Chile Temporary Resident Visa

The Chile Temporary Resident Visa is a type of visa that allows foreign nationals to live and work in Chile for a temporary period of time. This visa is granted to individuals who have family ties or business interests in the country or whose residence is useful or advantageous for Chile. The holder of this visa may engage in any legal activity in Chile, including working, studying, or running a business.

To apply for a Chile Temporary Resident Visa, applicants must submit a variety of documents, including a valid passport, a police certificate, proof of financial means, and a medical certificate. In addition, applicants must provide evidence of their ties to Chile, such as a letter from a Chilean family member, a job offer, or proof of ownership of property in the country. The application must be submitted to the Chilean consulate in the applicant's country of residence.

Once the application is approved, the Chile Temporary Resident Visa is valid for one year and can be renewed for an additional year. After two years of holding a temporary resident visa, individuals may be eligible to apply for a permanent resident visa or citizenship.

One of the main benefits of the Chile Temporary Resident Visa is the ability to live and work in Chile for an extended period of time. This visa allows individuals to establish themselves in the country and develop business or personal interests. In addition, holders of the Chile Temporary Resident Visa have access to public services, such as healthcare and education, and are able to purchase and own property in Chile.

The Chile Temporary Resident Visa is a valuable option for individuals who wish to live and work in Chile for a temporary period of time. By providing a pathway to legal residency, this visa opens up opportunities for personal and professional growth in one of South America's most prosperous and stable countries.

Eligibility requirements for the Chile Temporary Resident Visa

Sure, here are the eligibility requirements for the Chile Temporary Resident Visa:

  • Purpose of stay: You must have a valid reason for coming to Chile, such as studying, working, or investing in a business.
  • Age: You must be at least 18 years old.
  • Health: You must be in good health and have no contagious diseases.
  • Criminal record: You must not have a criminal record.
  • Passport: You must have a valid passport that will not expire within the next 6 months.
  • Financial stability: You must have sufficient funds to support yourself during your stay in Chile.
  • Application fee: You must pay the required application fee.
  • Compliance with immigration regulations: You must comply with all immigration regulations, including not overstaying your visa.

In addition to these requirements, there may be specific requirements for each type of Temporary Resident Visa, such as educational qualifications, work experience, or investment capital. It is important to review the specific requirements for the type of visa you are applying for before submitting your application.

How to apply for the Chile Temporary Resident Visa

To apply for a Chile Temporary Resident Visa, follow these steps:

Determine your eligibility: Check if you meet the requirements for a Chile Temporary Resident Visa. This includes having family ties or business interests in Chile, or having a residence that is useful or advantageous for the country.

Gather required documents: Obtain the necessary documents for the application process, including a valid passport, a police certificate, proof of financial means, a medical certificate, and evidence of your ties to Chile, such as a letter from a Chilean family member, a job offer, or proof of ownership of property in the country.

Fill out the application form: Obtain and complete the Chile Temporary Resident Visa application form. The form can be downloaded from the Chilean consulate's website or obtained in person.

Pay the application fee: Pay the required application fee. The fee varies depending on the country in which you are applying and can be paid at the Chilean consulate.

Submit your application: Submit your application and supporting documents to the Chilean consulate in your country of residence. You may be required to attend an interview at the consulate.

Wait for approval: Wait for the Chilean government to process your application. This process may take several weeks or months.

Collect your visa: Once your application is approved, collect your Chile Temporary Resident Visa from the Chilean consulate in your country of residence.

It is important to note that the application process for a Chile Temporary Resident Visa may vary depending on your specific circumstances and the requirements of the Chilean consulate in your country of residence. 

Required documents for the Chile Temporary Resident Visa application

When applying for the Chile Temporary Resident Visa, you will need to provide the following documents:

Valid Passport

This should be issued by the relevant authority in your country of origin, or a similar document.

Photo

A color photograph (5x5 cm) with a white background, showing your full face and front face as 3/4 of the photograph.

Criminal Record Certificate

This should be apostilled or legalized, and no more than 60 days old from the date of your visa application.

