Chile · Business Banking
Opening business and personal bank accounts, remote options, required documents, and fees.
AI-drafted, editorially reviewed. Confirm specifics with the official authority.
Chilean banking is developed and digital. The state bank's CuentaRUT (BancoEstado) opens with just a Chilean ID card and a definitive RUT; full accounts (Cuenta Vista / Corriente) also need a visa or residence permit, proof of address and proof of income. The CMF regulates banks.
Banks are regulated by the Financial Market Commission (CMF), with the Central Bank of Chile setting monetary policy. A company needs its RUT and registry documents to open an account.
- The CMF licenses and supervises banks and financial institutions.
- Opening a corporate account requires the RUT, articles and representative ID.
- Chile has a developed, internationally-integrated banking sector.
- 1
Get your RUT
A definitive RUT (Chilean ID / tax number) is required; a temporary RUT is not enough for a standard account.
- 2
Consider CuentaRUT for a fast start
BancoEstado's CuentaRUT opens online with just your Chilean ID card and RUT; register and pick up the card at a branch, often within an hour.
- 3
Choose a bank for a full account
A major bank (Banco de Chile, Santander, BCI, BancoEstado); a Cuenta Vista or Cuenta Corriente needs more documentation than the CuentaRUT.
- 4
Gather your documents
Passport, Chilean visa or residence permit, proof of address and proof of income or employment (as required by the bank).
- 5
Complete KYC and activate the account
Banks run identity and anti-money-laundering checks; then receive your card and app and set up transfers and bill payments.
- Definitive RUT (Chilean ID / tax number)
- Chilean ID card (for CuentaRUT)
- Passport + Chilean visa or residence permit (full accounts)
- Proof of address and proof of income (full accounts)
- Initial deposit (if required by the bank)
- Financial Market Commission (CMF)
Financial regulator.
Frequently asked questions
What is CuentaRUT?
A basic account from the state bank BancoEstado, available to anyone with a valid Chilean ID card and a definitive RUT; it opens online and the card is collected at a branch.
Do I need a visa for a full bank account?
A Cuenta Vista or Cuenta Corriente generally needs a Chilean visa or residence permit plus proof of address and income; the CuentaRUT has lighter requirements.
Government portals
- National Migration Service — Temporary and permanent residence, work-authorised permits and the RUT for foreigners.
- SII — Internal Revenue Service — Start of activities, electronic invoicing (boleta/factura) and the annual return.
- Registry of Companies — Your Company in One Day — Free online company incorporation and the public register of Chilean companies.
- Labour Directorate (DT) — Employment contracts, minimum wage, working hours and the complaints process.