Digital Nomad Visa – Chile

Digital Nomad Visa – Chile

How to apply

While Chile doesn’t have a specific digital nomad visa, you can apply for a Temporary Residency Visa. This visa allows you to live and work in Chile for up to two years. You need to apply from outside of Chile and you will be asked to submit apostilled documents from the country of origin.

Requirements:

• A valid passport with at least 6 months of validity remaining
• A clean criminal record
• A medical report signed by your doctor
• Proof of financial solvency (e.g., bank statements, income statements

You can apply for the visa online through the Chilean government website. The processing time is usually around 4-6 weeks. Click HERE

Where to stay

Santiago:

Santiago offers digital nomads a vibrant and cosmopolitan experience. As Chile’s capital and largest city, it has a thriving cultural scene with numerous museums, art galleries, theaters, and historical sites. The city also has a bustling nightlife with a wide variety of bars, clubs, and restaurants offering diverse cuisines. Santiago is a great place to network with other professionals and entrepreneurs, as it’s a major economic hub in South America.

However, the cost of living in Santiago can be higher than in other Chilean cities. Traffic congestion can also be a significant challenge, making it important to consider your location within the city carefully. Air quality can be an issue at times, particularly during the winter months.

Valparaíso:

Valparaíso is a colorful port city known for its unique architecture, bohemian atmosphere, and stunning hillside location overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Its maze of cobblestone streets, vibrant street art, and historic funiculars create a charming and picturesque environment. Valparaíso is a hub for artists and musicians, offering a laid-back and creative vibe that many digital nomads find appealing.

The cost of living in Valparaíso is generally lower than in Santiago, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious nomads. However, the hilly terrain can be challenging for some, requiring a certain level of fitness to navigate the city comfortably. Some areas may feel unsafe at night, so it’s important to be mindful of your surroundings.

Viña del Mar:

Viña del Mar is a popular coastal resort town known for its beautiful beaches, lush gardens, and elegant architecture. It offers a more relaxed atmosphere compared to nearby Valparaíso, with a focus on tourism and recreation. Digital nomads can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities, including swimming, surfing, and sunbathing. The city also has a good selection of restaurants, cafes, and shops catering to both locals and tourists.

While Viña del Mar provides a more relaxed pace of life, it can get crowded and expensive during peak tourist season. Accommodation and other costs tend to rise as tourists flock to the city’s beaches. It may also lack the cultural depth and artistic energy of some other Chilean cities.

La Serena:

Located on the northern coast of Chile, La Serena is a historic city with a relaxed atmosphere and beautiful beaches. It’s known for its colonial architecture, archaeological museums, and nearby observatories, making it a great choice for history buffs and stargazers. La Serena offers a more affordable cost of living compared to larger cities and is becoming increasingly popular with digital nomads seeking a quieter pace of life.

While La Serena offers a more tranquil environment, job opportunities may be limited compared to larger cities like Santiago. The city has a more laid-back atmosphere, and the nightlife scene is less vibrant than in places like Valparaíso.

Puerto Varas:

Nestled in the heart of Chile’s Lake District, Puerto Varas is a picturesque town surrounded by stunning natural beauty. With snow-capped volcanoes, crystal-clear lakes, and lush forests, it’s an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Digital nomads can enjoy hiking, kayaking, fishing, and exploring the nearby national parks. The town itself has a charming German influence, with traditional architecture and a relaxed atmosphere.

While Puerto Varas is a growing tourist destination, it can feel isolated compared to larger cities. The weather can also be unpredictable, with frequent rainfall, which may impact outdoor activities.

Cost of living

Keep in mind that these are average costs and can vary depending on your lifestyle and preferences.

City | 1-bedroom apartment (outside city center) | Monthly living expenses (single person)

Santiago | $400-600 | $1000-1500

Valparaíso | $300-500 | $800-1200

Viña del Mar | $350-550 | $900-1400

La Serena | $250-400 | $700-1100

Puerto Varas | $300-450 | $800-1300

Notes:

• Rent: These figures represent average costs for a one-bedroom apartment outside the city center. Prices can be significantly higher in more central, trendy neighborhoods.
• Living expenses: This estimate includes groceries, utilities, transportation, and some entertainment. It can vary greatly depending on your eating habits, social activities, and transportation choices. Needless to say, if you go to for dinner every evening, your cost of living will increase.

Internet

Chile has great internet infrastructure, with high speeds and widespread availability. You can find cafes and coworking spaces with Wi-Fi throughout the country.

Phone service providers:

• Entel
• Movistar
• Claro

These providers offer prepaid SIM cards that you can use without a plan.

Health Care

It’s a good idea to have health insurance while you’re in Chile. You can purchase international health insurance or a local Chilean health insurance plan.

Chile has a public healthcare system that is available to all residents. However, the quality of care can vary, and wait times can be long. There are also private hospitals and clinics that offer higher quality care.

Lifestyle

Chile offers a variety of lifestyles to suit different preferences. If you love cities, Santiago and Valparaíso offer a vibrant cultural scene with plenty of museums, theaters, and restaurants. If you prefer the outdoors, there are many opportunities for hiking, kayaking, and skiing in the Andes Mountains and the Lake District.

Cities with excellent outdoor activities:

• Santiago: Hiking, skiing, and snowboarding in the Andes Mountains.
• Valparaíso: Kayaking and surfing in the Pacific Ocean.
• Puerto Varas: Hiking, kayaking, and fishing in the Lake District.

Check out Meetup for meetup groups and social events for digital nomads while you are in Chile.

Transportation

Chile has a low cost long distance transportation system, with buses, trains, and planes connecting major cities. For travel within a city you can use ride-sharing services like Uber and Cabify.

Safety

Chile is generally a safe country with a low crime rate compared to other countries in South America. However, petty crime such as pickpocketing and bag snatching can occur, especially in crowded tourist areas. It’s always advisable to be mindful of your surroundings and take precautions to protect your belongings.

Coworking spaces

Chile has a growing number of coworking spaces, particularly in major cities like Santiago and Valparaíso. These spaces offer a productive and collaborative environment for digital nomads and remote workers. Many coworking spaces provide amenities such as high-speed internet, meeting rooms, and social events.

Additional tips for digital nomads in Chile:

• Learn some basic Spanish.
• Get a Chilean SIM card for your phone.
• Enjoy the delicious Chilean food and wine!