Buying real estate in Chile?

We've created a guide to help you avoid pitfalls, save time, and make the best long-term investment possible.

How does Chile's residency by investment program work?

Last updated on 

Authored by the expert who managed and guided the team behind the Chile Property Pack

buying property foreigner Chile

Everything you need to know before buying real estate is included in our Chile Property Pack

Chile does not offer a traditional "Golden Visa" program but provides a robust residency pathway for investors willing to commit USD 500,000 or more to the Chilean economy.

This investor residency program requires genuine business activity rather than passive investment, making it ideal for entrepreneurs and investors seeking long-term relocation to South America's most stable economy.

If you want to go deeper, you can check our pack of documents related to the real estate market in Chile, based on reliable facts and data, not opinions or rumors.

How this content was created 🔎📝

At TheLatinvestor, we explore the Chilean real estate market every day. Our team doesn't just analyze data from a distance—we're actively engaging with local realtors, investors, and property managers in cities like Santiago, Valparaíso, and Viña del Mar. This hands-on approach allows us to gain a deep understanding of the market from the inside out.

These observations are originally based on what we've learned through these conversations and our observations. But it was not enough. To back them up, we also needed to rely on trusted resources

We prioritize accuracy and authority. Trends lacking solid data or expert validation were excluded.

Trustworthiness is central to our work. Every source and citation is clearly listed, ensuring transparency. A writing AI-powered tool was used solely to refine readability and engagement.

To make the information accessible, our team designed custom infographics that clarify key points. We hope you will like them! All illustrations and media were created in-house and added manually.

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

Chile operates an investor residency program that requires demonstrating genuine economic contribution to the country rather than simply purchasing assets.

The program centers around obtaining a temporary residence permit through the Servicio Nacional de Migraciones, which requires presenting a detailed business or investment plan that shows clear economic benefits for Chile. Unlike passive investment schemes, you must actively participate in Chilean economic activity.

Your application process begins with developing a comprehensive business plan and securing support from InvestChile, the official investment promotion agency. This support letter validates that your proposed investment meets the government's criteria for economic contribution.

The program evaluates investments based on job creation potential, technology transfer, export opportunities, and overall economic impact rather than just the monetary amount invested.

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

Is there a specific Golden Visa or Citizenship by Investment program in Chile?

Chile does not have a formal "Golden Visa" or direct Citizenship by Investment program like those offered in European or Caribbean countries.

Instead, Chile provides a residency pathway for investors that can eventually lead to permanent residency and citizenship, but the process requires demonstrating genuine business activity and integration into Chilean society. The government specifically designed this approach to prevent "passport shopping" by individuals who have no intention of actually living in Chile.

The Chilean system focuses on attracting investors who will actively contribute to the economy through business operations, job creation, or technological advancement rather than passive financial investment alone.

As of June 2025, Chilean authorities have strengthened requirements for demonstrating "substantial connection" to the country, making it clear that residency permits are intended for people genuinely relocating to Chile.

What are the main types of investment that qualify for residency?

Business investment represents the most common and reliable route for obtaining Chilean residency through investment.

Investment Type Requirements Success Rate
New Business Creation Detailed business plan, job creation potential High with proper documentation
Existing Business Purchase Due diligence, continuation of operations Very high if business is profitable
Company Investment Substantial stake in Chilean company High with clear economic impact
Real Estate Development Development project with business plan Moderate, requires additional justification
Technology/Energy Projects Innovation component, economic benefits High for qualifying projects
Passive Real Estate Not sufficient alone Very low without business component
Stock Market Investment Must be part of structured economic project Low unless combined with business activity

What's the minimum investment amount required to apply?

The standard minimum investment required for Chile's investor visa is USD 500,000, which represents the threshold most widely accepted for a strong application.

While some sources mention lower amounts of USD 60,000-75,000 for general business startups, these smaller investments do not guarantee visa approval and are not part of the official investor pathway that leads to residency. The USD 500,000 figure ensures your application receives serious consideration from Chilean immigration authorities.

You must provide comprehensive proof of funds through bank statements, investment agreements, or other financial documentation that demonstrates your ability to make and maintain the required investment.

The investment amount must be actively deployed in Chilean economic activity rather than simply deposited in a Chilean bank account, making it essential to have a clear business or investment plan for utilizing these funds.

Don't lose money on your property in Chile

100% of people who have lost money there have spent less than 1 hour researching the market. We have reviewed everything there is to know. Grab our guide now.

investing in real estate in Chile

What are the step-by-step procedures to apply for residency through investment?

The application process for Chilean investor residency follows a structured six-step procedure that typically takes several months to complete.

1. **Develop Your Investment Plan**: Create a detailed business or investment plan that outlines your project, its economic benefits to Chile, and how it meets visa requirements. This plan should include financial projections, job creation estimates, and clear timelines for implementation.2. **Gather Required Documentation**: Collect all necessary documents including passport (valid for at least one year), proof of investment funds, business plan, clean criminal record certificate, and proof of financial support for dependents.3. **Obtain InvestChile Support Letter**: Submit your project to InvestChile, the official investment promotion agency, to receive a support letter that validates your investment meets government criteria for economic contribution.4. **Submit Visa Application**: Apply for the temporary residence permit through the Servicio Nacional de Migraciones online portal, including all required documentation and the InvestChile support letter.5. **Wait for Processing and Review**: Application processing typically takes one to several months depending on the complexity and completeness of your submission, during which authorities may request additional documentation.6. **Relocate to Chile**: Once approved, you and your family can move to Chile under the temporary residence permit and begin implementing your investment plan.

