Moving to Chile

Moving Guide

Visa & Residence

Navigating Chilean immigration can seem complex, but understanding the general pathways will help. Your specific requirements will largely depend on your nationality. For instance, citizens of certain countries (like those within the European Union) may have different entry and short-stay rules compared to non-EU citizens. For longer stays and residency, the typical routes include:

• Work Visas: If you have a job offer from a Chilean company, this is a common path. Your employer will usually assist with the application process.
• Family Visas: If you are joining a spouse, parent, or child who is a Chilean citizen or legal resident, you may qualify for a family-based visa.
• Student Visas: For those enrolled in an accredited educational institution in Chile.
• Temporary Residence Permits: For individuals who meet specific criteria for living in Chile for a longer period without necessarily having a job offer or family ties, often based on economic solvency or professional qualifications.

It is crucial to verify the latest requirements and application procedures directly with official Chilean government immigration sources (such as their embassy or consulate in your home country, or the Chilean immigration department's website). Regulations can change, and what applies to one individual may not apply to another.

Housing & Rental

Finding suitable housing in Chile involves a mix of online research and local legwork. Major cities like Santiago, Valparaíso, and Concepción offer diverse options, from apartments to houses. Here's what to expect:

• How to Find Housing:
  • Online Portals: Websites specializing in real estate rentals are popular.
  • Real Estate Agents (Corredores de Propiedades): Agents can be invaluable, especially if you're not fluent in Spanish. They charge a commission, typically a percentage of one month's rent.
  • Word of Mouth: Networking once you arrive can sometimes uncover hidden gems.
• Typical Rental Process:
  • Viewing Properties: Arrange viewings, ideally with someone who speaks Spanish if you don't.
  • Required Documents: Landlords will typically ask for proof of income (to show you can afford the rent), a valid visa or residence permit, and identification.
  • Rental Contract: Contracts are usually in Spanish and legally binding. It's advisable to have it reviewed by a local lawyer if you have any doubts.
• Deposits: It's standard practice to pay a security deposit (garantía), usually equivalent to one month's rent. This is refundable at the end of your tenancy, provided the property is returned in good condition. You will also typically pay the first month's rent upfront.
• Temporary vs. Long-Term: For your initial arrival, consider short-term rentals (e.g., Airbnb, serviced apartments) while you search for a long-term lease. Long-term leases are generally for 12 months, sometimes renewable.

What Affects the Cost of Your Move

The total cost of relocating to Chile is influenced by several key factors. Understanding these can help you budget effectively:

• Volume of Goods: The more items you move, the higher the cost. Shipping a few boxes is significantly cheaper than a full household container.
• Distance: The origin country's distance from Chile plays a major role. Moves from neighboring South American countries will be less expensive than those from Europe, North America, or Asia.
• Season: Peak moving seasons can sometimes lead to higher prices due to increased demand. Off-peak times might offer more competitive rates.
• Access at Origin and Destination: Ease of access for moving vehicles at both your current home and your new home in Chile impacts labor and logistics costs. Difficult access (e.g., narrow streets, no elevator for high-floor apartments) can add to the price.
• Extra Services: Services like professional packing and unpacking, special handling for fragile or valuable items, storage solutions, and customs clearance assistance will add to the overall expense.

For an accurate estimate tailored to your specific needs, exact prices come from a free, no-obligation quote.

Timeline & Packing Tips

A well-organized timeline is essential for a smooth relocation. Here's a general checklist for 4-8 weeks before your move:

• 8 Weeks Before:
  • Declutter and Downsize: Go through your belongings. Decide what to keep, sell, donate, or discard. This significantly reduces shipping costs.
  • Research Visas: Confirm your visa requirements and begin the application process if you haven't already.
  • Gather Important Documents: Start compiling passports, birth certificates, marriage certificates, academic records, medical records, and financial statements. Make copies and keep digital backups.
  • Obtain Quotes: Contact relocation123.com for moving quotes.
• 6 Weeks Before:
  • Book Movers: Finalize your moving company choice and confirm dates.
  • Notify Landlord: Give proper notice if you're renting.
  • Start Packing Non-Essentials: Begin packing items you won't need in the weeks leading up to your move. Label boxes clearly.
  • Research Schools/Healthcare: If applicable, start looking into schools for children and understanding the healthcare system in Chile.
• 4 Weeks Before:
  • Utilities & Notifications: Arrange for disconnection of utilities (electricity, gas, internet, water) at your current home. Notify banks, insurance companies, and subscription services of your change of address.
  • Medical Check-ups: Schedule any necessary medical or dental appointments. Obtain prescription refills.
  • Pet Relocation: If moving with pets, finalize their travel arrangements and veterinary requirements.
  • Change of Address: Set up mail forwarding.
• 2 Weeks Before:
  • Pack Essentials Bag: Prepare a bag with items you'll need immediately upon arrival (documents, toiletries, a change of clothes, medications).
  • Confirm Travel: Double-check flight details and accommodation upon arrival in Chile.
  • Finalize Finances: Ensure you have access to funds in Chile or have a plan for currency exchange.

