The Chile Religious Visa, Explained

No. There are no distinct subcategories of religious visas in Chile. Yet, different documents are required based on the religion (catholic vs. other religions).

You must apply for a religious visa outside Chile. There is no option to apply after arriving in Chile as a tourist.

The religious visa is a category of temporary visa. You can find the current application time on this page, section "Reply Time".

No. The Chile immigration service does not provide an option to expedite the visa process.

Yes. You can bring dependents or family members to Chile under your religious visa. The family members that you can include are your spouse or equivalent, children under 18 years old, children with disabilities, unmarried children under 24 years old who are (or will be) studying in Chile, and minors under your personal care or guardianship. Additional documents are needed to establish family links. See the temporary visa application page for more information.

The immigration service usually issue religious visas for two years.

Yes. You can travel in and out of Chile without any restrictions on a religious visa. The visa for religious persons of officially recognized cults is a temporary residence visa, which includes the option to travel outside Chile and return without restriction during the validity of this visa.

No.

No.

Yes. A recognized religious institution in Chile shall receive the foreigner in Chile and issue a certificate, which includes the identification of the applicant and a description of the activities performed in Chile. The National Religious Affairs office must also issue a supporting letter.

No. The religious visa cannot be used to start a religious non-profit or charitable organization. The visa is for individuals who belong to an already existing religious entity legally constituted in Chile.

Yes. There is no prohibited religion. As long as the religious entity is legally constituted in Chile and registered per the rules of law N° 19.638, you can obtain a religious visa.

No. The visa process or requirements are similar. However, the documents may vary slightly depending on the type of religious institution (public or private).

Not necessarily. If the religious institution that receives you cover your expenses, you do not need to prove that you can financially support yourself. In case the institution does not take care, you must provide financial statements or income sources to justify that you can live in Chile while performing your religious activities.

The immigration service verifies the authenticity of a religious organization thanks to the supporting letter of the National Religious Affairs and the documents proving the registration of the religious institution following the law N° 19.638.

It depends. You can only apply for a religious visa if you are joining an existing religious institution already registered. Therefore, if you come to Chile to open a religious center related to an existing one, it may be possible. If you plan to create a cult (or relocate from another country) that has no existence in Chile, then you do not qualify for a religious visa.

Yes. Religious activities and institutions are regulated by law N° 19.638. For your religious visa application, see the required documents and certifications listed above.

It depends. If you join a religious institution registered in Chile for your religious study programs / education, and they can sponsor your visa, the reply is Yes. Otherwise, a student visa might be more suitable.

If your religious mission or activities in Chile require more time than initially granted, you can apply for an extension of your temporary residence. See the visa renewal page for more information.

No. As a temporary visa, the religious visa could allow you to work in Chile. Yet, the visa definition indicates that the visa holder must be in Chile for reasons directly related to the religious cult. Therefore, commercial activities are unlikely to qualify.

Yes. There is a requirement to register your religious institution or organization locally in Chile. The law states that individuals must belong to a religious entity legally constituted in Chile following the law N° 19.638. Registering the institution is a prerequisite to obtaining any religious visa.

Yes. You can switch to a different visa type while residing in Chile on a religious visaif you meet the requirements corresponding to the visa category you are applying for and comply with the set timelines.

Yes. It is possible to renew a religious visa in Chile when it expires. You must request the renewal of a residence permit at most ninety days and at least ten days before the expiration of the current residence permit.

Yes. You can apply for permanent residency or citizenship in Chile after living on a religious visa. However, to do so, you must be able to prove two years of residence in the country.