Documents and Paperwork
 
One of the first things you'll need to do in preparing for your move is to secure the necessary travel documents and complete other paperwork that may be required for prolonged stays abroad. At the top of the list are a passport for every member of the family and, in most cases, visas. 

A passport is essentially an identity document issued by governments to their citizens for travel outside the home country. A passport is an official verification of the nationality of the holder and, with a few exceptions, is required to enter another country. 

A visa is an authorization by the government of another country permitting a foreigner to enter that country for a specified purpose and period of time. It is usually stamped in the passport of the visitor, although in some instances may be on a separate paper. It may authorize only one visit to the country or multiple entries. Most countries of North America and Europe no longer require visas for tourist and even some business visits of limited duration, typically up to 90 days.

Records and Personal papers  

In addition to passports and visas, other types of documentation may be required during your stay abroad in establishing identity, applying for permits and licenses, verifying legal arrangements, paying taxes, and fulfilling other obligations required by your own government or that of the host country. It is advisable to have multiple copies made to take with you. Do not pack them away with belongings being shipped. Keep them with you in the event they may be needed while traveling or during the settling-in period. 

• Descriptive data page of each family member's passport 
• Birth certificates of each family member 
• Marriage certificate 
• National driver's license 
• Passport-size photographs of each family member 
• Certificates of citizenship for naturalized individuals 
• Adoption papers 
• Divorce and child custody papers 
• Medical insurance coverage 
• Medical records, where appropriate 
• Dental records 
• Property insurance records, especially for autos 
• Income tax records for several previous years 
• Wills 
• Power of attorney 
• Lease or rental agreement for housing in the new country 

Documents Required
 
A valid passport is required for entry into Chile. 
 
VISAS   
Tourist visa  
If you make a preliminary visit, to find housing and to visit schools, you will need a tourist visa. Short-term visitors are issued a tourist card, usually by the airline carrier, at the port of entry. It is valid for 90 days and must be surrendered when exiting Chile. A thirty day extension is sometimes granted. 
 
Temporary or work visa  
Those planning to stay for longer than 90 days and those planning to work in Chile must secure a one-year, renewable work or temporary resident visa within thirty days of arrival. This process is begun by registering with the International Police and supplying two photographs bearing the subject's name and proof of financial solvency. All married applicants who plan to work must supply a marriage certificate. 

There is no fee. The temporary resident visa is renewable in Chile, but the process of renewal can be lengthy. If an extension is needed, make application at least 60 days in advance with the International Police at: 
International Police 
Tel: 737-1292 

Anyone planning scientific, technical, or mountaineering activites in regions classified as frontier areas, except for portions of Antarctica claimed by Chile, must obtain authorization from the Chilean government at least 90 days before commencement of activities. 

Contract visa  
Granted for a maximum of two years, a contract visa requires the presentation of a contract for a specific job which requires specific qualifications. It must be notarized and signed by both employer and employee or his representative in Chile. The visa may be renewed in Chile, but expires upon the completion of the contract. 
 
Making application for visas  
All applications for visas require: 

• A valid passport 
• A health certificate which includes evidence of an HIV/HTLV test for AIDS/HIV disease 
• A police certificate from the applicant's local police department stating that the applicant has no record of arrest 
• Four passport photos 
• The appropriate fee

Visa applications can be obtained in person from any Chilean consular office. Applications may be submitted by mail or in person, but one must appear in person to complete the procedure. Allow about one week for processing. Applications for visa renewal should be submitted to the Foreigners Office of the Ministry of the Interior at least 60 days prior to the expiration of the visa. Allow approximately 90 days for the renewal process.
 
IDENTIFICATION CARD  
Every person in Chile is required to carry a Carnet de Identidad or Chilean Identifcation Card, which can be obtained at the Chilean Passport Bureau for a small fee. Carry it with you at all times. 

The Chilean identification card must be carried with you at all times. It contains your full name, thumbprint, and an identification number. Married women may be asked for their mothers' maiden names for identification documents. 

You must apply for the carnet within 30 days of arrival or within 30 days of the date on your visa. Obtain the carnet from the Servicio de Registro Civil e Identificación . Take passport-sized photos and your documents with you and be prepared for long lines. If you speak Spanish or can take someone with you who does, the process will be easier. You will be finger-printed and should receive your carnet in about a week. For additional information contact the: 
Chilean Passport Bureau 
Tel: 696-0402
 
OTHER DOCUMENTS REQUIRED  

Once in Chile, the holder of any form of residence visa must register as a resident foreigner within 30 days of entry. Register with the international police; a registration document or Cédula de Identidad para Extranjeros , which proves that you are registered, will be issued. 

A RUT Number, which is identification for tax purposes, can be obtained from the tax office, Servicio de Impuestos Internos, nearest your residence. Present all documents that verify you status in Chile. You will be issued a number on a temporary piece of paper. The official card will be sent by mail. 

Your ID number and your RUT number are not the same. For most matters, you should supply the ID number. 

