Address: Providencia 2594 Of. 512-513. Providence, Santiago.

email: contacto@torrescia.cl

phone: +56(2)23351056

Immigration & Foreign Nationals

Comprehensive advice on immigration procedures in Chile. We facilitate your visa, residency, nationality and immigration regularization. We accompany people and companies in all aspects immigration lawyers with proven experience.

Immigration Services

Immigration & Foreign Nationals

We offer specialized advice on all immigration procedures in Chile, from visas temporary to nationality, including support for expatriates and immigration regularization.

Visas and Permits

Complete visa processing: temporary stay, temporary residence (all subcategories), definitive residence and Chilean nationality.

Expats

Comprehensive advice to companies and foreign workers. Migratory softlanding, work permits, corporate processing and complete support.

Regularization

Solution to irregular situations: days of stay exceeded, passage not enabled, expulsion orders and entry prohibitions.

Immigration

Visas and Residence Permits

We advise and manage all types of visas and residence permits in Chile, from temporary entry to obtaining Chilean nationality, ensuring the compliance with all legal requirements.

Temporary Permanence

Tourism and Temporary Visits

Transitional stay allows foreigners to enter Chile for short periods with no intention of settling permanently.

Types of Temporary Permanence:
  • Tourism:Up to 90 days extendable for another 90. Entry with valid passport at border control
  • Business:Meetings, conferences, trade fairs (does not allow work for pay)
  • Medical Visits:Medical treatments or patient monitoring
  • Transit:Passage through Chile to another destination country
  • Cultural/Sports Visits:Events, competitions, specific activities
Services We Offer:
  • Extension of tourist stay
  • Change of immigration category
  • Management of departures and re-entries
  • Advice in permitted times
  • Safe conduct for special cases

Temporary Residence

Temporary Residence Visa

Allows you to reside in Chile for a specific period (up to 2 years renewable) with possibility of working. It is the previous step to definitive residence.

Temporary Visa for Work

For foreigners who have a job offer from a Chilean employer.

Requirements:
  • Signed employment contract
  • Employer registered in Chile
  • Apostilled personal documents
  • Criminal record
  • Health certificate
Duration:
  • Up to 2 years renewable
  • Allows you to work only for a sponsoring employer
  • Possibility of changing employer

Family Link Visa

For foreigners who have Chilean relatives or residents in Chile.

Applies to:
  • Spouse or civil partner
  • Minor children
  • Older children studying (up to 24 years old)
  • dependent parents
  • Other qualified links
Advantages:
  • Allows you to work freely
  • Renewable while the link remains
  • More agile procedure

Student Visa

For foreigners who come to study in recognized Chilean institutions.

Requirements:
  • Enrollment in a recognized institution
  • Certificate of previous studies
  • Economic solvency
  • health insurance
Characteristics:
  • Duration according to study program
  • Allows part-time work (20 hrs/week)
  • Renewable with regular student certificate

Visa for Rented Activities

For independent professionals, investors or entrepreneurs.

Includes:
  • Independent workers
  • Service providers
  • Consultants and advisors
  • Professional artists and athletes
Requires:
  • Activity accreditation
  • Economic solvency
  • Start of activities before SII

Investment Visa

For foreign investors who wish to develop businesses in Chile.

Requirements:
  • Minimum investment (variable depending on category)
  • business plan
  • Company constitution in Chile
  • Accredited capital contribution
Benefits:
  • Allows you to manage the investment
  • Fast track to permanent residence
  • Includes immediate family

Other Subcategories

Temporary visas for specific situations.

Includes:
  • Visa for Humanitarian Reasons:Temporary protection
  • Visa for International Agreements:Mercosur, bilateral treaties
  • Visa for Religious Reasons:Missionaries, religious personnel
  • Visa for Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity:Situations of chase
  • Retirement Visa:Foreign rentiers
Important: New Immigration Law

Since April 2021, Chile has a new Migration and Immigration Law (Law No. 21,325) that modernizes the immigration system. Subcategories and requirements may vary depending on updates from the National Migration Service. We constantly update all the procedures and requirements to guarantee the success of your processing.

Definitive Residence

Definitive Permanence in Chile

Permanent residency allows you to live and work indefinitely in Chile without restrictions. It is the most complete immigration status before nationality.

