Permanent Residence in Chile in 2026

Chile's Residencia Definitiva allows an eligible foreign national to reside indefinitely in Chile and carry out lawful activities without the temporary-residence time limit.

Standard 24-month rule

For eligible temporary-residence applications made after 14 May 2022, SERMIG states that principal applicants generally must have resided in Chile as temporary residents for at least 24 months.

Not every temporary-residence subcategory necessarily admits permanent-residence progression. The applicant must hold a category that expressly allows it and apply within the timing rules before the temporary permit expires.

Possible 12-month reduction

SERMIG explains that the minimum can be reduced to 12 months after considering circumstances such as family ties to Chileans or definitive residents, official missions, pensions or income, investments and/or operating businesses in Chile, certain contributions to Chilean society, and applicable international agreements.

A reduction is not automatic merely because a person invests or owns a company.

When a longer period can apply

SERMIG may require more than 24 months in circumstances including insufficient means, lack of economic stability, extended absences or relevant immigration, labor, tax and other legal infringements. The current absence table states a 24-month minimum with up to two months of absence, increasing to 30, 36 or 48 months as absences grow.

Founder and professional planning

Applicants using Investor Residence, Remunerated Activities Residence, or treaty routes should verify that their exact temporary subcategory admits definitive residence and keep evidence of lawful income, activity and compliance.

See the Chile immigration hub, methodology, and legal disclaimer.

Official and supporting sources

Related routes in Chile