Permanent residence (Residencia Definitiva) after temporary residence
Official name: Residencia Definitiva (Ley 21.325, art. 78-79)
Temporary residents whose subcategory allows it can apply online to SERMIG for permanent residence, which lets them live in Chile indefinitely and do any lawful activity. For temporary permits applied for after 14 May 2022, at least 24 months as a temporary resident are needed; this can be cut to 12 months (family ties with Chileans, pensions, investment and others) or lengthened (low income, unstable work, long absences, infractions).
Life in Chile
Finance
3
Currency
Chilean Peso
CLP
Chilean Peso
Cost of living
51
Price level · US = 100
World Bank price levels, 2025
Tax
4–40%
Income tax (national)
VAT (IVA) 19%
Monthly second-category tax: exempt up to about CLP 977,940 a month (Nov 2026 table); 40% above about CLP 22.46 million a month.
Living
1
Happiness
#48 of 145 countries
World Happiness Report 2025
Your edge here Premium
What gives you an edge here: passports, visas and permits you hold, work, study, language and family ties
Who it’s for
Holders of a current temporary residence permit in a subcategory that leads to permanent residence.
Eligibility
24 months of temporary residence
Sign in to check this route against your profileYou need at least 24 months as a temporary resident for subcategories applied for after 14 May 2022.
Time as a temporary resident
For subcategories applied for after 14 May 2022- Standard
- 24 months
- Reducedfor listed grounds
- 12 months
- Reduction: family ties with Chileans or permanent residents
- Reduction: official missions, or income or pensions
- Reduction: investments or companies operating in Chile
- Reduction: social, cultural, scientific or sporting contribution, or international agreements
Official wording
For subcategories applied for after 14 May 2022, at least 24 months as a temporary resident. Can be reduced to 12 months for family ties with Chileans or permanent residents, official missions, income or pensions, investments or companies operating in Chile, social/cultural/scientific/sporting contribution, or international agreements.
Timing
Sign in to check this route against your profileApply before the deadline for extending your temporary permit, and no more than 90 days before it expires.
90 days
Application window
Official wording
Apply before the deadline for extending the temporary permit, no more than 90 days before it expires.
Means of support
Sign in to check this route against your profileShow proof of your activity and income, or, if you are a dependant, proof of the supporting person's income.
- Accepted: employment, self-employment, rental income, pension or business
- SERMIG may require more than 24 months if household income is below the Ministry of Social Development's minimum
- SERMIG may also require more if lawful income was missing for at least half the temporary residence
Official wording
Proof of activity and income (employment, self-employment, rental income, pension or business) or, for dependants, proof of the supporting person's income. SERMIG may require more than 24 months if household income is below the Ministry of Social Development's minimum, or if lawful income was missing for at least half the temporary residence.
A sneak peek at what's inside
- Document checklist
- Fees
- Steps to apply
The full requirements are for members
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- 6 documents
- 1 fee
- 3 steps
- Processing times and conditions
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Attractions picked for you, based on your profile and interests.
Finding places for you…
Official sources
Other routes to Chile
- Visit & tourismTourist visa (visa de turismo / prior consular authorisation) for Transitory Stay
- StudyTemporary residence for students
- Work permitsResidencia Temporal – subcategoría Extranjeros que desarrollan actividades lícitas remuneradas
- 3 more routes with Premium