General Requirements:
  • Residence Time:Have maintained temporary residence for at least least 2 continuous years
  • Livelihood:Prove legal means of subsistence (work, income, investments)
  • Absences:Not having been absent from the country for more than 180 days continuous or 360 discontinuous
  • Background:Have no criminal convictions or pending proceedings
  • Health:Updated medical certificate
  • Documentation:Valid passport, criminal record apostilled
Special Routes for Definitive Residence:
  • By Family Link:Spouse or children of a Chilean can access more quickly
  • By Investment:Investors with significant capital
  • By Merits:Scientists, artists, prominent athletes
  • By Refuge:People with recognized refugee status
  • By Agreements:Mercosur conventions and bilateral treaties
Benefits of Definitive Residence:
  • Indefinite stay in Chile
  • Work without employer restrictions
  • Access to all public services
  • Possibility of requesting nationality
  • Chilean identity card for foreigners
  • Right to vote in municipal elections (if registered)
  • Access to credits and social benefits
  • Freedom of entry and exit from the country
Processing Time:
  • Application entry: 30-60 days from meeting requirements
  • Evaluation: approximately 6-12 months
  • Resolution: Notification of approval or rejection
  • Issuance of final ID: 30-60 days later

Chilean Nationality

Nationalization Letter

Nationalization is the process by which a foreigner acquires nationality Chilean, obtaining all the rights and duties of a Chilean citizen.

Requirements to Request Nationality:
  • Residence:Have resided in Chile for at least 5 continuous years (with definitive residence minimum 1 year)
  • Minimum Age:Over 18 years of age (minors with parental authorization)
  • Allowed Absences:No more than 180 continuous days or 360 days discontinuous in the period
  • Background:Lack of criminal convictions that prevent nationalization
  • Language:Basic knowledge of the Spanish language
  • Knowledge of the Country:Basic knowledge of history, geography and Chilean civic
  • Livelihoods:Prove financial solvency
  • Oath:Swear allegiance to Chile and renounce privileges of previous nationality
Special Nationalization Routes:
  • By Grace:Granted by special law to persons of merit extraordinary (artists, scientists, athletes)
  • By Marriage:Chilean spouse can apply after 2 years marriage and residence
  • By Adoption:Minors adopted by Chileans acquire nationality
  • By Birth in Chile:Children of foreigners born in Chile They can opt for Chilean nationality
  • For Service to Chile:People who have provided relevant services to the country
Nationalization Process:
  • 1. Application:Presentation before the Immigration Department of the Ministry of the Interior
  • 2. Requirements Evaluation:Documentation verification and background
  • 3. Exam:Test of basic knowledge of Chile (history, geography, institutions)
  • 4. Administrative Resolution:Approval or rejection by Undersecretariat
  • 5. Supreme Decree:Signature of the President of the Republic
  • 6. Oath:Official swearing-in ceremony before competent authority
  • 7. Nationalization Letter:Official document that certifies chilean nationality
  • 8. Identity Card:Obtaining RUT and ID as a citizen Chilean
Rights when Obtaining Chilean Nationality:
  • Right to vote in all elections (presidential, parliamentary, municipal)
  • Possibility of being elected to public office
  • Chilean passport to travel
  • Access to all State services and benefits
  • Consular protection abroad
  • Possibility of applying to Armed Forces and Order
  • Right to property in border areas
  • Transmission of nationality to children
Estimated Process Time:
  • Initial evaluation: 3-6 months
  • Administrative resolution: 6-12 months
  • Supreme Decree: 3-6 additional months
  • Average total time: 12-24 months from application
Documentation We Manage:
  • Criminal record certificates (Chile and country of origin)
  • Apostille of foreign documents
  • Official translations
  • Residence certificates
  • Preparation for knowledge exam
  • Complete monitoring of the procedure
  • Representation at all stages
Dual Nationality?

Chile recognizes dual or multiple nationality. By obtaining Chilean nationality, you are NOT forced to renounce his nationality of origin. The oath includes giving up "privileges" of the previous nationality, but not to the nationality itself. You can keep both passports and exercise rights in both countries, provided that the legislation of your country of origin also allow it. We advise you on the implications depending on your specific nationality.

Immigration

Expats

Specialized services for companies that transfer employees to Chile and for workers foreigners. We facilitate immigration softlanding with comprehensive advice on visas, permits of work and establishment in the country.

Business Consulting

We accompany multinational and local companies in the immigration management of their foreign staff.

