Last updated on 03/09/2026
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What is the Chile pregnant women visa?
Chile's pregnant women visa (Residencia Temporal por razones humanitarias / Embarazadas) is a specialized temporary residence permit designed to provide legal protection and healthcare access for pregnant migrant women in Chile. This visa category reflects Chile's recognition of the particular vulnerability of pregnant women and commitment to ensuring their health and legal security.
Eligibility Requirements
You must be physically in Chile at the time of application, holding some form of temporary status: a Temporary Stay Permit (tourist status), any category of Temporary Residence Permit, or an expired permit where the pregnancy began while it was still valid. This is one of the few visas you can apply for from within Chile while on tourist status under the 2022 immigration law.
You also need a medical certificate from a Chilean healthcare provider confirming the pregnancy.
Application Process
The Pregnant Women visa is a sub-category of the humanitarian visas, themselves part of the temporary residency visas. So the application process is similar to other temporary visas. See the Chile visa application guide for the application process.
Need help with your visa?
The service includes:
- The visa category checked for your case
- The application file prepared and submitted
- Follow-up until your Chilean ID card is issued
Healthcare System Access
You can choose to deliver your baby in either the public health system (public hospitals and clinics), the private system (private clinics), or at home with a midwife.
To access the public system, you must be registered with FONASA. You will get access to public hospitals and clinics, and comprehensive maternal care at a lower cost than the private system. It won't be free either.
The private system encompasses all private clinics. You don't need an insurance to access it, but it is recommended. Private institutions are costlier than the institutions members of the public system. A delivery in a private clinic can cost 4,000-5,000 USD, and up to 7,000-8,000 USD for a C-section.
You can either use:
- a Chilean private insurance (ISAPRE)
- an international private insurance with pregnancy coverage.
It will be difficult to register with an ISAPRE if you do not have yet a Chilean ID card. If you are already pregnant, most will use your lack of a Chilean card to deny you access to the insurance, as they know they will immediately be paying out for pregnancy-related expenses.
For this reason, subscribing an international health insurance before coming to Chile is the most recommended option. With most insurances, you must have subscribed before getting pregnant, and sometimes even a few months in advance (waiting period).
See the healthcare section on the health system in Chile.
Visa duration and processing time
The pregnant women visa is granted for one year. Given the urgency, applications can be prioritized, but temporary residence processing currently runs 6-8 months and sometimes longer. Apply as early in the pregnancy as you can, and do not plan around a faster decision.
Fees
The pregnant women visa is a sub-category of humanitarian visas. The fee depends on your nationality. See the visa costs page.
Required documents
- Valid passport
- Medical certificate confirming pregnancy, issued by a Chilean healthcare provider (public or private, must be registered with the Superintendencia de Salud)
- The medical certificate must be notarized
- Proof of financial means to support yourself during your stay
- If applying through a third party: notarized authorization
What happens when your child is born in Chile?
Chile follows the principle of jus soli (right of soil): any child born on Chilean territory is automatically a Chilean citizen, regardless of the parents' nationality. This means:
- Your child will receive a Chilean birth certificate from the Civil Registry
- You can apply for a Chilean ID card and passport for your child
- As the parent of a Chilean citizen, you may qualify for a family reunification visa, which offers a faster path to permanent residency (12 months instead of 24)
This changed on April 13, 2026. Since that date, children born in Chile to 2 foreign parents in Chile with a tourist visa no longer acquire the Chilean citizenship, unless the parents can demonstrate that they have a clear intention to establish in Chile. Book a consultation if you need to plan this in advance.
Related Visa Options
If the pregnant women visa doesn't apply to your situation, consider:
- Work Visa: If you have employment opportunities
- Family reunification visa: If you have family connections with a Chilean citizen or a Permanent Resident foreigner
Frequently asked questions about the Chilean visa for pregnant women
Eligibility and Basic Requirements
Who can apply for Chile's pregnant women visa?
Foreign women in Chile with confirmed pregnancies. You must currently be in Chile with a tourist visa or a temporary residence permit and have a medical certificate confirming your pregnancy from a Chilean healthcare provider within the national health network.
Can I apply for the pregnancy visa from outside Chile?
No. Applications must be submitted from within Chile. This humanitarian visa is specifically designed for pregnant women already in Chile who need to regularize their residence status due to their pregnancy. You cannot apply from your home country.
Do I need to be in Chile legally to apply?
Yes. Eligible applicants include those with temporary stay permits (tourist status) or any type of temporary residence permit. The visa helps regularize status for pregnant women facing visa expiration.
Medical and Documentation Requirements
What medical documentation do I need?
A notarized medical certificate confirming pregnancy from Chile's health network. The certificate must be issued by a doctor or healthcare facility that is part of Chile's public or registered private health system.
Can I use pregnancy confirmation from a private clinic?
Yes, if the clinic is registered with Chilean health authorities. Both public health facilities and registered private healthcare providers can issue valid pregnancy certificates. The key requirement is that the provider must be part of Chile's official health network.
At what stage of pregnancy can I apply?
Any stage of confirmed pregnancy. There is no minimum or maximum gestational age requirement. The visa is designed to provide protection throughout pregnancy, so early application after confirming pregnancy is recommended.
Do I need additional medical documentation?
No. Only the pregnancy certificate is specifically required for the visa. However, maintaining comprehensive prenatal care records is advisable for healthcare continuity.
Application Process and Support
Can someone else apply on my behalf?
Yes, a third-party can apply on your behalf with proper authorization. If a third-party files the application for you, they must have your notarized authorization.
What happens after I give birth?
The visa remains valid according to its original duration. Giving birth doesn't automatically end the visa, but you should plan for post-birth residence status. Consider applying for other visa categories such as the family-reunification visa if planning to remain in Chile long-term.
