➡ 2024 UPDATE
Chile does not currently offer a visa specifically tailored for digital nomads, but there are several other visa options available that allow you to live and work in this country from South America. Foreign nationals may enter without a tourist visa for short stays up to 90 days, but longer stays or work purposes require a visa application beforehand. Chile offers several visa options:
- Temporary Resident Visa: Valid for one year, renewable for another, for family reunification, employment, study, or investment. The best option for nomads.
- Work Contract Visa: Tied to the duration of an employment contract with a Chilean employer.
- Student Visa: For attending courses at recognized educational institutions.
- Investor Visa: For entrepreneurs starting a business in Chile.
- Retiree Visa: For those with steady income looking to retire in Chile.
What do digital nomads need to know about Chile? Let’s talk about it!
Nomad Visa Chile 2024
Chile, renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty and vibrant cultural tapestry, is a premier destination for digital nomads and remote workers in South America. The country captivates with its diverse landscapes—from the stark, mesmerizing vastness of the Atacama Desert to the lush greenery of the Lake District and the bustling energy of Santiago. With such a rich variety of settings, Chile appeals to a broad range of tastes and preferences, establishing itself as a favored spot for expats and nomads.
Visa Options for Digital Nomads in Chile
Visa-Free Entry
Depending on your nationality, you may not need a visa to enter Chile at all. Many nationalities are permitted to stay for up to 90 days visa-free, ideal for short-term stays. This arrangement varies, so it’s important to check based on your specific passport country.
Transitory Stay Visa (Tourist Visa)
The Transitory Stay Visa, commonly referred to as the tourist visa, is prevalent among digital nomads. Valid for ten years, this visa allows for an initial stay of 90 days, which can be extended for an additional 90 days for a fee of $100. It’s important to note that this visa does not permit holders to engage in employment with Chilean companies or start professional projects within Chile. Instead, this visa is ideal for those who want to explore the country while working remotely for non-Chilean companies.
The application process for the Transitory Stay Visa is entirely electronic, simplifying the process significantly. Applicants receive their visa via email, which must be printed out prior to arrival in Chile.
Working Holiday Visa
Chile participates in the Working Holiday program, which allows young adults from certain countries a unique opportunity to experience living and working in Chile. This program is available to nationals from: Germany, Australia, Canada, France, Denmark, Japan, New Zealand, and Portugal.
This visa is suitable for those who wish to travel and work casually as they explore Chile.
Work Visa
For those who have secured employment directly with a Chilean or a foreign company operating in Chile, the Work Visa is a necessary choice. This visa requires an existing work contract and is geared towards long-term employment in the country.
Choosing the Right Visa for You
For digital nomads planning a temporary stay to enjoy remote work while experiencing Chile’s diverse attractions, the Transitory Stay Visa is most advisable. It offers flexibility for short stays and the possibility to extend if the beauty of Chile captivates you beyond your initial plan.
In addition to fulfilling the standard visa requirements, foreign nationals looking to work in Chile typically require a sponsor, unless they are married to a Chilean citizen. This sponsor could be a prospective employer or a permanent resident of the country, playing a crucial role in the visa application process.
Document Checklist for Chile Visa Applications
Preparation and organization of necessary documentation are vital to ensuring a smooth visa application process for Chile. Here’s an expanded list of documents you may need, tailored to the specific type of visa for which you are applying:
✅ Passport and Copies: Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond the duration of your intended stay in Chile and has at least two blank pages.
✅ Passport-sized Photos: You will need recent photos (not older than six months) that meet the standard dimensions of 35mm by 45mm.
✅ Visa Application Form: This form can be downloaded from the appropriate website, completed, and signed according to the requirements of the visa you are applying for.
✅ Proof of Outbound Travel: Typically, this involves a copy of your flight itinerary or other transportation details showing your planned departure from Chile.
✅ Health Insurance: Proof of adequate health insurance coverage for the duration of your stay is essential.
✅ Accommodation Details: Documentation confirming where you will be staying during your time in Chile, such as hotel reservations or a lease agreement.