Business Services:
  • Migration Planning:Strategy for personnel transfer according to corporate needs
  • Corporate Processing:Managing multiple work visas simultaneously
  • Sponsorship Letters:Preparation of supporting documents for work visas
  • Regulatory Compliance:Advice on immigration obligations employer
  • Immigration Due Diligence:Review of immigration status employees
  • Training:Workshops for HR on immigration legislation
  • Maturity Monitoring:Visa renewal date control
  • Change Management:Change of employer, promotions, transfers
  • Coordination with Consulates:Consular visa management when correspond
  • Corporate Reports:Payroll immigration status reports foreigner
Types of Transfers We Manage:
  • Short-term assignments (3-12 months)
  • Long-term assignments (1-5 years)
  • Permanent transfers
  • International rotations
  • Commissioners and featured

Advice to Expatriate Workers

Personalized accompaniment to the foreign worker and his family throughout the entire transfer and installation process in Chile.

Worker Services:
  • Appropriate Visa Assessment:Determination of the type of visa according to work situation
  • Document Preparation:Advice on apostilles, legalizations and translations
  • Visa processing:Complete management before the National Service Migrations
  • Identity Card:Obtaining Chilean RUT and identity card
  • Work Permit:Legal authorization to work in Chile
  • Family Visas:Visa management for spouse and dependent children
  • Consular Registration:Registration at the consulate of the country of origin
  • Bank account:Facilitation of account opening in local banks
  • Professional Title Registration:Validation of foreign titles when applies
  • Post-Arrival Tracking:Support during the first months in Chile
Family Support:
  • Visas for spouse and dependents
  • School guidance for children
  • Information about health coverage
  • Connection with expatriate community
  • Housing rental advice

Migratory Softlanding

Comprehensive Soft Landing Program

Our immigration softlanding program facilitates the transition of the expatriate and their family, minimizing the stress of international transfer and accelerating their adaptation to Chile.

Phase 1: Pre-Arrival (2-3 months before)
  • Initial Consultation:Evaluation of immigration and labor situation
  • Visa Planning:Determination of visa type and strategy processing
  • Documentary Compilation:List of documents, apostilles, translations
  • Application Entry:Presentation of visa before authorities (consular or in Chile)
  • Cultural Orientation:Brief about life in Chile, costs, neighborhoods, services
  • Family Preparation:Information for spouse and children
  • Coordination with Company:Alignment with employer HR
Phase 2: Arrival and Installation (First 4 weeks)
  • Airport Reception:Assistance in immigration and customs (optional)
  • Temporary Accommodation:Hotel or temporary housing coordination
  • RUT and ID:Chilean identification management
  • Bank account:Opening an account in a local bank
  • Telephone Number:Chilean cell line management
  • Field Orientation:Tour of neighborhoods, services, transportation
  • Housing Search:Contact with brokers, advice on contracts
  • School Registration:Support in search and enrollment of schools (if applicable)
  • Health:Information about isapres, fonasa, complementary insurance
  • Driver license:Exchange or obtaining of Chilean license
Phase 3: Establishment (Months 2-6)
  • Immigration Tracking:Visa and permit status control
  • Renovations:Management of renewals when applicable
  • Situation Changes:Change of address, employer, etc.
  • Additional Procedures:Import of vehicles, household goods, pets
  • Contact Network:Introduction to the expat community
  • Troubleshooting:Support in case of any inconvenience
  • Future Planning:Roadmap towards permanent residence

Express Package

Duration:1 month

  • Expedited visa processing
  • RUT and ID
  • Bank account
  • Basic guidance
  • Ideal for: Time-poor senior executives

Standard Package

Duration:3 months

  • Everything from Express +
  • Housing search
  • School support
  • Cultural orientation
  • 90-day follow-up
  • Ideal for: Most expats

Premium Package

Duration:6 months

  • Everything from Standard +
  • Personalized accompaniment
  • Complete family integration
  • Professional networking
  • Renovations included
  • Ideal for: Long-term transfers
Competitive Advantage for Companies

A well-executed immigration softlanding program significantly increases retention of expatriate talent, reduces adaptation time and improves productivity. The employees who receive comprehensive support are 70% more likely to successfully complete their international assignment. Investing in softlanding is investing in the success of your operation in Chile.

Immigration

Immigration Regularization

Legal solutions for irregular immigration situations. We defend your rights and We work to regularize your situation in Chile, avoiding sanctions and allowing your legal stay in the country.

Irregular Migratory Situation?

