Can foreigners buy land in Chile?

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

Who is the author of this content?

THELATINVESTOR

A team specialized in real estate investing in Latin American countries (Chile, Argentina, Brazil, Mexico, etc.).

We are a team of financial experts, legal professionals, developers, and local real estate specialists dedicated to helping people like you avoid mistakes when investing in real estate in a foreign place, particularly in Chile. If you'd like to learn more about us, you can check our presentation page.

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 Concepción. 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.

Can foreigners legally buy land in Chile without being residents?

Yes, foreigners can legally purchase land in Chile without being residents or citizens.

Chile grants foreign buyers the same property rights as Chilean citizens, with no residency requirement for property ownership. This open policy makes Chile one of the most foreigner-friendly countries for real estate investment in Latin America.

The Chilean legal framework explicitly allows foreign individuals and companies to own property, which is not common everywhere, especially when compared to neighboring countries like Argentina and Mexico, which have specific limits on foreign ownership of rural lands. The Chilean government has consistently maintained this openness through official policies that emphasize restrictions only apply to specific border areas.

As of June 2025, this policy remains unchanged and continues to attract international investors seeking stable property ownership opportunities.

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

Are there any restrictions on the types of land foreigners can or cannot buy in Chile, such as agricultural, coastal, or border zone land?

Chile imposes specific geographical restrictions on foreign land ownership, primarily related to national security considerations.

Border zones within 10 kilometers of international borders require special permission from the Chilean Ministry of National Defense. Coastal properties within 5 kilometers of the coastline are subject to additional regulations, as beaches and coastal areas are considered public property.

Agricultural properties present a more complex scenario, with specific limitations based on size and location, though foreigners are generally allowed to invest in agricultural land. There's also a specific restriction preventing citizens of neighboring countries from acquiring land along their respective borders.

Most agricultural land outside these restricted zones can be purchased freely by foreigners without additional permits. Strategic or protected areas may require case-by-case evaluation and special governmental approval.

Local municipalities may impose additional restrictions based on zoning laws and community regulations.

What is the step-by-step process for a foreigner to buy land in Chile, from search to title registration?

The land purchase process in Chile follows a systematic approach that ensures legal compliance and proper documentation.

Step	Action Required	Timeline
1. RUT Acquisition	Obtain Chilean tax identification number	1-2 weeks
2. Property Search	Use agents, online platforms, site visits	Varies
3. Legal Representation	Hire qualified Chilean lawyer	1-2 days
4. Due Diligence	Title search, lien verification, permits check	2-4 weeks
5. Purchase Agreement	Sign escritura pública before notary	1 day
6. Payment Transfer	Bank transfer or escrow release	1-2 days
7. Registration	Register at Real Estate Registry (Conservador)	1-2 weeks

Is it mandatory for a foreign buyer to be physically present in Chile during the land acquisition process?

Physical presence is not mandatory for foreign buyers purchasing land in Chile.

All steps can be managed remotely through a Power of Attorney and with the assistance of a local lawyer. This flexibility significantly reduces barriers for international investors who cannot travel to Chile during the purchase process.

The Power of Attorney must be properly executed and may require notarization in your home country, followed by apostille certification for international recognition. Your Chilean lawyer can guide you through the specific documentation requirements for remote transactions.

Remote purchases have become increasingly common, especially since 2020, with many transactions completed entirely through digital communication and legal representation. However, some buyers prefer to visit the property in person for due diligence purposes, though this remains optional rather than mandatory.

What documents and identification does a foreigner need to buy land in Chile?

Foreign buyers must gather specific documentation to complete land purchases in Chile legally.

1. Valid passport or government-issued identification from your home country
2. RUT (Rol Único Tributario) - Chilean tax identification number obtained through the Internal Revenue Service
3. Title deeds from the seller proving current ownership of the property
4. Title report (Estudio de Títulos) confirming the property is free of liens or legal encumbrances
5. Signed purchase agreement (Escritura Pública) executed before a Chilean notary
6. Proof of payment documentation including bank statements or wire transfer receipts
7. Tax compliance certificate showing all property taxes are current through the sale date
8. Power of Attorney documentation if completing the transaction remotely

Your Chilean lawyer will assist in obtaining the RUT and ensuring all documentation meets legal requirements. Documents from foreign countries may require apostille certification for recognition in Chile.