Remember to keep all critical documents with you, not in your shipped belongings. For a precise cost estimate for your move, request a free quote on relocation123.com.

Visas, immigration & documents

Moving to this country often involves visas, residence permits, document translation/legalization and customs paperwork. Our verified partners handle the move itself; for visa or immigration help, send the request below and we'll point you the right way.

• Residence permit / visa (work, study, family)
• Document translation & apostille
• Customs clearance for personal effects
• Travel & goods insurance

Get help with your move →

Customs & Import Rules

Moving to Chile: Your Essential Customs & Import Guide

Relocating to a new country can be exciting, but navigating customs and import regulations can feel overwhelming. This guide simplifies the process for bringing your personal belongings and special items into Chile, ensuring a smoother transition to your new home.

If you're a Chilean citizen returning home

Chilean citizens returning to the country can import used household goods with potential tax exemptions based on the duration of their stay abroad. It's also possible to re-import goods previously exported from Chile duty-free, provided you have the original export documents.

What you'll need

• Original Bill of Lading (ocean), Airway Bill (air), or Inland Bill of Lading (land) with goods' values.
• Detailed, typed inventory list in English or Spanish.
• Travel Certificate (issued by Interpol in Chile, valid for 30 days).
• Photocopy of your passport (identification page).
• Last entry stamp to Chile in your passport.
• Set of customs forms (provided by a local agent).

Good to know

• Tax Exemptions for Used HHG:
  • Stayed 6-12 months abroad: Up to US$675.00 FOB value, no interruptions in stay.
  • Stayed 1-5 years abroad: Up to US$4,050 FOB value, maximum 30 days of interruptions per year.
  • Stayed more than 5 years abroad: Up to US$6,750 FOB value, maximum 60 days of interruptions per year.
• If your goods exceed the tax-exempt value, you'll pay duties and taxes on the excess amount.
• This benefit is available every 3 years.
• To get the Travel Certificate, you must be in Chile, and your latest entry stamp must be in your passport.
• Import Deadline: Your shipment must arrive with you, or within 120 days before or after your arrival. Otherwise, full duties and taxes apply.
• Duties without Exemption: Used HHG pay approximately 30% over CIF value; new items pay around 28% over CIF value.
• Almost all HHG shipments are subject to Customs Verification and Agricultural & Livestock Inspection (SAG).
• If re-importing duty-free, customs verification is mandatory to check items against the old declaration.

If you're relocating as a new resident (non-Chilean citizen)

Non-Chilean citizens can import used household goods, potentially with tax exemptions, if they hold a valid work or temporary visa for at least one year.

What you'll need

• Original Bill of Lading (ocean), Airway Bill (air), or Inland Bill of Lading (land) with goods' values.
• Detailed, typed inventory list in English or Spanish.
• Photocopy of your passport (identification page).
• Last entry stamp to Chile in your passport.
• Photocopy of your Work or Temporary Resident Visa (minimum 365 days stamped in passport).
• Set of customs forms (provided by a local agent upon your arrival).

Good to know

• Tax Exemption: You may import up to US$6,750.00 FOB tax-free if you have a work or temporary visa valid for at least one year.
• Shipments exceeding US$6,750.00 FOB are subject to customs duties on the excess amount.
• If your visa is still being processed, you might be able to clear goods under bonded storage at your residence by providing official proof of your visa application. The official visa must be shown to customs within 90 days. Failure to do so will result in full duties on the entire shipment.
• You can import a maximum of two shipments under exemption benefits from the same origin: one for personal effects and one for household goods. The combined value of both cannot exceed US$6,750 FOB without incurring taxes.
• Import Deadline: Your shipment must arrive with you, or within 120 days before or after your arrival. Otherwise, full duties and taxes apply.
• This benefit is available every 3 years.
• Almost all HHG shipments are subject to Customs Verification and Agricultural & Livestock Inspection (SAG).

If you're a diplomat or international official

Chilean and foreign diplomats, international officials, Ministry of Defense personnel, Chilean Police Department, and Investigation Police personnel benefit from duty and tax exemptions on their removal goods.

What you'll need

• Original Bill of Lading.
• Inventory list.
• Photocopy of Passport.
• Exoneration Form issued by the Chilean Ministry of Foreign Affairs (provided by your Embassy or International Organization).
• Set of customs forms (provided by a local agent).

