🇨🇱 Ready to start a new adventure in Chile? This comprehensive guide covers everything you need for a smooth move.
What should I know about living in Chile at a glance?
- Flag: 🇨🇱
- Population: Around 19.6 million
- Currency: Chilean Peso (CLP)
- Average salary: ~800,000–1,000,000 CLP per month (approx. €760–€950, varies by sector and region)
- Live CLP ←→ EUR: Use dynamic currency converters for the latest exchange rates
- National Institute of Statistics of Chile (INE), 2025
- Central Bank of Chile, 2025
- XE, 2025
Reviewed by National Institute of Statistics of Chile (INE), last updated in December 2025; Central Bank of Chile, last updated in December 2025; XE Financial Data Team, last updated in December 2025.
How Much Does It Cost to Move Your Belongings to Chile?
The cost of relocating to Chile depends on several factors, including shipment size, transport method, country of origin, destination city (such as Santiago or Valparaíso), and any additional relocation or customs-handling fees. Below are typical market rates in EUR as of mid-2025:
| Shipment Method | Transit Time | Estimated Cost (EUR) |
| 20-ft container | ~4–6 weeks | €1,800–€3,800 |
| 40-ft container | ~4–6 weeks | €3,200–€6,500 |
| Air freight (per kg) | Few days | €5.00–€10.00+ |
| Customs / Fees | — | €250–€600 |
Reviewed by Freightos Market Analytics Team and Maersk Logistics Research Team, last updated in July 2025.
Use a real-time moving calculator for a tailored quote with ReloAdvisor.
Real-life case:
“I relocated to Santiago, Chile, in April 2025 with about 8 cubic meters of belongings using a shared 20-ft container. The total cost, including customs clearance and delivery to my new apartment, was around €2,600. The shipment arrived in five weeks, and the moving company handled all logistics professionally, making my relocation to Chile smooth and stress-free.” — Carlos M., moved in April 2025
Many people relocating to Chile often choose to settle in popular cities and regions such as Santiago, Valparaíso, Viña del Mar, Concepción, and Punta Arenas. These areas offer a balanced mix of career opportunities, cultural attractions, modern amenities, and welcoming local communities. Their combination of relative safety, access to healthcare and education, diverse lifestyles, and proximity to beaches, mountains, and historic sites makes them particularly appealing for expats starting a new chapter in Chile.
How to understand the cost of living in Chile?
Living in Chile varies by city, with Santiago being the most expensive. According to Numbeo (2025), a single person can expect monthly expenses (excluding rent) of €350–€500. A one‑bedroom apartment in Santiago’s city centre rents for around €500–€750, and a monthly public transport pass costs about €40–€50.
Average local salaries are around €800 per month, so while daily expenses like groceries and transport are moderate, housing and imported goods can be costly. Careful budgeting is essential for expats.
| Category | Approximate Cost (EUR) |
| Monthly expenses (excluding rent, single person) | ~€350–€500 |
| 1‑bedroom apartment (city centre, Santiago) | ~€500–€750 |
| Monthly public transport pass | ~€40–€50 |
| Average monthly net salary (local) | ~€800 |
Reviewed by Numbeo Data Quality Team, last updated in June 2025
How to Apply for a Visa and Meet Residency Requirements for Chile?
Foreign nationals moving to Chile must obtain the appropriate visa or residence permit based on the purpose of their stay. Short-term visits (typically up to 90 days) may require a tourist visa depending on nationality, while long-term residence requires formal authorization. Options include Temporary Residence (work, study, or family reunification) and Permanent Residence.
Residents must maintain valid status, register with Chilean immigration authorities (Extranjería), enroll in public or private health insurance if required, and provide proof of income, a clean criminal record, and other official documents.
Visa and Passport: Entry requirements to Chile (official immigration authority info)
Reviewed by Obtención de visas – Chile en el Exterior (Government of Chile), last updated in 2025
How to Access Healthcare and Insurance Options in Chile?
Chile provides healthcare through a mixed public and private system. Residents can access public healthcare via FONASA (Fondo Nacional de Salud), which covers general practitioner visits, specialist consultations, hospital treatments, and essential medications. Foreign nationals living long-term must register with FONASA or opt for private health insurance through ISAPRE plans to ensure comprehensive coverage.
Private clinics and hospitals in Santiago, Valparaíso, and other major cities offer faster service and international-standard care, often preferred by expats. Short-term visitors should obtain travel or private health insurance to cover medical costs during their stay.
Reviewed by Expat Focus – Chile Health Insurance Guide, last updated in 2025
How to Navigate the Housing Market as a Newcomer to Chile?
First month’s payment is typically required. Tenants usually need a valid passport, proof of income, and sometimes references. Leases are generally 12 months, with utilities such as electricity, water, internet, and garbage fees often paid separately.