A certificate or Certificado de Cumplimiento Tributario para Extranjeros, is proof of payment of all domestic tax due; it is required if you plan to leave Chile and you are a permanent or temporary resident under contract. It is obtained from your nearest tax office. Telephone for information on the necessary documents and procedures.
 
Salvoconducto , an exit permit, is necessary to leave Chile unless you are traveling on a tourist card. It is obtained from the International Police; you will need to present all your documents to obtain this permit. 

Reingreso , a reentry permit, is needed to reenter Chile and retain your legal, working, or residential status. It is issued in two forms- simple and multiple -allowing either one trip or several trips, and is obtained from the Intendencia Regional Metropolitana. You will need to present all your documents to obtain this permit. 
 
SOURCES AND RESOURCES
 
The consular office of your host country's embassy is the best place to start when determining what types of documents, including visas, permits and registration requirements, you'll need to relocate. Consulates can often provide information and advice on many other aspects of your move as well. 

security

Crime in Chile  
Chile is a relatively safe country, but deals with some of the same problems as most other international cities, such as theft and drug-related crimes. Take the same safety precautions in Santiago that you would in many large cities; maintain a low profile. Avoid wearing expensive or expensive-looking jewelry, avoid handling large amounts of cash in public, and avoid carrying luggage or cameras that identify you as a tourist. Keep wallets and handbags well secured. Pickpockets and purse-snatchers do work the crowded streets, especially during rush hours, on public transportation, and in the crowded areas around Avdas. Ahumada and Huérfanos. 

Following general precautions will insure your safety. Do not walk in downtown Santiago after dark or on weekends in the late afternoon. Even short walks are considered risky, and you are advised to take a taxi.Visit the San Cristóbal and Santa Lucía hills only during daylight hours and stay on the main paths. 

Women alone may be subject to sexual overtures on the street. Ignore them completely. The company of another woman may help avoid them; try to sit next to another woman on public transportation. 

Report a lost or stolen passport or carnet de identidad immediately to the local police and to your nearest embassy or consulate. 

Health concerns and diseases

The following information on the diseases most prevalent in Chile is excerpted from reports of the Traveler's Health Section of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. For detailed current information on these diseases and regular updates on regional health concerns, contact the CDC at:

CDC Voice or Fax Information Service
U.S. Tel: 1-404-332-4559
Website address: http://www.cdc.gov .

Regional reports can be accessed under the heading Traveler's Health on the CDC home page: www.cdc.gov/travel/regions.htm .

The single greatest health concern in the city of Santiago is the quality of the air, accompanied by sharp changes in climate. Eye, nose, and throat problems are endemic; some people develop a chronic, lingering cough. Joggers may wish to consult with a physician before beginning a rigorous outdoor program.
 
Gastrointestinal ailments can be avoided by careful preparation of foods and limiting consumption of local water. 
 
Cholera  
Although all of South America has recently experienced an increase in the incidence of Cholera, it is not as widespread in Chile as it is in some neighboring countries. Precautions should, nevertheless, be taken. Avoid uncooked vegetables and raw seafood. 

A vaccine, which requires two injections, is available to provide limited immunity, but is usually not recommended to protect against such a rare disease. 
 
Rabies  
Rabid animals are seen more frequently in Chile than in Europe and North America, and should be regarded as dangerous. Treat any scratch seriously and consider a pre-exposure vaccine. 
 
Typhoid and Hepatitis A  
In rural areas where hygiene standards are not high, Typhoid and Hepatitis outbreaks do occur in Chile throughout the year. Recognize the danger and take the normal precautions with foods and water: eat only thoroughly-cooked food, peel all fruit, and drink only boiled water or bottled water and drinks. Be especially careful that mayonnaise has been kept properly refrigerated. 

A Typhoid vaccination is recommended for those traveling in rural areas. 

VACCINATIONS AND HEALTH

There are no vaccination requirements to enter Chile.
 
The normal childhood vaccinations of measles, mumps, rubella (MMR ), diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (DTP), and polio should be up-to-date.
 
 It is also wise to check vaccination requirements directly with the consular office of the host country's embassy. 

In addition, you should always consult your home country's vaccination regulations for re-entry, on home leave or repatriation.

DRIVING IN CHILE

Drivers license   
An international driver's license is allowed for driving in Chile by tourists only, and must be secured in your home country. It is available through major automobile associations. 

To be legal, temporary or permanent residents should have a Chilean national driving license. In reality, however, some foreigners do not go to the trouble of obtaining a Chilean license.
 
To obtain a Chilean license, go to the office of the Dirección del Tránsito in your municipality and take the following documents: 

• Carnet de identidad  
• RUT
• Your passport 
• A valid license from your own country
• Two passport-sized photos with your name, as it appears on your carnet, on the back. 
  If you wear glasses, be sure that you are wearing them in the photograph.
• Certificado de Antecedentes certifying that you have not had any previous traffic violations or serious accidents; this is available from the police. 
• Cash--checks are not accepted. 

You will be required to take sight and hearing tests, as well as a driving test in your own car, and a written test in Spanish. Once you have successfully passed these tests, you will be given a certificado de registro that must be taken to the Registro Nacional de Conductores to enter it in the National Register. 

