How does Chile's residency by investment program work?

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THE LATINVESTOR

A team specialized in real estate investing in LATAM countries

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Does Chile have a Golden Visa or Citizenship by Investment program?

Chile does not offer a classic Golden Visa or direct Citizenship by Investment program like Portugal or Malta.

Instead, Chile provides a residency by investment pathway formalized through Law 21.325 and Decree 177/2022. This system allows qualified investors to obtain temporary residency that can progress to permanent residency and eventually citizenship through naturalization.

The Chilean approach differs from traditional Golden Visa programs because it requires active investment and ongoing business activity rather than passive financial contributions. You cannot simply transfer funds or buy property without demonstrating economic activity.

As of September 2025, this investor residency route remains the primary legal pathway for obtaining Chilean residency through investment, with clear progression to citizenship for those who maintain their investment commitments.

How does Chile's residency by investment process actually work?

Chile's residency by investment system operates on an active investment model requiring sustained business activity.

The process centers on demonstrating economic benefit to Chile through business creation, acquisition, or development projects. You must show that your investment generates employment, economic activity, or contributes to Chilean development goals.

Applications can be submitted through Chilean consulates abroad or within Chile if you entered on a tourist visa. The investment threshold of USD 500,000 applies to the principal investor visa route, though smaller startup investments of USD 60,000-75,000 exist without guaranteed residency outcomes.

InvestChile, the government investment agency, must endorse investments over USD 500,000, adding an official review layer to ensure investment quality and economic impact. This endorsement process typically examines business plans, capital sources, and projected economic benefits.

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What are the main steps to apply for residency through investment in Chile?

The application process follows a structured seven-step pathway from initial investment planning to citizenship eligibility.

1. **Choose Your Investment Type**: Select between starting a new business, acquiring an existing company, or developing qualifying real estate with a comprehensive business plan2. **Prepare Documentation**: Gather all required documents including proof of funds, business plans, and legal certifications3. **Obtain InvestChile Endorsement**: Secure official endorsement from Chile's investment agency for investments over USD 500,0004. **Submit Application**: File your application online or at a Chilean consulate with all supporting documentation5. **Receive Temporary Residency**: Upon approval, obtain a one-year temporary residency visa6. **Demonstrate Progress**: Show ongoing investment advancement at each annual renewal for two years7. **Apply for Permanent Residency**: Qualify for permanent residency after two years of compliant temporary residency

Each renewal requires evidence that your investment is progressing according to your original business plan. Failure to demonstrate adequate progress can result in residency denial or revocation.

The Chilean immigration service closely monitors investor compliance, requiring detailed financial reports and business activity documentation at each stage.

What is the minimum investment amount required?

The principal investor visa route requires a minimum investment of USD 500,000 in active business ventures.

This USD 500,000 threshold applies to business investments, company acquisitions, or real estate development projects that demonstrate economic activity. The amount must be verifiable through bank statements, investment agreements, or property purchase contracts.

Smaller startup investments ranging from USD 60,000 to USD 75,000 may be considered on a case-by-case basis, but these do not guarantee residency approval or provide a clear path to citizenship. These smaller amounts typically apply to innovative startups with high growth potential.

For executive or manager positions, foreign companies must hold at least 10% ownership in a Chilean company, with documented equity links proving the investment relationship.

Is there a real estate investment option for obtaining residency?

Real estate investments can qualify for Chilean residency, but only when structured as active development projects rather than passive property purchases.

Simple residential property purchases do not meet the investment criteria. Your real estate investment must demonstrate economic activity such as development projects, commercial property with rental income, or hospitality ventures that create employment.

Qualifying real estate investments typically include hotel developments, commercial property developments, residential construction projects, or agricultural ventures with processing facilities. These projects must show clear business plans with employment creation and economic impact.

The real estate component must be part of a broader business strategy that contributes to Chilean economic development. Documentation must prove the property generates ongoing economic activity rather than serving as passive investment or personal residence.

It's something we develop in our Chile property pack.

What are the requirements for the business investment route?

The business investment route requires comprehensive documentation proving capital availability and economic benefit to Chile.

Requirement Category	Specific Requirements	Documentation Needed
Capital Evidence	Proof of USD 500,000+ available funds	Bank statements, investment agreements
Business Plan	Detailed economic activity proposal	Financial projections, market analysis
Economic Impact	Demonstration of benefit to Chile	Employment projections, development plans
InvestChile Endorsement	Official government agency approval	Endorsement letter and evaluation
Company Structure	Legal business entity in Chile	Corporate registration documents
Management Role	Active participation in business	Management contracts, role descriptions
Compliance Monitoring	Ongoing progress reporting	Financial reports, activity updates

How long is the residency permit valid for once approved?

Initial temporary residency permits are granted for one year with renewable terms based on investment progress.

