, safe and orderly migration, integration and equal rights. Since the new government took office in March 2026, there has been a general shift toward stronger enforcement, but for employers, the more relevant point is that the National Migration and Foreigners Policy adopted in 2023 remains formally in force and continues to guide the work of the Servicio Nacional de Migraciones, including its stated priorities around regularisation, family links, investors, and employment in occupations that are hard to fill, alongside biometric identification and more effective enforcement. These are declared and observed policy directions, not a forecast of every measure still to come.<\/p>\n<p>On the social side, the policy process has flagged ongoing challenges around labour integration, recognition of foreign qualifications, access to documents, language barriers, the digital divide, discrimination and xenophobia. It also recognises how significant migrant communities&#8217; participation in the labour market already is, and the need to balance local capacity, social cohesion and economic contribution. As of this date, further legislative changes are still in progress, and their final shape cannot yet be confirmed.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Are there any new and \/ or anticipated changes impacting immigration law and \/ or policy in your jurisdiction?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>No additional enacted change beyond the current framework has been identified \u2014the Migration and Foreigners Law, its regulations, the temporary-stay and temporary-residence subcategory decrees, and the 2023 National Migration and Foreigners Policy remain the governing framework. The Policy itself is subject to review by the Migration Policy Council at least every four years.<\/p>\n<p>The policy sets objectives that could lead to future measures, including integrated electronic systems, improved recognition and certification of migrant skills, stronger administrative coordination, and evaluation of a new subcategory for students, postgraduate students, researchers and academics. These are policy objectives, not enacted amendments or guaranteed timetables. No responsible forecast can be made beyond those stated objectives.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">How do you see technology developing and evolving to support immigration process in the future?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>The direction of travel is towards electronic filing, electronic permits and notifications, an electronic National Register of Foreigners, and stronger data-led decision-making. Interoperability between public bodies is not merely an aspiration: Supreme Decree No. 12 of 2023, as modified by Decree No. 876 of 2025 (published 24 December 2025), sets the technical standard by which state agencies \u2014 including those involved in migration processing \u2014 must connect their electronic platforms to transmit data, documents and case files to one another, with staged migration to the new interoperability network running through 2025 and 2026 depending on the agency&#8217;s classification. Alongside this, the policy also supports biometric identification and technology for border control, already visible in practice through biometric registration and automated document-reading terminals at points of entry. Labour administration already uses electronic contract registration, and the RUN process captures fingerprints and a photograph.<\/p>\n<p>Technology is therefore likely to keep improving traceability, document verification and application monitoring, building on infrastructure that is already partly in place.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">What are the Right to Work requirements in your jurisdiction?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>Chilean immigration law distinguishes between two entry categories with very different work rules: Transitory Permanence (permanencia transitoria), granted to foreigners who enter without the intention of settling, and Temporary Residence, granted to those who intend to establish themselves in the country for a limited period.<\/p>\n<p>A foreigner may only be employed if they hold one of these permits in a form that authorises work, or are otherwise duly authorised. This is not automatic for everyone: holders of Transitory Permanence generally cannot carry out paid activity at all, unless they have obtained special authorisation from the Servicio Nacional de Migraciones for specific, occasional work. Holders of Temporary Residence, by contrast, may only work where their particular subcategory permits remunerated activity, and a residence-in-process certificate may authorise work while an application is pending, if the relevant category allows it. It is the Servicio Nacional de Migraciones, not the Direcci\u00f3n del Trabajo, that determines which migration permit authorises a given activity.<\/p>\n<p>Employers should verify the permit category, its validity, and any work limitation before employment begins, and keep the ordinary employment records labour law requires. A Chilean identity card evidences a person&#8217;s regular residence status, but on its own it is not a substitute for work authorisation \u2014the two are legally distinct. And even where work is carried out in breach of migration rules, the worker retains their labour and social-security rights, and the employer remains fully responsible for its legal obligations.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">What are the types of civil and criminal penalties employers may face for non-compliance with immigration rules i.e. employing an individual who does not have the Right to Work?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>Employing a foreign national without a work-authorising permit exposes the employer to an administrative migration fine for each affected foreign worker, graduated by company size under the Labour Code&#8217;s classification: up to approximately US$1,560 for a micro-enterprise; US$3,120 for a small enterprise; US$7,800 for a medium enterprise; and US$15,600 for a large enterprise. Repeat offending within two years triggers the maximum applicable fine. Crucially, these sanctions come on top of the employer&#8217;s ongoing labour and social-security obligations \u2014they do not replace them.