Overview
Remote work visas and digital nomad residence programs in Chile. Requirements, eligibility criteria, and application processes vary depending on your specific situation, nationality, and the type of residence permit you're seeking.
Available Digital Nomad Pathways
Chile "Digital Nomad Visa" — Does Not Exist as Dedicated Category
CRITICAL CORRECTION: Multiple authoritative sources - including Chambers & Partners Chile 2025, Holafly 2025, Expat.cl - confirm that Chile has NO specific digital nomad visa. Absence of dedicated category has been described by Chilean immigration legal experts as creating state of legal limbo for remote workers. That said, Chile is NOT hostile to digital nomads - two practical routes exist that most remote workers use depending on planned length of stay: (1) Permanencia Transitoria (tourist status) for stays up to 90 days (extendable once to 180 days), and (2) general Residencia Temporal for lawful remunerated activities for longer stays, which requires proof of income from foreign employer via civil service contract signed by Chilean or foreign attorney-in-fact resident in Chile. SHORT STAYS (up to 90-180 days): Most nationalities enter Chile visa-free and receive Permanencia Transitoria for 90 days. Can be extended once for additional 90 days (total 180 days) for approximately USD $100 fee, processed at SERMIG offices in Santiago. Remote workers employed by foreign companies generally understood to not be entering Chilean labor market while on tourist status - but this is NOT explicitly codified as it is in Canada.
Eligibility
SHORT STAYS: Tourist status (Permanencia Transitoria) - most nationalities enter visa-free for 90 days, extendable once to 180 days total (~USD $100). Remote work for foreign employers generally understood acceptable on tourist status but NOT explicitly codified. LONGER STAYS: Residencia Temporal for remunerated activities requires civil service contract (contrato de prestación de servicios) with company NOT domiciled in Chile, signed by Chilean attorney-in-fact (or foreign attorney-in-fact resident in Chile). Income requirement approximately USD $1,000/month from foreign sources (bank statements or payslips covering last 3-6 months). Processing 6-8 months. Valid up to 2 years, renewable. RENTISTA/RETIREMENT VISA ALTERNATIVE: Digital nomads with passive income (dividends, rental income, investments) earning approximately USD $1,000-$1,500/month may be better served by Residencia Temporal for Retired Persons and Leasers (Rentista/Jubilado). Does NOT require employment contract at all - only proof of consistent passive income. Provides same 2-year permit, work rights, PR pathway.
Requirements
SHORT STAYS (tourist status): Valid passport; return/onward ticket (may be requested); proof of financial means (informal). Extension to 180 days: approximately USD $100 fee at SERMIG Santiago. LONGER STAYS (Residencia Temporal for remunerated activities): Civil service contract (contrato de prestación de servicios) with company NOT domiciled in Chile; contract signed by Chilean attorney-in-fact or foreign attorney-in-fact resident in Chile; bank statements or payslips showing approximately USD $1,000/month income from foreign sources for last 3-6 months; passport; criminal background certificate (apostilled + Spanish translation); passport photo; application via SERMIG Portal de Trámites Digitales from outside Chile. RENTISTA/RETIREMENT ALTERNATIVE: Proof of consistent passive income (rental, dividends, investments) approximately USD $1,000-$1,500/month; no employment contract needed; same 2-year permit. WORKING HOLIDAY PROGRAM (IEC equivalent): Chile participates in bilateral Working Holiday agreements with Australia, Canada, Germany, Denmark, France, Ireland, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, Sweden, South Korea, others. Eligible nationals (generally ages 18-30 or 35) can work in Chile for 1-2 years on open work permit. Popular, fast alternative for younger digital nomads from eligible countries.
Processing Time
SHORT STAYS tourist status: Immediate visa-free entry for most nationalities 90 days granted at border. Extension to 180 days processed approximately 1-2 weeks at SERMIG Santiago offices for approximately USD $100 fee. LONGER STAYS Residencia Temporal for remunerated activities: 6-8 months processing standard, can extend to 10-12 months. Must apply from outside Chile through consulate. Working Holiday program: 2-8 weeks processing depending on nationality and bilateral agreement terms.
Validity Period
SHORT STAYS (tourist): 90 days initial; extendable once to 180 days total. NOT path to permanent residence. LONGER STAYS (Residencia Temporal): Up to 2 years initial; renewable for additional 2 years. Residencia Definitiva (PR) after 2 years with 185+ days/year physical presence. Citizenship after 5 years total legal residency; Spanish proficiency; civics test. Dual citizenship recognized. TAX RESIDENCY THRESHOLD: 183+ days in calendar year triggers Chilean tax resident status. Non-Chilean nationals enjoy 3-year foreign income exemption during first 3 years residency (extendable another 3 years on request). After that, worldwide income may become taxable. Chile has double taxation treaties with US and many European countries. WORKING HOLIDAY: 1-2 years depending on bilateral agreement; open work permit for any Chilean employer; ages 18-30 or 35; eligible countries include Australia, Canada, Germany, Denmark, France, Ireland, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, Sweden, South Korea.
Last updated: 3/1/2026
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