Chile · Company Registration
Entity types, registration process, required documents, costs, and official registries.
AI-drafted, editorially reviewed. Confirm specifics with the official authority.
Setting up from abroad
- Usual entity for foreign founders
- SpA
Official registry: sii.cl
A foreign investor with no domicile or residence in Chile must register for a tax ID (RUT) through a representative who has domicile or residence there. A power of attorney granted abroad must be translated, endorsed by a Chilean consul and legalised, or apostilled.
Most companies register through the free, same-day online “Empresa en un Día” registry, or by notarial deed for tailored structures. The SpA (simplified stock company) is popular. You then obtain a RUT tax ID and file the start of activities with the Internal Revenue Service (SII).
Companies can be set up quickly through the "Empresa en un Día" (Register of Companies and Partnerships) and obtain a tax ID (RUT) from the Internal Revenue Service (SII).
- The "Empresa en un Día" system allows online same-day incorporation for standard forms.
- The SpA and SRL are popular company forms.
- A RUT from the SII is required to operate and invoice.
- 1
Choose the company type
The sociedad por acciones (SpA) is popular for its flexibility; the SRL (Ltda) and the SA are alternatives.
- 2
Constitute the company
Constitute the company through the online “Empresa en un Día” registry (Registro de Empresas y Sociedades) with a standard electronic form, or by notarial deed for tailored bylaws.
- 3
Get the RUT tax ID
Obtain the company’s RUT (tax identification number) from the Internal Revenue Service (SII).
- 4
File the start of activities
File the declaration of commencement of activities (inicio de actividades) with the SII.
- 5
Obtain municipal and sector permits
Obtain the municipal operating permit (patente municipal) and any sector-specific authorisations.
- 6
Open a bank account
Open a business bank account and pay in the agreed capital.
- Company type chosen (SpA, Ltda, or SA)
- Constitution via “Empresa en un Día” or notarial deed
- RUT tax ID from the SII
- Declaration of commencement of activities (SII)
- Municipal operating permit (patente municipal)
- Sector-specific authorisations if applicable
- Capital paid in
- Business bank account
- Registro de Empresas y Sociedades
Online company-registration system.
- Servicio de Impuestos Internos (SII)
Tax ID (RUT) and tax registration.
Frequently asked questions
What is “Empresa en un Día”?
It is Chile’s free online company registry that lets you constitute and register a company the same day using a standard form.
What is a RUT?
The RUT is the tax identification number that identifies the company for tax, invoicing and banking.
Do I need a notary?
Not for standard forms via the online registry; a notarial deed is needed only for tailored bylaws or certain structures.
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.