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- Chile %YEAR% Visa Options for Digital Nomads and Remote Workers
10/08/2024, updated 10/08/2025
Chile does not currently offer a specific digital nomad visa program. However, there are several viable visa options for remote workers and digital nomads who want to live and work legally in Chile.
Chile has become an increasingly popular destination for digital nomads and remote workers due to its stable economy, excellent internet infrastructure, growing tech scene, and stunning natural landscapes. This guide covers everything you need to know about working remotely from Chile.
Visa Options for Digital Nomads
1. Tourist Visa (Short-term Option)
Duration: 90 days, extendable for another 90 days
Cost: Tourist visa upon arrival without fee for many nationalities, 100 USD extension fee
Work limitations: Cannot work for Chilean companies, but can work remotely for foreign employers
Pros:
- No need to apply for a visa in advance for most nationalities
- Quick and easy entry process
- Suitable for testing Chile for a few months as before deciding to relocate
Cons:
- Limited to 180 days total per year
- Cannot open bank accounts or sign long-term leases
- No option to switch from tourist visa to temporary residency while in Chile
2. Rentista Visa
Duration: Up to 2 years, renewable
Income requirement: Around 1,000 USD monthly recommended
Processing time: 6-8 months
Benefits:
- Legal residence status
- Can open bank accounts and sign leases
- Family members eligible for dependent visas
- Path to permanent residency after 2 years
- Access to Chilean healthcare system
3. Work Visa (If Working for Chilean Company)
If you secure employment or a freelance contract with a Chilean company, you'll need a standard work visa. See our Chile work visa guide for details.
Internet and Digital Infrastructure
Chile has excellent internet infrastructure, making it ideal for remote work:
- Average speeds: 50-100 Mbps in major cities
- Reliability: Very stable connections
- Cost: 25-35 USD monthly for reliable high-speed internet
- Mobile data: Extensive 4G/5G coverage, affordable data plans
Best Cities for Digital Nomads
- Santiago: Best infrastructure, coworking spaces, international community
- Valparaíso: Creative hub, lower costs, coastal location
- La Serena: Growing tech scene, excellent weather, lower costs
- Viña del Mar: Beach location, good infrastructure, close to Santiago
For other options, see the Where To Live section.
Coworking Spaces and Community
Chile has a thriving digital nomad community, especially in Santiago:
- Major coworking chains: WeWork, Regus, Espacio Cowork
- Local options: La Maquinita, Hubud Santiago, Impact Hub
- Costs: 150-300 USD monthly for dedicated desk
Banking and Financial Services
Opening a Bank Account
- Tourist visa: Very difficult, most banks require residency
- Temporary resident: Can open accounts with RUT number
- Required documents: RUT, proof of income, proof of address
- Recommended banks: Banco de Chile, Santander, BCI
Digital Payment Options
- International cards: Widely accepted, but foreign transaction fees apply
- Wise (formerly TransferWise): Popular for international transfers from and to Chile
- Local solutions: Khipu, WebPay for local transactions
Legal Compliance and Tax Considerations
Staying Legal
- Never work for Chilean companies on tourist visa
- Keep documentation of foreign income sources
- Maintain valid visa status at all times
- Consider legal consultation for complex situations
Tax Obligations
Tax requirements depend on your residency status and length of stay. Always consult a tax professional for your specific situation:
- Tourist Status (Under 183 days): Generally no Chilean tax obligations
- Temporary/Permanent Residents: May become Chilean tax residents after 183 days, with potential taxation on foreign income
For personalized advice on your digital nomad journey to Chile, consider booking a consultation with our immigration specialists.
Frequently asked questions about digital nomad and remote work in Chile
Visa and Legal Requirements
No, Chile does not currently offer a digital nomad visa. However, there are several viable visa options for remote workers and digital nomads who want to live and work legally in Chile, including tourist visas for short stays and temporary resident visas for longer-term arrangements.
Yes, but with limitations. You can work remotely for companies outside Chile while on a tourist visa. However, you cannot work for Chilean companies or provide services to Chilean clients. Tourist visas allow 90 days initially, extendable once for another 90 days (180 days total per year).
The rentista visa is recommended for long-term stays. It's valid for up to 2 years, renewable, requires minimum 1,000 USD monthly income from passive investments. This visa allows legal residence, banking access, and provides a path to permanent residency in Chile.
Processing times are currently 6-8 months for temporary resident visas due to backlogs from the 2022 immigration law changes and increased applications. Start your application well in advance of your planned move date.
Financial and Tax Considerations
Tax obligations depend on your residency status and length of stay. Tourists (under 183 days) generally have no Chilean tax obligations. Temporary/permanent residents may become Chilean tax residents after 183 days and could be taxed on foreign income. Always consult a tax professional for your specific situation.
It's very difficult on a tourist visa as most banks require residency status. With temporary resident status and a RUT number, you can open a bank account. Required documents often include RUT, proof of income, and proof of address. See the banking in Chile section for more information.
Practical Living Considerations
Chile has excellent internet infrastructure, among the best in Latin America. Average speeds are 50-100 Mbps in major cities with very stable connections. Monthly cost is 25-35 USD for reliable high-speed internet, with extensive 4G/5G mobile coverage.
While not legally required, Spanish is essential for daily life. English is limited outside major tourist areas and business districts. Basic Spanish knowledge will significantly improve your experience with banking, healthcare, accommodation, and social interactions.
Santiago offers the best infrastructure and largest international community. Valparaíso is a creative hub with lower costs and coastal location. Viña del Mar provides beach location with good infrastructure close to Santiago. La Serena has excellent weather and is less crowded. See the Where to Live in Chile section.
Yes, family members can apply for dependent visas when you apply for a temporary visa. Spouses and children follow the same processing time as the main applicant.
Healthcare and Services
Three main options exist: International health insurance (recommended for tourists and new arrivals), ISAPRE private Chilean system (available with temporary residency, 100-200 USD monthly), and FONASA public system (from around 40-50 USD).
Yes, Chile has a thriving digital nomad community especially in Santiago. Major coworking chains include WeWork, Regus, and local options like La Maquinita and Impact Hub. Costs range 150-300 USD monthly for dedicated desks, with active expat and startup networking communities.
Do you want to go more in detail?
I wrote the Chile Handbook for Foreigners for anyone and everyone looking to move permanently and enjoy life in Chile. It's a 265-page book that goes over all aspects of relocating to Chile. Here is what you get:
✅ Practical tips based on 7-year relocation experience
✅ To-do lists to help you start
✅ Last updated in 2025
