Chile
Key entity, tax, banking, visa, and compliance guidance for foreign founders incorporating in Chile.
Foreign Ownership Eligibility
Chile welcomes 100% foreign-owned companies
Fully remote formation — you never need to set foot in the country.
- Chile provides digitized entity lifecycle tools through RES
- Resident company and branch/PE routes are available for foreign founders
- Tax profile depends on applicable regime (general vs SME references)
- SII onboarding is required to activate tax operations
Ownership
100% Foreign OK
Formation
100% Remote
Note
Exact all-in incorporation timing and costs depend on municipal and licensing layers.
Tax at a glance
Chile Tax Overview
27% general; 25% SME references with temporary adjustments
Corporate income tax
PwC Chile corporate taxes
19% standard
VAT
PwC Chile other taxes
Generally 6% before treaty reductions
Customs duty
PwC Chile other taxes
Pros & cons
Advantages & Considerations
Key Advantages
Digitized registry ecosystem for entity lifecycle actions
Clear tax authority workflows via SII
Flexible legal-presence options for foreign founders
Considerations
Regime selection affects effective tax profile and compliance
Total setup cost and timeline depend on post-incorporation local permits
Ongoing monthly compliance requires disciplined administration
Incorporation Process
The process is strictly digital. Each stage builds on the previous one.
Launch incorporation on RES
Complete tax commencement
Municipal and post-incorporation permits
Activate invoicing and monthly filings
Prepare immigration workflows
What you'll pay
Cost Architecture
Government Fees
Annual Ongoing
Professional Services
Still unsure about costs?
These are estimates — your actual cost depends on your structure
Every Chile setup is different. A 15-minute call with one of our specialists will give you a personalised cost breakdown — completely free.
Fintech & Banking
Can non-residents open accounts without visiting? YES.
Banking options for non-resident founders in Chile. Remote account opening availability varies by institution.
| Institution | Type | Ease for Non-Residents | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Banco de Chile | Traditional bank | Low (Visit Required) | Bank and KYC dependent • Varies by bank package • Bank specific • Constitution documents, tax IDs, ownership information, activity profile |
| Banco Estado | Traditional bank | Low (Visit Required) | Bank and KYC dependent • Varies by bank package • Bank specific • Constitution documents, tax IDs, ownership information, activity profile |
| BCI | Traditional bank | Low (Visit Required) | Bank and KYC dependent • Varies by bank package • Bank specific • Constitution documents, tax IDs, ownership information, activity profile |
| Santander Chile | Traditional bank | Low (Visit Required) | Bank and KYC dependent • Varies by bank package • Bank specific • Constitution documents, tax IDs, ownership information, activity profile |
| Digital providers available by segment | Fintech | High (Remote) | Bank and KYC dependent • Varies by bank package • Bank specific • Constitution documents, tax IDs, ownership information, activity profile |
Regulatory requirements
Annual Compliance Matrix
| Requirement | Deadline | Details |
|---|---|---|
Monthly VAT compliance | Ongoing | Maintain VAT and invoicing returns under SII schedules. |
Corporate tax filings | Ongoing | Apply the entity's regime-specific annual and periodic requirements. |
Payroll and social filings | Ongoing | Remit mandatory labor and social contributions where applicable. |
Municipal obligations | Ongoing | Maintain municipal patent and local compliance as required by location. |
Frequently Asked
Speak with a Chile specialist
Get personalised guidance on entity types, costs, timelines and banking — free, no commitment needed.