New Flexible Work Visa Introduced

On March 1, Chile introduced a new multiple-entry work visa category, called Temporary Residence for Work Purposes. The visa – which can only be obtained in Chile - allows foreign nationals to change employers, even if an employment contract is signed, and to perform unlimited work activities. Foreign nationals who hold the visa for one year and reside in Chile during that time can apply for permanent residence if they comply with certain eligibility requirements. 

Additionally, the sponsoring employer does not need to cancel the visa or pay repatriation costs for the employee or any dependents if the employee leaves Chile. 

The Work Contract Visa – the other main work visa category – sets restrictions on changing employers, limits the foreign national’s job duties to those described in the employment contract in the original application, and requires the employer to pay repatriation costs. 

What This Means for Employers and Foreign Nationals 

Foreign nationals under the new visa should benefit from the possibility of changing employers. 

Employers hiring foreign workers under the new visa should see lower expenditures as they are not liable for repatriation fees. 

Employers seeking to send foreign nationals to Chile under the Temporary Residence for Work Purposes visa should contact their immigration professional to discuss application requirements. 

This alert is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the global immigration professional with whom you work at Fragomen or send an email to [email protected].

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