Family Relations Documents (if applicable)

If you have family relations in Chile, such as a Chilean spouse or ascendants, or Chilean-naturalized issue/spouse, parents, or issue of aliens residing in Chile under a permanent residence visa or a temporary residence visa, you will need to provide a certificate of marriage or birth, apostilled or legalized, as well as proof of sufficient economic means to support yourself.

Business-related Documents (if applicable)

If you are a businessperson, such as an entrepreneur, investor, trader, or rentier, you will need to provide documents establishing your status and activities in Chile, including information on investments and capital imported.

Qualified Personnel Documents (if applicable)

If you are a scientist, researcher, academician, lecturer, professor, professional, or technician, you will need to provide relevant degrees or credentials, as well as an employment contract, technology transfer agreement, or similar documents.

Communications Professionals Documents (if applicable)

If you work in communications, you will need to provide documents showing your membership in the relevant agency or press media, as well as details of your communication activities in Chile.

Members of Religious Orders Documents (if applicable)

If you are a member of a religious order, you will need to provide documents establishing your status, as well as a letter from the institution's superior in Chile describing your activities in the country.

Medical Treatment Documents (if applicable)

If you are coming to Chile for medical treatment, you will need to provide a letter from the medical establishment or institution detailing the treatment and reasons for undergoing it in Chile.

Processing time for the Chile Temporary Resident Visa application

The processing time for a Chile Temporary Resident Visa application can vary depending on the specific circumstances of the applicant and the workload of the Chilean consulate processing the application. In general, the processing time for a Chile Temporary Resident Visa application is around 15 to 30 business days.

However, it is important to note that the processing time may take longer if the application is incomplete or if additional information is required. In addition, the processing time may also be affected by factors such as the volume of applications being processed at the consulate and the time of year.

To ensure a smooth and timely application process, it is recommended that applicants carefully review the requirements for the Chile Temporary Resident Visa and ensure that all necessary documents are provided at the time of application. It is also important to follow up with the Chilean consulate regularly to check on the status of the application and provide any additional information that may be required.

Overall, while the processing time for a Chile Temporary Resident Visa application can vary, applicants can help expedite the process by submitting a complete and accurate application and communicating effectively with the Chilean consulate processing the application.

Extension of the Chile Temporary Resident Visa

It is possible to apply for an extension of a Chile Temporary Resident Visa if the holder wishes to stay in Chile for a longer period of time. The extension of the visa must be applied for at least one month before the expiration of the current visa.

To apply for an extension of a Chile Temporary Resident Visa, the following steps must be followed:

Gather the required documents: The applicant must gather the necessary documents for the extension, including a valid passport, a police certificate, proof of financial means, and proof of ties to Chile.

Fill out the application form: The applicant must obtain and complete the application form for the extension of the Chile Temporary Resident Visa.

Submit the application: The application for the extension must be submitted to the Chilean Department of Foreign Affairs, through its website or in person at a Chilean consulate. It is recommended to submit the application at least one month before the expiration of the current visa.

Wait for the response: The processing time for the extension can take up to 45 business days. During this time, the applicant must wait for a response from the Chilean Department of Foreign Affairs.

Collect the new visa: If the extension is approved, the applicant must collect the new Chile Temporary Resident Visa from the Chilean consulate or immigration office.

It is important to note that the extension of the Chile Temporary Resident Visa is not guaranteed and the Chilean government may refuse the extension request. Therefore, it is recommended to apply for the extension well in advance and ensure that all necessary documents are provided to increase the chances of a successful application.

Benefits of the Chile Temporary Resident Visa

The Chile Temporary Resident Visa, also known as the Opportunity Visa, offers several benefits to the visa holders. Some of these benefits include:

Residency: The Opportunity Visa allows the visa holder to live and work in Chile for up to two years.

Easy renewal: The Opportunity Visa can be renewed for an additional year, making it easier for visa holders to stay in Chile for longer.

Opportunity to look for work: The Opportunity Visa is designed for professionals, technicians, and persons having accredited trades wishing to come to Chile to look for work and reside in the country.

Pathway to permanent residency: After holding the Opportunity Visa for two years, visa holders can apply for permanent residency in Chile.

Access to education and healthcare: As a resident of Chile, Opportunity Visa holders can access the country's education and healthcare systems.

Access to financial services: As a resident of Chile, Opportunity Visa holders can open bank accounts, apply for credit, and access other financial services.