If you find yourself in an irregular situation, it is essential to act quickly. We have legal solutions for each case. Do not wait to receive an expulsion order. Contact us immediately to evaluate your situation and available options. The consultation is confidential.

Irregular Permanence

Excess days of permanence allowed.

Situations:
  • Tourism expiration date
  • Expired temporary visa
  • Extension not requested in time
  • Loss of immigration status
Solutions:
  • Payment of fines
  • Regularization request
  • Visa for humanitarian reasons
  • Defense against procedures

Step Not Enabled

Entry through an unauthorized place or evasion of control.

Situations:
  • Entry through clandestine passage
  • Border control evasion
  • False documentation upon entry
  • Login without registration
Consequences:
  • Immediate expulsion
  • Prohibition of re-entry
  • Immigration background
  • Possible criminal case
Defense:
  • Administrative resources
  • Forgiveness request
  • Extraordinary regularization

Expulsion Orders

Administrative procedure for mandatory departure.

Causes:
  • Prolonged irregular stay
  • Unauthorized work
  • Criminal convictions
  • False information in procedures
  • Threat to national security
Defenses:
  • Appeal for reconsideration
  • Hierarchical resource
  • Protective action
  • Protection before courts
  • Suspension request

Entry Prohibition

Impediment to enter Chile for a certain period of time.

Durations:
  • 1 year: Minor infractions
  • 5 years: Serious violations
  • 10 years: Crimes
  • Indefinite: Exceptional cases
Lifting:
  • Forgiveness request
  • Meeting deadlines
  • Humanitarian reasons
  • Family ties
  • Administrative resources

How We Help in Regularization

  • Initial Evaluation:Confidential analysis of your immigration situation and risks
  • Legal Strategy:Specific action plan according to your case
  • Fines Management:Calculation, negotiation and payment of monetary penalties
  • Regularization Requests:Presentation of extraordinary requests
  • Administrative Resources:Challenging unfavorable resolutions
  • Defense against Expulsion:Representation in expulsion proceedings
  • Forgiveness Requests:Management of requests for lifting bans
  • Judicial Protections:Constitutional actions when appropriate
  • Consular Coordination:Liaison with consulates of the country of origin
  • Permanent Monitoring:Support until final resolution

Prevention of Irregular Situations

  • Maturity Monitoring:Alerts prior to visa expiration
  • Early Renewals:Management before expiration
  • Status Changes:Transition between visa types
  • Departure Log:Control of absences from the country
  • Address Update:Keeping data up to date
  • Compliance with Conditions:Verification of requirements for each visa
  • Preventive Advice:Consultations before making immigration decisions
  • Training:Education on immigration rights and obligations
Importance of Acting Quickly

Irregular migration situations become more complicated over time. The more days you stay in an irregular situation, the greater the fines, the lesser the possibility of regularization and the greater the risk of expulsion. If your visa has expired or is about to expire, if you entered irregularly, or If you received a notification from Migrations, contact us immediately. In most of the cases, quick action can avoid serious consequences and allow regularization. Don't wait for the situation to get worse.

+500
Managed Visas

Successful procedures for people of more than 50 nationalities

95%
Pass Rate

Success in processing visas and residence permits

25+
Years of Experience

Specialists in immigration law since 1997

+100
Advised Companies

Multinational corporations trusting our services

Methodology

Our Work Process

A clear and efficient process that guarantees the success of your immigration process

1

Evaluation and Diagnosis

We analyze your current immigration situation, objectives and restrictions. We determine the most appropriate type of visa and we evaluate specific requirements according to your nationality and personal or work situation.

2

Document Preparation

We prepare a personalized list of required documents. We coordinate apostilles, legalizations and official translations. We review that all documentation complies with the standards of the National Migration Service.

3

Processing and Monitoring

We present your request to the immigration authorities. We track continuous status of the process. We respond to requests for additional information and we coordinate interviews if appropriate.

4

Obtaining and Post-Visa Support

Once the visa is approved, we manage the obtaining of an identity card and more. associated procedures. We provide advice on obligations and rights. We plan future renovations and next steps towards permanent residence.

Contact

Let's talk...

Our professional team receives each request directly, ensuring personalized attention, confidential and timely.

WhatsApp

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E-mail

Write to us and we will respond as soon as possible with the information you need.

contacto@torrescia.cl
Phone

Contact us directly to resolve your queries immediately.

+56 9 8680 8760
Office

Schedule a visit and let's talk personally.

Providence 2594 Of. 512-513.
Santiago.