<\/p>\n<p>There is no standalone criminal offence that consists solely of employing someone without work authorisation; this remains an administrative migration infraction rather than a crime. Nor does the breach render the employment relationship ineffective as against the worker: wages, benefits and social-security contributions remain fully enforceable regardless. Separate conduct, such as facilitating or promoting illegal entry, or participating in trafficking, sits in a different category altogether and can attract substantially harsher consequences, including fines for legal entities and genuine criminal penalties.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Are there labour market testing requirements in your jurisdiction and if so, what do they involve?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>There is no labour-market test in Chile. An employer is not required to advertise a vacancy, prove that no Chilean worker is available, or obtain labour-market clearance before using the ordinary employed-worker route. The contract must nevertheless satisfy the migration and labour requirements, including consistency with the employer&#8217;s declared activities where applicable.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Are there quota requirements, restrictions or a cap on the numbers of foreign nationals hired per company in your jurisdiction?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>The Labour Code requires that at least 85 per cent of an employer&#8217;s workers be Chilean, though an employer with no more than 25 workers is exempt entirely. The calculation is made across the employer&#8217;s whole workforce in Chile, not branch by branch. Specialist technical personnel are excluded from the count, and certain foreigners are treated as Chilean for these purposes \u2014including those with a Chilean spouse or children, and foreigners who have resided in Chile for more than five years.<\/p>\n<p>This is a workforce-composition restriction rather than a fixed immigration quota per company.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Are there any exit procedures in your jurisdiction, if an individual is departing permanently?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>Immigration law stipulates that departure from the country must take place through an authorised border crossing, with valid travel documents, and provided there are no legal prohibitions or court-imposed restrictions (such as a precautionary order prohibiting travel or a ban on leaving the country). Under normal circumstances, foreign residents with a valid permit may enter and exit the country an unlimited number of times, and even those whose permits have expired have a grace period of thirty calendar days from the date of expiration to leave the country without penalty.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>However, if the individual is subject to a penalty for regulatory violations, the general rule requires proof of compliance prior to departure or, in exceptional cases, obtaining authorisation from the Servicio Nacional de Migraciones (SERMIG). If SERMIG authorises departure while a fine remains outstanding, it may impose a re-entry ban of up to one year for fines equal to or less than US$390, or between twelve and eighteen months if the amount is higher. Such a fine may be paid later from abroad through the Service\u2019s platform, which requires the associated re-entry ban to be revoked. Finally, it should be noted that matters related to tax or employment deregistration are not covered by immigration regulations.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Are there any requirements for medical certificates or vaccinations for your jurisdiction?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>Immigration law does not establish a general requirement for medical certificates or vaccinations for applications for residency or tourist entry. On the other hand, the subcategory of temporary residence for patients undergoing medical treatment requires the submission of documentation verifying the treatment, its duration, and approximate cost, as well as proof of having the necessary funds to cover those costs.\u00a0 Outside the strictly immigration-related context, labour laws require a certificate of medical fitness to perform work in industries or jobs classified as hazardous or unhealthy; this is an occupational requirement rather than an immigration-related one. Furthermore, the regulations do not include a general vaccination requirement associated with work-based residence permits.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Are there any language requirements for your jurisdiction?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>Immigration law does not require a language test or a general language proficiency requirement to obtain a residence permit. While the government is required to provide immigration information in Spanish, English, and sign language, this constitutes an administrative obligation to provide information and is not a qualification requirement for applicants. However, documents submitted for temporary residency in a language other than Spanish or English must be accompanied by an official translation. Finally, while there may be specific language requirements stemming from consular, labour, or regulated-profession regulations, general immigration law does not establish any mandatory language threshold.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">What are the government costs associated with a typical employment based visa?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>Residence permits, their extensions, permits to engage in paid activities for holders of temporary residence status, and any other immigration permits are subject to the payment of fees (duties), except in cases expressly exempted.<\/p>\n<p>The amount of these fees is determined by a supreme decree issued by the Ministry of the Interior, which must also be signed by the ministers of Finance and Foreign Affairs, in accordance with the principle of international reciprocity. In exceptional cases, upon a well-founded request by the interested party, the National Director of the Servicio Nacional de Migraciones (SERMIG) may reduce the amount of the fees to be paid.<\/p>\n<p>Likewise, authorisation to engage in paid activities may be granted free of charge in specific cases established by regulation (such as in cases of charity, scientific or cultural fairs, international sports competitions, among others).<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Is a local contract of employment required in order to obtain a work based visa or work permit? Are there salary or other thresholds to be met by the migrant?