Obtaining Chilean Citizenship: how it works in Chile — first-hand

Key documents required for family reunification/marriage visa applications include a foreign passport, a certificate of no criminal record (valid for 2 months, requiring certification by the Chilean Ministry of Foreign Affairs), a marriage certificate, and the birth certificate of the Chilean spouse. Chile recognizes two types of marital unions: 'union civil' (civil union) and 'matrimonio' (traditional marriage). 'Union civil' can accelerate the process for permanent residency (PMJ) but does not accelerate citizenship acquisition. 'Matrimonio' theoretically allows for citizenship, but practically it primarily accelerates temporary residency and permanent residency. Full citizenship applications typically proceed at a standard pace, often taking over 1.5 years even with legal assistance. For 'matrimonio', a witness is required, and a translator if neither party speaks Spanish. It is advisable to prepare and apostille necessary documents from the country of origin in advance.

Residents with 2 years of continuous residency and ties to Chilean citizens may apply earlier. However, current wait times are estimated at an average of 10 years due to a backlog of approximately 300,000 cases from a previous administration and ongoing issues with revoked citizenships. Approval rates have drastically decreased (e.g., 21 cases in May, 11 in April). There are no guarantees of approval, even for those applying via faster tracks like marriage.

Current interpretation suggests that children born to parents holding only tourist status do not receive immediate citizenship/residency privileges. Typically, at least one parent must hold a residency status (other than tourist) for the child to acquire status, or the child must wait until age 18 to apply for citizenship.

The status quo remains stable.