Authored by the expert who managed and guided the team behind the Chile Property Pack
Everything you need to know before buying real estate is included in our Chile Property Pack
Chile in 2026 offers a compelling mix of strong institutions, modern infrastructure, and stunning natural beauty that continues to attract expats from around the world.
This guide covers everything you need to know about moving to Chile, from visa requirements and cost of living to finding housing and navigating the job market.
We constantly update this blog post to reflect the latest changes in Chilean immigration policies, housing prices, and expat living conditions.
And if you're planning to buy a property in this place, you may want to download our pack covering the real estate market in Chile.
Is Chile a good place to live in 2026?
Is quality of life getting better or worse in Chile in 2026?
As of early 2026, quality of life in Chile is showing cautious improvement on economic fundamentals while facing persistent challenges with public safety concerns.
The most notable improvement in Chile over the past few years has been the successful convergence of inflation toward the central bank's 3% target, which has brought more predictability to everyday costs like rent, groceries, and contract negotiations.
On the other hand, rising concerns about organized crime and security, particularly in Santiago and some northern cities like Antofagasta, have become a persistent challenge that affects daily routines and perceived quality of life for both locals and expats in Chile.
Are hospitals good in Chile in 2026?
As of early 2026, private hospitals and clinics in Santiago are considered very good by Latin American standards and often comparable to facilities in Western Europe or North America, while public healthcare offers solid care but with longer wait times.
The hospitals most commonly recommended by expats in Chile include Clinica Alemana, Clinica Las Condes, and Clinica Santa Maria, all located in Santiago's eastern districts and known for English-speaking staff and modern facilities.
A typical private doctor consultation in Chile in 2026 costs between CLP 35,000 and CLP 70,000, which translates to approximately USD 40 to 80 or EUR 35 to 75, with specialist visits often running higher.
Private health insurance is strongly recommended for expats in Chile because it provides faster access to top-tier clinics, and most foreigners either enroll in an ISAPRE (private insurer) or use FONASA with a supplemental international policy to cover gaps.
Are there any good international schools in Chile in 2026?
As of early 2026, Chile has around 15 to 20 well-established international schools, mostly concentrated in Santiago's eastern neighborhoods, with quality ranging from very good to excellent by international standards.
The most reputable international schools among expat families in Chile include The International School Nido de Aguilas in Lo Barnechea, Santiago College in Las Condes, and The Grange School in La Reina, all offering International Baccalaureate or British curriculum options.
Annual tuition fees at international schools in Chile in 2026 typically range from USD 12,000 to 21,000 (approximately EUR 11,000 to 19,500 or CLP 10 million to 18 million), with Nido de Aguilas at the higher end and additional one-time incorporation fees of around USD 10,000 to 15,000.
Waitlists at top international schools in Santiago are often long, especially for entry grades like pre-kinder and first grade, and while public schools in Chile are free, their quality varies significantly by comuna, making them a viable option only after careful research using official assessment tools like SIMCE scores.
Is Chile a dangerous place in 2026?
As of early 2026, Chile remains one of the safest countries in Latin America by homicide rate, but safety has become a more prominent concern for residents and expats due to increased petty crime, robberies, and organized crime visibility in certain areas.
The most common safety concerns for expats in Chile include pickpocketing in crowded areas like metro stations and markets, phone snatching by motorcyclists, car break-ins, and occasional muggings, rather than violent crime which remains relatively rare.
The safest neighborhoods for expats in Santiago include Vitacura, Las Condes (especially the El Golf and Apoquindo areas), Providencia (around Manuel Montt and Los Leones), and Lo Barnechea (La Dehesa), which have lower crime rates and often private security in residential buildings.
Women can generally live alone safely in Chile's better neighborhoods with normal big-city precautions such as choosing secure buildings, using rideshare apps at night, avoiding poorly lit areas, and being mindful about displaying valuables like smartphones.
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How much does everyday life cost in Chile in 2026?
