Chile has one of the most stable economies in South America. Its economy is attractive to foreign investors and offers job opportunities. There are several steps you need to take to get a work permit in Chile. This post will walk you through those steps. It has 19 million people living in it as of 2024. People from other countries need to get a work pass and a work visa. The type of work visa you need depends on how long you plan to stay. Getting this visa is a good chance—about 90% of the time. This is the same rate as the Lithuania Work Visa.
There are many good reasons to choose Chile, such as competitive salaries, plenty of job prospects, a low cost of living, and the ability to travel to other South American countries. Chileans speak Spanish. But we’ll tell you what kinds of jobs don’t need Spanish. Anyone from outside of Chile who wants to work there for more than 90 days must apply for a Chile Work Visa. Check out the types of Chilean work visas and what you need to do to get one.
Check Also: Ireland Work Visa Process – A Complete Guide
Details of Chile Work Visa Process:
- Country Name: Chile
- Capital: Santiago
- Continent: South America
- Visa Type: Work Visa
Benefits of Chile Work Visa:
- Legal Employment: The work visa enables foreign nationals to legally work in Chile, thereby guaranteeing adherence to local labor laws and regulations.
- Job Opportunities: Possessing a work visa grants access to a variety of employment opportunities in a variety of sectors, such as agriculture, engineering, education, and technology.
- Temporary or Permanent Residency Options: After satisfying specific requirements, individuals may be eligible to apply for temporary or permanent residency in Chile, contingent upon the form of work visa they possess.
- Family Inclusion: The work visa frequently enables the visa holder’s family members (spouse and children) to accompany them and potentially obtain dependent visas.
- Cultural Immersion: The opportunity to fully embrace Chilean culture, language, and lifestyle is a distinctive benefit of employment in Chile, which can enhance both personal and professional development.
- Networking Opportunities: The local job market in Chile provides an opportunity for individuals to establish professional networks, which can be advantageous for career advancement.
- Social Security Benefits Accessibility: Chilean work visa holders may be eligible for social security benefits, such as health insurance and retirement plans.
- Education Opportunities: Certain work visas permit the holder to pursue additional education in Chile, thereby improving their qualifications and abilities.
- Potential for High Salaries: In Chile, certain professions, particularly those in the IT and engineering sectors, offer competitive salaries, rendering them financially appealing.
- Pathway to Citizenship: Work visa holders may be eligible to petition for Chilean citizenship after residing in Chile for a specified period, which provides long-term security and benefits..
Types of Chile Work Visa:
- Temporary Resident Visa
- Chile Work Visa
1) Chile Temporary Resident Visa (Maximum Length One year)
For those who are not from Chile but have found work in Chile, the Chile Temporary Resident Visa is what you need. The person who has this type of visa can work, study, or run a business for up to one year.
2) Chile Work Visa (For longer than one year)
Someone from outside of Chile who has found work with a Chilean company and has a contract that lasts longer than a year can apply for a Chile work visa.
Requirements:
These things are needed to get a work visa for Chile:
- A letter from the company in Chile that hired you.
- A Spanish-language copy of the work contract
- signed by the company that hired you. That the signature is real must be checked by Chile’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
- Copies of your diplomas, degrees, or other certificates that are related to the job.
- Passport Picture
- Your Photo
- Certificate of police clearance from your country
- Be at least 18 years old
Processing Time:
- The process of getting a Chile work visa can take up to fifteen days.
Visa Duration:
- It’s possible to get a work visa for Chile for another two years after the first one runs out.
Job Scope and Skill Shortages in Chile:
Chile faces skill shortages in several sectors, including:
- Mining: Engineers, geologists, and technicians.
- Technology: Software developers, data scientists, cybersecurity experts.
- Renewable energy: Engineers, project managers, construction specialists.
- Healthcare: Doctors, nurses, specialists.
- Education: English teachers, STEM educators.
Companies in Chile that Hire Foreign Workers:
Some companies in Chile hire people from other countries to work in famous fields like
- Agriculture: Agrosuper, Viña Cono Sur, SQM
- Mining: Antofagasta Minerals, BHP, Codelco
- Tourism: LATAM Airlines, Sky Airline, Hotelera Nacional
- Services: Accenture, IBM, Deloitte
- Finance: Banco Santander, Banco de Chile, Banco Estado
Popular Sites to Find Jobs in Chile:
- Trabajando.cl
- Laborum.cl
- Computrabajo.cl
- Indeed.cl
Apply for Chile Permanent Residency:
If you have lived in Chile with a work visa for at least five years, you might be able to stay there permanently. The 16th best passport in the world is from Chile, and it lets you visit 174 countries without a visa.
How to Apply for Chile Work Visa Process?
Online Application:
- Go to the website: Visit the webpage for the Chilean Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
- Start application: Pick “Visa Application” and then pick the right type of visa.
- Give information: Fill out the application form with information from your passport, the dates of your trip, and information about the job offer.
- Upload documents: Send scanned copies of the papers that are asked for, such as your passport, job offer, proof of income, and photos.
- Apply: Look over your application, send it in, and pay the processing fee (if there is one).
Consulate/Embassy Appointment:
- Schedule an appointment: Then, after your application is looked over, you’ll get an appointment notice for document verification and maybe visa payment.
- Attend appointment: Bring the original papers to the meeting at the Chilean consulate or embassy that is closest to you.
Visa Issuance:
- Decision notification: You will be told whether your visa was approved or denied.
- Visa collection: If your application is accepted, go to the consulate or embassy and pick up your visa.
Useful Links:
- Chilean Ministry of Foreign Affairs: https://tramites.minrel.gov.cl/
- Immigration Department of Chile: https://tramites.extranjeria.gob.cl/
Jobs in Chile that don´t require Spanish
English-speaking roles, English Teacher, Tour Guide/Receptionist, International Companies.
Minimum Wage in Chile
- Over 18 but under 65 years old: CLP 460,000 (approximately US$515).
- Under 18 or over 65 years old: CLP 343,150 (approximately US$385).
Conclusion:
Do you want to find work in Chile? This complete guide will teach you how to get a work visa. Know the different kinds of work cards for Chile, what they require, and how long it takes to get them. Find out about job openings in a range of industries and visit well-known job search websites. Once you have lived and worked in Chile for five years, you can apply for permanent status.
Frequently Asked Questions:
How do I get a working visa in Chile?
Chile does not have nationwide work authorization checks or entitlements for non-citizens. Specifically, non-citizens who wish to work in Chile need to apply for a job privately at a Chile-based employer. After accepting the job offer, they can proceed to apply for a relevant visa to enter Chile.
How long does it take to get a work permit in Chile?
We process a Chile work visa within 15-20 days. Your appointment date may be several days after your visa is processed and approved.
How long does it take to approve a visa for Chile?
Note 1: To grant a visa, we need to request authorization from Chile, so please allow enough time for processing your request. It takes approximately 20 working days for a reply. You can contact us only after that period to find out if we have granted your visa and to schedule an appointment.
