Blog · 2024-04-08

Relocating to Chile in 2025: pros, cons, residency and the cost of living

About the country

Chile is a developed country of roughly 19 million people, 36% of whom live in the capital, Santiago. It ranks 33rd on the Global Competitiveness Index (Russia sits at 43rd) and boasts the highest GDP per capita in Latin America.

The upsides of moving to Chile

Climate and nature

Lakes, rivers, mountains, volcanoes, glaciers and deserts - and an ocean that is never far away, wherever you are in the country. Chile draws people in with its abundant, affordable berries, fruit and vegetables and its clean air and water. Just as appealing are the atmosphere, the warmth of the locals, the number of sunny days, the Mediterranean climate and the chance to live by the coast.

A growing economy

The country's economy is expanding steadily.

Relative safety

By regional standards, Chile is considered one of the safer countries to live in.

The ability to stay long-term

Russians can stay in Chile as tourists for 90 days at a time, up to a maximum of 180 days a year. Once the 90 days run out, you can apply to the police for a single 90-day extension. When that second stretch ends, many foreigners who have not yet obtained residency simply cross into neighbouring Argentina for a day, which resets the 180-day cycle.

A strong passport

Many people come to Chile for the passport itself. Its biggest advantage is visa-free entry to the United States. In 2024 the Chilean passport ranks 16th in the world.

The downsides of moving to Chile

Street crime

It is most prevalent in poorer neighbourhoods with large populations of migrants from Venezuela and Argentina.

A high cost of living

Healthcare, education and services all come at a price. A comfortable income is considered to be no less than $1,000 per person.

No heating or insulation in apartments

From mid-June to the end of September homes are cold, the winters are rainy, and daytime temperatures can drop to 17 degrees. Heating relies on electric appliances, which pushes up utility bills.

A different standard of service

Newcomers may find the level of customer service unfamiliar.

Obtaining residency in Chile

You can apply for citizenship after five years of legal residence in Chile, but you must first obtain permanent residency (PMJ). Permanent residency, in turn, is available after at least two years of holding temporary residency (VNZh). In total, you need to spend at least three and a half years in the country to earn a passport.

A child born in Chile becomes a citizen by right of soil. Their parents, grandparents then gain a lifelong entitlement to apply for temporary residency, which is granted for two years. Through a fast-track process they can obtain permanent residency after one year, and one year after that they can apply for a passport.

Aside from birthright routes, three types of residency are popular among Russians: the rentier visa, the student visa and the work visa.

The rentier visa assumes you have passive income from abroad. Residency for a pensioner requires a pension certificate stating the amount and validity period. To qualify for a work-based residency you need a signed employment contract with a company. Students admitted to higher-education institutions can also obtain residency.

Residency is granted to investors who put at least $500,000 into the Chilean economy.

How much does it cost to live in Chile?

Locals are reluctant to rent to foreigners with uncertain status. A one-bedroom apartment in central Santiago can be found for $300, while in upscale districts such as Las Condes prices start at $1,000.

Healthcare in Chile is of a fairly high standard, but to use it you need Fonasa insurance. Those in formal employment are entitled to full medical cover that pays 60% to 80% of the cost of treatment at a good private clinic.

Free state schools are available to all residents.

Work and taxes in Chile

Chile has a stable economy that supports reliable investment, a solid banking system and a local currency that neither swings sharply against the dollar nor sustains any shadow exchange market.

One of the economy's strongest points is its tax system. Someone earning around $1,000 a month pays no tax at all. On an income of $2,000 to $3,500, the rate is around 3.5%.

Running a legitimate business is straightforward. The country has an affluent middle class and consumers with real spending power. Locals are not spoiled by high-end service, so Russians who launch a business aimed at the local market stand a good chance of success.

Opening a bank account in Chile

You cannot open an account with a Chilean bank without residency, and even holding residency does not guarantee a full-featured account - at first it will come with restrictions. Banco Santander, for example, will issue a Russian resident a Super Digital card in the Cuenta Vista format, which carries a daily spending limit of one million pesos ($1,000) and allows no more than $300 in cash withdrawals per day. Banco Santander and Banco Falabella process cards the fastest.

You can buy a car or an apartment in Chile without residency, but you will need a taxpayer identification number, the RUT. Russians without residency can obtain a temporary RUT using their foreign passport.

Cultural life in Chile

Chile hosts a huge number of festivals, concerts and other events. The capital regularly draws big-name shows such as After Life and Cirque du Soleil, along with plenty of theatre productions and classical concerts.

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