Chilean citizens moving to Republic of Korea
Chilean nationals typically move to Republic of Korea through its standard work, study, family, and skilled-migration routes rather than through a dedicated bilateral scheme. Eligibility and processing times are set by Korea Immigration Service, so check each route below for its primary source.
We cover 5 South Korea routes — 3 can be started without a job offer, and 3 lead to permanent residence.
Tourist entry
No. Chilean nationals require a visa to enter Republic of Korea, even for short tourism. A separate residence or work route is required for long-term stay.
Treaty & bilateral memberships
No nationality-specific treaty routes apply.
Consular processing: a Republic of Korea consulate or visa application centre in your country of residence
What this means for Chilean citizens
Of the 5 Republic of Korea routes we cover, 3 can be started without an employer sponsor and 3 can lead to permanent residence. Expect a language test or qualification-recognition step, since language alignment is only partial.
All Republic of Korea routes open to Chilean applicants
General routes available to all nationalities. Click any to read the full guide.
E-7 Designated Activities Visa
Work visa for foreign professionals in specialised occupations — Korea's primary employer-sponsored route for skilled workers.
Job offer required · Leads to permanent residence
F-2-7 Points-Based Long-Term Residence
Points-based long-term residence for skilled professionals scoring 80+ points — the bridge between work visas and permanent residence in Korea.
No job offer needed · Leads to permanent residence
D-8 Corporate Investment Visa
Visa for foreign nationals investing in or managing a Korean corporation — requires minimum investment and creates a pathway to long-term residence.
No job offer needed · Leads to permanent residence
Student Visa (D-2)
Visa for international students at Korean universities — includes part-time work rights and a post-graduation job-seeking extension.
Job offer required · Temporary
F-1 Family Visitation / F-3 Dependent Family
Residence permits for family members of work-visa and student-visa holders in Korea — F-3 for dependents of E-series workers, F-1 for extended family visits.
No job offer needed · Temporary
Frequently asked questions
Can Chilean citizens enter Republic of Korea without a visa?+
No. Chilean nationals require a visa to enter Republic of Korea, even for short tourism. A separate residence or work route is required for long-term stay.
Which Republic of Korea visa routes are best suited to Chilean applicants?+
Chilean nationals typically move to Republic of Korea through its standard work, study, family, and skilled-migration routes rather than through a dedicated bilateral scheme. Eligibility and processing times are set by Korea Immigration Service, so check each route below for its primary source.
Where do Chilean applicants typically apply for a Republic of Korea visa?+
Applications are typically processed at a Republic of Korea consulate or visa application centre in your country of residence. Some digital and in-country applications can be filed directly with Republic of Korea's immigration authority without a consular visit.
Do Chilean citizens need a job offer to move to Republic of Korea?+
Not necessarily. 3 of the 5 Republic of Korea routes we cover can be started without an employer sponsor, while the rest need a sponsoring employer or job offer. If you do not have an offer yet, the no-sponsor routes are the place to start.
Can Chilean citizens get permanent residence in Republic of Korea?+
Yes. 3 of the 5 Republic of Korea routes we cover lead toward settlement or permanent residence; the others are temporary. Timelines vary by route, so check the settlement detail on each visa page.