By the end of this guide, you’ll understand how Chile’s Startup Visa and accelerator programs work, what benefits you can tap into, and how to turn a temporary permit into a long-term foothold in one of Latin America’s most connected economies.

What Is the Chile Startup Visa?

Chile’s government launched its first startup visa in 2010, making it one of the earliest Latin American economies to offer a clear immigration track for entrepreneurs (Wikipedia’s entry on Startup Chile). This visa is tied to acceleration programs—most famously, Start-Up Chile—which grants equity-free funding and hands-on support in exchange for setting up your business in Santiago.

How the Accelerator and Visa Work Together

• You apply to an acceleration program such as Start-Up Chile’s Acceleration track.
• Once accepted, Chile’s immigration authority issues a one-year Startup Visa (with possible extension) so you can legally reside in the country.
• You gain workspace, training, mentorship and access to local investors.

Key Benefits You Might Not Know

The top-ranking articles cover funding and mentorship, but here’s what they often omit:

1. Visa Flexibility
   You can bring your spouse and children under your Startup Visa so your family relocates with you (Expat.com guide to Chilean temporary residence visas).
2. Post-Program Residency
   After completing a year in the accelerator and proving economic activity, you can apply for permanent residency (Chile Business overview of the Startup Visa).
3. Tax Incentives
   According to InvestChile, foreign entrepreneurs may qualify for simplified corporate tax filings and reduced rates during their first two years in Chile (InvestChile guide to business taxes in Chile).
4. Alumni Impact
   Start-Up Chile alumni have gone on to secure over US$1 billion in follow-on funding, demonstrating the program’s proven track record (Startup Chile Impact Report 2023).
5. Support for Diversity
   The program features special tracks for women founders and underrepresented groups through initiatives like the Women Founder Award.
6. Digital Infrastructure
   Chile leads Latin America in internet penetration (96.9 % in January 2023) and offers reliable high-speed connections for remote product development (DataReportal’s Digital 2023 Chile report).

Eligibility and Application Steps

To be a good fit, you must have a scalable tech-driven idea and a minimum viable product. Here’s a simplified timeline:

1. Research & Prepare
   Gather a pitch deck, executive summary and proof of concept.
2. Apply to Start-Up Chile
   Complete the online form by the published deadline—there are usually two calls per year.
3. Receive Admission Letter
   Within 6–8 weeks you’ll know if you’ve been accepted.
4. Visa Submission
   Submit required documents—passport copy, criminal record certificate, business plan—at your nearest Chilean consulate.
5. Relocate to Santiago
   Once you obtain the Temporary Residence Visa for Business, you have one year to build your startup (VFS Global one-pager for Chile temporary residence visas).

Documents You’ll Need

• Valid passport
• Start-Up Chile admission letter
• Bank statements showing solvency
• Clear criminal record certificate
• Detailed business plan

Plugging into the Local Ecosystem

Securing a visa is just the first step. To thrive:

• Join coworking hubs like Startup Space for daily interaction with local founders.
• Tap into university-industry networks via partnerships with Pontificia Universidad Católica and Universidad de Chile.
• Attend meetups such as “Pitch & Network” hosted monthly by Endeavor Chile.

“Chile’s ecosystem blends world-class connectivity with deep ties to regional markets. It’s a unique springboard for any tech founder.”
— Mariana Zúñiga, Venture Partner at Magma Partners

Language, Culture and Living Costs

While English is common in accelerator sessions, day-to-day bureaucracy runs in Spanish. Invest in basic Spanish lessons to expedite permit renewals, bank dealings and tax filings. On average:

• Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Providencia: US $600–800/month (Numbeo cost of living data for Santiago).
• Monthly living expenses (food, transport): ~US $500.

Chile also offers an open-air lifestyle—hiking, vineyards and beaches are under three hours away from the capital.

From Visa to Permanent Roots

Most founders convert their one-year Startup Visa into a Residence Visa by showing:

• Active company registration with Chile’s Business Registry.
• Corporate tax returns for at least six months.
• Employment of at least one local collaborator.

After two years on a Residence Visa, you can apply for Indefinite Stay, securing your long-term place in Chile’s market.

Next Stop: Your Chilean Venture

You now have a clear picture of how to leverage Chile’s Startup Visa, combine funding with community, and set a course toward permanent residency. Pack your ambition, assemble your documents and get ready to join the ranks of successful founders who’ve made Chile their launchpad.