Chile

CHL

Chile is South America's most stable and prosperous democracy, with a strong rule of law, low corruption, and OECD membership. Santiago offers a modern infrastructure rivalling European capitals, while the peso provides a relatively affordable cost of living for retirees and professionals alike. Foreigners may naturalise after five years of legal residence; dual citizenship is permitted. Chile operates a residence-based worldwide income tax system. The country has no formal citizenship-by-investment programme but welcomes retirees and investors through dedicated visa categories. Its passport grants visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 175 destinations.

Passport Rank

#43

Visa-Free

175

destinations

Country Details

Capital: Santiago
Currency: Chilean Peso (CLP)
Languages: Spanish
Population: 19,629,590
Tax System: Residence Based
Dual Citizenship: Allowed
Naturalisation: 5 years
Schengen / EU: No
Climate: Mediterranean to arid desert in north; temperate oceanic in centre; sub-polar in south
English Proficiency Rank: #45

Indices

Cost of Living

Safety

Healthcare

Quality of Life

158

Tax Summary

Tax System: Residence Based
Territorial Taxation: No — worldwide income taxed for residents
Naturalisation: 5 years of legal residency
Dual Citizenship: Allowed

Cost of Living by City

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Monthly cost of living per major city in USD: rent, groceries, utilities, transit pass
City	Rent 1BR centre	Rent outside	Groceries	Utilities	Transit pass
Santiago	—	—	—	$90	—
Valparaíso	—	—	—	$80	—
Viña del Mar	—	—	—	$80	—

Monthly USD figures. Typical central 1-bedroom rent, grocery basket for one, household utilities, monthly transit pass.

Climate

Santiago

20°J

19°F

17°M

13°A

10°M

7°J

8°A

11°S

14°O

17°N

19°D

Rainfall range: 3–75 mm/month · Daylight 10h (winter) to 14h (summer)

Valparaíso

18°J

18°F

16°M

14°A

12°M

10°J

9°J

10°A

12°S

14°O

16°N

17°D

Rainfall range: 2–65 mm/month · Daylight 10h (winter) to 14h (summer)

Visa Categories & Immigration Authority

Major Visa Categories

Tourist
Temporary Residence
Student
Worker
Mercosur Residence
Investor
Family
Permanent Residence
Digital Nomad

Authority: Servicio Nacional de Migraciones (SERMIG)
Official Portal: www.serviciomigraciones.cl
Phone: +56 600 626 4222
Email: consultas@serviciomigraciones.cl

Naturalisation Details

Residence Years: 5
Language Test: No
Civic Test: Yes
Oath Required: Yes
Dual Allowed: Yes
Fee: $37
Processing: ~24 months

Safety

GPI Rank

#64

Global Peace Index ranking (lower is safer)

Common Risks

⚠Fake police officers approach tourists, flash unofficial badges, and demand to inspect wallets or bags before stealing cash
⚠ATM skimming devices and shoulder-surfers target visitors at machines in tourist areas of Santiago's city centre
⚠Distraction theft in which an accomplice spills a substance or causes a commotion while a partner pickpockets the victim

Examples of areas to avoid: La Pintana (Santiago), El Bosque (Santiago), Puente Alto outer periphery (Santiago)

Related Guides

Exit tax: countries that charge you to leave

Country-by-country reference of departure taxes, deemed-disposition rules, and wealth-locking regimes that trigger when tax residency ends.

Visa Programs

Chile Rentista Visa

Chile CHL

Passive Income

Processing

2mo

Min. Income

$1,500/mo

Citizenship

Verified 2026-06-01

Sources & last verified

Last verified 2026-06-01