Chile visas
Whether you need a visa for Chile depends on your nationality and the purpose and length of your stay: many travellers enter visa-free for short visits, while some nationalities need prior consular authorisation, and anyone intending to work, study, invest or settle applies for a residence permit. Chile's migration system operates under Migration Law 21.325 and is administered by the Servicio Nacional de Migraciones (SERMIG), the National Migration Service supervised by the Ministry of the Interior and Public Security. Most residence applications are made online through SERMIG's digital procedures portal, generally from outside Chile before travelling. Always confirm the current rules for your nationality on SERMIG and the Chilean consular websites before you apply.
Chilean visa categories
Explore visa categories by the purpose of your trip.
- Visitor & short-stay visasShort stays in Chile — tourism, visiting family or friends, business visits and transit, plus any visa-free or e-visa options.2 visas
- Work visasComing to Chile to work — the employment and skilled-worker routes and the permits they require.3 visas
- Study visasStudying in Chile — student visas and permits for accepted students.1 visa
- Family visasJoining or sponsoring a partner, child or other relative in Chile.2 visas
- Business & investor visasInvesting, doing business or coming to Chile as a highly skilled individual.3 visas
- Residence & citizenshipLiving in Chile long term — residence routes and, where available, the path to citizenship.2 visas
Chilean visa application at a glance
From start to finish in five simple steps.
- 01Choose the right visa
- 02Check eligibility & documents
- 03Apply online
- 04Provide biometrics
- 05Wait for a decision
Chile — key facts
- Visa authority
- Servicio Nacional de Migraciones (SERMIG / National Migration Service)
- Application
- Online (in most cases)
- Biometrics
- Usually required
- Currency
- Chilean Peso (CLP)
- Time zone
- America/Santiago (Chile Standard Time)
Official sources
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to the official government sources.
Verified against official sources · last reviewed 2026-08-21. Information only — not legal advice.