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Chile

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At a glance

Living index rating
Moderate
Monthly rent
CLP 250,000 – CLP 450,000 for a shared room in Santiago
Monthly food
CLP 200,000 – CLP 300,000
Other monthly expenses
CLP 100,000 – CLP 200,000 (transport, phone, health insurance, personal)
Visa processing time
About 2 – 4 months; apply early
Family allowed for students
Yes

Visa requirements

  • Temporary residence for students, applied for from abroad through the Servicio Nacional de Migraciones online portal (courses over 180 days)
  • Enrolment letter from a recognised Chilean institution
  • Criminal record certificate (apostilled) and 3 months of bank statements or a scholarship letter
  • Health insurance and passport
  • Register with the PDI (police) and get your Chilean ID after arrival
  • The student permit doesn't allow work unless you request work permission as well

Work permit after studies

  • No dedicated post-study work visa
  • Graduates can apply for a temporary residence permit for work with a job offer, or other temporary residence subcategories

Citizenship route

  • Permanent residence (residencia definitiva) after 24 months on qualifying temporary residence; student residence on its own doesn't usually qualify
  • Naturalisation after 5 years of residence while holding permanent residence (2 years if married to a Chilean)

Family details

  • A spouse and dependent children can apply for separate dependant residence permits
  • You must show you can support all of them, and dependants can't work on that permit

Universities in Chile

Top-ranked

All other universities and colleges (85), A–Z

This guide is for general information. Visa and immigration rules change often, so always check the official government website before you apply. Last updated 6 October 2026.