The first South American country to join the OECD, Chile is one to the fastest …

Chile has a market-oriented economy characterized by a high level of foreign trade and a reputation for strong financial institutions and sound policy that have given it the strongest sovereign bond rating in South America. Exports of goods and services account for approximately one-third of GDP, with commodities making up some three-quarters of total exports.

After a sharp slowdown in 2014 the economy is projected to gradually recover in 2015 and 2016. The pick-up in activity will initially be driven by higher public spending, but will increasingly be supported by stronger external demand for industrial goods from the United States and Europe.

The Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in Chile expanded 1.90 percent in the second quarter of 2015 over the same quarter of the previous year, slightly above market expectations but down from an upwardly revised 2.5 percent increase in the first three months of the year. 

Below is a detailed summary of the bureaucratic and legal hurdles faced by entrepreneurs wishing to incorporate and register a new firm in Chile. It examines the procedures, time and cost involved in launching a commercial or industrial firm with up to 50 employees and start-up capital of 10 times the economy’s per-capita gross national income.

This site provides a detailed summary of the bureaucratic and legal hurdles faced by entrepreneurs wishing to incorporate and register a new firm in Chile.

Chile’s Government website for one day registration. Welcome to T or a D Company ed , help portal that brings together entrepreneurs and facilitates the main procedures to be performed to create, record and manage your business. Create your company here, saving time and money.

This site describes the steps to incorporate in Chile online in one day

For an individual or legal entity wishing to undertake an economic activity in Chile, the first step is to obtain a Tax Identification Number or RUT (its Spanish acronym) from the Servicio de Impuestos Internos, SII (National Tax Service). Applications can be submitted at any of the SII’s offices around the country (see www.sii.cl).

The sort of companies present in Chile are similar to those you would expect to see all over the world.  This site describes the six main types of partnerships and corporations that can be formed.

The next step after obtaining a RUT is to define the type of company to be created. The basic structure envisaged under Chilean legislation is the company. There are, however, different types of company and the one chosen will depend on factors that include the investor’s business strategy and the amount of capital to be brought in. Four types of company can be used as a vehicle for foreign investment:

The Corporate Tax Rate in Chile stands at 22.50 percent. Corporate Tax Rate in Chile averaged 17.24 percent from 1997 until 2015, reaching an all time high of 22.50 percent in 2015 and a record low of 15 percent in 1998. Corporate Tax Rate in Chile is reported by the Chilean Tax Administration.

Tax firm rankings for Chile from World Tax, the guide to the leading tax law and …

The Personal Income Tax Rate in Chile stands at 40 percent.

VAT is Chile’s main consumption tax. It is levied at a rate of 19% on the sales of goods and services, with a few exemptions for some services, and on sales of real estate by a construction company if it was built completely by the firm or was partially built on its behalf by a third party. 

With Chile’s mix of social security and free market business, it is important to note that taxation of some kind will be levied on expats, be they workers or residents. However, with tax breaks for retirees and a progressive income tax, Chile’s tax system is liberal, if a little bureaucratic.

In Chile, the sales tax rate is a tax charged to consumers based on the purchase price of certain goods and services. The benchmark we use for the sales tax rate refers to the highest rate. Revenues from the Sales Tax Rate are an important source of income for the government of Chile. 

Visas are not required by the nationals referred to in the chart above for stays in Chile of up to 90 days. Nationals of Greece may only stay for up to 60 days without a visa.

If you have an employment contract, you can apply for a work visa, which is linked to your job. This is the second most common type of temporary residency visa issued for Chile.

FOREIGN-BORN WORKER IN CHILE – Chilean Government Website for work visas.

Tourist, work and student visa information

A summary of all forms of public transportation in Chile

With a reliable and developed transport system, getting around Chile is fairly easy and inexpensive. Santiago, Valparaiso and Concepcion have efficient metro systems, while buses and trains link all major towns and cities. Due to the length of the country, air travel is also a popular means of transport in Chile. 

Chile’s telecom sector is one of the most open and mature in Latin America, with full competition allowed in all areas and a state-of-the-art infrastructure and regulatory system. Fixed-mobile substitution is particularly strong in Chile, with fixed-line teledensity slipping while mobile penetration continues to climb.

Chile’s Ministry of Transportation and Telecommunications oversees the telecommunications sector. The development of this natural monopoly (telecommunications) is highly influenced by the type of regulations to which it is subjected.

Chile, officially the Republic of Chile, is a South American country occupying a long, narrow strip of land between the Andes mountains to the east and the Pacific Ocean to the west.

In Chile, workers have the right to form and join unions without prior authorization, and approximately 10% of the total work force is unionized.

Labor relations issues in Chile

Employers must declare, withhold and pay taxes on Chilean-source income on behalf of employees within the first 12 days of the month following the payment of remuneration, regardless of the place of payment of that compensation. 

This site provides a detailed summary of some of the labor regulations that would apply to local entrepreneurs wishing to hire workers, organize working schedules, or make workers redundant for economic reasons in Chile.

Businesses starting activities will need to hire employees and it is, therefore, vital to be familiar with Chile’s labor and social security norms. The Labor Code regulates the different types of employment contracts and the obligations and rights of workers and employers.

Cost of living information includes price indices for rent, food, utilities, transportation, restaurants, clothing and more

The following sections have been written with a foreigner’s perspective of the Chilean business mentality and work environment. It contains cultural tips that many will find useful when doing business here in Chile.

US Department of State – Go to Safety and Security for updates from the Chilean government

Chile extends some 2,500 miles (4,025 kilometers) from north to south and therefore has a number of varying climates. The country is very rugged with mountain ranges and several large islands off the coast. Generally speaking the weather is more moderate near the coast and much colder in the mountains.

Chile has made tremendous progress over the last decade in terms of improving the quality of life of its citizens. 

Chile Business Etiquette, Culture, & Manners

But while this beautiful country is a relatively safe place to visit, the threat of crime does still exist. Here are a few things to consider for a safe trip.

Chile is a popular South American country to visit thanks to its year-round mild or warm weather and attractions like its volcanic caves, surfing opportunities and mountain hiking trails. 

List of Public National Public Holidays observed in Chile 

Demographic information includes population, quality of life, health, sports, technology, energy and the environment

Government of Chile Embassy Website

The Ministry of Education is responsible for pre-primary, primary, and secondary schooling in Chile. The pre-primary level is two years of non-compulsory education for children four to five years of age. Primary and secondary education are compulsory. Primary education is from ages 6 to 13, and secondary education is from ages 14 to 17. 

Chile has the best education system in Latin America according to the PISA report, coming 44th out of 65 countries. The report compares education systems by assessing 15 year olds’ ability in reading, mathematics and science.

National, holidays and observances plus Carnival days

Regulations from Chilean Customs

Information on trade agreements in force and those that have been signed but not in force

ChileInside provides information on accommodations in Chile for both short and long stays

Finding a place to live in a foreign country can be overwhelming, but in Chile, foreigners have a wide range of options and prices.

The official travel guide to Chile.