What documents and requirements do I need for the business investment route?

The business investment route requires comprehensive documentation to prove both your financial capacity and the viability of your proposed business venture.

Essential documents include your passport or valid identification, detailed proof of investment through bank statements or purchase agreements, and a comprehensive business plan with financial projections showing the economic impact of your venture.

You must provide a clean criminal record certificate from your home country and any other countries where you have lived for extended periods. Proof of financial support for any dependents you plan to include in your application is also mandatory.

The InvestChile support letter serves as crucial validation that your business plan meets Chilean government standards for economic contribution. All foreign-issued documents must be apostilled or legalized according to Chilean requirements.

Additional supporting documentation may include company formation deeds, tax records, professional qualifications, and letters of recommendation from business partners or financial institutions.

Is there an option to invest in real estate to obtain residency in Chile?

Direct real estate purchase alone does not qualify for Chilean residency under the investor program.

Real estate investment can contribute to your residency application only when it forms part of a broader business or development project with clear economic benefits such as rental operations, commercial development, or job creation. You must present a comprehensive business plan showing how your real estate investment will actively contribute to the Chilean economy.

Successful real estate-based applications typically involve development projects, hospitality ventures, or commercial real estate operations that demonstrate ongoing economic activity rather than passive property ownership.

The key distinction lies in showing active business operations connected to your real estate investment rather than simply purchasing property as a store of value or personal residence.

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

How long is the initial residence permit valid for, and can it be renewed?

The initial temporary residence permit issued under Chile's investor program is valid for one year and can be renewed provided you maintain your investment and comply with residency requirements.

Renewal requires demonstrating that you have successfully implemented your business plan and that your investment continues to provide economic benefits to Chile. Immigration authorities will review your progress and may request updated financial documentation and business performance reports.

After maintaining temporary residency for one to two years, depending on your specific visa type and investment compliance, you become eligible to apply for permanent residency (Permanencia Definitiva).

Permanent residency status is valid for five years and renewable indefinitely, providing much greater stability and fewer reporting requirements than temporary residence.

Can I include my spouse and children in the application?

Chile's investor residency program allows you to include your spouse and children in your application, and they will receive temporary residence permits with the same validity period as your own.

Family members included in your application can later apply for permanent residency and Chilean citizenship following the same timeline as the primary applicant. They are not required to make separate investments or meet individual financial requirements.

Children included in the application typically must be under 18 years of age or financially dependent on the primary applicant if over 18 and pursuing higher education.

Your family members will have the same rights to live, work, and study in Chile as you do under the temporary and later permanent residence permits.

infographics rental yields citiesChile

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.

Does this residency pathway eventually lead to permanent residency or Chilean citizenship?

Chile's investor residency program provides a clear pathway to both permanent residency and eventual Chilean citizenship for qualifying applicants.

After holding temporary residency for one to two years and demonstrating compliance with investment requirements, you become eligible to apply for permanent residency (Permanencia Definitiva). This permanent status is valid for five years and renewable indefinitely.

Chilean citizenship becomes available after five years of continuous residency, including both temporary and permanent periods. To qualify for citizenship, you must demonstrate integration into Chilean society, proficiency in Spanish, and knowledge of Chilean culture and history.

The citizenship application process includes interviews and examinations to verify your connection to Chile and commitment to the country beyond just maintaining an investment.

How long do I have to live in Chile to qualify for citizenship through this program?

You must maintain continuous residency in Chile for at least five years to become eligible for Chilean citizenship, with the countdown beginning from the date of your first temporary residence permit.

During this five-year period, you must spend a substantial portion of each year physically present in Chile, typically at least 180 days per year, to maintain your residency status and qualify for renewal and eventual citizenship.

Chilean authorities increasingly require demonstrating a "substantial connection" to the country, meaning you must show genuine integration into Chilean society rather than simply maintaining minimal presence to meet technical requirements.

The five-year requirement is cumulative, meaning that time spent under both temporary and permanent residency counts toward citizenship eligibility, but any significant breaks in residency can reset the timeline.

Are there any real-life success stories or reported challenges from people who've applied through this route?

Many investors have successfully used Chile's business investment route to obtain residency, establish thriving businesses, and eventually gain Chilean citizenship.

Success stories frequently involve entrepreneurs who established technology companies, renewable energy projects, or export-oriented businesses that created jobs for Chilean workers. These investors often cite Chile's stable economy, high quality of life, and strong passport as primary motivations for choosing this route.

Common challenges reported by applicants include bureaucratic delays in processing, complex documentation requirements, and difficulties proving the legitimacy of investment funds to Chilean authorities. Some investors have struggled with the requirement to demonstrate ongoing economic impact rather than just maintaining their initial investment.

Recent applicants have faced increased scrutiny regarding the "substantial connection" requirement, with authorities rejecting some applications from investors who appeared to be seeking citizenship without genuine intention to live in Chile long-term.

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

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. Golden Visas - Chile
  2. Golden Harbors - Chile Residency by Investment
  3. Becker Abogados - How to Apply for an Investor Visa in Chile
  4. Becker Abogados - Steps to Buy an Operating Business in Chile
  5. TheLatinvestor - Chile Real Estate for Foreigners
  6. Expat.cl - Chile Investor Visa Guide
  7. Servicio Nacional de Migraciones - Investors
  8. InvestChile - Visa to Invest in Chile
  9. Spencer Global - Time Needed to Qualify for Citizenship in Chile
  10. USCIS Guide - Citizenship Eligibility Requirements in Chile