Chile
Republic of Chile · Capital: Santiago
The region's most stable and developed economy, with strong institutions, a startup-friendly 'Start-Up Chile' programme, excellent mining and a tech-savvy capital in Santiago.
Migration statistics
Who is arriving
Top source countries and the make-up of recent arrivals into Chile.
Policy overview
2 visa routes into Chile
Eligibility, fees, processing times and whether each route leads to permanent residence.
CL-TWV
Residence for professionals with a Chilean job offer or in-demand skills.
Eligibility
- Job offer or qualifications
- Clean record
Document checklist (10 items)
Core
Professional
Background
Start-Up Chile Visa
EntrepreneurCL-SUC
Residence and equity-free funding for founders accepted into Start-Up Chile.
Eligibility
- Accepted startup
- Viable venture
Document checklist (9 items)
Core
Professional
Financial
Background
Economic context
The numbers behind the move
Pay reflects the local market in Chile, what you'd typically earn there, not your current salary.
Skill shortages
Sectors actively recruiting from abroad
Where Chile needs foreign talent most, and what those roles pay.
Mining & engineering
The world's top copper producer, plus booming lithium, drives technical demand.
Tech & startups
Santiago ('Chilecon Valley') is a leading regional startup hub.
Recent changes
What's changed lately
Recent policy changes that affect migrants, newest first.
No policy changes recorded in the last 90 days. The intelligence agent is monitoring.
Quality of life
What living there feels like
Santiago
Capital & business hubThe modern, mountain-framed capital with most jobs, startups and amenities.
- Cost index
- 58
- 1-bed rent
- $650
- Quality
- 74
Valparaíso
Bohemian portA hilly, artistic UNESCO port city beside Viña del Mar.
- Cost index
- 50
- 1-bed rent
- $480
- Quality
- 72
Concepción
University & industryA major university and industrial city in the greener south.
- Cost index
- 48
- 1-bed rent
- $450
- Quality
- 72
Safety & climate
The reception you can expect
How welcoming the public and political mood is, how safe it is, and how geopolitically stable the country is right now.
Anti-migrant sentiment
trendOpen to skilled migrants and founders; recent migration waves have raised the political temperature.
Higher = more hostile public/political climate.
Geopolitical stability
A composite of governance, security and regional-risk signals. Higher means a more predictable environment for settling long term.
Higher = more stable.
Safety
Generally safer than regional peers, though property crime has risen in Santiago.
Higher = safer (crime index 50/100).
Where to live
Which Chile city fits you?
Cities matched to who you are, career, family, retirement, study or remote work. We flag the ones to consider and the ones to approach with care.
Santiago
Andes-backed metropolis
The modern, mountain-framed capital with most jobs, startups and amenities.
Concepción
Southern & green
A major university and industrial city in the greener south.
Valparaíso
Colourful & arty
A hilly, artistic UNESCO port city beside Viña del Mar.
Get expert help
Immigration solicitors for Chile
Vetted partners who specialise in these routes. Premium partners appear first.
No partner solicitors listed for Chile yet. Become a partner →
Keep exploring