Pathway

Chile Permanent Residence

Chile Residency

Updated October 8, 2026

Pathway overview

At a glance

Chile’s permanent residence route is for holders of qualifying temporary permits. The usual requirement is 24 months, but personal circumstances and time abroad can change the period.

Current status: Eligible temporary residence
Usual history: 24 months; exceptions change the period
Evidence: Residence, activity, and support records

Summary

Holders of qualifying Chilean temporary permits can apply for permanent residence to make Chile their long-term home. The ordinary period is twenty-four months, but some family, pension, investment or contribution cases may qualify after twelve. Absences and other circumstances can instead raise the required period to thirty, thirty-six or forty-eight months.

Check that the temporary category allows this change before calculating time: seasonal, medical and certain other permissions are excluded. The file also needs activity and financial-support evidence and must be submitted within the allowed pre-expiry window. Long absences after approval can end the status.

Eligibility

Your temporary category must allow an application for permanent residence. Seasonal, medical, and certain other categories are excluded; a visitor cannot use this as a first residence application.

The usual requirement is 24 months. Certain family, pension, investment, or contribution cases may qualify after 12 months. Absences and other circumstances can increase the period to 30, 36, or 48 months. Dependents may have different rules.

You need the documents for your category, current identity and background records, and proof of your activity and financial support. Apply within the allowed period before temporary residence expires.

Check your permit and time in Chile

Current temporary residence Confirm your category allows permanent residence Some temporary permissions are excluded; identify the exact legal basis of the current permit.
Individual residence calculation Calculate the required residence period Start with the usual 24 months, then check supported reductions or longer periods due to absences and other circumstances.
Before expiration Apply within the allowed window Prepare support, compliance and background records before temporary residence expires.

Two calendar years are not an automatic grant. Permanent residence has its own later absence and retention rules, separate from citizenship.

What This Route Allows

If approved, you can live in Chile indefinitely and do lawful work. You must continue to meet the rules for keeping permanent residence.

What This Route Is Not

Permanent residence is not citizenship or an automatic result after two calendar years. Spending more than two continuous years abroad can end the status unless you obtain an available extension.

Next Steps

Check that your temporary category allows permanent residence.
Use SERMIG’s guidance to confirm the required period and how your absences affect it.
Gather the full checklist for your category, including support, activity, identity, and background records.
Apply online, normally during the 90 days before your temporary permission expires.