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>Immigration law provides for subcategories of temporary residence intended for engaging in lawful, paid activities under a relationship of subordination and dependence, for which a contractual relationship or a formal job offer issued by an individual or legal entity with a registered address or branch in Chile is required.<\/p>\n<p>Regarding economic or income thresholds, the general regulations do not establish a fixed and strict minimum salary in the text of the law for the initial application, but they do require the applicant to demonstrate stable and sufficient income to support themselves and, if applicable, the members of their household applying as dependents. In any case, this income cannot be lower than the Chilean minimum wage, which is approximately US$600.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">What are the maximum periods of stay for individuals on an employment based visa \/ work permit?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>For foreigners with work-based permits, the maximum validity periods vary by subcategory: the general permit for lawful paid activities (as an employee, dependent, or self-employed individual) is valid for up to two years and may be successively extended for two-year periods as long as the requirements continue to be met; residence permits for seasonal workers, on the other hand, may be granted for up to five years with extensions of up to two additional years, although paid work may not exceed six months in any calendar year; and in the case of investors and related personnel, the temporary residence permit has an initial validity of up to two years, renewable if progress on the investment and compliance with tax obligations are demonstrated.<\/p>\n<p>None of these subcategories sets a general maximum limit on the length of stay, provided that the requirements and extension conditions are met; there is also the possibility of applying for permanent residency to settle indefinitely.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Does your jurisdiction allow dual nationality?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>Yes. Chile permits dual nationality and, in practice, multiple nationalities. This has been the position since the constitutional reform of 2005. Under Article 11 of the Chilean Constitution, the acquisition of a foreign nationality does not, by itself, result in the loss of Chilean nationality. Voluntary renunciation of Chilean nationality is effective only where the person has previously acquired another nationality. Accordingly, Chilean law does not require a Chilean citizen to renounce Chilean nationality upon acquiring a foreign citizenship, allowing individuals to hold two or more nationalities simultaneously.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">What are the most positive aspects of your immigration system compared to the rest of the world?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>The Chilean immigration system stands out for its modern, fully digital processing system, which significantly streamlines applications and issues permits and certificates in electronic format. It also stands out for offering a variety of temporary residence permits (such as for work, study, investment, and seasonal work), many of which allow applicants to later apply for permanent residence to settle indefinitely. Additionally, there is the option to shorten the required waiting periods for applying for permanent residence when certain personal, family, or investment requirements are met. Operationally, the system allows tourists to apply for authorisations to engage in specific paid activities and enables those who begin their residency process from within the country to immediately obtain a certificate that authorises them to work while their application is being processed.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Are you facing any challenges resulting from a shortage of skills. If yes, which skills?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>Yes. The National Migration and Foreigners Policy identifies imbalances between labour supply and demand, occupations and regions where it is difficult to fill positions, the lack of recognition of migrants\u2019 qualifications, and the lack of information on the skills and certifications in demand. Therefore, it promotes the attraction of highly qualified foreign nationals, the recognition and certification of competencies, and the improvement of channels for technical specialists, researchers, and science and technology personnel.<\/p>\n<p>However, there is not an official and exhaustive list of occupations with legally recognised shortages; consequently, the problem is addressed primarily as a challenge related to data, recognition, and regional labour market dynamics rather than as a fixed list of occupational shortages.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Are there any plans in place to address green skills and\/or to support transition to green economies\u2019?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>Immigration legislation does not currently contain specific provisions aimed at attracting or facilitating green skills, nor does it establish a dedicated immigration pathway to support the transition towards a green economy. There is also no publicly available official information indicating that the current Chilean Government is presently pursuing specific legislative or administrative measures to create such an immigration framework.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n<div class=\"word-count-hidden\" style=\"display:none;\">Estimated word count: <span class=\"word-count\">5441<\/span><\/div>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t<\/ol>\r\n\r\n<script type=\"text\/javascript\" src=\"\/wp-content\/themes\/twentyseventeen\/src\/jquery\/components\/filter-guides.js\" async><\/script><\/div>"}},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/my.legal500.com\/guides\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comparative_guide\/148390","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/my.legal500.com\/guides\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comparative_guide"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/my.legal500.com\/guides\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/comparative_guide"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/my.legal500.com\/guides\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=148390"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}