Does Chile have a digital nomad visa?

People use the phrase “Chile digital nomad visa” to describe a legal way to live in Chile while working remotely for a foreign employer or foreign clients. In many countries, that’s a dedicated “digital nomad” program. In others, remote workers typically use a different category (visitor permissions for short stays, or a temporary residence route for longer stays).

Because the correct pathway depends on:

• your nationality and passport
• how long you plan to stay
• whether your income is foreign-sourced
• the current Chile visa policy and categories

Treat “digital nomad visa” as a goal, not a form name. The best approach is to confirm the category that matches your situation and is explicitly allowed under Chile’s current rules.

What a “digital nomad visa” usually allows (and what it doesn’t)

In practice, digital nomad-style stays typically revolve around one idea: you are not entering the country to take local employment, but to live temporarily while continuing remote work tied to foreign income.

Commonly allowed

• working remotely for a foreign employer
• freelancing for foreign clients
• running a foreign-registered online business
• tourism and domestic travel while you’re based in Chile

Commonly restricted or sensitive

• taking work for a Chilean employer without the correct work authorization
• staying beyond the permitted period without extension/renewal
• misrepresenting your work status at entry or in applications

That last point matters. If you’ve ever been asked “what’s the purpose of your visit?” at immigration, you already know why accuracy matters.

Chile digital nomad visa requirements (documents you should prepare)

Exact requirements can vary by route, but most remote-work applications succeed or fail based on the same core documents. Prepare these early and you’ll avoid the last-minute scramble.

1) Passport and identity

• valid passport with sufficient validity remaining
• passport-style photo(s), if required
• any required forms or declarations

2) Proof you can work remotely

• Employees: employment letter confirming your role and remote status
• Freelancers/contractors: signed client contracts, invoices, or engagement letters
• Business owners: documentation that shows business activity and ownership

3) Proof of income and financial stability

• bank statements (readable, consistent, and complete)
• payslips or payment confirmations
• tax documents if requested by your pathway

4) Health coverage and risk documents (sometimes required)

• travel/health insurance policy details
• background/police clearance (requirements vary widely)

5) Address or accommodation plan

• initial accommodation booking, host details, or address in Chile
• basic plan for where you’ll be based (city/region)

If documents are not in Spanish, check whether certified translations or apostilles are required for your application channel.

How to apply (a step-by-step workflow that keeps you organized)

1. Confirm the correct category for remote work based on your nationality and intended stay length.
2. Read the current instructions from the official authority handling the application (portal/consulate).
3. Create a document folder with consistent file naming, and keep both PDF and image versions where appropriate.
4. Write a clear purpose statement (short, factual): who you work for, where income is paid, how long you plan to stay, and where you’ll live.
5. Submit and track confirmation numbers, emails, and deadlines.
6. Respond quickly if you receive a request for additional information.

If you want a simple rule: never submit anything that you can’t explain in one sentence. Applications tend to get stuck when documents are messy, inconsistent, or hard to interpret.

Remote work life in Chile: what to plan beyond the visa

A visa (or the correct legal pathway) gets you in the door. Your day-to-day setup is what makes the move sustainable.

Choosing a base city

• Santiago: practical for services, flights, and a large city lifestyle
• Coastal areas: slower pace and weekends by the ocean
• Travel-heavy routes: better for short bursts unless your work schedule is very flexible

Time zone and meeting fatigue

For teams in North America, Chile can be workable. For teams in Europe or Asia, meeting windows can be tight. Plan your base and your work hours with reality in mind, not optimism.

Connectivity: don’t improvise this

Here’s the thing: immigration admin, banking, and landlord communication all happen on your phone. Even if your accommodation Wi‑Fi is fine, you still need mobile data for:

• arrival navigation (airport to accommodation)
• two-factor logins and account verification
• appointments, emails, and document uploads when you’re out
• hotspot backup during outages

A Zetsim eSIM for Chile helps you get connected without hunting for a physical SIM. Install it on Wi‑Fi before departure, then activate on arrival and you’re online.

Tip: If your phone supports dual SIM, keep your home SIM for calls/SMS (bank codes) and use Zetsim for data.

Common mistakes that delay applications

• Calling it a “digital nomad visa” without confirming the legal category: terminology can be informal and misleading.
• Weak proof of remote work: a vague letter without details often triggers follow-up requests.
• Inconsistent income proof: mismatched names, dates, or unexplained deposits cause delays.
• Not planning for translations: if translations are required, they can add significant time.
• Waiting to solve connectivity after arrival: it’s harder to do everything (and keep calm) when you’re offline.

If you’re moving countries to work remotely, the goal is predictable systems. Connectivity is one of them. Make it boring.

FAQ: Chile digital nomad visa

Verify requirements with official sources

Servicio Nacional de Migraciones · Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores · Gobierno de Chile