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- Permanent Residency in Chile
27/07/2019, updated 11/08/2025
What is Permanent Residency (Residencia Definitiva) in Chile?
Chile Permanent residency, officially known as "Residencia Definitiva," is a permit granted by Chile's National Migration Service that allows foreign nationals to reside indefinitely in Chile and engage in any lawful activity. Unlike temporary residency, permanent residency doesn't need to be renewed and provides nearly all the rights of Chilean citizens, except voting and holding certain government positions.
Key Benefits of Chilean Permanent Residency
Professional and Economic Rights:
- Unrestricted work authorization in any legal profession or business
- Right to establish and operate businesses
- Access to credit, mortgages, and investment opportunities
- Equal treatment in employment and professional licensing
Social and Healthcare Benefits:
- Full access to Chile's healthcare system (FONASA or private ISAPRE)
- Access to public education at all levels
- Social security benefits and pension contributions
- Family reunification rights for spouse and children
Travel and Residence Freedom:
- Unlimited entry and exit from Chile
- No restrictions on where to live within Chile
- Right to extended travel (up to 2 years) with extension options
- Pathway to Chilean citizenship after 5 years total residence
Important: While permanent residency is valid for life, it can be revoked if you stay outside Chile for more than 2 years continuously without requesting an extension. Plan your international travel accordingly.
Eligibility Requirements for Permanent Residency
Standard Requirements (24-month residence)
To qualify for permanent residency through the standard pathway, you must meet these requirements:
Residency Requirements:
- Hold a valid Residencia Temporal (temporary residency)
- Complete 24 months of continuous residence in Chile
- Not exceed 60 days total absence during the first temporary residency visa
- Apply within 90 days before your temporary residency expires
Legal and Financial Requirements:
- Clean criminal record (no serious criminal convictions / minor issues still accepted)
- Demonstrate financial stability and means of support
- Comply with Chilean tax obligations during residency period
- No pending legal proceedings or immigration violations
Expedited Route (12-month residence)
Certain applicants may qualify for expedited processing with only 12 months of residence:
Family Relationships:
- Spouse of Chilean citizen or permanent resident (married 2+ years)
- Parent or child of Chilean citizen
- Sibling of Chilean citizen (second degree of consanguinity)
Economic and Professional Contributions:
- Significant investment in Chilean projects or businesses
- Outstanding contributions to science, technology, arts, or culture
- Specialized professional skills in high-demand sectors
- Retirees with guaranteed pension income
Official Status:
- Representatives of foreign governments or international organizations
- Refugees with special humanitarian considerations
- Religious workers in official capacity
Qualifying for an expedited process requires planning in advance. It is recommended to start planning as soon as you get the temporary visa, as some situations require planning 18 months in advance.
Required Documentation
The required documents depends on the temporary visa type you currently held. Most of the time, the permanent residency application requires the same time of documents that were requested during your initial temporary visa application. The documents must be up-to-date. You cannot re-use the same documents as during your visa application a few years prior.
Document Preparation Requirements
Apostille and Legalization:
- All foreign documents must be apostilled (Hague Convention countries) or legalized (non-Hague countries)
- Process through your country's Ministry of Foreign Affairs or designated authority
- Timeline: 2-8 weeks depending on country and document type
Translation Requirements:
- All non-Spanish and non-English documents must be translated. The translation must also be apostilled or legalized, so make sure to use certified translators.
- Original language document must accompany translation
Document Validity:
- Criminal records: Valid for 2 months from issue date unless otherwise specified on the documents
- Financial documents: Must be recent (within 3 months of application)
Chile Permanent Residency Application Process
Chile's permanent residency process is fully digital through the immigration service online platform. All applications must be submitted online, and ClaveÚnica registration is mandatory for accessing government services.
Step 1: Preparation
Obtain your ClaveÚnica if you do not have one yet:
- Visit any Civil Registry office with your Chilean ID and passport
- Register for ClaveÚnica digital identity system
- Receive temporary activation code
- Activate account online and set permanent password
Collect the required documents:
- Start 3-4 months before your temporary residency expires
- Request apostilled documents from home country (4-8 weeks)
- Arrange certified translations (2-4 weeks)
Step 2: Permanent Residency Application Submission
- Access the digital platform of the Chilean immigration service
- Log in with your Chilean ID card number (RUN) and ClaveÚnica
- Select "Residencia Definitiva" application
- Complete personal information verification
- Submit all required documentation in PDF format
- Verify the information and validate your application
The permanent residency fees are not due when filing the application. You will receive an email to pay them after the immigration service has completed the first document review.
Step 3: Application Review Process
Initial Review (30-45 days):
- Completeness check of all submitted documents
- Automatic system validation of requirements
- Email notification if additional documents needed
- 60-day window to provide missing information
Background Verification (60-90 days):
- Criminal record verification through international channels
- Cross-reference with Chilean government databases
- Employment and tax compliance verification
- Address and residence history confirmation
Final Decision (90-120 days total):
- Final eligibility determination
- Email notification of approval or rejection
- If approved: digital certificate download link
- If rejected: detailed explanation and appeal rights
Application Tracking:
- Real-time status updates through online portal
- Email notifications for major milestones
- Case number for reference in all communications
After Receiving Permanent Residency
Once your permanent residency is approved, you have 30 days to book an appoinment with the Civil Registry to request an updated Chilean ID card. Your RUN number will remain the same.
