Chile is a successful country in South America, boasting a strong passport, a fast-growing economy, and a bright future. The country is increasingly attracting foreigners to visit, invest, and live in this beautiful nation.
Chile citizenship can be obtained through various methods, some of which are faster than others. However, it generally takes longer to acquire Chilean citizenship compared to other South American countries.
The Chilean Constitution and citizenship laws regulate the process of obtaining citizenship. According to these rules, foreigners who meet the requirements can apply for Chilean citizenship. Fortunately, Chile now allows dual citizenship and does not require you to renounce your current nationality.
How can I get citizenship in Chile?
You can get Chile Citizenship by different methods but to start with it you need to enter Chile legally, if you are a refugee than you should enter by the permit of Chilean authorities via humanitarian visa.
When you enter to Chile with a visa than you need to apply for a residence permit, according to your situation you should receive a residence permit and the country for 5 continues years.
To become eligible for Chilean citizenship additionally you need to learn the Spanish language, Spanish is the official language of Chile and all those foreigners who want to get Chilean citizenship by naturalization need to learn Spanish language, you must be able to read, write and speak in Spanish.
Read this also: How to get Brazilian citizenship?
Now that you are know the Spanish lanua in these 5 year’s in Chile you need to be with a clean criminal record, you should not involve in any crime, you will need to present a police clearance certificate from local police.
Ok, now you need to bring your Birth certificate, birth certificate should be notarized. And finally you need to have a proper Income and job, Chile won’t give citizenship to someone who even can’t support himself. So you need a job and a regular income in a liveable level.
To prove your Job and income you will need to present work contract or business ownership or job agreement. Plus your Bank statement with clear showing Bank records.
All these requirements are general requirements and the way or method you apply need additional related documents.
Now let know the methods the ways that someone can become with it a Chilean citizen.
Chile Citizenship by Naturalization
To apply by Naturalization for Chile Citizenship you need to naturalize in Chilean society, you need to reside for minimum 5 years in Chile.
You should know the Spanish language, Chilean culture and history, you need to have a job with a minimum $1.000 salary.
Further you should not be hold any criminal history, you will require to obtain a criminal record from local police.
And finally you need to have permanent residency permit in Chile, if you are resided for 5 years now you can apply for citizenship but in this time you need to hold valid residence permit with you.
Usually, the Chilean bureaucracy causes long delays in the citizenship process. It’s not very easy to obtain Chilean citizenship, even if you hold all the required documents and meet the criteria.
You will probably need to appoint a lawyer and work with them on your case, as it requires proper planning and follow-up. It can take up to two years to get a result for your citizenship application.
Chile Citizenship by Marriage
Marriage is a very common way to get a citizenship of a new country, the marriage will reduce your wait time for citizenship in all countries, so it you are in a relationship with Chilean national and plan to marry than it will be a shortcut for your citizenship.
When you are married to a Chilean national you will be eligible to request Chilean citizenship in 2 years, this is the fastest possible way to become a Chile national.
But it’s important that your marriage should be real, you will need to marry officially and get a marriage certificate. Now a foreign who are married to a Chilean national need to become a member of Chilean society.
He/she will need to learn Spanish language, reside legally for 2 years in Chile, learn Chile history, read the law and get some usual knowledge about the country.
After 2 years you will be able to submit a citizenship application based on marriage, when you apply for Chile citizenship it will take anywhere about 1 to 2 years to get your Chilean passport and identity card.
Chile citizenship by birth
Chile follows the principle of jus soli, meaning that children born in Chile automatically become Chilean citizens. As such, a child born in Chile is eligible to obtain a Chilean identity card and passport.
Foreign parents of a child born in Chile can also apply for Chilean citizenship, but they must first reside in Chile for two years before becoming eligible.
It’s important to note that diplomats from other countries are excluded from this provision. For parents planning to give birth in Chile, it’s advisable to first obtain temporary residency and then proceed with the birth.
Once your baby born in Chile you will need to take a birth certificate from the hospital, after this step you have to visit the civil registration authority within 30 days and register your child there.
Now you can apply behalf of your children for passport, your baby will be able to get a Chilean passport very quickly. But for you there are tow years to wait.
Chilean citizenship Benefits
Once you obtain a Chile Citizenship you will be able to live in Chile forever, additionally your family members will also be able to obtain Chile Citizenship.
Chile has one the strongest passport in the world, currently ranking 13th in the world with visa free access to more than 160 countries including United States of America and Canada.
Chile has a fast growing economy, the political stability and a lot of new opportunities can grant you an environment for Success life.
You will be able to benefit from all public services like free health care free education etc.
