How to Get Chile Work Visa? | Guide to Work Permit in Chile ( South America)

If you’re a foreigner aspiring to work in Chile, the Chilean Work Visa is your gateway to pursuing your professional ambitions in this vibrant South American nation. In this section, we will provide you with a detailed overview of what you need to know about obtaining a Chile Work Visa as a foreign national.

With a population of almost 19 million, Chile is a lovely nation in South America. All international workers are permitted to apply for a work visa in Chile in order to work there. I’ll help you through the 2023 Chile Work Visa Process.

According to the Chilean Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 90% of all work visa requests were granted in 2022. Santiago is home to Chile’s capital. You must have work authorization in Chile in order to be able to work.

Understanding the Chile Work Visa

A Chile Work Permit, also known as a Chilean Work Visa, is an official authorization that allows foreign nationals to legally work in Chile for a specific employer or under certain conditions.

The “Visa Sujeta a Contrato” or “Visa Temporaria,” often known as the Chile Work Visa, is created especially for foreign citizens looking for employment in Chile. This visa opens the door to a variety of options, whether Chile’s thriving sectors, breathtaking landscapes, or cultural diversity appeal to you.

Types of Chile Work Visas for Foreigners

If you’re a foreigner looking to work in Chile, it’s essential to understand the various types of work visas available to determine which one suits your situation and career goals. Chile offers several types of work visas, each catering to specific needs and circumstances:

1. Temporary Work Visa (Visa Temporaria)

Duration: Typically issued for one year, renewable.

The most popular kind of work visa for foreigners in Chile is the Temporary Work Visa. It is intended for people who have accepted a temporary job offer from a Chilean firm. With this visa, you can join Chile’s labor force whether you choose to work in the flourishing industries of Santiago or the picturesque vineyards of Maipo Valley.

2. Professional Work Visa (Visa Profesional)

Duration: Generally issued for one year, renewable.

Foreign nationals with specialized skills, professional credentials, or academic degrees are eligible for the Professional Work Visa. This visa enables highly skilled professionals in disciplines like medical, engineering, or academia to work in Chile in their respective fields.

3. Entrepreneurial Work Visa (Visa de Emprendedor)

Duration: Issued for one year, with the possibility of extension.

Are you an aspiring businessperson looking to create a company or make an investment in Chile? Your path to fulfilling your entrepreneurial aspirations is through an Entrepreneurial Work Visa. With this visa, you are able to start your own business, make investments in Chilean companies, and advance the national economy.

4. Agricultural Work Visa (Visa Trabajador Agrícola)

Duration: Issued for one year, renewable.

Foreign laborers are drawn to Chile’s flourishing agriculture industry to take part in tasks like fruit harvesting and vineyard work. For those looking for seasonal agricultural jobs, there is the Agricultural Work Visa. While supporting Chile’s agricultural sector, it offers the chance to experience rural life.

5. Tech Visa (Visa Tecnológica)

Duration: Issued for one year, with the possibility of extension.

The Tech Visa intends to draw highly qualified individuals in the tech and innovation industries to Chile, where the country’s technology sector is expanding. This visa makes it easier for software engineers, data scientists, and tech entrepreneurs to enter Chile’s developing tech ecosystem.

6. Scientific Research Visa (Visa de Investigación Científica)

Duration: Issued for one year, renewable.

The Scientific Research Visa gives international academics, researchers, and scientists the chance to work on research projects with Chilean institutions. This visa encourages global academic collaboration and knowledge exchange.

7. Family Reunification Visa (Visa de Reunificación Familiar)

Duration: Issued to family members of visa holders.

If you are a foreign worker in Chile and wish to bring your spouse and dependent children with you, the Family Reunification Visa allows your family members to join you during your stay in Chile.

Chile Work Visa Fee

The Chile Work Visa Fee ranges from $50 to $150. You only have to pay a fee after your application is approved. If denied, you do not need to pay.

Chile Work Visa Processing Time

It can take 15-20 days or few months to process your Visa application for the Chile work visa.

Visa Duration

The Chile work visa will be valid for two years, and it can be renewed for another two years.