Are there additional taxes, notary fees, registration costs, or hidden charges foreigners should expect when buying land?

Land purchases in Chile involve several transparent costs that buyers should budget for in advance.

The primary transfer tax is 0.2% of the property value, paid at the time of registration. Notary fees vary based on property value and transaction complexity but typically range from 0.1% to 0.3% of the purchase price.

Registration fees paid to the Real Estate Registry (Conservador de Bienes Raíces) are generally modest, usually under $500 USD equivalent. Annual property taxes (contribuciones) average approximately 0.5% of the official assessed value but vary by region and property type.

Legal fees for attorney services typically range from 1% to 2% of the property value, depending on transaction complexity and due diligence requirements. There are rarely hidden charges if you work with reputable legal representation who provides transparent cost breakdowns upfront.

Additional costs may include property surveys for rural land, environmental assessments for certain properties, and translation services for documents.

Can foreigners buy land in Chile with cash, and are there any reporting or legal implications for doing so?

Foreigners can purchase land in Chile using cash, though bank transfers are generally preferred for transparency and security.

Large cash transactions may trigger additional reporting requirements under Chile's anti-money laundering regulations. Financial institutions and notaries are required to report cash transactions exceeding certain thresholds to prevent money laundering and ensure compliance with international financial standards.

Bank wire transfers provide better documentation trails and are considered safer for both buyers and sellers. Most Chilean banks can facilitate international transfers, though some may require additional documentation for large amounts from foreign sources.

Cash purchases are not prohibited by law, but proper documentation and transparency remain essential regardless of payment method. Your lawyer should advise on the most appropriate payment structure based on your specific situation and the transaction amount.

Currency exchange considerations may also influence your payment method choice, as exchange rates can fluctuate between agreement signing and final payment.

Is it possible for a foreigner to get a mortgage in Chile to buy land, and what are the typical conditions, interest rates, and tips for approval?

Foreigners can secure mortgages in Chile, though approval is more straightforward for those with established financial presence in the country.

Loan-to-value ratios typically reach up to 70% of the property value, requiring a minimum 30% down payment. Interest rates range from 4.44% to 15.15%, depending on the lender, borrower qualifications, and current market conditions.

Chilean residency significantly improves approval chances, though non-residents can still qualify with sufficient documentation. Having a Chilean guarantor with citizenship, maintaining local bank accounts, and demonstrating stable income or substantial assets in Chile enhances approval likelihood.

Major Chilean banks like Banco de Chile, BancoEstado, and Banco Santander offer mortgage products to qualified foreign buyers. The approval process typically takes 4-8 weeks and requires extensive financial documentation including income verification, asset statements, and credit history.

Private mortgage arrangements with sellers are sometimes possible, particularly for agricultural or rural properties, though these are usually short-term financing solutions rather than traditional long-term mortgages.

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 buying land in Chile provide a pathway to residency, long-term visa, or citizenship?

Simply purchasing land in Chile does not automatically grant residency, visa benefits, or citizenship to foreign buyers.

Chile does not offer a direct residency-by-investment program specifically tied to real estate purchases. However, investing over $500,000 in a qualifying business or development project (not just private property ownership) can qualify investors for an investor visa.

The investor visa pathway requires demonstrating that the investment creates economic value, generates employment, or contributes to national development. Real estate development projects, agricultural enterprises, or tourism ventures may qualify, but personal residential land purchases typically do not.

Temporary residency can lead to permanent residency after two years of continuous residence, and eventual citizenship after five years with integration requirements including language proficiency and cultural knowledge. Alternative residency pathways include employment-based visas, family reunification, and retirement visas for those meeting age and income requirements.

Consult with Chilean immigration lawyers to explore residency options based on your specific circumstances and investment plans.

Where in Chile do foreigners most commonly buy land, and what are the main reasons—farming, building homes, investment, etc.?

Foreign land purchases in Chile concentrate in several distinct regions, each offering unique advantages for different investment purposes.

Popular regions include Santiago for urban investment, Valparaíso/Viña del Mar for coastal lifestyle and tourism, Southern Chile including Puerto Varas, Pucón, and Valdivia for nature and luxury properties, Antofagasta for mining-related business, and La Serena/Coquimbo for coastal residential and tourism development.

