Chile Business Visa
A Chile Business Visa covers foreign nationals travelling to Chile for non-employment business activities — meetings, negotiations, or “gestión de negocios” (business management/dealings) — without the intention of settling, working under a local employer, or establishing residence. Chilean immigration law does not treat this as a separate legal visa category: it falls under the same “Permanencia Transitoria” short-stay permit used for tourism and family visits, with the business purpose stated on the application.
As with the Tourist Visa, nationals of most countries can enter Chile for business purposes without prior authorisation, while nationals of certain countries — determined by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MINREL) on grounds of national interest or reciprocity — must obtain prior consular authorisation before travelling. The permit allows a stay of up to 90 days, extendable once for a further 90 days, and does not authorise paid employment in Chile.
Foreign nationals who intend to actually work for a Chilean employer, or invest in and manage a business over an extended period, require a different route — a Residencia Temporal permit issued by the Servicio Nacional de Migraciones (SERMIG), under subcategories such as “personas que realizan actividades remuneradas lícitas” (lawful remunerated activity) or “personas que desarrollan gestión de negocios de manera multi-entrada” (multi-entry business management). This page focuses primarily on the short-term business visit route.
Eligibility
For a short-term Business Visa (Permanencia Transitoria):
- Applicant must have a genuine, documented business purpose — meetings, negotiations, or business dealings — without taking up local employment.
- Applicant must hold a valid passport or travel document valid through the intended stay.
- Applicant must demonstrate sufficient economic solvency for the trip.
- Applicant must provide a letter from the business contact or host company in Chile.
- Whether prior authorisation is required depends on the applicant’s nationality.
For longer-term business activity (Residencia Temporal via SERMIG):
- Applicant must fall under an approved Residencia Temporal subcategory, such as lawful remunerated activity or multi-entry business management.
- Applicant must provide documentation supporting the nature and legality of the business activity in Chile.
Government Visa Fees
| Fee Type | Government Fee (USD) |
| Business Visa — Single or Multiple Entry (Permanencia Transitoria) | Varies by nationality — set by MINREL’s official fee schedule |
| Residencia Temporal (longer-term business activity, via SERMIG) | Varies by nationality and subcategory |
Chile’s visa fees are set nationality by nationality in an official tariff table published by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Information may vary depending on the visa category and individual circumstances. Always confirm the current fee for your nationality on the Chilean consulate’s website, and note that exchange rates fluctuate daily.
Processing Time
For a short-term Business Visa, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs does not publish a fixed universal processing time, since the application is first reviewed at the consulate and then forwarded to Santiago for a final decision. Processing can vary depending on the specific consulate, the completeness of the documentation, and current application volumes.
For longer-term business activity requiring a Residencia Temporal permit through SERMIG, processing follows a separate online system and can take considerably longer, given the additional documentation and legal review involved. Applicants pursuing either route should apply as early as possible and avoid finalising business travel or relocation plans until the visa or permit is confirmed. Information may vary depending on the visa category and individual circumstances.
Required Documents Checklist
For a short-term Business Visa:
- Valid Passport or travel document
- Passport-sized Photograph
- Completed Visa Application Form (via SAC)
- Government Fee Receipt
- Business Invitation Letter from the host company in Chile
- Employer’s Letter confirming the purpose of the trip
- Proof of Economic Solvency
- Confirmed Flight Itinerary
- Travel Insurance (recommended)
For longer-term business activity (Residencia Temporal):
- Valid Passport
- Documentation supporting the business activity (contracts, company registration, or investment documents)
- Proof of Economic Solvency
- Police Clearance Certificate
- Medical Certificate (where required)
- Supporting documents specific to the Residencia Temporal subcategory
Step-by-Step Application Process
Important Notes
Why Choose Shivansh Consultants
Whether you need a short-term Business Visa for meetings in Chile or a longer-term Residencia Temporal permit to manage or invest in a Chilean business, Shivansh Consultants offers Documentation Support and a clear Eligibility Assessment to identify the right path for your situation.
We provide thorough Application Review, Personalized Guidance on structuring your business documentation, and a Transparent Process throughout. With End-to-End Assistance, we help you present a complete, accurate application. We do not guarantee visa approval, as this decision rests entirely with the relevant Chilean authorities.