Five Reasons to Give Birth in Chile

1. How does this citizenship-by-birth program work overall?

Chile is one of the few countries that grants citizenship by right of the soil. Even if both parents are there on a tourist status. For your child to receive citizenship, you need to fly in for the birth in Chile. Citizens of Russia, Georgia, Turkey, Ukraine and many other countries have a visa-free regime of 90 days with the option of a further 90-day extension. So there are no obstacles to entry. Citizens of CIS countries need to arrange a visa in advance. It is enough to arrive a month before the expected due date and stay for a further month afterward. Your future Chilean will receive all documents within 10-14 business days.

2. Why Chile specifically, rather than Europe or the US?

There are several obvious advantages here. First and foremost is a strong passport - the strongest passport in Latin America. It opens 161 countries for visa-free entry, including all the key ones: the US, Canada, Japan, the United Kingdom, EU countries and others. The Chilean state also does not require you to renounce your own citizenship, if your country allows it, as is the case for example with Russia. A visa-free regime guarantees you can carry out your goal - giving birth in Chile. Healthcare on a par with the US, a comfortable Mediterranean climate, and friendly locals. And of course it is important to understand that when acquiring second citizenship you need to pay attention to the obligations that fall on your child. In Chile there are no such burdens. There is no double taxation and no compulsory army service. In essence, if your future child does not live in the country, they carry no obligations to it, while still holding a passport that is a powerful tool for freedom of movement and the right to choose where to live, study and build a business. On top of all this, there is also the option of an accelerated path to citizenship for parents and grandparents. To sum up why Chile rather than the US: a visa-free regime, no double taxation, and the option for parents to get citizenship in 4-5 years instead of 21. Why Chile rather than Europe: again, a visa-free regime, and you do not need residency for your child to receive citizenship.

3. Are there any restrictions on taking part in this citizenship program? Could a child be denied citizenship?

No. Every child has the opportunity to open up the world with a strong passport, regardless of their parents' citizenship.

4. What does a child born in Chile receive?

A passport that opens up all the most interesting countries, and along with it, freedom and the right to choose. The opportunities of the entire world. And they also receive a legacy in the form of second citizenship, which they will pass on to their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

5. What advantages are there for parents of Chilean children?

The option to apply for citizenship after just two years of residency. And for parents who are not planning to obtain citizenship but are interested in running a business in Chile, having cards and accounts, using quality healthcare, and generally having a backup base, a residence permit is enough - one they obtain remotely thanks to their small Chilean.

6. When can parents obtain Chilean citizenship?

On average, after 4-5 years, of which one parent needs to live in Chile for 2 years, with the option of traveling abroad for vacations and urgent matters. In the final year, we recommend that it is no longer just one parent living there, but everyone applying for citizenship living in Chile.

7. How long does the whole birth trip take, and how long does document preparation take?

The whole trip takes 2 months. As for the Chilean documents, that is 10-14 days, sometimes even faster. If both Chilean and Russian documents are involved, you should budget a month.

8. Can a minor child of Chilean parents who was not born there obtain citizenship?

Yes, of course. But together with their parents they need to go through the naturalization process. And it is important to note that you can only apply for citizenship at age 14. Before that, older children remain in permanent-residence status and enjoy the benefits of the country.

9. What vaccinations are given in Chile, and can they be declined?

What vaccinations are given in Chile, and can they be declined?

10. Is there a real difference between clinics?

If we are talking about private healthcare, the difference is only visual. The quality of care, the qualifications of the doctors, and the equipment are all at a high level. Doctors in Chile are all highly qualified and hold either American or European degrees. The difference will only be in the size of the room and its amenities (TV, shower, etc.), the view from the room, and the size of the lobby.

11. What budget should be planned for the trip?

For two months for two people, including flights, accommodation in comfortable apartments, all medical expenses, delivery at a private clinic and professional support, budget a minimum of $20,000-22,000, and beyond that it all depends on your preferences - after all, Chile is rich in attractions and delicious food.

12. What nationality is listed in the child's passport, and is it possible to give them a Chilean or double name?

The nationality listed is Chilean. The child will have two surnames, since this is a whole tradition of joining two family lines. But the first name can be anything. And yes, in Chile it is indeed possible to give your child two first names.