FAQ | Chile Relocation Questions Answered

Expat.cl is a relocation agency that helps foreigners willing to move to Chile and companies needing assistance to relocate their employees to Chile, since 2016.

Expat.cl has NO connection with the Chilean immigration department. Therefore, Expat.cl cannot tell you what's going on with your pending visa application. Expat.cl is NOT a consulate. And finally, Expat.cl is NOT a public service helping people pro bono.

We can assist you in your move. Feel free to look at our services, or fill out this form for a quote. If you don't want a full relocation package, you can book a consultation.

We are okay with replying to a couple of questions by email only, if we can quickly help you. Yet, we get dozens of inquiries per week. More often than not, the quick question leads to another one and another one. For this reason, we do not guarantee replying as we focus on serving our clients. If your question is urgent or needs analysis, we recommend you book a consultation so that we can spend the time needed to assist you.

Yes, we provide visa support services. We handle work visas, investor visas, retirement visas, and more. We also have detailed information in our immigration/visas section. For personalized guidance, book a consultation.

We assist with all major visa types including work visas, investor visas, retirement visas, family reunification, and more. See our temporary residency guide for all options.

Processing times vary by visa type but generally take 6-8 months for temporary visas and up to 18 months for permanent residency. We provide detailed timelines in our immigration guide.

We offer comprehensive housing assistance including property search and guidance on buying property. View all our relocation services.

Yes! We provide school search services including international schools, bilingual programs, and local Chilean schools. We help with applications, interviews, and enrollment processes.

Yes, we have corporate relocation packages for companies relocating employees to Chile. This includes visa assistance, housing, schooling, and settling-in support.

We don't provide this service directly but work closely with several experienced corporate lawyers. We can recommend the right professional after reviewing your business profile and project requirements. Do not hesitate to contact us

Yes, we offer property search services for both investors and residents. Please provide your budget, property type preferences, and financing needs. We charge a search fee when starting, plus a 2% agency fee upon successful purchase.

Our fees vary based on the service complexity and requirements. Consultations start at reasonable rates, while full relocation packages are customized to your needs. Contact us for a personalized quote through our quote form.

Yes! We help both people planning to move to Chile and those already living here who need assistance with visas, housing changes, or other relocation challenges.

You describe your project in our quote form: who is moving, why Chile, and when. We reply within 24 hours with the right path for your situation and the full price, known before we start. No obligation.

Yes. Most of our work happens before you land: visa filings, document checklists, non-resident RUT, even citizenship by descent cases are handled remotely. We communicate by email across time zones, so your location is not a constraint.

English, French, and Spanish. All three natively enough to deal with Chilean administration on your behalf and explain the results to you clearly.

Wire transfer in CLP, USD, EUR, or GBP, or credit card payment.

In the rare case the immigration service rejects an application we filed, we handle the reapplication at no additional service fee. Details on our visa support service page.

Yes, our car purchase service covers the search, inspection and debt checks, negotiation, and the transfer paperwork.

That is what the Expat Support membership is for: a monthly plan with up to 10 requests covering housing issues, healthcare, banking, and trusted recommendations.

Yes. Our citizenship by descent service confirms your claim, retrieves the Chilean records, and handles the registration until your citizenship is recognized, fully remotely. Start with the citizenship quiz.

Common for property buyers, investors, and heirs. Our non-resident RUT service obtains it remotely through a power of attorney, with no travel required.

Yes. The tourist visa service covers e-visa and consular applications for visa-required nationalities, stuck applications before a planned trip, and extensions for travelers already in Chile.

Both. See the permanent residency service for the application window and filing, and the naturalization service for the citizenship file after your years of residence.

Chile offers political stability, good infrastructure, excellent healthcare, and stunning natural beauty. Learn more about living in Chile and the best places to live.

Chile has a moderate cost of living compared to North America and Europe, though Santiago can be expensive. See our detailed cost of living guide for specific expenses.

While not legally required, Spanish significantly improves your experience. English is limited outside expat areas and international businesses. Many successful expats start with basic Spanish before arrival.

Chile has excellent healthcare with both public (FONASA) and private (ISAPRE) options. Quality is high, especially in Santiago. Read our complete healthcare guide for details.

Most expats live in Santiago, particularly in Providencia, Las Condes, Vitacura, or Ñuñoa. See our cities guide.

Chile has excellent international and bilingual schools, especially in Santiago. We provide detailed information about international schools and school search services.

We handle follow-ups for visas filed through our services. For applications filed independently, you can book a consultation for us to review your situation and determine what are the next steps.

Chilean bureaucracy can be challenging. Our settling-in package helps with these issues. For banking, see our banking guide and RUT/RUN information.

Visa rejections can often be appealed or reapplied with better documentation. Please note that you have a short period (sometimes only 3 days) to file an appeal. Contact us as soon as possible.

For emergencies, contact local authorities (133 for police, 131 for ambulance). For urgent relocation issues affecting our clients, contact us through your designated communication channel provided during service.