Citizenship in Chile

I have previously posted about citizenship in Brazil and Bolivia. Now it’s time to give information on citizenship in Chile. One thing that is interesting to note is that those countries with a history of more immigrants tend to have easier pathways to citizenship. I was a little surprised by the slightly more restrictive citizenship laws in Chile. I’d love to hear your comments on it.

Chile Citizenship

BY BIRTH: Child born in the territory of Chile, regardless of the nationality of the parents. The exceptions are children of foreign diplomats or of transient foreigners.

BY DESCENT: Child born abroad, at least one of whose parents is a citizen of Chile, provided the person establishes a residence in Chile before the age of 21.

BY NATURALIZATION: Chilean citizenship may be acquired upon fulfillment of the following conditions:
- Person has resided in the country for at least five years.
- Person has shown proof of renunciation of previous citizenship.

DUAL CITIZENSHIP: NOT RECOGNIZED.
Exception:
- Chile has a dual citizenship agreement with the country of Spain.
- Child born abroad to Chilean parents, who obtains citizenship of country of birth, may retain dual citizenship until the age of majority (21). Upon reaching the age of majority, person must choose which citizenship to retain.
- Persons, working or living abroad, who must acquire a foreign citizenship as a condition of remaining legally in that country.

LOSS OF CITIZENSHIP:
VOLUNTARY: Voluntary renunciation of citizenship is permitted by law. No paperwork is necessary, but the person must notify the embassy, show proof of new citizenship and turn in Chilean passport.

INVOLUNTARY: The following are grounds for involuntary loss of Chilean citizenship:
- Person voluntarily obtains foreign citizenship.
- Person gives aid and comfort to wartime enemies of Chile.

ANY QUESTIONS concerning citizenship, or requests for renunciation of citizenship, should be sent to the address below:

Embassy of Chile
Consular Section
1732 Massachusetts Ave., NW
Washington, DC 20036
Embassy/Consular Telephone: 202-785-1746
Fax: 202-887-5579