Lapsed Permanent Resident / Expired Temporary Residency

Navigating Chile
1

I was granted Residencia Permanente status in 2017 – I had moved to Dubai by then, but came back to receive the RUT card, sign papers etc. I kept it alive by returning often enough, until the pandemic hit. I returned in October 2021 (and stayed – longest I’ve been in one country for 20 years!). At the airport they confiscated my card, and told me that I could reapply for temporary residence as (kinda seemed like some sort of grey zone) a tourist/lapsed permanent resident – the lapsed tourist resident aspect would cut some corners, speed things up. I applied, received the Certificado de Residencia Temporal en Trámite, and then nothing. The certificado was good for six months, the expiration date has come and gone. When I try to extend it online, “Su Ampliación de Certificado de Residencia Temporal en Trámite no se encuentra disponible por el momento.”

I am married to a Chilean, and we have a nine year-old daughter. I’m a Canadian citizen, here on a British passport, I’m retired and can support my family on my US Social Security payments.

What’s my next step?

2

Your permanent residency was tacitly revoked if you spent one year outside Chile without obtaining an extension.

I take it that this tramite which supposedly allows extending the temporary residence period is what is failing.

I think you will have to seek professional advice, I believe Spencer Global could help.

A quick internet search also found these people.

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3

According to Decreto 597, Artículo 51, there’s somewhat of a grace period if you had permanent residency and haven’t been absent for the last five years – you’re automatically granted temporary residency when you return. And, according to the Immigration Officer at the airport, when you eventually re-apply for permanent residency, they’ll let you skip a few steps this time around.

But ya, the issue I’m dealing with is the temporary residency being processed.

Thanks!

4

I have a lawyer who is helping me with my case over at ImmiChile. feargle posted the link for them. So far, happy with the assistance I have received. Have not used Spencer Global.

5

Despite having more bureaucrats than ever, serving the public is not their priority, and routine tramites are often ignored when submitted directly by the “little guy” without pituto access.

I have unsuccessfully been trying to obtain a Certificado de Viajes from the PDI for the last 3 months, and that’s a minor issue compared to establishing or maintaining Residency.