Path to citizenship
- Residency5 years · any
- Apply730-1095 days
- Citizenshipafter the oath
Overview
- Country
- Chile
- Program
- Chile Standard Naturalization
- Local name
- Nacionalización Chilena
- Type
- Naturalization
- Status
- Active
- Residency required
- 5 years
- Processing time
- 730-1095 days
- Dual citizenship
- Allowed
- Visa-free countries
- 175 destinations
- Passport rank
- #15 (Henley Index)
Citizenship after 5 years of continuous residence in Chile, counting from the first temporary residency stamp (not permanent residency). This includes time on student visas, work visas, and other temporary permits. Applicants must hold Residencia Definitiva (permanent residency) at the time of application and demonstrate financial stability, Spanish proficiency, and knowledge of Chilean civic principles.
Fees and costs
- Application fee
- $100
Eligibility and requirements
- Minimum age 18+
- Police clearance required
- Medical exam not required
- Interview required
- Language Conversational Spanish
- Civics test Chilean Civic Principles Evaluation
- Oath required
Residency requirements
- Residency required
- 5 years
- Residency type
- Any
- Continuous
- Must be unbroken
- Income required
- Must demonstrate financial stability
Passport and mobility
- Passport rank
- #15 (Henley Index)
- Visa-free access
- 175 countries
- Passport validity
- 10 years
- EU citizenship
- No
- Schengen access
- No
- US E-2 treaty
- Yes — eligible for US investor visa
Physical presence
- Must visit country
- Yes
How to apply
- Method
- Online
- Apply from abroad
- Must apply in-country
- Application type
- Open
- Official website
- serviciomigraciones.cl
- Legal basis
- Constitución Política Art. 10; Decreto Supremo 5.142 de 1960
Notes and caveats
Chile is the only Latin American country with visa-waiver access to both the US and Canada. Residency time counts from first temporary residency stamp, not from permanent residency. A 2-year qualified route exists for spouses of Chileans, close Chilean relatives, adoptees, children of refugees, and notable-service cases. Children of foreigners aged 14+ with permanent residency and 5 years residence can apply with parental authorization. Processing can take 2-3 years.