CHILEAN CITIZENSHIP - NATURALIZATION LETTER

The naturalization letter is a way to acquire Chilean nationality for foreigners under Article 10, paragraph 3 of the Political Constitution. Chilean nationality can be requested if the applicant has a valid permanent residence and has completed a 5-year period in Chile from the date of the temporary visa that led to permanent residence.

Permanent residents who can demonstrate two years of continuous residence in the national territory and have one of the following ties:

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• Being the spouse of a Chilean for at least two years, with the marriage registered in Chile, provided that during the same period they comply with Article 133 of the Civil

• Code (living in a common household).

• Being related to Chileans by blood up to the second degree or adopted by Chileans.

• A child whose parent, having been Chilean, lost Chilean nationality before their birth.

To apply for Chilean citizenship, the previous stay in Chile and the developed ties in the country must be demonstrated. It is also necessary to provide financial information to show that the applicant can sustain themselves in the country. Chile does not require the applicant to renounce their original citizenship to apply for Chilean citizenship. However, the applicant must verify with their country of origin if dual citizenship is allowed.
Another way to obtain citizenship is through family relationships with Chilean citizens. At Simon Marin Legal Offices, we have assisted many foreigners in obtaining the appropriate documentation linking them to their Chilean ancestors so they can obtain Chilean nationality. In many cases, we can do this for our foreign clients without them having to come to Chile when they meet the requirements.