What monthly budget do I need to live well in Chile in 2026?
As of early 2026, a single person living comfortably in a good Santiago neighborhood needs approximately CLP 2.2 to 2.8 million per month, which equals roughly USD 2,500 to 3,200 or EUR 2,300 to 3,000.
For a more modest but still decent lifestyle in Chile, a budget of around CLP 1.5 to 1.8 million monthly (USD 1,700 to 2,100 or EUR 1,600 to 1,950) is realistic, though this means choosing a less central neighborhood and being more mindful about dining out and entertainment.
A more comfortable or upscale lifestyle in Santiago, with a newer apartment in a premium building, regular dining out, private health coverage, and weekend getaways, typically requires CLP 3.0 to 4.0 million monthly (USD 3,400 to 4,600 or EUR 3,200 to 4,300).
Housing is by far the largest expense for expats in Chile, often consuming 50% to 60% of the monthly budget, and uniquely in Chile, rents in desirable areas are quoted in UF (Unidad de Fomento), an inflation-indexed unit that currently sits around CLP 39,700 per UF.
What is the average income tax rate in Chile in 2026?
As of early 2026, a typical middle-income earner in Chile faces an effective income tax rate of approximately 8% to 15%, depending on their exact salary level and applicable deductions.
Chile's income tax system uses progressive brackets ranging from 0% on the first CLP 850,000 of monthly taxable income up to a maximum marginal rate of 40% for earnings above CLP 19 million monthly, though most expats fall into the 4% to 23% marginal brackets.
We did some research and made this infographic to help you quickly compare rental yields of the major cities in Chile versus those in neighboring countries. It provides a clear view of how this country positions itself as a real estate investment destination, which might interest you if you’re planning to invest there.
What kind of foreigners actually live in Chile in 2026?
Where do most expats come from in Chile in 2026?
As of early 2026, the largest groups of foreign residents in Chile come from Venezuela, Colombia, Peru, Bolivia, Argentina, and Haiti, with smaller but growing communities from the United States, Spain, and other European countries.
Chile's foreign-born population represents approximately 8% to 9% of the total population, with official estimates placing the number of foreign residents at around 1.5 to 1.7 million people.
Most Latin American expats are drawn to Chile by its relatively strong economy, political stability compared to their home countries, and access to better job opportunities and public services, while North American and European expats often cite the outdoor lifestyle and lower cost of living.
The expat population in Chile is predominantly made up of working professionals and families seeking economic opportunities, though there is a growing segment of retirees, remote workers, and digital nomads attracted by Chile's quality of life and natural beauty.
Where do most expats live in Chile in 2026?
As of early 2026, expats in Chile concentrate heavily in Greater Santiago, particularly in the eastern communes of Providencia (around Los Leones and Manuel Montt), Las Condes (El Golf and Apoquindo corridors), Vitacura (Alonso de Cordova area), and Lo Barnechea (La Dehesa).
These neighborhoods attract expats because they combine proximity to international schools, private hospitals, multinational offices, and modern apartment buildings with good security, walkable streets, parks, and easy access to the Andes mountains.
Emerging areas starting to attract more expats in Chile include Nunoa for its more affordable rents and vibrant cultural scene, coastal cities like Vina del Mar for those who can work remotely, and La Serena in the north for retirees seeking a quieter beach lifestyle.
Are expats moving in or leaving Chile in 2026?
As of early 2026, Chile continues to experience a net inflow of foreign residents, though the pace of immigration has moderated compared to the peak years of 2017 to 2019, partly due to stricter visa policies and global economic shifts.
The main factors driving expats to move to Chile right now include its relative economic stability, access to quality healthcare and education, outdoor lifestyle opportunities, and the ability for foreigners to own property without restrictions.
Some expats are leaving Chile due to rising security concerns, increasing cost of living in premium neighborhoods, bureaucratic frustrations with residency processes, and opportunities elsewhere as remote work becomes more normalized.
