Permanencia Transitoria
Short stay (tourism, certain business purposes, etc.). Not a substitute for residence or work.
Immigration & Visa
Ley 21.325, Residencia Temporal, RUT and the key steps — incl. rentista/jubilado.
Updated: November 2026
Tourism vs. residence
Permanencia Transitoria (visa-free for many EU states, typically up to 90 days, extendable once) does not allow long-term residence and generally no employment. Anyone wanting to settle, work or live as a retiree/rentista needs Residencia Temporal (or later Definitiva) under Ley 21.325 and Decreto 177 — usually applied for from abroad via the SERMIG portal.
- Primary sources: serviciomigraciones.cl, BCN (legal texts), Chilean representation
- Holders of Permanencia Transitoria generally cannot switch to Residencia Temporal from inside Chile — exceptions include family reunification/humanitarian (Art. 69 / Decreto 177)
- Deadlines, fees and document lists change — download the current checklist
Residencia Temporal – selected subcategories
Jubilados y rentistas
For retirees with a pension or people with regular passive income from property or financial investments covering at least basic needs (indicators of the Ministerio de Desarrollo Social y Familia). Apply from abroad; duration typically up to 2 years, extendable. This subcategory alone does not grant a local work right.
Work / study / family
Further subcategories include dependent employment, study at recognized institutions, family reunification, seasonal work, investors. Purpose and documents differ — use the SERMIG checklist.
Digital Nomad?
SERMIG (as of 2025/2026) does not list a dedicated “digital nomad” subcategory. Remote pay from a foreign employer generally does not count as rentista (passive) income. Anyone wanting to work remotely and reside should check suitable subcategories or specialist advice — do not invent paths.
Process (typical)
- Clarify the purpose and download the matching subcategory + current checklist on serviciomigraciones.cl
- Documents in the home country: police clearance, civil status — apostille and translation if needed
- Online application from abroad; pay fees; await decision
- Enter with the issued visa/permit; registration and foreigner ID card (cédula) at PDI/Registro Civil per instructions
- Arrange RUT/tax ID and a bank account
RUT, ID card & daily life
The RUT (Rol Único Tributario) or the ID number on the foreigner’s cédula de identidad is practically essential for banks, contracts, mobile plans and many agencies. Migration status and tax ID are linked but not identical — use Chile Atiende and the SII as primary sources.
- Report a lost cédula immediately
- Keep address and data up to date
- German embassy/consulates for emergencies — they do not replace the migration authority
Sources
- SERMIG – Residencia Temporal Subkategorien
- SERMIG – Jubilados y rentistas
- Ley 21.325 (BCN)
- Decreto 177 (Subkategorien)
- Chile Atiende
Disclaimer: This page is for general guidance only and is not legal, tax or immigration advice. Rules and prices change — verify with official sources.