latam Updated January 20, 2026 Work Remotely from Chile: Complete Guide
Everything about working remotely from Chile for US/EU companies - visa options, tax implications, best cities, internet quality, and cost of living for digital nomads.
Updated January 20, 2026 • Verified current for 2026
Yes, you can work remotely from Chile for US or EU companies. Chile offers a dedicated Digital Nomad Visa that allows remote workers to stay for up to 12 months (renewable for another year), making it one of the most welcoming countries in Latin America for digital nomads. The country boasts excellent internet infrastructure, political stability, and a favorable timezone overlap with North America.
- Visa: Digital Nomad Visa available for up to 24 months total (12+12 renewable)
- Timezone: GMT-3 (excellent overlap with US East Coast, 1-2 hours ahead)
- Cost of Living: $1,500-$2,500/month for comfortable lifestyle in Santiago
- Internet Speed: Average 100+ Mbps, fiber widely available in cities
- Language: Spanish primary, English spoken in expat communities
- Healthcare: High-quality private healthcare at affordable prices
- Safety: Most stable and safest country in South America
Visa Options
Chile offers several pathways for remote workers looking to establish themselves in the country:
Digital Nomad Visa (Visa de Nómada Digital)
The most straightforward option for remote workers, introduced in 2023. Requirements include:
- Proof of employment with a foreign company or freelance contracts
- Minimum monthly income of approximately $1,500 USD
- Valid passport with at least 6 months validity
- Health insurance coverage
- Clean criminal record
The visa is valid for 12 months and can be renewed for an additional 12 months. Application can be done online through Chile’s immigration portal before arrival.
Tourist Visa Extension
US, EU, Canadian, and Australian citizens can enter Chile visa-free for 90 days. This can be extended once for another 90 days at local immigration offices, giving you 6 months total to experience the country before committing to the Digital Nomad Visa.
Temporary Residence Visa
For those planning longer stays (beyond 2 years), Chile offers various temporary residence visas including work visas and independent worker visas. After holding temporary residence for 2 years, you become eligible for permanent residence.
Tax Implications
Understanding tax obligations is crucial when working remotely from Chile:
Tax Residency
You become a tax resident in Chile if you spend more than 183 days in the country during a calendar year, or if Chile becomes your habitual residence. However, the Digital Nomad Visa includes a special tax provision.
Digital Nomad Tax Benefits
Holders of the Digital Nomad Visa are exempt from paying Chilean taxes on foreign-sourced income for the duration of their visa (up to 24 months). You’ll continue paying taxes in your home country or wherever your employer is based.
Banking and Payments
Chile has a well-developed banking system. You can open a local bank account with your Digital Nomad Visa, though many digital nomads use international services like Wise or PayPal for receiving payments. Be aware that transferring large sums may trigger reporting requirements.
Important Considerations
- Keep records of your days in Chile to track tax residency
- Maintain documentation of your foreign income sources
- Consider consulting with a tax professional familiar with international remote work
- US citizens must still file US taxes regardless of where they live
Best Cities for Remote Work
Chile offers diverse options for remote workers, from cosmopolitan cities to coastal paradises:
Santiago
The capital and most popular choice for digital nomads. Santiago offers world-class infrastructure, countless coworking spaces, and a thriving expat community.
Pros: Best internet connectivity, most coworking spaces (Spaces, WeWork, Urban Station), international airport, diverse neighborhoods, extensive metro system, mountains nearby for weekend adventures.
Cons: Higher cost of living compared to other Chilean cities, air pollution in winter months, can feel overwhelming for those seeking slower pace.
Best neighborhoods: Providencia (safe, central, good restaurants), Las Condes (modern, business district), Bellavista (bohemian, arts scene).
Valparaíso
A colorful port city 90 minutes from Santiago, known for its vibrant arts scene, bohemian culture, and Pacific Ocean views.
Pros: Lower cost of living, artistic community, beach access, UNESCO World Heritage Site with stunning architecture, creative energy, weekend destination from Santiago.
Cons: Hilly terrain (lots of stairs), some areas less safe at night, internet can be less reliable than Santiago, foggy coastal weather.
Best for: Creative professionals, artists, writers, those seeking a more relaxed lifestyle with character.
Viña del Mar
Often called “The Garden City,” this beach resort town sits adjacent to Valparaíso and offers a more upscale, polished alternative.
Pros: Beautiful beaches, safer than Valparaíso, modern amenities, great restaurants, still close to Santiago, family-friendly, annual music festival attracts international talent.
Cons: More expensive than Valparaíso, can be touristy in summer, less authentic cultural experience.
Best for: Families, those seeking beach lifestyle with urban conveniences, professionals who want reliability and comfort.
Timezone Overlap
Chile operates on Chile Standard Time (CLT, GMT-3) year-round, making it excellent for remote work with international teams:
North America
- US East Coast: Same or 1 hour ahead (perfect overlap)
- US Central: 1-2 hours ahead
- US West Coast: 4 hours ahead (9 AM in LA = 1 PM in Santiago)
- Canada: Similar to US timezones
This makes Chile one of the best Latin American countries for working with US companies, offering nearly complete overlap during business hours.