Compared to similar destinations in the region like Argentina, Colombia, and Mexico, Chile's expat population growth is more moderate but tends to attract professionals and families seeking stability over digital nomads looking for ultra-low costs.
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What paperwork do I need to move to Chile in 2026?
What visa options are popular in Chile in 2026?
As of early 2026, the three most popular visa types for expats moving to Chile are the Temporary Residence Visa for work purposes (tied to a Chilean employer), the Temporary Residence Visa for family links, and the Rentista Visa for those with passive income or investments.
The most commonly used expat visa in Chile requires proof of a work contract with a Chilean company or a civil service contract with a foreign company operating through a Chilean representative, along with a clean criminal record, health insurance, and proof of accommodation.
Chile does not currently offer a specific digital nomad visa, but remote workers often use the tourist visa (90 days, extendable once for another 90 days) for short stays, or apply for the Temporary Residence Visa if they plan to stay longer and can demonstrate stable income from abroad.
Most temporary residence visas in Chile are valid for one to two years and can be renewed, with permanent residency typically available after holding temporary status for at least two years and meeting continuous residence requirements.
How long does it take to get residency in Chile in 2026?
As of early 2026, the typical processing time for a temporary residence visa in Chile ranges from three to eight months, with significant variation depending on the visa subcategory, completeness of documentation, and current application backlogs.
Common factors that can delay the residency process in Chile include missing or incorrectly apostilled documents, translation requirements for non-Spanish documents, and the need for additional background checks, while having a Chilean employer actively sponsor your application can speed things up.
An expat must generally live in Chile on a temporary residence visa for at least two years before becoming eligible for permanent residency, and citizenship requires five years of permanent residency plus passing a Spanish language and civic knowledge test.
We created this infographic to give you a simple idea of how much it costs to buy property in different parts of Chile. As you can see, it breaks down price ranges and property types for popular cities in the country. We hope this makes it easier to explore your options and understand the market.
How hard is it to find a job in Chile in 2026?
Which industries are hiring the most in Chile in 2026?
As of early 2026, the industries hiring the most in Chile are mining and mining services (concentrated in the north around Antofagasta), technology and IT (mainly in Santiago), and renewable energy, with additional demand in finance, logistics, and multinational shared services centers.
Getting hired in Chile without speaking Spanish is realistic only in specific niches like multinational tech companies, mining engineering roles, international finance, and positions at embassies or international organizations, but fluency in Spanish dramatically expands your job options.
The most accessible roles for foreign job seekers in Chile include senior technology positions (software engineering, data science, product management), mining engineers and geologists, English teachers at international schools, and specialized finance or consulting roles at multinational firms.
What salary ranges are common for expats in Chile in 2026?
As of early 2026, typical expat salaries in Chile range from CLP 2.5 to 5.0 million gross monthly (USD 2,900 to 5,800 or EUR 2,700 to 5,400), depending on industry, experience level, and whether the role includes expatriate benefits.
Entry-level to mid-level expat positions in Chile typically offer CLP 1.8 to 3.0 million gross monthly (USD 2,100 to 3,500 or EUR 1,900 to 3,200), which is enough for a modest comfortable lifestyle in Santiago but may require budgeting carefully.
Senior or specialized expat roles in Chile, particularly in mining, technology leadership, or finance, commonly offer CLP 5.0 to 10.0 million gross monthly (USD 5,800 to 11,500 or EUR 5,400 to 10,700), sometimes with additional housing or schooling allowances.
Employers in Chile do sponsor work visas for foreign hires, but this is most common for specialized technical roles, senior management positions, or when the company cannot find qualified local candidates, so having in-demand skills significantly improves your chances.
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What's daily life really like for expats in Chile right now?
What do expats love most about living in Chile right now?
Expats in Chile in 2026 most commonly praise the unique "city plus mountains" lifestyle in Santiago, the stunning geographic diversity from the Atacama Desert to Patagonia, and the high quality of private services including healthcare, delivery apps, and modern apartment buildings.
