Childbirth in Chile: Citizenship by Birth and Costs

Chile citizenship by birth (jus soli)

The Political Constitution of the Republic of Chile (Article 10) establishes the jus soli principle — the law of the soil. A child born in Chile is considered a citizen, regardless of the parents’ passport. However, Chilean nationality by birth is not automatically granted to the children of:

• Foreign diplomats officially accredited in the country;
• Persons in transit (temporarily, without the intention of settling).

If parents come to Chile specifically for the birth, their child can obtain Chilean citizenship upon reaching 18 years of age through the option procedure (choosing citizenship). However, the decision is usually made immediately.

At the Civil Registry Office (SCReI), you must obtain a birth certificate confirming the child’s birth in Chile. Afterwards, you can apply for a national identity card for your son or daughter at the SCReI.

Chile recognizes dual citizenship and multiple passports. This is a significant advantage because, in addition to Chilean citizenship by birth, the child can inherit their parents’ citizenship.

Advantages of Chilean citizenship for children

Many parents view a Chilean passport as a «backup» for their child’s future. Here are some of the specific benefits that Chilean citizenship will provide your son or daughter:

• Freedom of travel. The Chilean passport is among the most powerful in the world, offering visa-free or simplified access to 159 countries, including all EU member states, China, Japan, and the United Kingdom. Its strength is comparable to that of a US passport. Chilean citizens only need an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) to visit Canada and are also eligible for the US Visa Waiver Program.
• International opportunities. Chile is an associate member of the Mercosur Community of Latin American Countries. The country has signed an agreement with the association that provides simplified immigration opportunities. For example, Chilean citizens can travel visa-free to Brazil or Argentina, obtain temporary and permanent residence permits there, and work on an equal basis with citizens.
• No tax liability for non-residents. If a Chilean citizen does not live in Chile, they do not pay taxes to the Chilean budget unless they have a source of income there. This allows them to choose their country of residence without the risk of double taxation. This is a significant advantage compared to some other countries, such as the United States, where citizens pay taxes to the US budget regardless of where they live.
• Future opportunities. Once they reach adulthood, children will be able to decide where to live. A Chilean passport offers many options. For instance, they can obtain Spanish citizenship after residing in the country for just two years, using the simplified procedure for citizens of Latin American countries. This means that if your son or daughter wants an EU passport in the future, they can easily obtain one through Spain.

Childbirth organization in Chile: from preparation to receiving a passport for the child

To comfortably and stress-free give birth in Chile and then obtain citizenship and legal status for yourself, you must properly prepare for the trip, gather all the necessary documents, and promptly contact the relevant authorities.

Preparing for the trip. The best time to move is at the start of the third trimester, around the seventh month of pregnancy. This period allows time to acclimate, choose a doctor and clinic, arrange for observation, and await the birth calmly.

It’s important to note that many airlines impose restrictions on travel for pregnant women after 36 weeks. Be sure to consult your doctor and obtain a certificate confirming that travel is safe for you. Bring your medical records, test results, and ultrasound results from your home country. All of these documents must be translated into Spanish.

Choosing a clinic. Chile has both public and private hospitals. You can go to a public facility, where service is free, but conditions are not always comfortable. Therefore, most foreign women choose private clinics, which offer a level of service comparable to those in Europe and the United States. The country has a high level of healthcare. 100% of births are attended by qualified medical personnel, which is a higher rate than in the US and Canada. Many Chilean doctors have completed training and internships in the United States and EU countries.

The attitude toward pregnant women is very attentive and warm. Partner births are common, and husbands are permitted to be present. New mothers have access to modern medical options, such as epidural anesthesia and cesarean sections, as well as additional services, like cord blood banking.

Children receiving documents and a Chilean passport. After the birth, the clinic will issue a medical birth certificate. Based on this certificate, you must register the newborn with the Civil Registry Office (SCReI) within 30 days. Visit your nearest SCReI office (no appointment required) and provide the necessary documents and completed forms. Upon registration, a Chilean birth certificate will be issued.

After this, you can obtain the child’s passport. This document is usually processed quickly, within 7-10 days. Thus, approximately 6 weeks after the birth, the family will receive the child’s Chilean passport.

Registration of status for parents. After the birth certificate is issued, you can apply for a residence permit through family reunification with the National Migration Service as parents of a Chilean citizen. In addition to the birth certificate of your Chilean child, you will need your current passports, police clearance certificates from your country of citizenship or the country in which you have lived for the past five years, and a recent passport-sized photo.

Obtaining a residence permit can take several months. Therefore, families proceed differently. Some return home after receiving their child’s passport and continue the process remotely with immigration lawyers. Others leave one parent in Chile until the residence permit is obtained. Generally, though, all issues are resolvable, and Mirsatori is ready to support you every step of the way.

Childbirth in Chile: the costs

The cost of childbirth in Chile includes three components: healthcare, accommodations, and legal support. We can only provide an accurate cost estimate after a detailed analysis of your situation, including family composition, plans, service requests, and budget.

Medicine. The main cost of childbirth in Chile is the price of the service package at the chosen clinic. Although private healthcare is expensive here, the cost of services is usually much lower than in the US and most European countries. Prices at private maternity hospitals start at around USD 1,700. Typically, packages range from USD 3,500 to cover everything (doctors’ fees, hospital stay, basic tests, and standard procedures). There are also premium options. For example, one oceanfront clinic offers a birth package for around USD 5,500.

A comparable service in the US often starts at USD 18,000 and in Canada at USD 10,000. This is why many families consider Chile a more budget-friendly option. Giving birth in Chile is free, even in public hospitals. However, quality and comfort are not guaranteed, so foreigners almost always choose private facilities.

Accommodation. The second major expense is lodging in the country before and after the birth. Families typically budget for two to three months to allow time to arrive early, have a relaxing doctor’s appointment, wait for the birth, and complete the baby’s paperwork. The cost of living in Chile is affordable.

Fruits and vegetables are available year-round and reasonably priced in Chile because it’s an agricultural country. It’s also worth budgeting for transportation, communication, household expenses, and unexpected costs—everyone has them, even with perfect planning. Overall, the cost of living in Chile will pleasantly surprise you, especially if you’ve previously considered «expensive» countries like the United States or Canada.

Legal support: A third of the budget is allocated for legal services. It’s worth factoring in the cost of organizational assistance. It includes:

• purchasing tickets;
• selecting a clinic and doctor;
• scheduling appointments;
• renting accommodations;
• interpreter services;
• preparing documents for the child;
• assistance with immigration procedures.

Conclusion

Giving birth in Chile is a realistic and legal way to grant your child citizenship in a developed country and provide your family with a solid backup plan for the future. However, to achieve this goal, it’s crucial to prepare properly from a legal standpoint. This involves gathering a complete set of documents and taking into account all deadlines and requirements of the National Immigration Service.

Mirsatori has been supporting families planning a child’s birth in Chile for many years, offering a legal pathway to secure citizenship for a child in a developed country while providing the family with a reliable backup plan for the future. However, achieving this requires thorough legal preparation, including gathering a complete set of documents and carefully meeting all deadlines and requirements of the National Immigration Service.