Republic of Chile · study
Temporary Residence - Students
By Sam Parks · Last reviewed:
Source check: all 11 official citations reconfirmed 11 July 2026
Temporary residence subcategory for foreigners studying at education establishments recognised by the Chilean State.
- Processing time
- Indicative only - SERMIG processing timeframes apply. Confirm on the official page.
- Government fees
- Indicative only - government fees may apply and vary by nationality/reciprocity. Confirm on the official SERMIG page.
- Typical duration
- Temporary residence aligned to the study programme; extensions require continued enrolment and financial capacity.
- Sponsorship required
- No
- Leads to permanent residency
- No
In short
As of 9 July 2026, the Temporary Residence - Students for Republic of Chile is an unsponsored Chile immigration route. Sources: official Republic of Chile government pages, reviewed 9 July 2026.
Cite this: https://visaatlas.org/visas/chile/temporary-residence-student#answer
What is the Temporary Residence - Students in Republic of Chile?
Temporary Residence - Students is an unsponsored Chile route. Indicative government fees are Indicative only - government fees may apply and vary by nationality/reciprocity. Confirm on the official SERMIG page; indicative processing time is Indicative only - SERMIG processing timeframes apply. Confirm on the official page; typical duration is Temporary residence aligned to the study programme; extensions require continued enrolment and financial capacity. This route does not lead to permanent residence.
Verified against Servicio Nacional de Migraciones (Chile) on 1 June 2026.
Overview
This Residencia Temporal subcategory is for foreigners who intend to reside in Chile to study at education establishments recognised by the State. Applicants apply from abroad through the SERMIG digital portal and must show enrolment and proof of financial means. Holders may work up to 30 hours per week without separate authorisation; this subcategory does not by itself lead to permanent residence.
Eligibility
Typical criteria
- ✓Enrolment at an education establishment recognised by the Chilean State (regular student or enrolment certificate).Servicio Nacional de Migraciones (Chile) ↗
- ✓Proof of financial means (bank deposits, money order, family affidavit or scholarship certificate).Servicio Nacional de Migraciones (Chile) ↗
- ✓Valid passport (validity of at least one year from the application date).Servicio Nacional de Migraciones (Chile) ↗
- ✓Criminal record certificate for applicants aged 18 or over.Servicio Nacional de Migraciones (Chile) ↗
Common blockers
- !Institution not recognised by the State, or no valid enrolment evidence.Servicio Nacional de Migraciones (Chile) ↗
- !Insufficient proof of financial means.Servicio Nacional de Migraciones (Chile) ↗
- !Working beyond 30 hours per week, which can risk permit revocation.Servicio Nacional de Migraciones (Chile) ↗
Typical evidence
- ·Regular student certificate or certificate of enrolment.Servicio Nacional de Migraciones (Chile) ↗
- ·Proof of financial means.Servicio Nacional de Migraciones (Chile) ↗
- ·Valid passport and, for over-18s, criminal record certificate.Servicio Nacional de Migraciones (Chile) ↗
- ·Recent colour photograph with white background.Servicio Nacional de Migraciones (Chile) ↗
Application pathway
Check the route fit
Obtain enrolment or a regular-student certificate from a State-recognised Chilean education establishment.
Build the evidence pack
Gather passport, criminal record certificate, photo and evidence of financial means.
Submit through the official channel
Submit the student Residencia Temporal application on the SERMIG digital procedures portal from abroad.
After approval
On approval, enter Chile, activate residence and study, working up to 30 hours per week if desired.
Official application links
Where to actually go next
These are the official pages to use for this route. Open them before preparing documents: the forms, fees, appointment systems, and sponsor steps can change without warning.
- Official guidanceApplicantUse official Temporary Residence - Students route page ↗
Use this official page to confirm requirements and follow the government filing route for Temporary Residence - Students.
Servicio Nacional de Migraciones (Chile) · verified
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Temporary Residence - Lawful Remunerated Activities
Temporary residence subcategory for foreigners coming to Chile to perform lawful paid work under a contract, service contract or job offer.
Temporary Residence - Job Offer Pathway
Temporary residence pathway for foreigners with a formal Chilean job offer who need to enter Chile and file the employment contract after arrival.
Temporary Residence - Family Reunification
Temporary residence subcategory for close family members of Chilean citizens or holders of Residencia Definitiva.
Frequently asked questions
Can student-permit holders work?+
Yes. According to the official SERMIG page, holders may work up to 30 hours per week without additional authorisation; exceeding 30 hours can risk permit revocation. Confirm current rules on the official page.
Does the student permit lead to permanent residence?+
Not automatically. This subcategory does not by itself lead to Residencia Definitiva; separate application procedures exist. Check the official SERMIG criteria for permanent residence.
What financial proof does a student need for the Chile student residence?+
You must show proof of financial means, which can include bank deposits, a money order, a family affidavit or a scholarship certificate, alongside enrolment at a State-recognised institution. Confirm acceptable evidence on the official SERMIG page.
Can a student on the Chile student permit lose it by working too many hours?+
Yes. Holders may work up to 30 hours per week without separate authorisation, but working beyond 30 hours per week can risk permit revocation. Confirm current rules on the official SERMIG page.
Need tailored advice?
We do not provide legal advice. For an application that depends on your exact circumstances, consult a regulator-listed immigration advisor.
Find a regulated advisor in ChileHow we verified this
We check every figure on this page against the primary government source, record the date it was last checked, and re-check it on a regular schedule. Rules change, so always confirm time-sensitive details with the official source before you rely on them. Visa Atlas is an information-only publication and does not give legal advice.
Primary source: Servicio Nacional de Migraciones (Chile)
Last checked: 1 June 2026