DigitalNomadVisa

Chile – Digital Nomad Visa

What is possible

  • Many sources state that Chile does not have a specific digital nomad visa category yet; instead, remote workers often use either the tourist visa (short stay) or apply for a temporary residence visa. Expat.cl+1
  • For short-term stays: Foreign nationals may enter Chile on a tourist visa (or visa-exempt depending on nationality) and stay for up to 90 days initially, with possibility of extension to about 180 days in many cases. Expat.cl+1
  • For longer-term remote-work style stays: One option is the “Rentista Visa” (or similar temporary residence visa) which allows independent workers/remote earners to reside legally, with associated rights (like being able to open a bank account). Expat.cl+1

Procedure & documentation required

Since there is no one dedicated digital nomad visa category, I’ll outline the common documentation and procedure steps applicable to either the tourist-route (for short stays) and the temporary residence route (for longer stays).

For short stays (tourist visa route)

Procedure

  1. Check if your nationality requires a tourist visa or is visa-exempt for Chile. Global Practice Guides
  2. On arrival (or via application if required), obtain a tourist entry stamp/visa (often granted for up to 90 days).
  3. If you plan to stay longer (up to ~180 days), apply for extension of stay before expiry of initial tourist period. Expat.cl+1
  4. You must not work for Chile-based employers or provide services to Chile clients under tourist status (remote work for a foreign employer is often tolerated but situation is ambiguous). Expat.cl+1

Typical Documents

  • Valid passport (with sufficient validity)
  • Proof of accommodation / address in Chile (sometimes)
  • Proof of sufficient funds for your stay
  • Return/exit ticket or proof of onward travel
  • For extension: perhaps bank statements, proof of income, etc.

For longer stays / temporary residence route

Procedure

  1. Select the appropriate visa/residence category (for example: the “rentista” or independent worker residence visa). Expat.cl
  2. Submit application either at a Chilean consulate abroad or via Chile’s immigration/residence electronic portal. Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores+1
  3. Wait for approval – processing time may vary (currently noted as 6-8 months for residence visas in many cases) due to backlogs. Expat.cl+1
  4. Once approved, you may travel to Chile (or if already inside, change status) and register locally as required (get RUT number, open bank account, etc.).

Typical Documents
From multiple sources, the following are commonly required or strongly recommended:

  • Valid passport
  • Clean criminal record certificate (issued by country of residence) Digital Nomad Calc+1
  • Proof of remote work or foreign-source income (e.g., employment contract, business registration, bank statements) Digital Nomad Calc+1
  • Proof of accommodation / address in Chile Citizen Remote
  • Health insurance valid for the stay in Chile (for longer stays) American Visitor Insurance+1
  • Other supporting documents: passport-size photo, application form, translations into Spanish if needed (though note: in many Chile residence visas documents may be submitted in English or Portuguese too) Global Practice Guides+1

Important caveats & things to watch

  • Because Chile does not have a visa category clearly labelled “Digital Nomad Visa,” remote workers are in somewhat of a legal grey area. Some expert immigration analyses highlight this “limbo” status. Global Practice Guides+1
  • Remote working for a foreign employer is more plausible than working for a Chilean company under tourist status. But if you plan to work for Chile-clients or move toward local employment, you’ll likely need a work or residence visa. Expat.cl
  • Tax residency: If you stay more than ~183 days in a year and/or obtain residence status, you may become a Chile tax resident and your foreign-source income may become subject to Chilean tax. Expat.cl+1
  • Always verify the latest information via the official website of Servicio Nacional de Migraciones (Chile) (formerly “Extranjería”) or contact a Chilean consulate. Some unofficial guides contain inaccuracies.
  • Processing times for residence visas can be long (6–8 months) so plan ahead. Expat.cl