Work & Settle in Chile

About Chile

Chile is a long, narrow country on the western coast of South America, stretching from the Andes Mountains to the Pacific Ocean. It’s known for its diverse geography, ranging from the driest desert in the world to the rugged, mountainous south. Its capital is Santiago, and Spanish is the official language.
Chile is renowned for its diverse landscapes, including the arid Atacama Desert, the scenic Andes Mountains, and the vibrant coast. It’s also famous for its rich culture, world-class wines, and historical figures like Pablo Neruda and Gabriela Mistral. Additionally, Chile is a major producer of copper, lithium, and agricultural products like grapes and fruits.
Chile and working there can be a good experience for several reasons. Chile offers a relatively high quality of life compared to other Latin American countries, with modern amenities, excellent healthcare, and a cosmopolitan vibe. The country also boasts economic stability, a low crime rate, and a favorable business climate. Furthermore.

 CLP
 56
 Santiago
 South America
 Spanish (Chile)
 16,746,491

Permanent residency in Chile

In Chile, Permanent Residency, or Residencia Definitiva, is a permit that allows foreigners to live and work in the country indefinitely, after they have held a temporary residence permit (Residencia Temporal) for a certain period, says SERMIG – Migraciones Chile. It’s a step-up from temporary residency, granting the right to engage in any lawful activity without restrictions, says SERMIG – Migraciones Chile.

Who can obtain permanent residency in Chile?

In Chile, individuals can obtain permanent residency (Residencia Definitiva) by holding a valid temporary residence permit (Residencia Temporal) that allows them to apply for permanent residence and by meeting specific residency requirements, such as having lived in the country for a certain duration.

Requirements to obtain a Permanent Residency in Chile

1. Temporary Residence Visa:
You must hold a Temporary Residence visa that allows you to apply for Permanent Residency.
2. Application Timing:
Apply for Permanent Residency within 90 days of your Temporary Visa’s expiration.
3. Document Submission:

  • Criminal Record Check: Submit a criminal or judicial records certificate from your home country (apostilled or legalized if applicable).
  • Passport: Provide a certified copy of your passport.
  • Photo: Include a recent passport-sized photo.
  • Proof of Income/Pension: Depending on your Temporary Residence Visa, you may need to prove income or pension.
  • Other Documents: Depending on your situation, you may need to provide documents like marriage certificates, birth certificates, and proof of dependents.
  • Translation: Documents in languages other than Spanish or English must be translated.

Chile Immigration

Chile’s immigration policies are generally viewed as having benefits and drawbacks. Chile is a growing destination country for migrants, particularly from other Latin American countries. The relative economic and political stability in Chile, compared to some neighboring countries, has attracted migrants seeking better opportunities. Chilean immigration refers to the process by which individuals enter, reside, and potentially become citizens of Chile. This includes various visa types for temporary and permanent residency, as well as the path to citizenship after a period of legal residency. Immigration to Chile is a multifaceted process with varying requirements depending on the individual’s situation and the type of visa they are applying for.
Types of Immigration Visas in Chile:
1. Temporary Residence:
This visa allows foreigners to live and work in Chile for a specific period, often renewable, and can lead to permanent residency.
2. Permanent Residence:
Once a person has resided in Chile for a certain period under a temporary visa, they can apply for permanent residency, allowing them to settle permanently.
3. Citizenship:
After five years of continuous residency, including time spent on temporary or permanent residency visas, individuals may be eligible for Chilean citizenship.

Work in Chile

Working in Chile can be good, especially in the tech sector. Chile has a thriving and stable economy, with a strong emphasis on innovation and digital transformation. The tech industry is rapidly growing, creating opportunities for professionals in areas like AI, data analytics, and cloud computing.

