- How to obtain Chilean citizenship through naturalization?
- Algorithm of actions
- Acquisition of Chilean citizenship by minors
South America is gradually gaining points of attractiveness in the eyes of immigrants, and serious competition has erupted between the countries of this continent. Equally, there are Internet requests on how to obtain citizenship of Chile and the Eastern Republic of Uruguay. Civil law experts say that in recent years it has become much easier to become a Chilean citizen than a Uruguayan.
In this material, we will tell you about the mechanisms for obtaining citizenship in Chile, which of them are considered optimal for foreign citizens, what subtleties of legislation must be taken into account in the process of preparing documents and passing naturalization.
How to obtain Chilean citizenship through naturalization?
In the Chilean Republic, there are various regulatory legal acts that determine the methods of obtaining citizenship. They are identical to those that can be found in nearby countries and states located thousands of kilometers from Chile. The main mechanisms for obtaining civil rights are birth from Chilean citizens, ethnic roots, naturalization.
The latter method is used by thousands of immigrants who have moved to Chile for permanent residence and dream of becoming full citizens. First, it is necessary to clarify the requirements of the receiving party, then go through the naturalization procedure under the following conditions: the applicant's age of majority; permanent residence in Chile for five years; the presence of a Chilean permanent residence permit; financial solvency; no criminal record, no being under investigation.
Each of these points has its own characteristics, for example, a foreigner must be an adult, that is, have reached the age of 18 years. But he can apply for naturalization earlier, from the age of 14, provided that his guardians or parents signed a permit for this procedure, gave their consent.
The period of permanent residence in Chile begins not from the moment a foreigner arrives on the territory of the state, but from the date of obtaining the first resident visa. Economic viability is confirmed by certificates from the place of work, from the bank, information about bank accounts or about ownership of real estate.
Being under investigation does not necessarily become an obstacle, if the offense committed by the potential applicant is minor, with a term of imprisonment of no more than 60 days, then he has the right to apply for citizenship. Naturally, as practice shows, it is better to wait for release.
Algorithm of actions
The procedure for obtaining Chilean citizenship in many respects repeats the path already traveled by a foreigner to obtain a permanent residence permit. The changes will concern the submission of some documents, if previously a certificate of visa registration was required, now instead of it a certificate of a permanent residence permit is provided.
In addition, you must contact the international police, which will issue a certificate of the validity of this document. Additionally, documents confirming income, ownership of real estate or bank accounts, the presence of a car and a driver's license are attached.
Acquisition of Chilean citizenship by minors
It was already mentioned above that a foreign citizen who has reached the age of majority can independently go through the naturalization procedure. From the age of 14, you can start naturalization with the written consent of the parents or persons who replace them. Moreover, the permission must be signed by both existing parents (guardian), and the document must be notarized. If at the time of filing an application for citizenship one of the parents has already died, then a death certificate is attached to the set of documents. In the case when a child is raised only by one of the parents, then this fact must also have a written confirmation.
In 2016, Chilean legislation on citizenship underwent some changes, and in the direction of relaxation, that is, it became easier to become a citizen of this South American state. The changes concerned the age limit, previously it was possible to apply only after the onset of 21 years of age, now - from 18 years.
The second major change concerned the period of residence in Chile for naturalization. Until 2014, it was necessary to continuously reside in the country for at least five years, in the regulations in force at the moment, the word “continuously” was removed, that is, a person has the right to leave the country for valid reasons.
Another important nuance is that the “right of the land” is spelled out in the legislation on citizenship, that is, a child born on the territory of the country automatically becomes a citizen of Chile. Naturally, this moment does not apply to children who were born to those who are temporarily in the country.
