Obtaining a Visa (English Version)
Generally, we begin the visa process roughly 60 days before arrival, although this depends a bit on the consulate you apply for the visa. You will need to get a VISA TEMPORARIA PARA PROFESIONALES Y TÉCNICOS DE NIVEL SUPERIOR, this type of visa can last for up to one year (365 days), leads directly to a PERMANENT RESIDENCY visa. It allows one to be paid from multiple sources and also allows foreigners the flexibility to issue “boletas” (legal document representing a manner of payment) for any other institution other than the one who is contracting them. Because of this, we do not accept any other type of visa.
In order to complete the process, please follow these steps:
1. The first step is to contact the Chilean embassy or consulate in the country you are living and check what the required documents are to obtain your VISA TEMPORARIA, some consulates have special requirements, so check this information directly with them. Visit https://tramites.minrel.gov.cl/ for online chilean visa application
We will need to issue a legalized work offer letter signed by the Department Chair. To issue this letter, our administrator requires some basic information, please fill out this form so we can have all the required information. The Physics Faculty will send you the offer letter and the other documents, if you specify additional ones, to the address you indicate in this form. Once you have the letter, you can apply for your visa at the nearest consulate.
2. You also must get an apostille for your Ph.D. diploma or University’s certificate in the place of issuing this document (If apostille is not available in your country, please inform yourself in the Chilean consulate about the procedure to legalize documents to be used in Chile); this must be after you actually get the degree (but not necessarily the diploma). The apostille for the diploma is not a requirement to get your first visa but it will be to renew it, and it can only be done in the country where the document was issued. This is a parallel process of your visa application in the Chilean consulate.
3. If you are coming with dependents, you also must get an apostille for the marriage certificate and birth certificate for your partner and children, respectively (If apostille is not available in your country, please inform yourself in the Chilean consulate about the procedure to legalize documents to be used in Chile). These documents will also be needed to renew your visa.
4. We advise you to bring international health insurance with coverage for the first two months in Chile for you and your dependents. This is the approximate time to process your enrollment in a Chilean health insurance company
5. Once you are in Chile it is necessary to register your visa in PDI (International Police), you can do this online at https://pdivirtual.cerofilas.gob.cl/ . After receiving the visa registration you'll need an appointment in Registro Civil to get your RUT number, book this appointment online at https://www.registrocivil.cl/.
You can enter Chile, presenting all the documents at border control. Once you have your RUT number, you are officially “Chilean”, allowing you to sign your work contract, starting getting paid, register with the tax office, get a bank account/phone/permanent apartment, etcetera
You are responsible for completing the application process for the visa. It is extremely important you get your visa before coming to Chile and maintain constant communication regarding the progress of it.
Please, download this Checklist with all the activities and documents you need fully complete before and after your travel
See you in Chile!