Chile-wide shortage job

1. Black toppers

2. Engineers for agricultural machinery

4. Technicians with a higher level of training (engineers) for power engineering technology

5. Graduates in power engineering

6. Pavers

7. Special(ist) power engineers

8. Concrete fitters

9. Technicians with a higher level of training (engineers) for data processing

10. Carpenters

11. Special fitters

12. Graduate engineers for data processing

13. Technicians with a higher level of training (engineers) for mechanical engineering

14. Construction joiners

15. Physicians

16. Floor and wall tilers

17. Building plumbers

18. Graduate nurses

19. Pipe installers, pipe fitters

20. Graduates in weak-current and telecommunications engineering

21. Electrical installers, electrical fitters

22. Welders, cutting torch operators

23. Cost accountants

24. Metal turners

25. Graduate mechanical engineers

26. Milling machinists

27. Ophthalmic opticians

28. Special graduate engineers

29. Technicians with a higher education (engineer) for civil engineering

30. Special floor layers

31. Construction and furniture joiners

32. Special fitters

33. Bricklayers

34. Other civil engineering specialists

35. Specialist technicians for mechanical engineering

36. Payroll accountants

37. Wood machine workers

38. Graduate engineers – special professions

39. Varnishers

40. Motor vehicle mechanic

41. Glaziers

42. Train conductors, stokers

43. Building fitters, sheet metal fitters, construction fitters

44. Engineers/technicians for rough mechanicals

45. Special technicians for low voltage engineering and communication engineering

46. Other technicians for fuel and gas technology

47. Restaurant chefs

48. Painters, house painters

49. Stove fitters, potters, stove makers

50. Technicians with a higher level of training (engineer) for technical chemistry, chemical engineers

Chile Working Visa

To work in Chile, foreigners generally need a work visa, often obtained through a “Visa Subject to a Contract” (Visa Sujeta a Contrato). This visa is tied to a valid employment contract with a Chilean company, and requires the employer to initiate the application process with the Chilean Department of Immigration. The process involves submitting the contract, relevant documents, and payment of fees. The exact requirements and processing times can vary, but generally involve providing passport copies, proof of employment, and potentially other documentation.

Types of Work Visas in Chile

1. Temporary Residence Visa: This is a general category with various subcategories, including those for seasonal workers and international executives.
2. Subject to a Work Contract Visa: This visa is tied to a specific work contract, and you must file for a change if you lose your job.
3. Temporary Opportunity Visa: This visa allows foreigners to stay in Chile for a year while searching for a job, with a prerequisite of a Spanish diploma at least B1 level.
4. Temporary National Orientation Visa: This visa is for graduates of the top 150 academic institutions, allowing them to live in Chile for a year and apply for jobs.
5. Temporary Opportunity Visa for Entrepreneur: This visa enables foreign entrepreneurs to start their businesses in Chile, also requiring a Spanish diploma at least B1 level.
6. Permanent Residence Visa: This visa allows for permanent residency and work in Chile.

Requirements to Obtain Chile Work Visas

Employees need several documents to get a working visa in Chile, including:

  • Copies of a passport that’s valid for at least 12 months from the application
  • Proof of legal status in their country of residence
  • One colored passport-size picture taken in a studio with a plain white or off-white background
  • Copies of their flight itinerary and reservation
  • Proof of hotel reservation or accommodation
  • Bank statements from the past three months
  • A local work contract, job offer, or services contract with a duration longer than three months
  • A letter of invitation, if applicable
  • A letter explaining all the reasons they’re traveling

Since Chile uses an online visa application service, all documents should be attached in PDF format. They also need certain names based on document type. For example, the flight reservation should be called “Your Last Name Flight Reservation.” It’s also a good idea to keep all original documents and bring them to the nearest Chile consulate while obtaining a visa.

Coraledu’s mission is to empower internationals to thrive in their lives abroad. We offer tailored work and settlement solutions designed to facilitate success for individuals and their employers worldwide, with a particular focus on Chile. Contact us to discover how we can support you or your employees in achieving both professional and personal fulfillment abroad.

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