Chile · Retirement visa
Chile retirement visa for US citizens
Short answer
The main route is the Temporary residence for retirees and passive income (permiso para extranjeros jubilados y para rentistas). Retirees with a pension, or people with steady income from property or investments. Salary doesn't count.
- Money needed: No fixed amount: enough for basic needs, about $259 a month, or $383 if you rent Not yet verified
- How long it lasts: Up to 2 years, then 2-year extensions
- Leads to: Permanent residence after 2 years, or as little as 1 if the director agrees
Key facts
- Money needed
- No fixed amount: enough for basic needs, about $259 a month, or $383 if you rent Not yet verified
- How long it lasts
- Up to 2 years, then 2-year extensions
- Leads to
- Permanent residence after 2 years, or as little as 1 if the director agrees
- Apply from
- Outside Chile only, online; you can't switch from a tourist stay
- Processing time
- No legal deadline Not established yet
Checked against the law Permit length and work rights are in the migration law.
Still being checked The US fee, the income floor, pension letters and a revised decree announced Nov 10.
What you need
- Passport: valid at least 1 year from when you apply, plus a recent photo
- Pension certificate: stating the amount and how long it's paid, plus your last payment. SSA letter acceptance Not yet verified
- Or passive-income proof: property deeds, leases or investment statements showing regular payments
- Criminal record: from your home country or anywhere you lived in the last 5 years
- Apostille: on the record, pension certificate and payment proof; English papers need no translation
- Fresh papers: public documents under 60 days old, private ones under 30
- Fee: set by nationality; the US amount Not yet verified
Good to know
- You can work: all temporary residents may take paid work.
- Enter within 90 days of approval, then get your ID card within 30 days.
- Time away: no minimum stay, but absences add up to 2 years to your wait for permanent residence.
Every Chile residency route, compared → The full Chile guide →
Questions people ask
How much income do I need for Chile's retirement visa?
No fixed amount: enough for basic needs, about $259 a month, or $383 if you rent (Not yet verified)
How long does it last?
Up to 2 years, then 2-year extensions
Does it lead to permanent residence or citizenship?
Permanent residence after 2 years, or as little as 1 if the director agrees
Where do I apply?
Outside Chile only, online; you can't switch from a tourist stay
How long does processing take?
No legal deadline (Not established yet)