The Chile Tech Visa, Explained

Are you working in the tech sector? Are you considering moving to Chile to work in a tech company or participate in the Start-Up Chile program? Let's review the most suitable visa for your case.

What is the tech visa in Chile?

The tech visa no longer exists in Chile. It was a specific type of visa available to companies in technology services and companies participating in the Start-Up Chile program that needed to hire highly qualified foreign personnel not available in Chile.

The application process was simplified with a review of the applicant's curriculum by the Chilean investment agency, which allowed tech specialists to relocate to Chile to work at a tech company and look for a job.

Is there a tech visa in Chile?

The 2022 Chile immigration law has restricted the available visa types to ensure everyone who comes to Chile can provide for themselves.

Therefore, Chile removed the options that allowed foreigners to come without already having a contract signed or any demonstrable source of recurring income. One of these options was the tech visa.

What are the alternative options to relocate to Chile?

It depends on your situation:

• If you are already in contact with a Chilean company looking to hire you, the easiest option is to use the Chile work visa. You can apply for this visa using either a work contract as an employee, a formal job offer, or even as a freelancer if you have a service contract with a Chilean company.
• If you plan to relocate to Chile to look for a job:
  • you may qualify for a working holiday visa if you are a citizen of one of the few countries that have agreements with Chile and you meet the age requirement (usually 18-30, but up to 35 for some countries)
  • if not, you can also move to Chile if you demonstrate a recurring income for the rentista visa. Just relocating based on your curriculum was a significant advantage of the tech visa, but this is unfortunately not possible.