Chilean citizenship in 2026: naturalization, birth, and ancestry

Chile is one of the few Latin American countries with a passport of genuine global strength: visa-free access to 164 countries, including the United States, Canada, and the entire EU. Citizenship is not granted through investment but through residence, birth, or descent. There are no “golden passports” — only legitimate legal grounds.

In 2026, interest in Chilean citizenship among Russians, Ukrainians, and other CIS nationals continues to grow. Below are the concrete pathways, realistic timelines, and practical cases.

As of 2026, the Chilean passport ranks 13th globally in mobility indexes. It is the only Latin American passport granting visa-free access to both the United States and Canada simultaneously. Dual citizenship is allowed — there is no need to renounce a Russian passport.

An additional advantage: Chilean citizens may apply for Spanish citizenship after just 2 years of residence instead of the standard 10 years required for Russians. This significantly accelerates access to an EU passport compared to most alternative routes.

If you want to determine which pathway to Chilean citizenship suits you, book a free consultation — Visa Dan specialists will analyze your situation and propose a tailored strategy.

This is the standard and most universal route. Requirements as of 2026:

• Legal residence in Chile for at least 5 years from the date of the first resident visa
• Valid Permanent Residence (Residencia Definitiva) at the time of application
• Age 18+ (or 14+ with parental consent)
• No criminal record in Chile or country of origin
• Proven source of income
• Citizenship of another country

Important Timeline Detail
The 5-year period starts from the first temporary residence visa — not from the issuance of permanent residence. For example, 1 year of temporary residence + 4 years with permanent residence is sufficient to apply.
Processing Times
There is no statutory deadline. In practice: 2 to 5 years after submission. The process cannot be officially expedited — migration authorities consider citizenship a “special privilege,” not a standard administrative service.
Out of 109,904 applications submitted between 2013 and 2023, only about 15% were approved.
Costs
Government fees: approximately $500 USD.
Total expenses including documents, translations, and legal support: $1,500–3,000 USD.
Case Example
Maxim from St. Petersburg moved to Santiago in 2019 on a work visa. He obtained permanent residence in 2021 and applied for citizenship in 2024. As of early 2026, he is still awaiting a decision — over 18 months, consistent with current practice.

Visa Dan supports clients at every stage — from the first temporary visa to citizenship application submission.

Chile follows the principle of jus soli: a child born on Chilean territory automatically receives Chilean citizenship (except children of diplomats and tourists without long-term visa status).
For parents, this creates an accelerated path: once the child becomes a citizen, both parents may apply for residence on family grounds, then permanent residence — and after 2 total years of residence, apply for citizenship.

Step-by-Step Scheme

• Arrival in Chile and obtaining temporary residence (or visa-in-process status)
• Childbirth — the child receives Chilean citizenship
• Parents apply for family-based residence
• After 1 year — permanent residence
• After another year — eligibility to apply for citizenship

In favorable circumstances, parents may apply for citizenship just 2 years after relocation — significantly shorter than the standard 5-year route.
Case Example
A family from Almaty arrived in Santiago in 2022 during the 8th month of pregnancy. The child was born with Chilean citizenship. In 2024, both parents applied for citizenship — a decision is expected in 2025–2026.

If one of your parents is a Chilean citizen, you may apply for citizenship by blood (jus sanguinis) — without relocating to Chile or knowing Spanish.

This right applies to children of Chilean citizens born abroad. Grandchildren cannot use this route without relocating.

Applications can be submitted through a Chilean consulate in your country of residence. This is one of the rare cases where citizenship can be obtained without leaving your current country.

Since 2006, Chile’s migration policy has become more favorable toward repatriates. If you have Chilean roots, verify your parents’ documentation: birth certificate, Chilean ID.

Since July 2023, amendments to the Chilean Migration Law have been under parliamentary review. If adopted, they may significantly alter conditions:

• Requirement of 10 years of residence with permanent status instead of the current 5 years
• Removal of the 2-year preferential period for relatives of Chilean citizens
• Mandatory exam on Chilean history and culture

As of February 2026, the amendments have not been adopted, but the situation may change. If you are considering Chile, acting under current rules may be strategically advantageous.

• Passport copy (notarized)
• Criminal record certificate from country of origin (apostilled and translated into Spanish)
• Criminal record certificate from Chilean police (PDI)
• Copy of Permanent Residence (Residencia Definitiva) and validity confirmation
• Proof of income (employment contract, tax returns)
• Supporting documents that strengthen the case: property ownership, bank statements, tax payment certificates, medical insurance

All foreign documents must be translated into Spanish by a sworn translator (traducción jurada). Applications are submitted via the SERMIG portal or in person at the local migration office in Chile.

Visa Dan is an international company with a strong legal team and experience in assisting more than 1,000 clients. We offer:

• Individual selection of solutions and strategies for obtaining a residence permit.
• Complete transparency and support at every stage.
• A strong team in Europe: lawyers, translators, operators, notaries.
• Support until you receive your ID card, as well as assistance with renewal and integration in the country.

The Visa Dan team will help you navigate this journey from start to finish. Get personalized advice and start your new life in 2025!