Chilean visa resources
How to apply for a Chilean visa or residence permit
Most Chilean residence permits are applied for online through SERMIG's digital procedures portal, as a rule from outside Chile before you travel.
Important
Chile distinguishes between the transitory-stay permit (Permanencia Transitoria) for short visits and residence permits (Residencia Temporal and Residencia Definitiva) for longer stays. Nationals who need prior authorisation for a short visit arrange it through a Chilean consulate abroad, while residence applications are filed with the Servicio Nacional de Migraciones (SERMIG).
Under Migration Law 21.325 you generally cannot enter as a tourist and switch to a residence permit from inside Chile; temporary-residence applications are normally made from abroad. Limited exceptions exist, such as family reunification and humanitarian cases, which may be applied for from within Chile.
Applications are submitted through SERMIG's Portal de Trámites Digitales, logging in with ClaveÚnica or an account you create. You complete the form for the relevant subcategory, upload the required documents, and track progress online.
Next steps
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.