- Visa Requirements
- Valid passport, criminal record certificate, recent photo
- Cédula Cost
- 4,270 CLP
- RUT Process
- 100% online via SII
- Cédula Timeline
- Request within 30 days of permit
How do I get a visa and start living here?
To begin your journey towards living in Santiago, the first step is securing a Temporary Residence Visa. This visa allows you to stay in Chile for a defined period, usually up to one year, with the possibility of renewal. The process starts with gathering the necessary documents: a valid passport, a criminal record certificate from your home country, and a recent passport-sized photograph.
Before you submit these documents, ensure they are either apostilled or duly legalized, as Chilean authorities require this for all foreign paperwork. Apostilling is a form of document authentication that is recognized internationally, making your documents valid for official use in Chile.
Once your documents are in order, you can apply for the Temporary Residence Visa through the Chilean immigration website or at a Chilean consulate in your country. While the exact processing time can vary, it's wise to start the application well in advance of your intended move.
For more detailed guidance on the visa process and additional residency requirements, visit our Chilean Visas and the RUT page.
How to obtain your RUT and Cédula
Apply for your RUT online
Complete the application on the SII website. There is no fee for natural persons.
Request your Cédula de Identidad
Once your residence permit is effective, apply for your Cédula within 30 days. This costs 4,270 CLP.
Consider Consulate Processing Time
If applying for your RUT through a foreign consulate, expect a wait of 8-12 months.
Useful resources for settling in Santiago
- Chilean Visas and the RUTUnderstand the visa process and RUT application essential for living in Chile.
- Moving to Santiago, in orderA step-by-step guide to make your move to Santiago smooth and efficient.
- Banking in Chile, as a foreignerHow to navigate setting up a bank account and managing finances in Chile.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, a visa is required to live in Santiago if you plan to stay beyond the typical tourist period of 90 days. Most expats apply for a Temporary Residence Visa, which allows them to live and work in Chile for up to a year, with the possibility of renewal.
To get a RUT, you need to visit the Servicio de Impuestos Internos (SII) office with your passport and visa. The RUT is essential for legal and financial activities in Chile, and many expats mistakenly believe it's automatically issued with their cédula.
A cédula is your national identity card in Chile, and it serves as a primary form of identification. It's important for opening bank accounts, signing contracts, and accessing various services within the country.
Yes, if you're planning to engage in business activities in Chile, VAT registration may be mandatory. This step is often overlooked by new expats, but it's crucial for legal business operations.
You can drive in Santiago with your foreign driver's license for up to 90 days. After that, you need to obtain a Chilean driver's license to continue driving legally.