Good to know

• Diplomatic status exempts you from duties and taxes.
• However, diplomatic status does not exempt your shipment from Customs Verification and Agricultural & Livestock Inspection (SAG).
• Dispatch times are generally 7-10 working days for ocean (FCL/LCL) and 3 working days for air/land shipments.

Bringing special items

Vehicles

Importing vehicles to Chile has specific rules depending on your residency status and the vehicle's condition (new or used).

• Returning Chilean Citizens:
  • You may import one new or used vehicle, paying full customs duties and taxes.
  • You must personally request the import at the Customs authority at the port of entry, at least 5 working days before the shipment's arrival.
  • This is only allowed for returning Chilean citizens who have lived abroad for at least 18 months (verified by a Travel Certificate), with a maximum of 60 days of interruptions per year.
  • Importation is subject to duties of approximately 28%.
  • The used car must be shipped from your country of residence and have been acquired at least 6 months before your return date to Chile.
  • The vehicle must enter with you or within 120 days before or after your arrival.
  • For used vehicles from the USA, a Fumigation Certificate is required, whether shipped alone or with household goods.
  • Documents for New Vehicles: Commercial Invoice, Vehicle Property Title, customs forms.
  • Documents for Used Vehicles: Franchise request form (signed in person at Customs), Original Waybill, Travel Certificate (valid 30 days), Notarized Sworn Statement of permanent residency, Terminal Container Receipt, Commercial Invoice or notarized sworn statement of vehicle value, Technical Specifications Form, Vehicle Property Title, Annex No. 83 (declaring vehicle address), Bank Guarantee Bond or Insurance Policy for taxes payable.
• Foreign Citizens:
  • You may only import new vehicles, paying all corresponding customs duties and taxes.
  • This process must be done through a Customs Broker with the Customs Service.
  • Documents for New Vehicles: Commercial Invoice, Vehicle Property Title.
• Chilean Diplomats, International Officials, Ministry of Defence Personnel, Police:
  • Can import new or used vehicles as returning Chilean citizens if they meet the Travel Certificate requirements. Duties and taxes will apply.
  • For used vehicles from the USA, a Fumigation Certificate is required.
• Foreign Diplomats and International Officials:
  • New or used vehicles can be imported under temporary admission, extendable until the end of the mission, provided the vehicle is included in benefits approved by the embassy or entity.
  • If the car is shipped alone, it must be fumigated at origin, and a Fumigation Certificate must be submitted.
• Motorcycles: The import of used motorcycles is strictly prohibited.
• Bicycles: As of December 2014, bicycles considered sports articles or city bikes are admitted free of taxes. The number of bicycles cannot exceed the number of family members. This applies to Chileans, foreigners, and diplomats.

Pets

Information on pets is not provided in the source material. Please check with relevant authorities for specific pet import requirements.

Restricted & prohibited items

• Used Motorcycles: Completely forbidden from entering the country.
• Air Shipments over 300 kg (660 lbs): Require an additional thorough inspection by the moving company at airport facilities, in addition to standard Customs inspection. This can delay clearance by 1-2 days and increase charges.
• Detailed Packing List: Mandatory for all air shipments, regardless of weight. This includes:
  • Specific indication of wooden items (furniture, ornaments, picture frames, etc.).
  • Item-by-item detail for clothes (e.g., number of pants, shirts, shoes).
  • Type, brand, model, and serial number for electronic devices.
  • If goods are in multiple crates, the packing list must specify which items are in which crate.

Alcohol & tobacco

Information on alcohol and tobacco is not provided in the source material. Please check with relevant authorities for specific import requirements.

Frequently asked questions

What are the typical processing times for shipments?
Ocean shipments (FCL/LCL) generally take 7 to 10 working days for dispatch. Air and land shipments take about 3 working days.

Are all household goods shipments inspected?
Almost all household goods shipments are subject to Customs Verification and Agricultural & Livestock Inspection (SAG).

What happens if my shipment arrives too early or too late?
Your shipment must arrive with you, or within 120 days before or after your arrival. If it falls outside this window, the entire shipment will be subject to full duties and taxes.

Can I get a tax exemption for new items?
Generally, new items are subject to Value Added Tax (IVA) and customs duties (around 28% over CIF value), even if you qualify for exemptions on used household goods.

Do I need a special certificate to import a used car from the USA?
Yes, for used vehicles originating from the USA, a Fumigation Certificate must be submitted, regardless of whether it's shipped alone or with household goods.

Are works of art and antiques subject to duties?
Works of art and antiques are generally subject to customs duty (approximately 30%). An invoice or a certificate from a museum or gallery may be required.

For personalized assistance with your move to Chile, please contact relocation123.com.

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