The one-year temporary residency can be renewed annually for up to two years total, provided you demonstrate continued investment activity and compliance with your business plan. Each renewal requires evidence of progress toward your stated investment goals.

After two years of successful temporary residency, you become eligible to apply for permanent residency. Permanent residency has no expiration date but requires maintaining ties to Chile and demonstrating ongoing residence.

The renewal process involves submitting updated financial reports, business activity documentation, and proof that your investment is advancing according to your original plan. Failure to show adequate progress can result in non-renewal or permit revocation.

Can I include my spouse and children in my application?

Yes, Chilean residency by investment allows inclusion of immediate family members under the same application.

Eligible family members include your spouse and dependent children, who receive dependent residency permits following the same timeline as the main applicant. Family members are not required to make separate investments but must demonstrate their relationship to the primary investor.

Dependent children typically include unmarried children under 18 years old, though adult children with disabilities or those pursuing full-time education may qualify under specific circumstances. Each family member receives individual residency documentation linked to the primary investor's status.

Family members follow the same progression path from temporary to permanent residency and eventual citizenship eligibility after five years of continuous legal residence in Chile.

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.

Is there a clear path from residency to Chilean citizenship?

Chile provides a straightforward naturalization pathway for investor residents after five years of continuous legal residence.

The citizenship timeline includes two years of temporary residency plus three years of permanent residency, totaling five years of continuous legal residence. This period must demonstrate sustained physical presence in Chile and ongoing ties to the country.

Citizenship applications require Spanish language proficiency, knowledge of Chilean history and culture, and evidence of integration into Chilean society. You must also maintain a clean criminal record throughout the residency period.

The naturalization process involves interviews, written examinations, and background checks. Processing typically takes 12-18 months from application submission to citizenship approval, with successful applicants taking an oath of allegiance to Chile.

What documents and proof do I need for the application?

Chilean residency by investment applications require extensive documentation proving identity, financial capacity, and investment plans.

**Essential Documents:**1. **Valid passport** with minimum one-year remaining validity2. **Proof of funds** including bank statements, investment contracts, and capital source documentation3. **Detailed business plan** showing investment strategy and economic impact projections4. **Criminal record certificates** from all countries where you've resided in the past five years5. **Health insurance** coverage valid in Chile throughout the residency period6. **Investment evidence** such as property purchase agreements or business registration documents7. **Certified translations** of all foreign-language documents into Spanish8. **Apostilled documents** or consular legalization as required by Chilean law

All documentation must be current, properly authenticated, and translated by certified translators recognized by Chilean authorities. Document preparation often takes 2-3 months due to international authentication requirements.

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How long does the application process usually take and what are the key stages?

The complete process from application to citizenship spans approximately 7-8 years with distinct processing stages.

Stage	Duration	Key Requirements
Document Preparation	2-3 months	Gather, authenticate, translate documents
Initial Application Review	2-3 months	Immigration service evaluation
Temporary Residency (Year 1)	12 months	Investment initiation and progress
Temporary Residency (Year 2)	12 months	Continued investment development
Permanent Residency Application	3-6 months	Two years successful temporary residency
Permanent Residency Period	36 months	Maintain residence and investment
Citizenship Application Process	12-18 months	Language test, integration proof

What feedback is there from people who have successfully or unsuccessfully gone through the program?

Chilean residency by investment receives positive feedback for transparency and reliability, though applicants report specific challenges.

Successful applicants consistently praise the program's clear requirements and predictable timeline. The main attraction is the straightforward path to both permanent residency and citizenship, combined with Chile's political stability and economic opportunities.

Common challenges include the requirement for sustained active investment rather than passive funding. Many applicants underestimate the ongoing business management requirements and compliance reporting needed throughout the residency period.

Documentation and legal processes prove bureaucratic, with most successful applicants hiring specialized immigration lawyers or consultants familiar with Chilean requirements. Language barriers during the citizenship phase also present challenges for non-Spanish speakers.

Unsuccessful applications typically result from inadequate business plans, insufficient proof of sustained economic activity, or failure to demonstrate genuine investment progress during renewal periods. Passive real estate purchases without development activity frequently lead to application rejection.

Conclusion

This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Readers are advised to consult with a qualified professional before making any investment decisions. We do not assume any liability for actions taken based on the information provided.

Sources

1. CitizenX - Chile Citizenship Investment
2. TheLatinvestor - Chile Residency by Investment
3. Mackrell International - Chile Golden Visa
4. Golden Visas - Chile
5. Golden Harbors - Chile Residency Investment
6. CitizenX - Latin America Golden Visa
7. Armenian Lawyer - Chile Investment Migration
8. Nomad Capitalist - Chile Residence Investment
9. Chilean Immigration Service - Investor Permits
10. IMI Daily - Chile Investor Visa