Blog · 2024-02-26

Giving birth in Chile in 2025: the pros and cons of one of the most popular destinations

Chile, a country in the south-west of South America, draws not only tourists but also expectant parents with its striking landscapes and distinctive culture - and many now consider giving birth on its soil. Here we look at the main advantages and drawbacks of having a baby in Chile.

The advantages of giving birth in Chile

Citizenship for the child

A Chilean passport is acquired by right of birth on national territory. Its benefits include:

Visa-free entry to more than 160 countries, including the United States, Australia and Canada.
Free medical care.
Free education.
The right to live and work in a country with a warm, mild climate.

Citizenship for the parents

Once the child is born, the parents can obtain residency, and after two years of living in the country as residents, citizenship.

Dual citizenship is permitted

Visa-free travel for Russian nationals

The visa-free regime makes it possible to visit the country before the birth, and it also lets relatives and friends who want to visit you travel to Chile without obstacles.

Quality of medical care

Chile is known for one of the best healthcare systems in Latin America. There is a wide choice of hospitals for childbirth and attentive, caring treatment of patients. Giving birth in Chile is comfortable and safe.

Cost

The cost of childbirth in Chilean clinics is far lower than in the United States or Europe - around 5,000 dollars.

The drawbacks of giving birth in Chile

Language barrier

The main language of communication in Chile is Spanish, which can create a number of difficulties when dealing with doctors.

Crime

Bureaucracy

Handling the paperwork for residency or citizenship can be difficult.

Giving birth in Chile means high-quality, affordable medical care, along with citizenship for both the child and the parents. Even so, it is worth weighing all the pros and cons carefully to make the right choice about where your child will come into the world.

FAQ

Does a baby born in Chile get citizenship?

Yes, Chile grants citizenship by birth on its soil. The passport opens visa-free travel to more than 160 countries, including the US, Canada and Australia, along with free public healthcare and schooling.

How much does giving birth in Chile cost?

Roughly 5,000 US dollars, far below comparable care in the US or western Europe. The final bill depends on the clinic, the room and whether there were complications.

Do the parents get residency after the birth?

Yes. Parents of a Chilean-born child can apply for a residence permit, and after two years in the country as residents they can apply for citizenship.

Do Russians need a visa for Chile?

No, Russian citizens travel visa-free. That makes it easy to arrive well before the due date and for relatives to visit the family afterwards.

Does Chile allow dual citizenship?

Yes. Neither the child nor the parents have to give up an existing passport to hold Chilean citizenship.

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