Area: 756,102 km²
Residents: 17,574,003 (in 2017)
Population density: 23 E / km²
Form of Government: Republic
System of Government: Presidential democracy
Neighboring countries: Argentina, Peru, Bolivia Coast
length: 6,435 km
Capital: Santiago de Chile National
language: Spanish
Religion:
69.96 % Roman Catholic,
15% Protestant,
8.5% agnostic,
2.11% members of other Christian churches,
0.92% Mormons,
0.4% Jehovah’s Witnesses,
0.13% Jews
Road network: 80,651 km (right-hand traffic)
Currency: Chilean Peso (CLP)
1 CLP = 100 Centavos
Exchange rates:
1 EUR = 884.85 CLP
100 CLP = 0.11 EUR
1 CHF = 821.28 CLP
100 CLP = 0.12 CHF
(exchange rate from January 16, 2021)
Telephone area code: +56
Time zones: UTC-4
Mains voltage: 220 V
Seasons: are opposite to those of the northern hemisphere
- Spring: Sep. until Nov.
- Summer: Dec. to Feb.
- Autumn: March to May
- Winter: June to August
In 2020, 220 Germans officially emigrated to Chile and 589 came back to their homeland. Within the 10 years from 2010 to 2019, 4,492 Germans officially emigrated to Chile and 5,382 moved back to Germany. This page gives an overview of the country and immigration. We go into detail on the following pages.
In recent years, the number of immigrants in Chile has been unusually high. Many people are looking for alternatives to their home country, which is no longer an option for them in the long term. Many countries that are particularly attractive for European emigrants are out of the question because the immigration regulations can hardly be fulfilled for most of those interested. Chile is still a pleasant exception here. A successful application for immigration does not require proof of sufficient knowledge of the national language, nor the submission of a medical certificate of health. The requirements to be met are kept within reasonable limits.
With a population of over 17.5 million, Chile ranks first on the Human Development Index within Latin America. Nevertheless, there is some development potential or a need to catch up compared to the leading European countries. The almost 4,300 km long and an average of only 180 km narrow country is a specialty due to its scenic diversity and beauty. Because Chile has a lot to offer: fantastic beaches on the Pacific Ocean, the mountainous region of the Andes (in winter a paradise for skiers), dreamy islands, part of the Antarctic and the Atacama Desert.
Chile not only offers a very attractive landscape with many different climatic zones, but also extremely friendly, open-minded and fun-loving residents. Due to the historical development of the population, Germans in particular are very welcome. They not only appreciate the quality of German products, but also the reliability, determination and punctuality as a special characteristic of Germans. As an immigrant, it is therefore easy to be quickly accepted in the new community.
Chile certainly cannot keep up with the conveniences that you have taken for granted. But you may come across values that you have long believed lost. Precisely because everything is not yet perfect, there are still many options for offering special products and services. Specialists in medical, technical and scientific professions, experts in IT, as well as well-trained craftsmen in all areas are sought in order to meet the growing demands of the economy.
The Chilean state is paving the way for investors to drive the positive development of Chile forward. It is also worth mentioning that retirees of all ages are welcome. There are even special immigration requirements for this target group. When making decisions, it is important to recognize the special position of Chile in Latin America and not to succumb to prejudice.
Immigration overview
Tourist visa
German citizens can enter the country as tourists for 90 days without the need for a consular visa.
Requirements: a passport that is valid beyond the duration of the stay (at least 6 months) and valid return tickets
Other visas
- Temporary residence visa – “Residentes Temporarios”
- Student Visa – “Residentes Estudiantes”
- Visa for foreign workers – “Residentes sujeto a contrato”
- Permanent visa who has lived two years temporary visas in Chile and can demonstrate livelihood – “Permanencia Definitiva”
Special features and advantages at a glance
- Quite uncomplicated and free economy
- Most progressive country in South America
- Friendly to foreigners, especially towards Germans
- Good craftsmen and skilled workers are wanted
- Nuclear power free
- Cost of living cheap (LHK-I 72.5)
- Low population density
- Great variety of flora and fauna
- Uncomplicated property acquisition
- Inexpensive immigration