Civil Registry Visit (Within 30 Days):
Locate nearest Civil Registry office
Bring required documents:
- Valid passport
- Permanent residency certificate (digital or printed)
- Current Chilean foreign ID card
Receive Chilean ID card application proof (helpful if you need to travel while the card is in progress)
New plastic ID card delivered in 1-2 months
Maintaining Permanent Residency
The Permanent Residency is, as its name indicated, permanent.
There is one main caveat though;
You cannot be more than 2 years outside Chile, except if you apply for an extra 2-year extension. In this case, you can be up to 4 years outside Chile. Only one extension is allowed.
Extension must be requested at a consulate before absence limit. Ideally, you want to request the extension at least 60 days before reaching the 2-year limit.
After that period, your permanent resideny will be automatically revoked if you do not return to Chile, even briefly (one day is enough).
Once you enter CHile, the 2-year clock restarts. And you are also granted right to another 2-year extension.
So you can maintain indefinitely your permanent residency by coming once every 4 years in Chile.
Identity Card Renewal
The Chilean ID card for permanent residents as a 5-year validity. This is a fixed duration defined by decree by the Ministry of Justice.
The validity of the permanent residency and the validity of your Chilean ID card as a permanent resident are not related. You can:
- have an expired Chilean ID card and still have a valid Permanent Residency
- have a still valid Chilean ID card, but have an expired Permanent Residency.
Make sure to follow the abovementioned guidelines to maintain your permanent residency validity, and do not rely on the expiration date of your Chilean ID card.
Chilean ID cards for Permanent Residency must be renewed in person in Chile. They cannot be renewed at consulates abroad. Should you need to plan a trip to renew it, contact us 3-4 months in advance, as you need to obtain some documents and book an appoinment, which require advance planning.
Permanent residency in Chile opens the door to long-term stability and integration in one of South America's most developed countries. With proper preparation, documentation, and patience, the process provides a clear pathway to indefinite residence and eventual Chilean citizenship.
Frequently asked questions about permanent residency in Chile
Application Requirements and Process
Residencia Definitiva is a permit granted by Chile immigration service to foreigners who hold valid Residencia Temporal, allowing them to reside indefinitely and engage in any lawful activity in Chile. It's valid for life unless revoked or unles living outside of Chile for more than 2 to 4 years.
Generally 24 months of continuous residence with a valid Residencia Temporal. However, this can be reduced to 12 months if you qualify for expedited pathways through family relationships, significant investments, or outstanding contributions to Chile.
Limited absences are allowed, but you cannot be outside Chile for more than 60 days total if you want to directly qualify for Permanent Residency after your 24-month first temporary visa. Extended absences may delay your eligibility and require extending your temporary residency.
You must apply within 90 days before your Residencia Temporal expires. Start preparing documents well in advance as some require apostille/legalization from your home country, which can take several weeks.
Required Documentation
Essential documents include: Criminal record certificate (apostilled/legalized), valid passport, Chilean foreign identity card, proof of income/financial stability, recent personal photograph, and entry/exit certificates from Chile. All foreign documents must be apostilled and translated if not in Spanish.
Yes, ClaveÚnica is required for applying to Permanent Residency. You can obtain it at any Civil Registry office. This digital key is required for all government services in Chile. You will need it to file the application, but also obtain some of the required documents.
Documents must be apostilled or legalized through your country's proper authorities, then translated by a certified translator in Chile if not in Spanish. Start this process early as it can take 4-8 weeks depending on your country.
After Obtaining Permanent Residency
Visit a Civil Registry office within 30 days to update your identity card. Bring your valid passport and permanent residency certificate. The new ID will show your permanent resident status and is valid for 5 years.
Maximum 2 years continuously without losing your status. You can request one 2-year extension at a Chilean consulate (applied at least 60 days before the 2-year limit), allowing up to 4 years total outside Chile.
Full work authorization in any legal activity, unrestricted travel in/out of Chile, access to credit and mortgages, healthcare and education systems, ability to invest like a Chilean national, and pathway to citizenship after 5 total years of residence.
Special Situations
Yes, students can apply if they have completed their professional or secondary education, resided 2+ years with a student visa, and demonstrate economic support through bank deposits, employment, or family support letters.
Marriage to a Chilean doesn't automatically grant permanent residency, but you may qualify for expedited processing (12 months instead of 24) if you can prove the genuine relationship and have been married for at least 2 years.
Yes, dependent family members can apply for permanent residency independently, even if the primary applicant leaves Chile. They must demonstrate their own income through work contracts, business activities, or other legal means.
You can request a duplicate online through the immigration service portal using your ClaveÚnica.
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
