Chile

Business visit visa / Work visa

Chilean law provides many solutions to help employers of foreign nationals. These include a streamlined short-term work permit option, temporary visas and permanent residence. Requirements, processing times, employment eligibility, and benefits for accompanying family members vary by visa classification.

A business entry authorization is required for business activities in Chile, which are generally limited to attending internal or client meetings and receiving training. Foreign nationals should secure a Special Work Permit for Tourists if their stay exceeds 14 days, or if they intend to conduct any activities beyond business activities.

The Work Contract Visa is the most common long-term work authorization category in Chile, suitable for skilled foreign nationals conducting remunerated activities in the country. While other long-term work visas are granted for one initial year and can be renewed only once (after which the foreign national must apply for permanent residence), the Work Contract Visa is generally granted for two years and may be renewed indefinitely for subsequent equal periods. Also, contrary to other long-term work visas that are not tied to a particular entity, Work Contract Visa holders may only work for the company in Chile that sponsored their visa.

The Temporary Residence Visa is suitable for foreign nationals with professional or family interests in Chile. It generally permits work for up to one year, and may be extended for one additional year, after which the visa holder must apply for permanent residence.

There are several categories for the Temporary Residence Visa. The most common are for (1) professionals and technicians with a university degree who have completed a minimum of 1600 academic hours, (2) foreign nationals seeking to conduct work activities for a registered company in Chile while employed and paid abroad, and (3) nationals of Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay based on the Mercosur​ agreement.