Chile · Student Visa
Student visa categories, eligibility, required documents, work rights, and application steps.
AI-drafted, editorially reviewed. Confirm specifics with the official authority.
International students holding a place at a Chilean institution apply for a student residence permit, valid for the study period. Confirmed enrolment is the core requirement, and applicants show identity, funds and — usually — health cover, which is the item most often overlooked. The permit is temporary and renewed while you remain enrolled. Entry and residence are administered by the Servicio Nacional de Migraciones.
International students holding a place at a Chilean institution apply for a student residence permit, valid for the study period.
- A confirmed enrolment is the core requirement for the student permit.
- Applicants show identity, funds and, usually, health cover.
- The permit is temporary and renewed while enrolled.
- 1
Confirm your enrolment
A confirmed enrolment at a Chilean institution is the core requirement for the student permit. Secure it before starting the migration steps.
- 2
Arrange health cover early
Health cover is usually required and is the item applicants most often leave to last. Arrange it alongside your funds evidence rather than after.
- 3
Prepare identity and funds evidence
Applicants show identity and sufficient funds for the study period alongside the enrolment confirmation.
- 4
Apply through the Servicio Nacional de Migraciones
The Servicio Nacional de Migraciones administers entry and the student residence permit. Follow its process rather than third-party summaries.
- 5
Renew while you remain enrolled
The permit is temporary and renewed while you are enrolled. Keep your enrolment status current, since renewal depends on it.
- Enrolment at a Chilean institution confirmed
- Health cover arranged
- Identity documents prepared
- Proof of funds for the study period prepared
- Application made through the Servicio Nacional de Migraciones
- Enrolment status kept current for renewal
- Renewal started before the permit expires
- Servicio Nacional de Migraciones
National Migration Service — student residence permits.
Frequently asked questions
What do I need for a Chilean student residence permit?
A confirmed enrolment at a Chilean institution is the core requirement, plus identity, funds and usually health cover. Health cover is the item applicants most often leave until last, so arrange it alongside the funds evidence.
How long is the student permit valid?
It is valid for the study period and is temporary, renewed while you remain enrolled. Because renewal depends on your enrolment status, a break in enrolment can affect your permit as well as your studies.
Who administers student residence in Chile?
The Servicio Nacional de Migraciones handles both entry and the student residence permit. Use its own process and pages rather than third-party summaries, which go out of date.
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.