Chile - Establishing an OfficeChile - Establishing an Office
Within the framework of Chilean law, business entities can choose among a variety of different corporate forms, each with different legal and tax implications. Since tax treatment of the various forms of businesses is similar in Chile as in the U.S., the choice of entity type is often guided by U.S. tax considerations. Currently there is no bilateral tax treaty between Chile and the United States; however, the treaty has been negotiated and ratified by the Chilean Congress, and is awaiting consideration by the U.S. Congress. (For more information, please see Investment.)
There are two ways to incorporate a business in Chile: via traditional means with a Chilean attorney (for all corporations), or via self-service online. The process of working with an attorney to form a corporation is relatively inexpensive and takes about three weeks. The direct costs are approximately US$1,500 for legal fees (depending on business sector) and US$550 for expenses such as notary public, commercial registry, and the official gazette publication. Chile has no minimum local participation requirement, and the inclusion of local partners is guided only by commercial considerations.
The Chilean Government created an online portal to help individuals create their business in 24 hours from the comfort of their own desk. The portal, under the Ministry of Economy Tu Empresa En Un Dia, provides information, facilitates the procedures, obtains the certificates and the benefits of the state, and will allow users to create and grow their businesses. There is no charge to create a business via this portal. The only expenses are associated with the use of the Advanced Electronic Signature (FEA). Those who do not have FEA can sign electronically through a notary. The price for this service is around US$12.
Currently, there are three types of companies that can be registered: limited liability corporations, individual limited liability corporations and joint stock companies. As of December 2018, public limited corporations and reciprocal guaranty corporations can be registered as well.
Regardless of whether you work through an attorney or online, the first step for any U.S. citizen, corporation or entity wishing to establish a business in Chile is to present a declaration of intent to invest at a Chilean Consulate. This intent form should state the nature of the business and the capital to be invested, while simultaneously requesting a Chilean Permanent Residence Visa. This visa confers official residence status on the company, which is necessary in order to conduct commercial activity in Chile. Prepared by our U.S. Embassies abroad. With its network of 108 offices across the United States and in more than 75 countries, the U.S. Commercial Service of the U.S. Department of Commerce utilizes its global presence and international marketing expertise to help U.S. companies sell their products and services worldwide. Locate the U.S. Commercial Service trade specialist in the U.S. nearest you by visiting http://export.gov/usoffices.
There are two ways to incorporate a business in Chile: via traditional means with a Chilean attorney (for all corporations), or via self-service online. The process of working with an attorney to form a corporation is relatively inexpensive and takes about three weeks. The direct costs are approximately US$1,500 for legal fees (depending on business sector) and US$550 for expenses such as notary public, commercial registry, and the official gazette publication. Chile has no minimum local participation requirement, and the inclusion of local partners is guided only by commercial considerations.
The Chilean Government created an online portal to help individuals create their business in 24 hours from the comfort of their own desk. The portal, under the Ministry of Economy Tu Empresa En Un Dia, provides information, facilitates the procedures, obtains the certificates and the benefits of the state, and will allow users to create and grow their businesses. There is no charge to create a business via this portal. The only expenses are associated with the use of the Advanced Electronic Signature (FEA). Those who do not have FEA can sign electronically through a notary. The price for this service is around US$12.
Currently, there are three types of companies that can be registered: limited liability corporations, individual limited liability corporations and joint stock companies. As of December 2018, public limited corporations and reciprocal guaranty corporations can be registered as well.
Regardless of whether you work through an attorney or online, the first step for any U.S. citizen, corporation or entity wishing to establish a business in Chile is to present a declaration of intent to invest at a Chilean Consulate. This intent form should state the nature of the business and the capital to be invested, while simultaneously requesting a Chilean Permanent Residence Visa. This visa confers official residence status on the company, which is necessary in order to conduct commercial activity in Chile. Prepared by our U.S. Embassies abroad. With its network of 108 offices across the United States and in more than 75 countries, the U.S. Commercial Service of the U.S. Department of Commerce utilizes its global presence and international marketing expertise to help U.S. companies sell their products and services worldwide. Locate the U.S. Commercial Service trade specialist in the U.S. nearest you by visiting http://export.gov/usoffices.