Visa requirements

Chile

General visa requirements for travelling to Chile. These policies apply to all nationalities unless a country-specific policy exists.

Have a specific passport country? Check your specific route.

Work / Immigration visa (MERCOSUR Temporary Residence Visa)

Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026

e-Visa

Maximum stay
730 days
Processing time
30-60 days
Fee
Varies by nationality
Validity
2 years, renewable
Entry
Multiple entry

Based on the MERCOSUR Residence Agreement, citizens of Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay can apply for a simplified temporary residence permit in Chile. This permit grants legal residence for up to 2 years with full work authorization, no employer sponsorship required, and simplified documentation requirements. The agreement is based on international reciprocity between MERCOSUR member countries and associated states.

Eligibility

  • Nationality

    Must be a national of a MERCOSUR member state (Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay) or associated state (Bolivia) to qualify for this simplified residence permit.

    Eligible countries: Argentina, Bolivia (Plurinational State of), Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay

Documents you need

  • Passport

    Blank pages required: 1; Validity months: 12

  • Police clearance

    Countries required: Country of origin; Validity months: 12

  • Application form

    Use the official application form for this route and complete all required fields.

    Form name: MERCOSUR Temporary Residence Application; Form url: https://tramites.extranjeria.gob.cl/

  • Birth certificate

    Must be notarized: Yes; Must be translated: No

How to apply

  1. Online application

    Submit online application for MERCOSUR Temporary Residence through the National Migration Service website.

  2. Document gathering

    Gather simplified documentation: valid passport or national ID, police clearance certificate from country of origin, and birth certificate (apostilled).

  3. Fee payment

    Pay the application fee. Amount varies by nationality.

  4. Processing wait

    Wait for processing to complete. Typically takes 30-60 days.

  5. Visa collection

    Receive 2-year temporary residence permit with full work authorization. Permit is renewable.

Sign in to apply

Work / Immigration visa (Work Temporary Residence Visa)

Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026

e-Visa

Maximum stay
730 days
Processing time
4-8 weeks (can extend to 2-3 months for complex cases)
Fee
$50-$150 USD (varies by nationality)
Validity
Up to 2 years
Entry
Multiple entry

The Work Temporary Residence Visa (Residencia Temporal - Lawful Remunerated Activities) is for foreigners who wish to reside in Chile to engage in lawful remunerated activities under a subordinate or dependent relationship with a Chilean employer or have a formal job offer. Initially granted for 90 days, once you enter Chile and present the employment contract within 45 days, you receive a 1-year extension. The visa can be renewed for up to 2 years total.

Eligibility

  • Employment

    Must have a formal job offer or employment contract with a Chilean employer who has an address or branch office in Chile.

    Required status: Job offer or employment contract with Chilean employer

  • Purpose of visit

    Visa is for engaging in lawful remunerated activities under a subordinate or dependent relationship with an employer in Chile.

    Includes
    • Employment under Chilean employer

Documents you need

  • Passport

    Blank pages required: 1; Validity months: 12

  • Bank statement

    Minimum balance: Sufficient to cover initial expenses; Months required: 3

  • Employment letter

    Provide a signed employer letter confirming your role, leave dates, salary and return to work.

    Must include leave approval: No; Must include position: Yes; Must include salary: Yes

  • Accommodation proof

    Provide hotel booking, tenancy evidence or host details that cover the planned stay.

    Accepted types: Hotel reservation or rental agreement; Must cover full stay: No

  • Flight reservation

    Provide flight booking or itinerary evidence when the route asks for travel plans.

    Must be confirmed: Yes; Must show return: No

  • Police clearance

    Countries required: Country of origin or any country of residence in last 5 years; Validity months: 12

  • Application form

    Use the official application form for this route and complete all required fields.

    Form name: Application for Temporary Residency for Foreigners outside Chile; Form url: https://tramites.extranjeria.gob.cl/

  • Work contract

    Provide a signed job offer, contract or assignment letter showing the role, dates and employer.

    Must be notarized: Yes; Must be translated: Yes

How to apply

  1. Online application

    Submit online application for Temporary Residency through the National Migration Service website as 'Application for Temporary Residency for Foreigners outside Chile'.

  2. Document gathering

    Gather required documents: valid passport (12+ months validity), police clearance certificate, work contract or job offer letter, bank statements (last 3 months), proof of accommodation, and flight itinerary. Documents must be translated to Spanish and apostilled if issued abroad.

  3. Appointment booking

    After online submission, visit the nearest Chilean consulate to get the visa stamped on your passport.

  4. Fee payment

    Pay the work visa fee at the consulate. Fee varies by nationality ($50-$150 USD typically).

  5. Processing wait

    Wait for visa processing. Typically takes 4-8 weeks, but can extend to 2-3 months for complex applications.

  6. Visa collection

    Receive initial 90-day Temporary Residence permit. After entering Chile, present employment contract within 45 days to receive 1-year extension.

Sign in to apply
This information is provided for general guidance only. Visa requirements can change frequently and may vary by nationality. Always verify with the official embassy or consulate before making travel plans. Contact [email protected] for assistance.