Nationality of Chile: all obtaining pathways
The Chilean certificate of naturalization requires five years of residence counted from the Electronic Stamp, reduced to two for spouses of Chilean nationals in a registered union with shared cohabitation. There is also an option route for certain persons born in the territory, as well as consular registration for the descendants of Chileans.
1Certificate of naturalization by residence
Certificate of naturalization by residence
Requirements
- Being over 18 years of age
- Holding a valid Permanent Residence
- 5 years or more of residence in Chile counted from the Electronic Entry Stamp
- Good record
- Proof of work activity and tax obligations up to date
- serviciomigraciones.cl (official): 5 years of residence from the Electronic Stamp of Permanent Residence (Supreme Decree No. 5,142).
Documentation
- Scanned image of the passport identification page or national identity document
- Criminal record certificate from the country of origin, apostilled or legalized
- Recent color photograph with white background
- Regular Tax Folder for SII Credits
- Debt Certificate from the General Treasury of the Republic
2Nationality through family ties with a Chilean national
Nationality through family ties with a Chilean national
Requirements
- Being a permanent resident
- 2 years of continuous residence in Chile
- Being the spouse of a Chilean (marriage of at least 2 years registered in Chile and cohabitation in a common household)
- Or being a blood relative up to the 2nd degree of a Chilean
- Or being a child of a father or mother who, having been Chilean, lost nationality before the birth
Documentation
- Scanned image of passport or identity document
- Criminal record certificate from the country of origin, apostilled or legalized
- Recent color photograph with white background
- Marriage certificate registered in Chile (if spouse)
- Birth certificate of the spouse or of Chilean children
- Documents proving a common household (if spouse)
- Regular Tax Folder and Debt Certificate
3Option for nationality
Option for nationality
Requirements
- Having been born in Chile as a child of foreign parents in the service of their government
- Or being a child of transitory foreigners born in Chile
- Apply within 1 year of turning 18 years of age
Documentation
- Chilean birth certificate
- Documents proving the parents’ status
4Nationality by descent (consular registration)
Nationality by descent (consular registration)
Requirements
- Being a child of a Chilean father or mother born abroad
- Proof that a parent or grandparent obtained Chilean nationality (by birth in the territory, naturalization letter or grace)
Documentation
- Birth certificate
- Chilean father's/mother's or grandfather's/grandmother's birth certificate
- Naturalization letter of the father/mother (if applicable)
5Nationality as the child of a naturalized refugee
Nationality as the child of a naturalized refugee
Requirements
- Being under 18 years of age
- Father or mother recognized as a refugee by Chile
- At least one parent has obtained a Chilean naturalization letter
- Without the need to fulfill any other legal requirement
Documentation
- Document proving identity
- Birth certificate
- Recent color photograph with white background
- Naturalization letter of the refugee father/mother
Frequently asked questions about the nationality of Chile
How many years of residence does Chile require to naturalize?
According to the main pathway of Chile (Certificate of naturalization by residence), the term is 5 years. The complete details of requirements and exceptions appear in the fact sheet.
What documentation does naturalization in Chile require?
The Certificate of naturalization by residence pathway requires: Scanned image of the passport identification page or national identity document; Criminal record certificate from the country of origin, apostilled or legalized; Recent color photograph with white background; Regular Tax Folder for SII Credits; Debt Certificate from the General Treasury of the Republic.
What pathways exist to obtain the nationality of Chile?
Chile provides 5 pathways: Certificate of naturalization by residence, Nationality through family ties with a Chilean national, Option for nationality, Nationality by descent, Nationality as the child of a naturalized refugee.
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