Santiago and surrounding metropolitan areas attract investors seeking urban development opportunities, rental income properties, and commercial real estate ventures. The capital region offers strong infrastructure, established markets, and proximity to business centers.

Southern regions like the Lake District appeal to buyers seeking agricultural opportunities, eco-tourism developments, and lifestyle properties. These areas offer favorable climates for farming, stunning natural scenery, and growing tourism markets that support vacation rental investments.

Coastal regions attract both residential developers and vacation home buyers, with beach proximity and tourism potential driving investment decisions. Agricultural purchases often focus on wine-growing regions and export crop areas where Chile's climate advantages support profitable farming operations.

Investment motivations include portfolio diversification, lifestyle enhancement, agricultural production, tourism development, and long-term wealth preservation in a stable South American economy.

What are the average prices per hectare or square meter for land in different regions of Chile, and how have they evolved?

Land prices in Chile vary significantly by region, land type, and proximity to urban centers or tourist areas.

Agricultural land in central regions ranges from a few thousand to tens of thousands of USD per hectare, while prime coastal or urban plots command much higher prices. Recent trends show agricultural land in central regions experiencing annual price increases of 9-12%, with some rural development land near cities increasing by 30% or more in recent years.

In Santiago, the average price per square meter is approximately $2,300, but ranges from $1,600 to $3,000 depending on the specific neighborhood. Rural agricultural land in productive regions like the Central Valley may cost $5,000-$15,000 per hectare for good farmland, while premium wine-growing areas can exceed $25,000 per hectare.

Southern regions offer more affordable options, with forest land and pastoral areas ranging from $2,000-$8,000 per hectare depending on accessibility and development potential. Coastal properties command premium prices, often exceeding urban rates due to tourism value and limited availability outside restricted zones.

As of mid-2025, the market shows continued appreciation in most regions, driven by foreign investment, economic stability, and Chile's position as a regional safe haven for international capital.

Our detailed analysis covers pricing trends across all major regions in our Chile property pack.

What are the common mistakes foreigners make when buying land in Chile, and how can they avoid legal, financial, or logistical pitfalls?

Foreign buyers in Chile can avoid costly mistakes by understanding common pitfalls and implementing proper safeguards.

1. Skipping comprehensive due diligence: Failing to verify title history, liens, or legal disputes can result in expensive complications. Always hire qualified Chilean lawyers for thorough property investigations.
2. Ignoring geographical restrictions: Purchasing land near borders or coasts without proper authorization can create serious legal issues. Verify zoning and restriction compliance before making offers.
3. Underestimating total costs: Not budgeting for taxes, fees, legal expenses, and ongoing maintenance can strain finances. Request detailed cost breakdowns from your lawyer before proceeding.
4. Attempting self-representation: Navigating Chilean real estate law without local legal expertise increases risks significantly. Professional legal representation protects your interests and ensures compliance.
5. Overlooking natural disaster risks: Coastal and seismic zones face earthquake and tsunami risks. Assess natural hazard exposure and insurance requirements before investing.
6. Assuming automatic residency benefits: Believing that property purchase grants residency can lead to visa problems. Understand immigration requirements separately from property ownership.
7. Inadequate property surveys: Rural land boundaries can be imprecise. Independent surveys prevent boundary disputes and ensure you receive the expected acreage.

Working with experienced professionals, conducting thorough research, and maintaining realistic expectations help ensure successful land acquisitions in Chile.

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. TheLatinvestor - 12 tips for foreigners buying property in Chile in 2025
2. ICLG - Real Estate Laws and Regulations Report 2025 Chile
3. Baker McKenzie - Real Estate Law Chile Global Corporate Real Estate Guide
4. TheLatinvestor - Buying property in Chile as a foreigner: a full guide
5. TheLatinvestor - How to buy property in Chile as an American in 2024
6. Own Property Abroad - How to Buy Property in Chile as a Foreigner: 7-Step Guide
7. Generis Online - Understanding Foreign Ownership of Property in Chile
8. Gateway to South America - A Foreigner's Guide for Buying Farmland in Chile
9. TheLatinvestor - Yes, property prices will rise in Chile in 2025
10. TheLatinvestor - 6 statistics for the Santiago real estate market in 2025