• Austria Work Visa (Red-White-Red Card) | Types of Austria Work Permit
• Ultimate Guide For Finland Seasonal Work Visa | Apply For Work Permit in Finland

Reasons to Apply For a Work Visa in Chile

There are several compelling reasons to consider applying for a work visa in Chile:

1. Diverse Opportunities: The expanding economy of Chile provides several employment opportunities in a variety of industries, including engineering, agriculture, and tourism.
2. Cultural Experience: Working in Chile offers a rare chance to fully experience the vibrant culture of Chile, including its music, cuisine, and traditions.
3. Stunning Natural Beauty: The Andes Mountains, Atacama Desert, and stunning coasts are just a few of Chile’s breath-taking natural features. It is possible to experience these wonders by working in Chile.
4. Economic Stability: Chile is a desirable location for individuals seeking career advancement due to its stable economy and business-friendly climate.
5. Gateway to South America: With easy access to neighboring South American nations for those with Chilean visas, Chile serves as a useful hub for exploring the region.

Eligibility Criteria for a Chile Work Visa

To be eligible for a Chile Work Visa, you must meet specific requirements set by the Chilean government. These requirements may vary depending on the type of work visa you are applying for. Here are some common eligibility criteria:

1. Job Offer: A legitimate work offer from a Chilean business is typically required. The role, pay, and length of your work should all be included in the job offer.
2. Educational Qualifications: Some work visas could include educational or professional certification requirements. Verify the particular specifications for your visa category.
3. Background Checks: Background investigations, including inquiries into your criminal history, can be required in order for you to prove your moral character.
4. Health Insurance:When visiting Chile, having health insurance is frequently required. This guarantees that you can get access to medical care if necessary.
5. Financial Stability: You might need to show evidence of your ability to support yourself during your visit to Chile. A letter of financial support or bank statements are examples of this.
6. Language Proficiency:You might need to provide proof that you are fluent in Spanish or another needed language, depending on your work and visa type.
7. Specialized Skills: You could be required to present documentation of your credentials and experience for some work visas, particularly those in specialist professions like healthcare or education.

Required Documents for a Chile Work Visa

Preparing the right documents is crucial when applying for a Chile Work Visa. While the exact documents may vary based on your visa category and circumstances, here’s a general list of required documents:

1. Valid Passport: Ensure your passport has at least six months of validity remaining beyond your intended stay in Chile.
2. Visa Application Form: Complete the visa application form provided by the Chilean consulate or embassy.
3. Passport-Sized Photos: Provide recent passport-sized photos meeting the specified requirements.
4. Job Offer Letter: Include a formal job offer letter from your Chilean employer detailing your employment terms.
5. Educational Certificates: If required, submit copies of your educational certificates and transcripts.
6. Criminal Record Check: Present a clean criminal record check from your home country or any country where you’ve lived extensively.
7. Health Insurance: Show proof of health insurance coverage valid in Chile.
8. Financial Documentation: Provide evidence of financial stability, such as bank statements or a letter of financial support.
9. Visa Fees: Pay the applicable visa fees, as required by the Chilean government.
10. Additional Documents: Depending on your visa type, you may need to submit additional documents, such as proof of language proficiency or specialized qualifications.

• USA Fulbright Scholar Program 2024 | USEFP Fully Funded Research Program 2024
• Finnish student visa | How to Get Finland Study Visa ?

Companies in Chile that Hire Foreign Workers

list of some companies in Chile that commonly hire foreign workers, along with links to their career pages and information on potential charges:

Company Name	Career Page Link	Application Charges
1. Falabella	Falabella Careers	No application charges.
2. Codelco	Codelco Careers	Charges may apply based on the position.
3. LAN Airlines	LAN Airlines Careers	No application charges, but fees may apply for certain positions.
4. Walmart Chile	Walmart Chile Careers	No application charges.
5. BHP Billiton	BHP Billiton Careers	Charges may vary based on job category.
6. Microsoft Chile	Microsoft Chile Careers	No application charges.
7. Anglo American	Anglo American Careers	Application charges may be job-specific.
8. IBM Chile	IBM Chile Careers	No application charges.
9. Banco de Chile	Banco de Chile Careers	Application charges may be job-specific.
10. Nestlé Chile	Nestlé Chile Careers	No application charges.

Application Process for Foreigners

Applying for a Chile Work Visa involves several steps, including gathering necessary documents, submitting your application, and attending a visa interview. Here’s a brief overview:

1. Collect Required Documents: Ensure you have all the required documents, including your job offer letter, educational certificates (if applicable), criminal record check, health insurance proof, and financial documents.
2. Complete Visa Application: Fill out the visa application form provided by the Chilean consulate or embassy in your home country.
3. Pay Visa Fees: Pay the applicable visa fees as instructed by the consulate or embassy.
4. Attend Visa Interview: Prepare for a visa interview, where you may be asked about your job, background, and intentions in Chile.
5. Waiting Period: After submitting your application, be prepared for a waiting period while your visa is processed.