Chile is a beautiful country to live in, with a high level of security and stability. With these benefits, why not apply for a Chile temporary resident visa and experience the charms of the country?
Obtaining this type of visa as a first-timer might be challenging. The reason is that its application procedure may look weird to you.
Furthermore, there is a probability that you will submit an incomplete application, especially if you are unsure of what the application entails.
Continue reading to learn more about obtaining a Chile temporary resident visa, including the cost, criteria, processing time, application stages, and helpful hints.
In this article
- What is a Chilean Temporary visa?
- Benefits of Chile Temporary Resident Visa
- Chile Temporary Resident Visa Fees
- Chile Temporary Resident Visa Processing Time
- Who Can Apply for a Chile Temporary Resident Visa?
- What Documents Do I Need to Apply for a Temporary Resident Permit in Chile?
- Online Application for a Chile Temporary Resident Visa
- Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Chilean Temporary visa?
A Chilean Temporary visa is a document that allows a foreigner to stay in Chile for a certain period.
The visa is valid for the duration of the stay authorized by the immigration authorities, which cannot be more than one year.
A Temporary visa can be granted for tourism, business, medical treatment, or study purposes.
Benefits of Chile Temporary Resident Visa
There is much for expats to enjoy in the safe and friendly country of Chile. The country offers a rich cultural landscape, beautiful natural scenery, and a highly skilled workforce.
The temporary resident permit permits foreigners with valid visas in Chile to work and live peacefully without fear of deportation.
However, the beneficial features of the permit include the right to vote and hold public office, as well as access to social security and other government benefits.
Other benefits to those seeking a temporary resident visa include generous social security benefits, low taxes, and a skilled workforce.
With these factors in mind, many residents discover that the country is the ideal location to call home.
Chile Temporary Resident Visa Fees
Chilean citizens and foreigners with valid visas may stay in Chile for a maximum of ninety days without needing to apply for a new resident visa.
However, if you want to stay for a long, you will need to apply for a temporary resident visa.
The cost of a Chile temporary resident visa varies depending on your country of origin, but generally costs around $160 (£105).
These prices do not include additional expenses such as travel insurance or passport fees.
In addition, those who are applying for a temporary resident visa must provide documentation such as proof of income and a health certificate.
Chile Temporary Resident Visa Processing Time
Chile’s temporary resident visa processing time is relatively short when compared to other countries in the region.
Processing times for visas can vary depending on the specific application process. But in general, it takes up to twenty working days.
Make sure to keep your visa application documents well organized and save copies for your reference when applying.
Who Can Apply for a Chile Temporary Resident Visa?
Anyone planning to stay in the country for an extended period must first obtain a temporary resident visa.
You can be qualified for a Chilean temporary resident visa if you fit the following requirements:
- You serve as a religious worker.
- If you are born in Chile, but your parents are not citizens of Chile.
- You are a formal resident of Chile but left the country for a maximum of five years but lost your citizenship.
- If you are due for retirement.
- You are an entrepreneur, an investor, or a businessperson whose operations contribute to economic growth in Chile.
- You may be eligible for a Chile Temporary resident visa if you will be applying as an intern.
What Documents Do I Need to Apply for a Temporary Resident Permit in Chile?
Obtaining a temporary resident visa is a straightforward process. There are several options available. More so, the application requirements are relatively few.
Hence, the most important factor is to be familiar with the specific requirements of your visa category.
The following documents are typically required when applying for a temporary resident permit in Chile:
- A valid passport or travel documents with detailed information such as expiry/issuance date, private information (name, date of birth, and others), and past visas.
However, your passport should not exceed six months after your expected stay in Chile.
- A colored passport photograph with 4.5 x 4.5 cm (2 by 2 inches) specification.
- A copy of your visa application.
- An authorized certificate from the police station- You must provide a criminal record check from your home country if you have one.
- Travel health insurance coverage- No matter where you travel, it is always a good idea to have travel health insurance coverage in case of an emergency.