The lifestyle benefit most frequently praised by expats in Chile is the ability to combine urban convenience with weekend adventures, whether skiing in the Andes just an hour from Santiago, visiting world-class vineyards in the Maipo or Casablanca valleys, or surfing along the Pacific coast.
From a practical standpoint, expats appreciate Chile's reliable infrastructure, including fast internet, modern public transportation (Santiago's metro is Latin America's most extensive), efficient private healthcare, and the ease of accessing international products and services.
Socially and culturally, expats enjoy Chile's strong food and wine culture, the relatively cosmopolitan atmosphere in Santiago's eastern neighborhoods, and the fact that once you break through initial Chilean formality, friendships tend to be warm and lasting.
What do expats dislike most about life in Chile right now?
The top complaints from expats in Chile in 2026 include rising security concerns requiring constant vigilance, the high cost of housing relative to space in Santiago's desirable neighborhoods, and frustratingly slow bureaucratic processes for everything from visas to utility connections.
The daily inconvenience that frustrates expats most in Chile is the traffic congestion in Santiago combined with the need to adopt more security-conscious habits, such as not using your phone on the street, choosing rideshares over walking at night, and always securing valuables.
The bureaucratic issue causing the most headaches for expats in Chile is the residency and documentation process, which involves dealing with multiple government agencies (SERMIG, SII, banks), lengthy wait times, strict apostille requirements, and a system that often assumes you speak fluent Spanish.
Most expats consider these frustrations manageable rather than deal-breakers, viewing them as the trade-off for Chile's overall stability, safety relative to the region, and quality of life, though some do eventually leave for countries with simpler bureaucracy or lower costs.
What are the biggest culture shocks in Chile right now?
The biggest culture shocks for expats moving to Chile in 2026 include discovering that nearly everything related to housing is quoted in UF (an inflation-indexed unit), learning how much your quality of life depends on which specific comuna you live in, and adjusting to security precautions that feel more intensive than Chile's reputation might suggest.
The social norm that surprises newcomers most is how Chileans can appear formal or reserved initially, with social invitations often being polite rather than firm commitments, which can make building friendships feel slow until you break into closer social circles.
The aspect of daily routines that takes expats longest to adjust to in Chile is the importance of lunch as the main meal of the day (often taken between 1pm and 3pm), combined with late dinner times and the expectation that social events often start much later than in North America or Northern Europe.
We made this infographic to show you how property prices in Chile compare to other big cities across the region. It breaks down the average price per square meter in city centers, so you can see how cities stack up. It’s an easy way to spot where you might get the best value for your money. We hope you like it.
Can I buy a home as a foreigner in Chile in 2026?
Can foreigners legally own property in Chile in 2026?
As of early 2026, foreigners can legally own property in Chile with essentially the same rights as Chilean citizens, making Chile one of the most open countries in the world for foreign real estate investment.
The main requirements for foreigners buying property in Chile include obtaining a RUT (tax identification number), having the funds to complete the purchase (either from Chile or through verified international transfers), and using a notary for the public deed and registration in the Real Estate Registry.
Foreigners in Chile can own apartments, houses, and land without restriction in most areas, though there are some limitations on property purchases in border zones and certain protected areas where additional authorization may be required.
By the way, we've written a blog article detailing the whole property buying process for foreigners in Chile.
What is the average price per m² in Chile in 2026?
As of early 2026, the average price per square meter for apartments in Greater Santiago is approximately 74 UF per m², which converts to around CLP 2,940,000 (USD 3,400 or EUR 3,150) per square meter, with houses averaging around 58 UF per m² (USD 2,650 or EUR 2,450).
Property prices in Santiago have remained relatively stable over the past two to three years after a period of strong growth, with some softening in transaction volumes due to higher mortgage rates, though premium neighborhoods like Vitacura and Lo Barnechea continue to command significant premiums.
