Canada
Exercise a high degree of caution
Exercise a high degree of caution in Chile due to ongoing demonstrations, civil unrest and crime.
Chile
A slender ribbon of land where the Atacama desert meets Patagonia’s glaciers, all framed by the Pacific.
Overview
Chile stretches along South America’s western edge, binding the stark Atacama desert in the north with the icy fjords of Patagonia in the south. Spanish is the common tongue, while Santiago’s urban dynamism contrasts with remote island archipelagos and world‑renowned wine valleys, offering diverse lifestyles within one nation.
At a glance
Language
- Spanish(Official)
Population19,458,000
CurrencyChilean Peso (CLP)
1 CLP = 0.001079 USD
1 USD = 926.41 CLP
Cost of living
Numbeo publishes these source indexes relative to New York City.
Cost of LivingPotentially much less expensiveSource category: All | 2026
RentPotentially much less expensiveSource category: Rent | 2026
GroceriesPotentially much less expensiveSource category: Grocery | 2026
RestaurantPotentially much less expensiveSource category: Restaurant | 2026
Local Purchasing PowerWeaker local purchasing powerSource category: Purchasing Power | 2026
Sources
- Numbeo Cost of Living Index
Quality of life
Quality of LifeStrongSource category: Quality Of Life | 2026 | Overall quality of life index
SafetyLimitedSource category: Safety | 2026 | Safety index (100 = safest)
HealthcareGenerally favorableSource category: Healthcare | 2026 | Healthcare quality index (100 = best healthcare)
PollutionElevatedSource category: Pollution | 2026 | Pollution index (100 = most polluted)
TrafficHighSource category: Traffic | 2026 | Overall traffic index (considers time + inefficiency + CO2)
Sources
- Numbeo Cost of Living Index
Entry requirements
Visa and residency reference data is available for Citizenship, Investor, Business Residence, and 6 more.
Citizenship
- Carta de Nacionalizacion
Chilean citizenship by Carta de Nacionalizacion for qualifying permanent residents.
Investor
- Investors and Related Personnel Temporary Residence
Temporary residence for foreign investors, legal representatives, senior managers, or specialized technical personnel linked to a qualifying foreign investment in Chile.
- 2 years, renewable
- Path to residency
Business Residence
- Multiple-Entry Business Temporary Residence
Temporary residence subcategory for regular executive or managerial visits related to business or investments held by companies in Chile.
- Renewable
- Limited work rights
Tourist / Visa Waiver
- Permanencia Transitoria
Short-stay permit for foreigners entering Chile without the objective of settling in the country.
- 90 days, renewable
- No work rights
Work (Employer-Sponsored)
- Remunerated Activities Temporary Residence (Employment)
Temporary residence for foreigners who will perform lawful paid activities in Chile under an employment relationship, service contract, or accepted formal job offer.
- 2 years, renewable
- Employer-sponsored only
- Path to residency
Self-Employment
- Remunerated Activities Temporary Residence (Self-Employment)
Temporary residence path for independent lawful remunerated activity that is not the investor subcategory.
- 2 years, renewable
- Limited work rights
- Path to residency
Passive Income / Rentista
- Rentier Temporary Residence
Temporary residence for foreigners with regular income from real estate or financial assets.
- 2 years, renewable
- Path to residency
Permanent Residency
- Residencia Definitiva
Permanent residence for foreigners with valid temporary residence, allowing indefinite residence and any lawful activity in Chile.
- Full work rights
Retirement
- Retired Foreigners Temporary Residence
Temporary residence for foreigners with a retirement pension sufficient to cover basic needs during their residence in Chile.
- 2 years, renewable
- Path to residency
Languages
- Spanish(Official)
Sources
- Country language reference
Safety
3 source-backed travel advisories are available for Chile.
United Kingdom
No destination-wide FCDO travel warning
FCDO travel advice currently has no destination-wide warning for Chile. Review the full FCDO travel advice before travelling, including safety, entry, health, and insurance guidance.
United States
Level 2Exercise Increased Caution
Exercise increased caution in Chile due to crime and civil unrest. Country Summary: Street crime (e.g., muggings, pick-pocketing, theft) is common in Chile. Rates of violent crime, such as assaults, homicide, carjackings, and residential break-ins, are increasing. Large-scale demonstrations periodically occur in Santiago and other cities in Chile. Demonstrations can take place with little or no notice, and often result in disruptions to transportation, including public bus and Santiago metro services.
Start planning your move
Choose a scenario to get started: