Investment property: Chile

Updated 5 October 2026

Chile is South America's most stable economy, with a developed housing market in Santiago, Viña del Mar and the south.

Foreigners buy apartments, houses and land in Chile on almost the same terms as citizens: a notary executes the deal, and ownership arises on entry in the real estate register. Buying property does not give residence, but Chilean property is often part of a move on other grounds.

What a foreigner can buy

• Apartments, houses and commercial premises without special restrictions for foreigners.
• Land near the border. Under Decree-Law 1939, nationals of countries bordering Chile may not acquire property located wholly or partly in declared border zones without special presidential authorisation. State land within 10 kilometres of the border can only go to Chilean citizens and companies.
• Tax number. A foreigner needs a Chilean tax number (RUT), issued by the Internal Revenue Service, to buy, pay taxes and open an account.

Taxes and costs

• Annual property tax is calculated by the Internal Revenue Service on the assessed value, with relief for some housing.
• New housing from developers is sold with value added tax included in the price.
• The deal: notary costs and the real estate register fee, plus stamp tax on loan documents if there is a mortgage.
• Rent: income is taxed in Chile, and a non-resident must also consider tax at home.

More on our Chile taxes page.

How a purchase works

1. Goal. We define the goal: a home for relocation, letting or capital investment.
2. Tax number. We obtain it for the buyer, by power of attorney if needed.
3. Shortlist and checks. We check the owner, encumbrances and property tax debts, and for land whether it lies in a border zone.
4. Notarial contract. The sale is executed as a public deed, with payment through a bank.
5. Register. Ownership is entered in the real estate register where the property is located.
6. Ownership. We help with letting and taxes.

Property and residence

Chile has no separate residence for buying property. You can live there on work, business and other grounds, and your own apartment proves accommodation. See Chile: all programs.

Why deals fall through

• the buyer has no tax number by the deal date;
• the plot is in a border zone and the buyer is a national of a neighbouring country;
• the property has debts or encumbrances;
• the bank will not accept funds without a verified source.

What we do

We obtain the tax number, select and check the property, handle the notarial deal and registration, and help with letting. A manager will calculate the cost in the chat.

What we do

• Property shortlist for your investment goal
• Legal due diligence on the property
• End-to-end transaction support
• Ownership structuring (company, trust)
• Property management and letting

See also

Company formation · Business account · Personal account · Country taxes · All country programs

FAQ