Chile
February 2012
This summary is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered an authoritative guide on how to obtain work authorization in Chile. The intent is to give the reader a general overview of the process only. Procedures and requirements may have changed since the writing of this article or may have been inaccurately characterized in it. For current and detailed information regarding the topics below, as well as documentary requirements, processing times, post-arrival and departure requirements, penalties for non-compliance, allowances for accompanying family members, and any other information pertaining to your specific needs, please contact your Pro-Link GLOBAL immigration professional.
Overview
BUSINESS VISITOR
Permitted Activities - Business visitors must generally limit their activities to the following:
- Attending business meetings or discussions;
- Attending conferences and seminars;
- Making sales calls to potential clients provided that the visitor represents a commercial entity outside of Chile;
- Attending "fact-finding" meetings.
Type of Business Visas - Certain nationals may enter Chile without need of a business visa (visa-exempt nationals). All other nationals will require a tourist visa (business). All foreigners who enter Chile as tourist/ business visitors will receive a Tourist Card at the port-of-entry.
Basic Requirements -
- Intention of a genuine visit for business and not for paid employment;
- Valid passport;
- Evidence that there are no restrictions on his or her traveling to Chile;
- No intention to permanently reside in Chile;
- A ticket for onward travel from Chile;
- Proof of funds.
Estimated Processing Times - This varies by diplomatic post and country.
Maximum Time On Visa - This visa allows business people to make a short business visit to Chile for up to three months. Visas can only be extended in country once for another 90 days.
Typical Documents Required -
All travelers need to present the following documents to officers in immigration clearance:
- a valid passport or other acceptable travel document and in some cases;
- a valid visa or authority to enter Chile.
EMPLOYMENT AUTHORIZATION
Basic Requirements - The principal visa categories for temporary employment in Chile are the Temporary Residence Visa (six months) and the Work Contract Visa (two years), depending on the activities which the foreigner will carry out and the length of his/her assignment. A special Work Permit for Tourist may be requested for foreigners who are temporary assigned to provide services in Chile for a period not exceeding 30 days.
Process Overview - A visa for skilled workers can be obtained in two ways:
- Through the Immigration Department of the Ministry of Interior of Chile. This procedure is applicable when the applicant is already in Chile and it takes between 3 to 4 months until the visa is approved. A "Special Work Permit for Tourist" may be obtained right away in order to allow the applicant to work while the Work Contract Visa or Temporary Residence Visa is being processed. The Special Work Permit for Tourist can only be renewed once, if the visa has not been approved during such time.
- Through the corresponding Chilean Consulate. This procedure is applicable in case the foreigner has not yet arrived to Chile. In this case, the applicant must make a personal appearance before the corresponding Chilean Consular Post and submit their visa application. Once the authority has granted the visa, a notification will be sent to the applicant informing such authorization. Once he/she receives the notification, he/she must go the Consulate to have their visa pasted onto their passport
Estimated Processing Time -Sixteen to twenty weeks.
Validity periods - Work Contract Visas are generally granted for up to two years. Temporary Residence Visas are generally granted for a one year period.
Family Members -Secondary/ family dependants can not work in Chile.