BANKING IN CHILE  

The banking industry in Chile provides the services with which you are familiar in your home country and allows for electronic communications and transfers to and from your home bank. 

Your home bank may be very helpful in setting up your financial needs in Chile. Be sure to confirm the necessary PIN numbers and any other instructions before departure. 
 
Setting up accounts  
In order to open a local checking account, you will need several documents as follows: 

• RUT or tax identification number 
• Carnet de Identidad or ID card or passport 
• Evidence of solvency in the form of a permanent job contract, salary slips, a letter from the employer, or a form indicating net worth

A recommendation from a current bank customer may dispense with some of the above requirements. 

The period of time necessary to establish an account ranges from 2 to 10 days.
Those under 2l years of age or unemployed will need authorization from a parent or working spouse to guarantee funds in the account. Overdrawing your account in Chile is illegal. There are no check guarantee arrangements. When paying by check, you are usually asked for your RUT and your telephone number.

A minimum balance in the account may avoid account maintenance charges; however, there is a government tax levied on each checkbook. In addition, there is an annual fee charged to obtain cash with teller cards, although the cards are issued at no cost by most banks and can be utilized nationwide at 24-hour ATMs. 

Be particularly careful with your checkbook. It is used for many transactions, and unauthorized persons can use checks like cash. In case of theft, notify the police and your bank as soon as possible; they will advise you what specific actions to take. 

Savings accounts  
To open a savings account, you will need to present only your personal data and RUT. Minimum deposits vary from bank to bank and may be opened either in Chilean pesos or U.S. dollars. Rates are quoted at a monthly rate for the Chilean peso and at an annual rate for the U.S. dollar.

There are savings institutions that often offer higher interest rates for time deposits, but these institutions are considered slightly less secure than banks. 

Automatic electronic fund transfers  
Most international banks offer automatic electronic funds transfer between international banks. Funds can be transferred via telex from Chile to another country. Most banks can arrange this service; the transfer typically takes 48 hours. Telex charges and bank commissions are incurred.

PERSONAL INCOME TAXES

 During the first three years of residence in Chile, foreigners are subject to tax only on their Chilean-source income. This period may be extended. 

Foreigners are considered residents if they reside in Chile for more than six months in one calendar year, or for more than six months within two consecutive assessment years.
 
Thereafter, resident foreigners are taxed on all income, and tax rates, though falling, are high. In 1995 the top marginal rate was 48 percent on annual income exceeding US$75,000. This rate fell to 45 percent in 1996. 

Taxable income includes all remuneration received under an employment contract, including entertainment expenses. Not taxable are family allowance payments, social security benefits established by law, severance payments, and board and lodging provided for the convenience of the employer.
 
Personal income tax rates are progressive and range from 0 percent to 45 percent levied on "tax units," whose value changes monthly according to the consumer price index variation. This is expressed as a Monthly Taxable Unit (MTU) and is about Ch$20,673. 

Taxable income rates, expressed in MTUs, are: under 10, no tax; 10-30, 5 percent; 30-50, 10 percent; 50-70, 15 percent; 70-90, 25 percent; 90-120, 35 percent; 120 and above, 45 percent. 

Capital gains on sales of personal property not used in connection with a trade or business are exempt from taxation. Real estate, unless the transaction is considered habitual or has occurred within one year of acquiring the property, is also exempt from taxation. Those capital gains not exempt are taxed as ordinary income. Capital gains from stock or other investments, if not considered habitual, are taxed at a flat rate of 15 percent.
 
Social security tax is paid at the basic rate of 20 percent. Chile does exempt expatriates from paying into the social security fund if their own country's social security system is similar to Chile's.
 
Personal allowances and deductions are minimal. Spouses are taxed separately on their personal income, while married couples without separate incomes are taxed jointly. 

Employers withhold taxes from the salaries of employees. In March of each year, taxpayers must submit to the SII/Servicio de Impuestos Internos, a detailed list of all taxes withheld. Yearly returns must be filed by April 30 of each year for income of the preceding calendar year. A single form is provided by the SII. All supporting documents should be retained by the taxpayer for possible future review. 

Taxes are payable in local currency at the time the tax form is submitted. 

 OTHER TAXES IN CHILE  
 
VAT tax  
Chile imposes a VAT or Impuesto al Valor Agregado (IVA) of 18 percent on most goods and services. 
 
Fuel and tobacco tax  
Gasoline, diesel oil, cigarettes and cigars are all taxed at the time of purchase. 
 
Automobile taxes  
Used cars are subject to a 0.5 percent sales tax. Imported cars and locally assembled cars are subject to the customary 18 percent VAT tax, plus a sales tax which is a percentage of the customs value based on the size of the engine 
 
Real estate tax  
A two percent tax is assessed on the fiscal valuation of real estate each year on January 1st, and adjusted on July 1st, according to the increase in the Consumer Price Index. Real estate taxes are payble in four installments: April, June, September, and November.