✅ Proof of Employment: For those applying for a work visa, a job offer letter or a signed contract from your employer in Chile is necessary.
✅ Criminal Record Check: Some visa types may require a recent criminal background check.
✅ Educational Certificates: Needed primarily for student or certain work visas.
✅ Financial Records: Evidence that you have sufficient funds to support yourself during your stay, such as bank statements or a letter from a financial sponsor.
✅ Marriage and Birth Certificates: These are important for those applying for dependent visas or relocating to Chile with family.
Authenticating and Translating Documents
It is critical to authenticate and translate certain documents when applying for a Chilean visa:
- Authentication: Documents must be legalized to be recognized in Chile. If your home country is part of the Apostille Convention, you will need an Apostille. Otherwise, documents should be authenticated by the nearest Chilean consulate or embassy.
- Translation: Vital documents such as birth certificates, marriage certificates, and legal paperwork must be translated into Spanish. It is advisable to use a professional translation service that can ensure the accuracy and acceptability of these translations for Chilean authorities.
Instructions for Applying for a Chile Visa
Step 1: Gather Required Documents
Start by collecting all the necessary documents. Since the application process is fully online, you will need to scan and convert these documents into PDF format. Ensure that everything from your passport to financial records is ready and accessible for uploading.
Step 2: Fill Out the Application Form
To initiate your application, complete the SAC Ciudadano Form on the official Chilean visa application website. This form requires you to specify the purpose of your visit and the duration of your stay. The website is bilingual, offering both Spanish and English options. Navigate to the section labeled “Apply for visa or prior authorization,” which will redirect you to a page where you will input your personal details, contact information, and more.
Step 3: Attach Documents
Once you’ve entered your personal and contact details, you’ll proceed to upload the previously prepared PDF documents. After uploading, review all entries and documents to ensure accuracy before finalizing your application. You will receive a validation code upon submission, which is crucial for tracking the status of your application.
Step 4: Check Application Status
Return to the main page of the visa application website and select the option “Check status visa application or prior authorization.” Here, you can monitor the progress of your application by entering the validation code and your Identifier Number.
Step 5: Receive Confirmation and Make Payment
Whether your Transitory Stay Visa is approved or rejected, you will be notified via email. If approved, the email will include detailed instructions on how to proceed with the payment, which must be completed within 30 days of receiving the approval notification.
Step 6: Receive Your Visa
Upon payment, you will receive your electronic visa via email. You are required to print this document and carry it with you when you travel to Chile, along with your passport. The electronic visa must be used within 90 days from the date of issue.
Timeline for Visa Application
The entire process from application to confirmation typically takes no more than 30 days, depending on the efficiency of document submission and the volume of applications being processed.
Cost of Applying for a Chile Visa
The fee for a Chilean visa varies based on your nationality and the specific type of visa you are applying for. Generally, the fees range from $50 to $150. It’s advisable to check the latest fee structure on the Chilean consulate’s website or contact them directly for the most accurate information.
Taxes for digital nomads in Chile
Chile employs a progressive tax system, where the amount of income tax you pay depends on your earnings bracket. Typically, tax rates in Chile vary from 0% to a maximum of 40%. These rates can fluctuate, so staying informed about any changes is important.
For expatriates, Chile offers an attractive Non-Permanent Residency (NPR) program. If you have not been a resident in Chile for the previous five years, you might be eligible to pay a flat income tax rate of 20% on foreign-sourced income. This special rate can be applied for up to five years, offering significant savings for new residents.
In addition to income tax, if you own property in Chile, you will be subject to property tax, known locally as “Impuesto Territorial.” This tax is generally a modest percentage of the assessed value of the property and is payable annually.
Another important factor to consider is whether Chile has a tax treaty with your home country. Such treaties can prevent double taxation, ensuring that you don’t pay taxes on the same income in two different countries. Always check for the existence of such agreements and stay current with the latest tax regulations to manage your financial obligations effectively in Chile.