Europe
- UK/Portugal: 3-4 hours behind
- Central Europe: 4-5 hours behind
- 9 AM CET = 5 AM CLT (challenging for morning meetings)
European meetings typically happen in the afternoon for Chile-based workers. Late afternoon European meetings align well with Chilean mornings.
Asia-Pacific
Significant timezone difference makes synchronous work challenging, but asynchronous communication works well.
Your Chile Remote Work Checklist
- 1 Research and apply for Digital Nomad Visa 2-3 months before intended travel
- 2 Secure international health insurance that covers Chile
- 3 Book temporary accommodation for first 2-4 weeks (Airbnb, hotel)
- 4 Obtain apostilled criminal background check from home country
- 5 Set up international banking (Wise, PayPal) for receiving payments
- 6 Download WhatsApp (primary communication method in Chile)
- 7 Learn basic Spanish phrases (even basic Spanish greatly improves experience)
- 8 Research neighborhoods in your chosen city before committing to long-term rental
- 9 Register with your embassy upon arrival
- 10 Get local SIM card (Entel, Movistar, Claro) with good data plan
- 11 Identify coworking spaces or cafes with reliable wifi before arrival
- 12 Understand your tax obligations in both Chile and home country
- 13 Set up VPN if needed for accessing geo-restricted content
- 14 Research local banking options if planning extended stay
- 15 Join digital nomad Facebook groups and Slack channels for Chile
Frequently Asked Questions
How much money do I need to live comfortably in Chile?
For a comfortable lifestyle in Santiago, budget $1,500-$2,500 USD per month including rent, food, transportation, and entertainment. This breaks down to approximately $600-$1,000 for a one-bedroom apartment in a good neighborhood, $300-$500 for food and groceries, $50-$100 for transportation, and $200-$400 for entertainment and miscellaneous expenses. Smaller cities like Valparaíso or La Serena can be 20-30% cheaper. Living like a local rather than an expat can significantly reduce costs.
Is the internet reliable enough for video calls and remote work?
Yes, Chile has excellent internet infrastructure, particularly in Santiago and major cities. Most apartments and coworking spaces offer fiber optic connections with speeds of 100-400 Mbps. Santiago ranks among the best-connected cities in Latin America. Mobile data is also reliable and affordable with 4G widely available. For critical work, consider having both fixed internet and a mobile hotspot as backup. Smaller towns and rural areas may have slower connections, so verify internet quality before committing to remote locations.
Do I need to speak Spanish to work remotely from Chile?
While not strictly necessary for remote work (since you'll be working for foreign companies), knowing Spanish greatly enhances your experience. English proficiency is limited outside expat areas and international business contexts. Basic Spanish helps with daily tasks like grocery shopping, dealing with landlords, navigating healthcare, and socializing with locals. Santiago has more English speakers than other Chilean cities, and you'll find English-speaking communities in expat neighborhoods. Consider taking Spanish classes after arrival - many coworking spaces offer language exchange programs.
How safe is Chile for digital nomads and remote workers?
Chile is considered the safest and most stable country in South America, though crime has increased in recent years, particularly in Santiago. Petty theft like pickpocketing and phone snatching occurs in tourist areas and public transport. Violent crime against foreigners is rare. Standard precautions apply: don't flash expensive electronics in public, be aware in crowded areas, avoid displaying wealth, and research neighborhood safety before choosing accommodation. Neighborhoods like Providencia, Las Condes, and Vitacura in Santiago are very safe. Overall, Chile remains significantly safer than most Latin American countries.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work remotely from Chile for a US company?
Yes, you can work remotely from Chile for a US company. Most remote workers use tourist visas for short stays or apply for specific work/residence visas for longer periods. You'll typically continue to be paid in USD and remain on your US employer's payroll while working abroad. Check the visa section above for specific options and durations available in Chile.
Do I need a visa to work remotely from Chile?
It depends on your nationality and intended length of stay. Many nationalities can enter Chile visa-free for tourism (usually 30-90 days), during which remote work for foreign companies is generally tolerated. For longer stays, you'll need a specific visa such as a digital nomad visa, work visa, or residence permit. Check the requirements specific to your passport and planned duration of stay.
What's the cost of living for remote workers in Chile?
The cost of living in Chile is moderate, with monthly budgets of $2,000-3,000 being typical for a comfortable lifestyle including rent, food, and coworking space. Major cities tend to be more expensive than smaller towns or rural areas. Your actual budget will depend on your lifestyle choices, accommodation preferences, and which city you choose to live in.
Does Chile have a digital nomad visa?
Check the visa section above for Chile's specific visa options. Many countries now offer dedicated digital nomad visas, remote work visas, or freelance visas designed for location-independent workers. Even without a specific digital nomad visa, there are often alternative visa categories that allow remote work, such as temporary residence permits or self-employment visas.
What are the best cities for remote work in Chile?
The best cities for remote workers in Chile typically offer a combination of reliable high-speed internet, coworking spaces, affordable cost of living, and quality of life. Check the cities section above for specific recommendations, including internet speeds, cost indexes, and the number of coworking spaces in each location. Consider factors like timezone overlap with your team, climate preferences, and local amenities when choosing.
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