Chile · Work Visa
Work permit categories, eligibility, sponsorship, application steps, and processing times.
AI-drafted, editorially reviewed. Confirm specifics with the official authority.
Workers apply for a temporary residence permit that authorises work, granted by the National Migration Service (Servicio Nacional de Migraciones); it is normally based on an employment contract with a Chilean employer.
Residence and work permits are handled by the National Migration Service (Servicio Nacional de Migraciones). Several temporary-residence categories allow work.
- A temporary-residence permit generally authorizes employment.
- Applications are processed through the National Migration Service.
- Some categories target skilled workers and professionals.
- 1
Secure an employment contract
Secure an employment contract with a Chilean employer that includes the clauses required for migration purposes.
- 2
Choose the residence permit
Apply for the temporary residence permit that allows work, under the current sub-categories of the migration law.
- 3
Apply to the National Migration Service
Submit the application to the Servicio Nacional de Migraciones (SERMIG), from abroad or in-country as allowed.
- 4
Provide documents and background checks
Provide your contract, civil documents and a criminal-record certificate, legalised and translated.
- 5
Get your RUT and register
On approval, obtain a RUT (ID number) and register with the civil registry; the ID card is issued.
- 6
Renew and move toward permanent residence
Renew the temporary residence; after the qualifying time you may apply for permanent residence.
- Employment contract with the required migration clauses
- Temporary residence permit that authorises work
- Application to SERMIG (abroad or in-country)
- Legalised + translated documents
- Criminal-record certificate
- RUT (ID number) + civil-registry ID card
- Health/social-security registration
- Permanent-residence pathway considered
- National Migration Service
Residence and work permits.
Frequently asked questions
Which body grants the permit?
The Servicio Nacional de Migraciones (SERMIG) grants residence permits under the 2021 migration law.
Can I work on any temporary visa?
Only permits that expressly authorise work let you be employed; confirm your sub-category allows it.
What is a RUT?
The Rol Único Tributario is the identification number used for work, tax and services in Chile.
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.