Temporary Residence (Remunerated Activities)

The Temporary Residence Visa for Remunerated Activities in Chile represents a cornerstone of the nation’s modernized immigration framework, formally established under the comprehensive Law No. 21.325, which came into full effect in 2022. This legislation was enacted to overhaul Chile’s outdated migration statutes, replacing the previous, more fragmented system with a streamlined, digital-first approach managed by the Servicio Nacional de Migraciones. The visa exists to bridge the critical gap between short-term tourism and permanent settlement, providing a structured legal pathway for foreign professionals and skilled workers to contribute to the Chilean economy while ensuring that labor market integration is transparent and regulated. By requiring a formal employment link prior to arrival, the Chilean state ensures that incoming talent is matched with specific economic needs, thereby mitigating the risks of informal labor and providing the government with a clearer demographic profile of the foreign workforce entering the country to support national development goals.

This visa is designed for the ideal applicant who has already secured a professional commitment within Chile, serving as the primary vehicle for international talent—ranging from engineers and healthcare specialists to IT experts and academic researchers—to relocate legally. Unlike other categories that may require significant capital investment or proof of independent means, this visa is distinctively tied to the existence of a formal, notarized employment contract, which acts as the cornerstone of the application. The primary benefit of this status is that it grants the holder full authorization to live and work in Chile for a renewable period, effectively acting as a gateway to permanent residency after a set duration of continuous stay. However, it also carries the limitation of being employer-dependent; should the applicant’s employment relationship terminate, they must navigate specific administrative procedures to either change their employer or transition to a different visa status. By mandating rigorous documentation, including apostilled criminal records and valid travel credentials, the visa ensures that the applicant is vetted for both professional suitability and security, offering a stable, predictable, and highly regulated environment for those seeking to integrate into the Chilean labor market.