Chile: all programs

Chile in brief

Chile is a long, narrow country in western South America: more than 4,000 kilometres along the Pacific from the Atacama Desert in the north to the glaciers of Patagonia in the south. The 2024 census counted about 18.5 million people, almost half of them in the Santiago metropolitan region. Chile is a member of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development and one of the most stable economies in Latin America. It is the world's largest copper producer and a leader in lithium, and also exports fruit, wine and salmon. The language is Spanish, and the currency the Chilean peso.

Chile suits those seeking a calm Latin American country with clear laws, a strong passport and citizenship after 5 years, as well as startup founders and specialists. It suits less those who need low taxes or quick processing: temporary residence must be requested from abroad, and applications take a long time.

How to move in 2026

Temporary residence is usually applied for online from abroad; changing tourist status locally is generally not possible. After temporary residence comes permanent residence, and citizenship is granted after 5 years of residence, or after 2 years for parents of a Chilean child. The naturalisation fee is 37,979 pesos, about $40. More on the page about Chilean citizenship.

Citizenship by birth

Since April 2026 a child born in Chile to tourist parents does not receive citizenship by birth: it is granted only if at least one parent lives in the country on a residence permit. Families planning to give birth in Chile therefore need to obtain residence in advance. More on the page about Chilean citizenship by birth.

Taxes

Chilean residents pay income tax on worldwide income on a scale from 0% to 40%, but a foreigner pays tax only on Chilean income for the first three years. Corporate tax is 27% and, under the 2026 reform, will fall to 23% by 2029; small and medium businesses pay 12.5%. VAT is 19% and also applies to digital services. Employees have 10% of salary plus a commission withheld for the pension fund and 7% for healthcare. More on the page about Chilean taxes.

Property

Foreigners buy flats, houses and land on the same terms as Chileans; restrictions mainly concern border zones for citizens of neighbouring countries. There is no property transfer tax; the buyer pays the notary and the property registry. Owners pay an annual property tax, and inexpensive homes are exempt. More on the page about property in Chile.

Cost of living

Chile is more expensive than neighbouring Argentina, Peru and Bolivia, but cheaper than Western Europe and the US. The most expensive areas are in eastern Santiago, where most foreigners live. Groceries, transport and services are moderately priced, while imported electronics and cars cost more. Healthcare is public and private: an employee chooses whether their 7% goes to the public health fund or a private insurer, and Santiago's private clinics are among the best in the region.

Where to live

• Santiago. The capital at the foot of the Andes. Foreigners choose Providencia, Las Condes, Vitacura and Ñuñoa, with offices, parks, cafés and international schools.
• Viña del Mar and Valparaíso. The coast an hour and a half from the capital, with beaches and a historic port.
• La Serena. A sunny northern city by the ocean, with a calm life and affordable housing.
• Puerto Varas and the lake district. The south with lakes, volcanoes and forests, popular with those seeking nature.
• Concepción. A university and industrial centre in the middle of the country.

Practicalities

• Entry. Russian citizens enter visa-free for up to 90 days.
• Tax number. The national tax number is needed for a bank, a lease, contracts and even store loyalty cards.
• Earthquakes. Chile is one of the most seismic countries in the world, so building codes are strict and homes are designed for strong tremors.
• Climate. Santiago has dry hot summers and cool winters, with seasons opposite to the northern hemisphere. Winter brings smog to the capital.
• Language. Spanish with a fast local accent; English is mainly known in business.
• Safety. Crime has risen in recent years, but the country remains one of the calmest in the region.
• Passport. Chilean citizenship gives visa-free access to 174 countries.

Business and companies

A company in Chile can be registered online and free of charge through the state one-day registration system. The most flexible form is the simplified joint-stock company: it can have a single shareholder, including a foreigner. The company needs a tax number from the tax service, without which large purchases and office leases cannot be signed. More on the page about company registration in Chile.

Who Chile suits

Chile is a strong choice for those who want to live in a stable Latin American country, obtain a passport with 174 visa-free countries after 5 years and do business under clear rules. It is important to choose a residence basis in advance and apply from abroad. Write in the chat and we will choose a basis and plan the path to citizenship for your family.