Chile 2025: Official Government Sites and Practical Guide for Foreign Companies

This guide gathers the main Chilean government and departmental websites foreign companies need in 2025, and summarizes applicable policies, practical operation steps and key precautions when establishing or operating in Chile (company registration, tax filing, labor rules, visa procedures). Use the table below as a quick reference and follow the step-by-step checklists to reduce risk and avoid common delays.

Key government and departmental website list

2025 policy highlights and practical interpretation

By 2025 the Chilean government continues to emphasize digitization of procedures, transparency in tax compliance and stronger labor protections. Foreign companies should note:

• Digital-first filing: Most registrations, tax filings and visa steps can be completed online; obtain a recognized electronic signature early.
• Tax compliance focus: The SII continues to prioritize transfer pricing oversight and electronic invoicing (factura electrónica). Expect tighter exchange of information with foreign jurisdictions.
• Labor protection: Inspections and enforcement from Dirección del Trabajo remain active. Written employment contracts in Spanish, correct social security payments and timely payroll reporting are mandatory.
• Migration procedures: The Department of Extranjería and Migración has upgraded online services; document authentication and translation remain common bottlenecks.

Step-by-step: Establishing a presence in Chile

1. Choose legal form and prepare formation documents

1. Decide entity type (common choices: SpA, SRL, SA). SpA is flexible for shareholders and often preferred for foreign investors.
2. Draft articles of incorporation in Spanish. If created abroad, apostille and official translation may be required.

2. Register via RES and obtain RUT

1. File incorporation documents through Registro de Empresas y Sociedades and publish required notices.
2. Apply to SII to obtain a RUT (tax ID) for the company and for designated representatives.

3. Set up tax and accounting systems

1. Register for IVA (value added tax) and other relevant tax obligations at SII.
2. Set up electronic invoicing and accounting procedures; appoint a local tax representative if needed.

4. Open a local bank account and comply with AML/KYC

1. Banks require corporate documents, RUT and identification for signatories; some bankers request local presence for account opening.

5. Payroll, social contributions and employment contracts

1. Register employees with the SII and corresponding social security providers (AFP for pensions, health insurance via FONASA/Isapre, and unemployment systems).
2. File monthly tax and payroll reports (e.g., Formulario F29 for IVA and other monthly payments) and the annual income tax return (Form.22).

6. Visas and foreign personnel

1. Determine visa category (temporary work visa, contract-based visa, or residence permit). Submit applications via Departamento de Extranjería y Migración and follow instructions for document legalization and translation.
2. Plan lead times: processing can take weeks to months depending on category.

Practical precautions and Notes

• Language: Conduct filings and contracts in Spanish. Use certified translations for foreign documents.
• Electronic signature: Apply for a recognized firma electrónica to speed up registrations and tax filings.
• Power of attorney: If founders cannot be present, prepare a notarized power of attorney with apostille for representatives.
• Local advisors: Engage a local legal and tax advisor early, especially for transfer pricing, labor frameworks and visa nuances. For offshore human resources and local presence support, consider service providers such as SailGlobal.
• Deadlines and penalties: Missing monthly VAT and payroll deadlines leads to fines and interest — set recurring reminders and automate payments when possible.
• Municipal permits: Don’t overlook local patente comercial and any sector-specific permits (health, environment, import licenses).

Representative cases

Case A: SaaS company selling B2B subscriptions to Chile

A European SaaS firm began by selling remotely and registered for a non-resident VAT obligation, then established a local SpA after customer base grew. Key moves: register for IVA at SII, issue electronic invoices, appoint a local tax agent for monthly F29 filings.

Case B: Manufacturing subsidiary

An Asian manufacturer set up an SRL subsidiary, obtained RUT, secured necessary environmental permits and hired local staff on fixed-term contracts. They prioritized labor compliance training and automated payroll to handle social contributions and withholding taxes.

Where to monitor updates

Always verify current rules and forms directly on the official sites listed above before acting. Policy details and administrative structures may evolve; for complex matters consult Chilean counsel and tax advisors to ensure compliance.

Quick checklist: incorporate via RES, get RUT at SII, implement electronic invoicing, register employees with social security, apply visas through the migration department, and confirm municipal permits.