This type of coverage can certainly help pay for medical expenses if you get sick or injured while traveling.
It can also help cover costs associated with repatriation if you have to return home early because of a medical condition.
- Confirmation of your accommodation or rental contract, and any other documentation that proves your identity and the purpose of your stay in the country.
- Copies of your academic degrees and certificates.
- Financial sustainability- You must be able to support yourself financially while in the country.
- For internship or religious purposes, applicants must present a letter from the company inviting you and authorized by a Public Notary in the Republic of Chile.
Most importantly, the above documents must be in PDF format. In addition, your passport picture must be saved in JPEG format.
Online Application for a Chile Temporary Resident Visa
The process of applying for a temporary resident visa requires serious research, but with careful planning, it can be a successful endeavor.
Follow these steps to apply for a Chile temporary visa online.
- Assess this Chilean immigration website and select your preferred language.
- Then, click on the “Visa Application button”. It will direct you to a registration page where you have to type in your age, passport number, country of origin, etc.
- After stating your country of residence on the registration page, you will be notified immediately the Chilean embassy or consulate will handle your resident visa application.
- In the fourth step, you will get a verification or validation code.
However, it is important you save the code because you will need it to continue your application if you need to source other supporting documents.
- Finally, you must attach electronic copies of all your documents and pay the necessary fees.
Obtaining a Temporary Resident Visa for Chile in your passport
Even if you apply for a Chile visa online, it is crucial you obtain a visa stamp in your passport.
To obtain the stamp, you must visit a Chilean embassy or consulate, bringing your passport and copies of all relevant papers.
However, due to the lack of Chilean embassies or consulates in every nation, you must go to another country to obtain your visa stamp.
Frequently Asked Questions
How easy is it to immigrate to Chile?
Immigration to Chile can be easy for those who are looking to relocate. Chile has a long history of welcoming people from all over the world, and it has a strong economy.
In addition, Chile offers excellent education, and job opportunities, including a rich cultural heritage.
Those who are interested in immigrating to Chile should make sure they have a valid visa and passport, as well as enough money to cover the costs of living while in the country.
Do people speak English in the Chilean Republic?
The official language of the Chilean Republic is Spanish, but English is also a compulsory subject in schools.
Despite this, there is a growing population of English speakers in the Chilean Republic, who use the language to gain an advantage in the labor market.
Can I apply for a job in Chile as a foreigner?
Chile is a popular destination for foreigners looking for work, as the country has a thriving economy and low unemployment rate.
However, because you are a foreigner does not mean you can automatically apply for any job in Chile.
To qualify for jobs, you must have a valid residency permit or visa.
Additionally, you must speak Spanish fluently and good understanding of Chilean culture.
What are the drawbacks of living in Chile?
There are many reasons why people may want to live in the Republic of Chile, but there are also many reasons why people may not.
Depending on your needs and preferences, some downsides to living in Chile may include its high cost of living, high crime rate, and lack of cultural diversity.
What happens if you stay in Chile past the expiration date of your visa?
If you overstay your visa in Chile, you will be subject to fines and possible deportation.
Overstaying your visa can also result in the loss of your visitor’s permit, which could make it difficult to travel to Chile or other countries in the region.
More so, if you are caught overstaying more than 180 days, you will be fined up to $16,000 or placed on a two-year ban from entering Chile.
Be sure to contact the Chilean embassy in your home country as soon as possible to arrange a proper departure.
Where in Chile are the best places to live?
Some of the most popular places to live include Santiago, Valparaíso, and Viña del Mar.
All three cities have a temperate climate with mild winters and warm summers, making them great places to enjoy all year round.
Conclusion
If you are interested in traveling to Chile or need to stay longer than your visa allows, learn about the Chilean temporary resident visa process.
By following this guide, you will be on your way to obtaining the perfect visa for your needs. Finally, remember that the sooner you apply, the easier it will be to be approved!