Travel: Opportunity Visa holders can travel in and out of Chile as many times as they wish during the two-year visa period.

Overall, the Chile Temporary Resident Visa offers an excellent opportunity for individuals looking to work and live in Chile and enjoy its culture, landscape, and economy.

Limitations of the Chile Temporary Resident Visa

While the Chile Temporary Resident Visa provides many benefits to foreign nationals who wish to settle in Chile, there are also some limitations to this type of visa. Some of the main limitations include:

Limited duration: The Chile Temporary Resident Visa is only valid for a period of one year and must be renewed if the holder wishes to stay in Chile longer.

Limited scope of activities: While the holder of a Chile Temporary Resident Visa is allowed to engage in any legal activity in Chile, they are not authorized to work as an employee unless they obtain a work permit. This can limit their employment options and income potential.

Restricted mobility: The holder of a Chile Temporary Resident Visa is required to apply for a travel permit if they wish to leave Chile for an extended period of time. This can be a cumbersome process and may limit the holder's ability to travel freely.

Dependency on the sponsoring individual or organization: The holder of a Chile Temporary Resident Visa is typically sponsored by a Chilean citizen or organization. This can create a dependency relationship, as the holder may need to rely on their sponsor for support or assistance with various tasks.

Overall, while the Chile Temporary Resident Visa provides many benefits, it is important to consider these limitations before applying. It may be advisable to explore other types of visas or residency options if the limitations of the Chile Temporary Resident Visa do not meet the individual's needs or goals.

Differences between the Chile Temporary Resident Visa and other types of visas in Chile

Chile offers several types of visas for foreign nationals to enter and reside in the country. While each visa has its own specific requirements and limitations, some of the main differences between the Chile Temporary Resident Visa and other types of visas include:

Tourist Visa: The Tourist Visa is intended for individuals who plan to visit Chile for a short period of time for tourism, business or family reasons. Unlike the Chile Temporary Resident Visa, the Tourist Visa is only valid for 90 days and cannot be extended. Holders of a Tourist Visa are not authorized to work or engage in any other paid activities in Chile.

Student Visa: The Student Visa is intended for individuals who wish to study in Chile. Unlike the Chile Temporary Resident Visa, the Student Visa is only valid for the duration of the educational program and cannot be extended. Holders of a Student Visa are authorized to work part-time while studying.

Work Visa: The Work Visa is intended for individuals who have a job offer in Chile. Unlike the Chile Temporary Resident Visa, the Work Visa is valid for the duration of the work contract and can be renewed if the holder continues to work for the same employer. Holders of a Work Visa are authorized to work for the specific employer listed on the visa.

Permanent Resident Visa: The Permanent Resident Visa is intended for individuals who wish to reside permanently in Chile. Unlike the Chile Temporary Resident Visa, the Permanent Resident Visa does not have a set expiration date and does not need to be renewed. Holders of a Permanent Resident Visa have more freedom to work and travel than holders of other types of visas.

The main differences between the Chile Temporary Resident Visa and other types of visas in Chile relate to the purpose, duration, and limitations of the visa. Each type of visa has its own specific requirements and advantages, and the choice of visa will depend on the individual's goals and circumstances.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Chile Temporary Resident Visa, also known as the Opportunity Visa, is a temporary visa that allows foreign nationals to live and work in Chile for up to two years.

The Opportunity Visa is available to professionals, technicians, and persons having accredited trades wishing to come to Chile to look for work and reside in the country. Applicants must meet certain eligibility requirements, including education level, age, language skills, occupation, and territorial criteria.

The Chile Temporary Resident Visa is valid for one year and can be extended for an additional year.

Yes, the Opportunity Visa allows you to work in Chile and look for employment opportunities during your stay.

Yes, you can bring your spouse and dependent children under the age of 18 with you to Chile with the Opportunity Visa. You will need to provide the necessary documentation to prove your family relationship.

You can apply for the Chile Temporary Resident Visa at the Chilean consulate or embassy in your home country. You will need to provide the required documents and pay the application fee.

Yes, after holding the Opportunity Visa for two years, you can apply for permanent residency in Chile, subject to meeting the eligibility requirements.