Why Chileans Are Choosing Spain
Spain offers an ideal mix of cultural familiarity, high quality of life, and access to the EU. With a shared language, historical ties, and welcoming immigration pathways, many Chileans are opting to relocate to Spain for:
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Work or business opportunities
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Education and academic research
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Family reunification
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Retirement or lifestyle change
🛂 Visa Options for Chilean Nationals
Chileans can visit Spain visa-free for up to 90 days, but a residence permit is required for long-term stays. Popular visa options include:
💼 Work Visa
For those with a job offer from a Spanish employer. Your employer must sponsor the work permit.
🧑💻 Highly Qualified Professional Visa
Ideal for Chilean professionals in sectors like tech, finance, or engineering.
🎓 Student Visa
For Chileans enrolled in Spanish universities or academic institutions. This visa allows limited work hours.
🧳 Non-Lucrative Residence Visa
For retirees or remote workers who can financially support themselves without local employment.
👨👩👧👦 Family Reunification Visa
If you have a close relative legally residing in Spain, you can apply to join them.
🚀 Entrepreneur Visa
Designed for Chileans launching an innovative business project in Spain.
📄 Key Documents Required
You’ll generally need the following:
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Valid Chilean passport
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Completed visa application
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Criminal background check from Chile (apostilled)
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Medical certificate
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Proof of financial means
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Health insurance
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Proof of accommodation in Spain
🔁 All non-Spanish documents must be translated and apostilled.
🏠 Settling Down in Spain
📍 Get Empadronado
Register your address at the local town hall (empadronamiento) to access public services.
🆔 Apply for a NIE
The Foreigner Identification Number (NIE) is required for nearly all legal, financial, and real estate activities.
🏦 Open a Bank Account
This allows for salary deposits, rent payments, and setting up utilities.
💶 Taxes and the Double Tax Treaty
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Spain taxes residents on their worldwide income.
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Chile and Spain have a Double Taxation Agreement, so you won’t be taxed twice on the same income.
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Chilean pensioners must check how their retirement income is taxed in Spain.
🧳 Tips for a Smooth Relocation
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Start your visa process from Chile before arriving.
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Consider short-term accommodation while you find permanent housing.
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Bring all essential translated documents.
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Research healthcare and school options in advance if relocating with family.
✅ How Borderless Lawyers Can Help
We offer tailored support to help you navigate Spanish immigration law:
✔️ Visa application strategy
✔️ Apostille and translation of Chilean documents
✔️ NIE and NIF registration
✔️ Tax and residency planning
✔️ Real estate legal assistance
✔️ Ongoing expat legal support
📞 Ready to Relocate to Spain from Chile?
Let Borderless Lawyers make your move to Spain effortless. From choosing the right visa to managing your legal documents, we’re here for every step.