Moving to Spain from Chile: Complete 2026 Guide
Over 62,000 Chileans live in Spain, making it the third-largest Chilean diaspora after Argentina and the United States. With the 2-year citizenship path and strong cultural ties, Spain remains the top European destination for Chileans.
Key Facts for Chileans
- Visa: Not required for 90 days (Schengen)
- Citizenship: 2 years (Ibero-American country)
- Dual Nationality: Allowed with Chile
- Tax Treaty: Active with Spain
Why Chileans Choose Spain
Spain hosts approximately 62,000 Chileans as of 2020, the largest Chilean community in Europe. The migration wave began significantly during the Pinochet dictatorship in the 1970s and 1980s, when about one million Chileans left the country for political reasons. Today, Chileans continue choosing Spain for economic opportunities, shared language, and the fastest path to EU citizenship available.
The Chilean community in Spain centers primarily in Madrid, Barcelona, and Valencia. Support networks, cultural associations, and established businesses make the transition smoother. You will find Chilean restaurants, community events, and compatriots throughout these metropolitan areas.
The 2-year citizenship advantage is decisive. While most nationalities wait 10 years for Spanish nationality, Chileans can apply after just 2 years of legal residence. Spanish citizenship means EU citizenship, providing freedom to work across 27 countries without additional permits.
Visa Options
Not sure which visa fits your situation?
Each path has different requirements, timelines, and tax implications. Book a consultation and we'll map out the optimal visa and tax strategy for your move.
Chileans can enter Spain visa-free for up to 90 days within any 180-day period under the Schengen Agreement. However, for stays longer than 90 days or to work legally, you must obtain the appropriate long-term visa before arriving in Spain.
Citizenship in 2 Years
As an Ibero-American national, you qualify for Spanish citizenship after just 2 years of continuous legal residence. Most nationalities must wait 10 years.
Requirements for naturalization:
- 2 years continuous legal residence (absences under 3 months)
- CCSE exam (Spanish constitutional and cultural knowledge)
- DELE A2 exam exemption-Chileans are exempt from the Spanish language test
- Clean criminal record in Chile and Spain
- Proof of economic means and social integration
Chile permits dual citizenship. You keep your Chilean passport while gaining full EU citizenship rights. Spain also allows dual nationality with Ibero-American countries, so you maintain both nationalities legally.
Spanish Consulates in Chile
Santiago. Embassy and Consular Section (Main)
Av. Andres Bello 1895, Providencia
Santiago, Chile
Phone: +56 2 2235 2754 / +56 2 2235 2755
Hours: Monday-Friday 10:00-16:00
Appointments: Online booking system required
Regional Consulates
Spain maintains 16 additional consular representations throughout Chile
including Valparaiso, Concepcion, and other major cities
For minor services; visa applications primarily through Santiago
Required Documents
Prepare before your consulate appointment:
- Passport valid for at least 1 year
- Criminal record certificate from Registro Civil, apostilled
- Medical certificate from authorized physician
- Proof of income (bank statements, contracts, investments)
- Health insurance from Spanish-authorized provider
- Application form completed and signed
- Photos passport size, white background
- Visa fee varies by visa type
All Chilean documents must be apostilled through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Chile is party to the Hague Apostille Convention).
Tax Considerations
Chile-Spain Double Tax Treaty
The bilateral agreement prevents paying taxes twice on the same income. The treaty follows the OECD Model, providing clear rules for different income types.
Key Points:
- Chilean AFP pensions: Taxable in Spain if you become tax resident
- Chilean investments: Reduced withholding rates under treaty
- Beckham Law: Digital nomads can opt for flat 24% rate (vs up to 47%)
- Remittances: Money sent to Chile is not additionally taxed
- Capital gains: Shared taxation rules apply between countries
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work while on a tourist stay?
No. The 90-day visa-free entry does not permit employment. You must obtain the appropriate work visa or residency permit before working legally in Spain.
Will my Chilean professional degree be recognized?
Regulated professions require homologation through the Spanish Ministry of Education. The process takes 6-18 months. You can work in non-regulated fields immediately.
Can I bring my family?
Yes through family reunification. Income requirements increase: +75% for spouse, +25% per child of the base amount. Your family members also qualify for the 2-year citizenship path once legally resident.
Are AFP contributions recognized in Spain?
Chile and Spain have a Social Security agreement. Your contribution years may be combined for pension calculations. Consult with a tax professional for your specific situation.
We Handle Everything
From Santiago to Madrid, the journey involves more than just a flight. Document authentication, apostilles, consular appointments, and navigating Spanish bureaucracy require careful coordination. The clock on your 2-year citizenship timeline only starts when everything is done correctly.
At Legal Fournier, we manage everything. Visa applications prepared correctly the first time. Tax planning coordinated between Chilean and Spanish systems. NIE registration, empadronamiento, social security enrollment, and citizenship application support when you reach the 2-year mark. Our clients arrive ready to live, not ready to fight paperwork.
This guide provides general information. Immigration and tax regulations change regularly. For planning tailored to your situation, contact our team.
Planning a move from Chile to Spain
This page helps confirm the right route before preparing documents, booking an appointment or filing an application. The first review should cover visa or residence route, documents and filing authority for your situation.
What changes by country
- Nationality, current residence country and place of filing.
- Visa or residence route based on work, study, family or private funds.
- Civil documents, criminal record certificates, translations and apostilles where needed.
- Timing for appointments, travel, entry into Spain and renewal.
What to send us
Send nationality, current country, planned move date, included family members, work or income situation and any appointment, correction request or document already received. That lets us review the route without guessing facts.