Streamlined Visa Program for Technology Company Workers Now Available

The situation

A new Tech Visa provides a fast way for technology workers to obtain work authorization in Chile. Although the visa is currently considered a pilot program, it is open to all eligible applicants.

A closer look

• Visa duration. The Tech Visa can be issued for up to two years.

• Worker eligibility. The following foreign nationals can apply for Tech Visas:
  • Foreign nationals in Chile under the Start-Up Chile, InvestChile or ChileTech programs (including independent contractors);
  • Owners, partners or investors of new technology companies in Chile under the InvestChile program (including independent contractors); and
  • Foreign nationals applying as a professional or technician in the areas of science and technology with experience in innovation.

• Company eligibility.  There is no application process to become a sponsor for a Tech Visa, but eligible companies must either be:
  • Involved in a technology-related field; or
  • Established under the Start-Up Chile, InvestChile and Chile Tech programs.

• Application process
  • The sponsoring entity must inform the immigration authorities at least 10 business days in advance of the foreign national’s arrival;
  • The foreign national enters Chile as a visitor;
  • The foreign national applies for the visa online; and
  • The foreign national receives approval within 15 business days.

Background

Previously, foreign nationals who created companies, invested in Chile, or brought established companies to Chile, including those in programs such as Start-Up Chile, InvestChile and ChileTech, were subject to several months of visa processing.

Impact

Eligible foreign nationals can take advantage of the Tech Visa’s 15-business day processing.

Looking ahead

This new visa process is subject to change by the immigration authorities in Chile (Departamento de Extranjería y Migración). Fragomen will monitor this process and will report important changes.

This alert is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please contact the global immigration professional with whom you work at Fragomen or send an email to lar@fragomen.com.