Chile has lured many a digital nomad from its seat between the Andes Mountains and the Pacific Ocean. The narrow Latin American nation offers natural beauty, vibrant culture, and modern amenities that draw remote workers looking to mingle adventure and productivity.
If you’re a digital nomad contemplating a move to Chile, there are some logistical matters to take care of before embarking on your next work-life adventure. Below, we'll walk you through the details of remote work in the country, from the visa application process to work infrastructure to day-to-day Chilean life.
Eligibility and visa requirements
Short-term stays
Entering and living in Chile will depend on how long you plan to stay. For those seeking a short-term trip, obtaining a Chilean visa is straightforward.
Upon entry, Chile offers a tourist visa (called the "Tarjeta del Turismo") that covers the first 90 days of your trip. This initial period can be extended an additional 90 days with the payment of a fee — currently around 100 USD — at the Chilean Immigration Office in Santiago. This extension must be submitted within the final 30 days of your previous visa but prior to the visa’s expiration date.
Long-term stays
If you intend to stay in Chile longer than three months, you must apply for a Temporary Residency Visa. The Temporary Residency Visa (Residencia Temporal permit) is valid for up to two years.
Temporary residency visa requirements
Because your Residencia Temporal permit can take a few weeks to a few months to be approved, it's wise to start the process as soon as possible. Before you apply, check that you meet the requirements and have appropriate documentation.
Here’s what temporary residency seekers need to get a visa.
- Proof of income. Remote workers looking to stay in Chile must provide proof of sufficient income from outside Chile — typically around 1,000 USD per month or more.
Alternatively, you may provide bank statements showing at least 18,000 USD in savings to demonstrate you can support yourself during your stay.
- Criminal record. You need evidence of a clean criminal record from your home country.
- Proof of health insurance. Visa seekers will need proof of valid health insurance coverage in Chile.
- Proof of accommodation. Applicants must secure and provide proof of accommodation in Chile, such as a rental agreement or hotel booking information.
- A valid passport.
- Four passport-sized photos.
Steps to apply for temporary residency
Once you’ve assembled your documentation, you can submit your application. Here’s how to apply for a Chilean Temporary Resident Visa, step-by-step:
- Apply online. The online application can be found at the Chilean immigration portal, where you can create an account. (Note that the portal is in Spanish, so use your browser’s translation feature if you don’t speak the language.)
- Scan, upload, and submit your documents. Upload the documentation mentioned above to the portal, including your proof of income, clean criminal record, health insurance, and accommodations.
- Pay the application fee. Once your application and documents are submitted, pay the application fee. This amount will vary depending on your home country.
- Wait for your application to be processed. The processing time can take several weeks to a few months. You can check the status of your application on the account you created in the first step.
Benefits of digital nomading in Chile
We’ve covered the "how" of digital nomading in Chile — now let’s talk about the why. Below, we explore daily life and work for digital nomads in the country and the adventures to be had away from screens.
Infrastructure and connectivity. Chile's major cities offer reliable Internet infrastructure as one of South America’s most modernized countries. High-speed Internet is easy to find in the growing number of Internet cafes and co-working spaces, particularly in the capital of Santiago.
Time zone alignment. CLT, or Chile Standard Time, is UTC/GMT -4 hours. Chile’s time zone offers crossover for collaboration and communication with workdays in North America and Europe.
Cost of living. The cost of living in Chile’s major cities is moderate. It’s higher than some Latin American countries but still quite affordable compared to many Western countries. Significantly cheaper accommodations, transportation, and necessities can be found outside the major cities.
Safety and stability. As one of Latin America’s most prosperous and stable countries, Chile is a safe place to live and visit. Petty crime, such as pickpocketing, can still occur in crowded tourist areas but can be avoided with vigilance and common sense precautions.
Community. Many digital nomads and expats have made Chile their home, and these active communities of travelers offer opportunities to make new business and personal connections. Meanwhile, Chilean locals are famed for their hospitality and friendliness. Chilenos and chilenas embrace visitors with open arms, making it easy to feel welcomed and integrated in local communities.
Natural beauty. Chile’s unique geography straddles a dizzying array of different landscapes, from the Atacama desert of the north to the wild landscapes of Patagonia in the south; from the epic heights of the Andes Mountains in the east and thousands of miles of Pacific coastline in the west. Chile’s legendary outdoor recreation draws devotees from around the world, seeking to trek untouched wilderness, ski down pristine slopes, or kayak along secluded coastlines.
Culture and history. Beyond its natural wonders, Chile's rich cultural tapestry also offers plenty of opportunities for adventure away from your keyboard. Chileans are proud of their artistic heritage, which blends the visual, literary, and musical arts both past and present. Urban centers offer a diverse blend of indigenous traditions alongside contemporary street art, while historically significant sites like Easter Island and Pukará de Quito can be found beyond city limits.
Gastronomy. No exploration of Chile would be complete without indulging in its cuisine, which blends European and indigenous influences. Luckily, food markets, street vendors, and fine dining establishments abound throughout the country. Chile is famous for fantastic seafood dishes along the coastline — such as ceviche and chupe de mariscos (a hearty seafood casserole) — while inland offerings include traditional hearty dishes like empanadas, asado (barbecue), and cazuela (a chunky beef and veggie stew).