Moving to Chile: taxes, residence and life
How to become tax resident in Chile: personal, dividend and corporate tax, 4 residence programmes, days needed, climate, safety and economy — compared with 194 countries.
Taxes
In Chile the top income tax rate is 40%, dividends are taxed at up to 40% and companies pay 27% corporate tax.
How to move and become tax resident
You can become tax resident in Chile from arrival once you take up residence (Domicile (residence with intent to stay, e.g. family/work) or >183 days in 12 months). The typical route is Temporary residence – rentista: Proof of stable passive income (~US$2k/mo) from abroad; apply online from outside Chile (Law 21.325) There are 4 open residence programmes in Chile — see the list below.
Living there
Santiago has a warm-summer Mediterranean climate with winter highs around 14.9 °C and summer highs around 30.2 °C. The economy grew +2.5% in 2025; the IMF forecasts 2% for 2026. Its passport opens about 149 countries without a visa in advance. Security: No armed conflict; localised violence in Araucanía.
Key facts
| Top income tax | 40% |
|---|---|
| Dividend tax | 40% |
| Corporate tax | 27% |
| Tax residence | from arrival — Domicile (residence with intent to stay, e.g. family/work) or >183 days in 12 months |
| Typical residence route | Temporary residence – rentista — Proof of stable passive income (~US$2k/mo) from abroad; apply online from outside Chile (Law 21.325) |
| Passport | visa-free or on arrival to 149 countries |
| Economic growth | +2.5% (2025), forecast 2% (2026) |
| Climate type | warm-summer Mediterranean · 14.9° / 30.2° (Santiago) |
| War & conflict | none — No armed conflict; localised violence in Araucanía |
| All natural hazards | 6.8/10 |
| Banking strength | 7/10 · A |
| Property protection | 6.5/10 |
| Warm homes in winter | 3/10 |
Residence programmes in Chile
- Temporary Residence - Retirees and Rentistas — Income / yr CHF 9'600 · open · 2026-10
- Temporary Residence - Investors and Related Personnel — Investment CHF 400'000 · open · 2026-10
- Temporary Residence for Family Members — family · open · 2026-10
- Temporary Residence for Workers with Job Offer — employment · open · 2026-10
Plan your residence route
Frequently asked questions
How many days do I need to spend in Chile to become tax resident?
from arrival. Domicile (residence with intent to stay, e.g. family/work) or >183 days in 12 months Foreigners taxed only on Chilean income first 3 yrs (extendable)
How much tax will I pay in Chile?
In Chile the top income tax rate is 40%, dividends are taxed at up to 40% and companies pay 27% corporate tax.
Which residence programmes does Chile offer?
Temporary Residence - Retirees and Rentistas; Temporary Residence - Investors and Related Personnel (CHF 400'000); Temporary Residence for Family Members; Temporary Residence for Workers with Job Offer
What is the usual way to move to Chile?
Temporary residence – rentista. Proof of stable passive income (~US$2k/mo) from abroad; apply online from outside Chile (Law 21.325)
Compare with nearby countries
Argentina · Belize · Bolivia · Brazil · Canada · Colombia · Costa Rica · Cuba · Dominican Rep. · Ecuador · El Salvador · Guatemala
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