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Chile Independent Means Visas
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Program Type:
Independent Means Visa
Processing Time:
2-3 months
Citizenship Timeline:
5 years
Permanent Residency Timeline:
2 years
Physical Presence Required:
None
Citizenship Visa-Free Access:
175 countries
Minimum Contribution:
None
On This Page
Program Overview
Chile Independent Means Visas
Chile offers Rentista (rentier) or Pensionado (pensioner) visas those who can demonstrate a regular income, such as pensions, rental income, dividends, or even salaries – sufficient to maintain themselves and their families.
After two years of holding a temporary Chilean residence permit, the individual can convert their visas to a permanent residence permit.
Following five years of continuous residency in Chile, subject to having spent most of their time in the country, applicants are eligible for Chilean citizenship.
Chilean citizenship comes with a top 20 passport in terms of visa-free travel, and the right to reside permanently within South America’s Mercosur area.
Chile Independent Means Visas
How to Qualify
Though there are no explicit minimum amounts for Chile’s Rentista (rentier) or Pensionado visas, the applicant must, in practice, demonstrate a minimum monthly income of some US$1,500, as well as smaller additional amounts if spouses or children are included. The income should be recurring and come from sources like pensions, dividends, annuities, rental income, salaries, and similar predictable revenue streams.
It is possible to work in Chile while on this type of visa. You need not be retired.
Chile Independent Means Visas
Salient Benefits
- No investment or donation requirement
- Path to citizenship
- Permits dual/multiple citizenship
- Lower cost of living
- Warm climate
- Enhanced business access to large economes
- Short processing time
Chile Independent Means Visas
Citizenship Timeline and Requirements
Those aiming to ultimately obtain Chilean citizenship should follow the below steps.
After holding a temporary Rentista/Pensionado for 2 years, the person may apply for permanent residency.
Permanent residency is valid indefinitely as long as the individual continues to meet the financial requirement and is not absent from Chile for more than two consecutive years. The PR card itself is valid for five years, but is renewable.
After five years of residency in Chile, the applicant is eligible for citizenship, subject to proficiency in Spanish language and the passing of a civics exam. In practice, the process to obtain the nationality can take up to 2 years.
Browse 195 countries’ paths to citizenship in the hyper-detailed IMI Citizenship Catalog.
Chile Independent Means Visas
Program Authority and Legal Basis
Applications for this program may be directed to National Migration Service.
Legislation upon which this program is based Law No. 21.325 Migration and Aliens Act 2021 Paragraph IV Article 70 (12).
Chile Independent Means Visas
IMI Pros Who Can Help You
Chile Independent Means Visas
Recent Stories About This Destination
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November 19, 2025
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Chile Independent Means Visas
Program Statistics
See more statistics on this program and others in the IMI Data Center.