Popular residential areas for newcomers in Chile include:
- Santiago – City Centre: Modern apartments with easy access to shops, restaurants, cultural landmarks, and public services.
- Vitacura / Las Condes – Upscale Areas: Quiet, residential neighborhoods with amenities, shopping centers, and international schools.
- Providencia – Urban and Cultural Hub: Vibrant area near universities, markets, and historical sites.
- Valparaíso / Viña del Mar – Coastal Areas: Scenic beachfront locations with cultural attractions and leisure activities.
- Concepción – Peripheral Zones: Affordable housing, green spaces, and convenient transport connections.
Reviewed by Expat Focus – Chile Property Rental Prices & Guideand PortalInmobiliario, last updated in July 2025
How to Understand Your Tax and Pension Obligations in Chile?
If you are considered a tax resident in Chile—generally determined by residing in the country for more than 183 days in a year or earning income primarily in Chile—you are taxed on your worldwide income. Residents are also required to contribute to the Chilean social security system, which covers pensions, healthcare, and other social benefits.
Chile has agreements with certain countries to avoid double taxation, ensuring residents are not taxed twice on the same income. The Chilean Internal Revenue Service (Servicio de Impuestos Internos, SII) administers all tax obligations, including income tax, social security contributions, and pension regulations.
| Tax Component | Description |
| Social Security / Pension Contributions | Mandatory contributions covering retirement savings, healthcare, and social benefits through Chile’s social security system (AFP and health insurance) |
| Double Tax Treaties | Agreements to prevent double taxation of international income for residents (if applicable) |
Reviewed by the Servicio de Impuestos Internos (SII), last updated 2025
How to Comply with Customs and Duty Rules When Moving to Chile?
When relocating to Chile, used household goods and personal belongings can generally be imported duty- and tax-free if they have been owned and used for at least six months and are intended solely for personal use. To qualify, you must submit a customs declaration, a detailed inventory of your goods, your passport, and proof of residence. It is recommended that your items arrive around the time of your relocation.
New or commercial goods, high-value electronics, and certain restricted items—such as firearms, specific medications, or animal products—may be subject to customs duties or require import permits. Accurate and complete declarations are essential to avoid inspection delays, fines, or confiscation.
Reviewed by the Chilean Customs Regulations – Global Alliance International, last updated in 2025
Real-life case:
“When I relocated from Sofia, Bulgaria, to Santiago, Chile, in August 2025, I prepared a detailed inventory of all my personal belongings and submitted it along with the required customs declaration to the Chilean Customs Authority (Aduanas de Chile). Since my items had been owned and used for over six months, they qualified for duty- and tax-free import. My shipment by sea arrived in about four weeks, and the moving company handled all customs procedures smoothly.” — Elena P., moved in August 2025
How to Manage Pet Relocation When Moving to Chile?
Bringing pets into Chile requires complying with national veterinary regulations. Dogs and cats must be microchipped, vaccinated against rabies, and accompanied by a valid veterinary health certificate issued by an authorized veterinarian. Pets from countries with higher rabies risk may also require an import permit and a rabies antibody (titer) test. Short quarantine may apply if documentation or health requirements are incomplete.
Starting preparations early is essential, and many pet owners use professional pet relocation services to handle permits, veterinary appointments, and travel logistics.
Reviewed by Chile Pet Import Requirements, last updated in 2025
How to Import a Car and Swap Your Driver’s License in Chile?
Imported vehicles in Chile must comply with national safety, environmental, and registration standards. Cars coming from abroad may be subject to customs duties, import taxes, and registration fees. Required documents include the vehicle title, proof of ownership, and technical compliance certificates. Vehicles must pass an inspection to ensure roadworthiness and emissions compliance before registration with the Chilean Ministry of Transport and Telecommunications (Ministerio de Transportes y Telecomunicaciones, MTT).
Foreign driver’s licenses are generally valid for short-term visits, but long-term residents must exchange their foreign license for a Chilean driver’s license, which may require a written or practical test depending on the country of origin.
Reviewed by the Chilean Ministry of Transport and Telecommunications (MTT), last updated in 2025
How to Open a Bank Account and Obtain a Tax ID in Chile?
To open a bank account in Chile, you need a valid passport, proof of address, and, if applicable, your residency permit. Major Chilean banks, such as Banco de Chile, Banco Santander Chile, and Banco BCI, offer accounts, debit cards, local transfers, and online banking. International transfers are widely available but may require coordination with the bank.
For tax purposes, long-term residents or those earning income in Chile must obtain a Tax ID (RUT – Rol Único Tributario) from the Chilean Internal Revenue Service (Servicio de Impuestos Internos, SII). This is required for employment, banking, and official tax filings.
Reviewed by the Chilean Internal Revenue Service and major banks, 2025
Where can I find tools and more resources before moving?
For further guidance, make use of the volume calculator, book a video survey, or explore comprehensive guides for Costa Rica and Cuba with ReloAdvisor.
