Temporary Residence for Executives in Chile: Corporate Pathway, Timelines and HR Checklist

Last updated: February 2026.

When a company relocates an executive to Chile, the most critical factor is clarity from day one: which pathway applies, what documentation is required, and which milestones and deadlines must be tracked.

This guide outlines the corporate pathway commonly used for executive temporary residence in Chile, including key timelines, a practical checklist, and a simple tracker to help HR and Global Mobility teams manage the process and ensure a more predictable onboarding experience.

If your company is planning relocations, you can learn more about our corporate relocation programs in Chile.

Quick Answer (for HR)

• Corporate pathway for executives under the paid activities category (based on a formal job offer or employment contract, depending on the case).

• Critical deadlines to track: up to 90 days to enter Chile (depending on the stage) and 45 days after entry to submit the final employment contract if the process started with a job offer.

• Minimum checklist (company and employee) to avoid delays.

• Editable tracker to monitor milestones and internal coordination.

Corporate Pathway for Executives in Chile

This pathway is used in corporate cases where the executive will perform paid activities in Chile under a formal framework (such as an accepted job offer or employment contract, depending on the case).

The operational key is to define, from day one, the role, sponsoring entity, and realistic entry timeline to avoid misalignment and missed deadlines.

Before starting, HR should define:

• Exact role or activity and destination city

• Target start date and flexibility margin

• Local sponsor or employing entity

• Internal HR contact

• Legal contact (if applicable)

To validate the correct visa strategy and prepare a case-specific checklist, learn more about our Immigration services.

Key Steps and Timelines

1. HR & Holistic Kick-off

   Confirm role, city, target date, assignment duration, dependents, and sponsor.

   
   

2. Digital Application

   The process is initiated and a single documentation folder is organized.

   
   

3. Electronic Visa Stamping

   A critical milestone, as it enables entry into Chile and activates time-sensitive deadlines.

   
   

4. Entry into Chile

   Once the visa is downloaded, HR must track the entry window (up to 90 days, depending on the applicable stage).

   
   

5. Final Employment Contract (if the process started with a job offer)

   After entry, there is a 45-day window to submit the signed employment contract.

   
   

6. National ID (Cédula)

   Schedule the identification process within the timeframe indicated by the procedure. This post-approval milestone should be included in the local onboarding plan.

   
   

To support arrival and local onboarding (housing, orientation, and initial assistance), learn more about our Destination Services.

Base Checklist to Get Started

Minimum inputs (HR)

• Employee nationality

• Destination city in Chile

• Role or activity and target start date

• Estimated assignment duration

• Dependents (yes/no)

• Sponsor or employing entity

• HR contact and Legal contact (if applicable)

Typical documentation (to organize from day one)

Employee:

• Valid passport

• Contact details

• Role and activity information

Company:

• Job offer or employment contract (depending on the pathway)

• Sponsor entity information

• Internal onboarding timeline

Editable Tracker

MILESTONE	OWNER	TARGET DATE	STATUS	COMMENTS
Confirm pathway (job offer vs. contract)	HR / Holistic
Complete checklist (employee & company)	HR
Application submission	Holistic / Employee
Visa stamped and downloaded	Employee
Entry into Chile (90-day window)	Employee
Final contract (≤ 45 days after entry)	Company / Employee
National ID appointment scheduled	Employee

Is your company planning executive relocations to Chile?

At Holistic, we support HR and Global Mobility teams with end-to-end corporate immigration: visa strategy, document checklists, milestone coordination, and progress tracking to ensure a smooth and predictable arrival. Contact us to evaluate your case.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does HR need to start a case?

With the minimum inputs (nationality, city, role, target date, duration, and dependents), the pathway can be validated and a tailored checklist prepared from day one.

Which deadlines are critical to track?

The most sensitive timelines are those related to entry and post-entry document submission (such as the 90/45-day windows). These should be treated as non-movable milestones.

What typically delays the process?

Incomplete documentation, changes to role or start date during the process, and delayed internal approvals. Involving Legal early helps prevent these issues.

How are progress updates reported to HR or Global Mobility?

Through a milestone-based tracker with status updates and next steps, providing visibility into timing and potential risks.

When should Destination Services be activated?

Ideally in parallel with the immigration process to align arrival, housing, and local onboarding with the actual timeline.

Can Holistic support the process end-to-end?

Yes. From visa strategy and documentation to milestone coordination and destination support, tailored to corporate needs.

Related Resources

• Guide: Corporate Housing in Chile (UF)

• Playbook: Antofagasta–Calama Hub