Immigration and Employment in Chile: Legal Requirements for Foreign Workers

Chile has entered a new phase of immigration enforcement, placing increased compliance obligations on employers that hire foreign workers. After the first three months of President José Antonio Kast’s administration, the government has issued a series of decrees aimed at combating irregular immigration, such as deportations, deployment of authorities to critical areas and stricter border protection measures. 

Increased Enforcement Brings New Focus to Work Authorization 

One of the primary measures, the Exempt Resolution No. 8,432, was enacted on March 30, 2026The regulation restructured the National Immigration Service (SERMIG) and created a Directorate of Oversight and Expulsions, responsible for inspecting employers, public transportation companies and other actors, working in coordination with tax, labor and social security authorities. SERMIG has announced that inspections will begin with particular attention on sectors where violations are most concentrated, such as construction and hospitality. 

Ensuring that foreign workers have proper authorization to work in Chile is no longer a procedural formality. It is a critical compliance requirement that carries significant legal and financial risk for both employers and employees. 

Who Is Authorized to Work in Chile? 

Work authorization in Chile depends largely on an individual’s immigration status, with different rules applying to residents, applicants with pending filings and short‑term visitors. 

Foreign Workers With Residence Status 

Foreign nationals holding valid temporary or permanent residence permits are authorized to engage in any lawful remunerated activity in the country, except for those with temporary residence for study purposes, who may only work up to 30 hours per week. Those with valid residence permits will have an identity card issued by the Civil Registry, which indicates on its back whether the holder is a temporary or permanent resident. 

Applicants With Residence Applications in Progress 

Individuals applying for temporary residence within Chile, renewing temporary residence or applying for permanent residence may work after obtaining a certificate confirming that their residence permit application is in progress. They must ensure that their certificate is renewed every 150 days to prove their immigration status and authorization to work. 

Short‑Term Visitors and Transitory Stay Restrictions 

Short-term visitors entering the country under a transitory stay are generally not authorized to work, unless they obtain specific authorization from SERMIG to carry out remunerated activities that are occasional and specific and that directly result in economic compensation either in Chile or abroad. 

This authorization may be granted for up to 90 days, extendable for another 90 days and its validity is strictly tied to the duration of the transitory stay. It is only valid once the person has entered Chile and automatically expires upon leaving the country. Those in this situation must carry their work authorization and the immigration card issued by the International Police Department (PDI in Spanish) upon entry. 

Consequences of Unauthorized Work 

Engaging in remunerated activities without proper authorization exposes both employers and foreign workers to significant legal and financial consequences. For companies, fines are calculated based on size:  

• Microenterprises (1 to 9 employees) face fines from 1 to 20 Monthly Tax Units (UTM) 

• Small enterprises (10 to 49 employees) from 10 to 40 UTM 

• Medium enterprises (50 to 199 employees) from 30 to 100 UTM 

• Large enterprises (more than 200 employees) from 60 to 200 UTM 

In addition to monetary fines, employers must comply with all applicable labor, tax and social security requirements. Companies found to have committed repeat violations within two years of an initial sanction will face the maximum applicable fine of 200 UTM.  

Workers found to be engaged in unauthorized employment may be subject to fines ranging from 0.5 to 5 UTM and may also face deportation. However, workers are exempt from penalties if they file a complaint against their employer for violations of immigration, labor or other laws. 

Conclusion  

Given the legal and financial risks associated with unauthorized employment, employers in Chile are strongly encouraged to implement robust processes to verify and monitor the work authorization status of foreign nationals before and throughout the employment relationship.  

Staying informed of migration requirements and conducting regular compliance checks can help organizations identify potential issues early and address them proactively. By taking a preventive and informed approach to immigration compliance, businesses can reduce exposure to sanctions, ensure continuity of operations and navigate Chile’s migration framework with greater certainty and confidence. 

Need to Know More?  

For questions regarding work authorization requirements in Chile, employer compliance obligations or the consequences of unauthorized employment, please contact Country Manager Constanza Herrera at [email protected].

This blog was published on June 6, 2026 and reflects information available at that time. Updates may occur as policies evolve. To stay informed on the latest immigration news and analysis, please subscribe to our alerts and follow Fragomen on  LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram.