Chile at a glance
| Entry | 90 days · Visa-free, extendable once |
|---|---|
| Residency | Jubilado / Rentista · Apply from abroad |
| VA presence | None · FMP reimbursement |
| Time zone | UTC-4 / UTC-3 · Daylight saving, currency: peso |
| Cost of living | Roughly USD 1,800 to 2,800 a month. Santiago's eastern neighborhoods cost the most. |
| Money · language · time | Chilean peso (CLP) · Spanish · UTC-4, UTC-3 in summer |
Entering Chile
U.S. citizens can stay 90 days visa-free. One 90-day extension can be requested from the Servicio Nacional de Migraciones (SERMIG).
Long-stay and retirement visas
- Temporary residence for retirees and rentistas (jubilados y rentistas). Retirees show a pension certificate with the amount and duration (apostilled) and the latest payment. Rentistas show rental or financial income. SERMIG does not publish a fixed minimum. It asks for regular income enough to cover basic needs. Confirm what your consulate expects.
- SERMIG says this application is only available from outside Chile, through its online portal.
- Temporary residence can lead to permanent residence after a qualifying period.
VA care and benefits in Chile
There are no VA facilities in Latin America. Care for service-connected conditions is reimbursed through the Foreign Medical Program. Be wary of any clinic that claims to be a "VA clinic". VA does not list an in-country toll-free FMP number for this country, so reach FMP through Ask VA or by international call. Social Security questions for Chile are handled by the Federal Benefits Unit at the U.S. Embassy in Buenos Aires.
Vets in Chile are already in the group
Ask about visas, hospitals and FMP claims from people who've done it there.
Healthcare
Among the best care in South America. Clínica Alemana, Clínica Las Condes and Clínica Santa María in Santiago are the expat favorites. Residents with income contribute to the public FONASA system or buy a private ISAPRE plan.
Where veterans live
- Santiago (Providencia, Las Condes, Vitacura): Top clinics, the U.S. Embassy and Andes views.
- Viña del Mar / Valparaíso: Pacific coast, an hour and a half from Santiago.
- La Serena: Sunny northern beach city.
- Puerto Varas: Lake district town with volcano views and a cooler, wetter climate.
Cost of living and property
Roughly USD 1,800 to 2,800 a month. Santiago's eastern neighborhoods cost the most. Costs vary a lot by city and lifestyle, and health insurance is extra.
Foreigners can buy property with the same rights as Chileans. Limits near the borders mainly affect citizens of neighboring countries. You will need a RUT tax number.
Watch out for
The State Department rates Chile Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution for crime and civil unrest. Street crime and car break-ins have risen in Santiago and Valparaíso, and protests can disrupt buses and the metro. Earthquakes and summer wildfires are real risks.
Veteran organizations
No American Legion or VFW post in Chile could be confirmed. See all veteran organizations abroad.
Common questions
What income do I need to retire in Chile?
Chile does not publish a fixed minimum. You need a regular pension or passive income that covers basic needs, documented with an apostilled certificate. Ask the consulate what they expect to see.
Can I apply for Chilean residency after I arrive?
No. SERMIG says the retiree and rentista permit is applied for from outside Chile through its online portal.
Where do I go for Social Security questions in Chile?
The Federal Benefits Unit at the U.S. Embassy in Buenos Aires covers Chile.
Last reviewed November 2026. See something out of date? Tell us.