Want to know more? We give you all the details you need about the housing prices in Chile here.
Also, you'll find our latest property market analysis about Chile here.
Do banks give mortgages to foreigners in Chile in 2026?
As of early 2026, mortgages for foreigners in Chile are available but come with stricter requirements than for Chilean citizens, including higher down payments and the need to demonstrate stable local income or provide a Chilean guarantor.
The banks most known for working with foreign mortgage applicants in Chile include BancoEstado, Banco Santander Chile, and Banco de Chile, each with specialized departments for international clients.
Typical mortgage conditions for foreigners in Chile include a down payment of 20% to 30% of the property value, interest rates ranging from 4.5% to 7% depending on risk profile, and maximum loan terms of up to 30 years, though foreigners often receive terms at the less favorable end of these ranges.
To qualify for a mortgage in Chile as a foreigner, you typically need at least one year of legal residency (preferably permanent residency), proof of stable Chilean-source income, a Chilean bank account with credit history, and often a Chilean guarantor who cannot be your spouse.
You can also read our latest update about mortgage and interest rates in Chile.
Buying real estate in Chile can be risky
An increasing number of foreign investors are showing interest. However, 90% of them will make mistakes. Avoid the pitfalls with our comprehensive guide.
What sources have we used to write this blog article?
Whether it's in our blog articles or the market analyses included in our property pack about Chile, we always rely on the strongest methodology we can … and we don't throw out numbers at random.
We also aim to be fully transparent, so below we've listed the authoritative sources we used, and explained how we used them and the methods behind our estimates.
| Source | Why it's authoritative | How we used it |
|---|---|---|
| Instituto Nacional de Estadisticas (INE) - IPC | Chile's official statistics agency and primary source for inflation data. | We used it to anchor cost of living estimates in official inflation measurement. We also verified budget calculations against the latest CPI context. |
| Banco Central de Chile - Daily Indicators | Official central bank source for Chile's UF and USD rates. | We used it to convert all housing costs from UF to CLP and USD. We kept all currency conversions consistent throughout the article. |
| Banco Central de Chile - IPoM Report | Central bank's flagship report on inflation, growth, and economic conditions. | We used it to assess whether quality of life is improving or declining in 2026. We grounded our economic outlook in their official projections. |
| Servicio Nacional de Migraciones (SERMIG) | Official immigration authority and definitive source for visa categories. | We used it to list the most common visa pathways for expats in 2026. We verified residency requirements and processing timelines directly from their portal. |
| SII - 2026 Income Tax Tables | Official tax authority's schedule for employment income brackets. | We used it to calculate effective income tax rates for typical expat salaries. We explained how the progressive bracket system works in practice. |
| Superintendencia de Salud | Regulator's official explanation of Chile's healthcare system. | We used it to explain the FONASA vs ISAPRE choice for expats. We structured our healthcare section around the real system design. |
| CEAD - Crime Statistics Portal | Government's official crime statistics portal for public reporting. | We used it to frame safety questions with official crime categories. We avoided sensational narratives by sticking to measurable indicators. |
| World Bank - Homicide Rate Data | Widely used cross-country dataset with transparent UNODC sourcing. | We used it to benchmark Chile's safety internationally. We kept regional comparisons factual and evidence-based. |
| Camara Chilena de la Construccion (CChC) | Industry report with consistent housing market methodology. | We used it to estimate price per m² in Santiago in UF terms. We converted those figures to CLP and USD using central bank rates. |
| Nido de Aguilas - Tuition Page | Primary source directly from one of Chile's top international schools. | We used it to anchor international school cost expectations. We illustrated why family budgets can increase significantly with schooling needs. |
We have made this infographic to give you a quick and clear snapshot of the property market in Chile. It highlights key facts like rental prices, yields, and property costs both in city centers and outside, so you can easily compare opportunities. We’ve done some research and also included useful insights about the country’s economy, like GDP, population, and interest rates, to help you understand the bigger picture.
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