Living in Chile: the ultimate expat guide

Everything you need to know for a successful life in Chile.

Guide updated byVeedushi Bissessur, on 10 October 2022

As South America's most stable country, Chile is significantly influenced by Western cultures. It is indeed a choice destination for expatriation thanks to its warm and hospitable population, its impressive landscapes and its great cultural and natural diversity.

Chile's openness to the rest of the world is a considerable advantage for expatriates looking for professional opportunities. Welcome to Chile!

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Formalities and visas in Chile

All you need to know to enter Chile and settle in. Learn entry requirements, the documents you need, how to apply for a visa or residency, and tips to navigate the bureaucracy smoothly.

Visas for Chile

Nationals from the majority of countries around the world can just show up in Chile without a visa ...

Permanent residency and citizenship in Chile

Permanent residency called permanencia definitiva is the permission granted to foreigners ...

The Working Holiday Visa for Chile

If you have always dreamed of visiting Chile in all its glory, hiking and trekking, walking on ...

Working in Chile

Boost your international career. Understand the local labour market, the legal framework, how to adapt your resume, apply to job offers and tips to find a job in Chile.

Working in Chile

It is quite challenging to get a job in Chile, and if you don't speak Spanish, your ...

Starting a business in Chile

Chile is considered one of the most stable economies in Latin America. As a tax-friendly country ...

The labour market in Chile

Chile is ranked as a high-income economy (first world or developed country) by the World Bank and ...

Internships in Chile

Studying in Chile

Universities, training courses, student visas, registration procedures: all you need to know about being an international student in Chile.

Study in Chile

In recent years, Chile has become an important destination for students from around the world who want to continue or further their education in a ...

Finance and banks in Chile

Tips to manage your money in Chile: from opening a bank account, transferring funds to filling your tax and understanding the fiscal system.

Opening a bank account in Chile

In order to open a bank account in Chile, you need a RUT number (or Chilean national ID), and ...

The cost of living in Chile

The cost of living in Chile can vary depending on many factors. For example, city living ...

Income tax in Chile

To work legally in Chile, all foreign employees must have registered for and received a RUT (Rol Único Tributario) number. This number will ...

Health care in Chile

Understand the healthcare system in Chile: public and private health system, health insurance options, how to access medical care...

Healthcare in Chile

Healthcare in Chile is modern and affordable and is rated as the best in Latin America; yet, it is not without its problems. Data collected by the ...

Accommodation in Chile

Explore real estate or temporary rentals in Chile. Find out more about renting or buying a house or a flat, real estate agents, leases and rental agreements.

Accommodation in Chile

Rentals are common in Chile. In small towns or rural parts, houses and cabins are the most common ...

Buying property in Chile

Chile has a history of strong private property rights for Chilean citizens and foreigners alike. ...

Planning your move to Chile

Moving to Chile? Get advice and tips to planning your relocation, choosing the best company, packing your belongings and managing customs procedures.

Relocating to Chile

Relocating to a foreign country can certainly be a daunting task. Yet, with proper planning, it can ...

Relocating to Chile with your pet

Chile has rules and regulations on the entrance of animals into the country, but bring your pet is ...

Leisure in Chile

Enjoy you free time while living in Chile. Discover sports, leisure, cultural activities and entertainment options to make the most of your expat life.

Things to see and to do in Chile

Many beautiful parks, lakes, rivers in addition to the stunning coastline and mountains are at ...

The Chilean cuisine

The food culture and traditions of Chile stem from its native Mapuche heritage as well as from the ...

Everyday life in Chile

Want to know what life in Chile is really like? Here's a taste: explore the country, find tips to use transportation, to set up internet and phone services, and everything you need to live like a local.

Getting around Chile

Chile has many options for public transportation as the price of gasoline can be quite high and thus, many people don't own cars. Gas prices as of ...

Phones, Internet, and Mail in Chile

If you are wondering how to obtain a landline, a mobile phone or internet, or how to send mail in Chile, here's an overview of the local ...

The Chilean lifestyle

Lifestyle in Chile greatly depends on whether you opt for the city or country life, the climate, ...

About Veedushi Bissessur

I hold a French diploma and worked as a journalist in Mauritius for six years. I have over a decade of experience as a bilingual web editor at Expat.com, including five years as an editorial assistant. Before joining the Expat.com team, I worked as a journalist/reporter in several Mauritian newsrooms. My experience of over six years in the Mauritian press gave me the opportunity to meet many prominent figures and cover a wide range of events across various topics.

Join the Chile expat community

Connect with +3M members

Share your experience and get insights from fellow expats