Job Discussion Forums

[djlera]

Hi All-
I just got through a horrendous ordeal trying to work legally in Costa Rica. I needed my police report and birth certificate authenticated by my state and then by the consulate in Washington DC. It cost me an arm and a leg in FedEx fees�.
Anyway I am now looking into moving to Santiago de Chile and I`m just wondering what types of documents I will need to:
1. Get a job
2. Open a bank account
3. Rent an apartment
Any help would be great!

Thanks
Jake

[kimberlyn]

Jake,

Finding a job and renting an apartment are fairly easy (atleast as far as documents go). You should be able to find a job with your resume and passport. Once you get a contract then you'll have to apply for your work visa (a good job should do this for you). Getting your visa, international police certificate, and ID card take some waiting in lines, but can all be done fairly cheap and in Chile.

As far as a bank account goes, you are generally required to have a work visa and papers proving that you have a stable job/income. Since the visa process can take a few months, I'd recommend sticking with a bank account from U.S. at first. And, ATMs here don't charge you anything for taking out money from other banks.

Hope this helps. If anyone else has something to add, or wants to correct me, feel free.

Kimberlyn

[smiliegirl]

If you get a work visa in Chile, does it require having to eventually leave the country to get the visa posted and stamped in your passport. I used to work with folks from various countries and when they got their work visas for the US, they would have to visit an American embassy (if they left the country) to the the visas lifted, in order to be able to return to the States.

Is the process similar in Chile?

[matttheboy]

you can convert your tourist visa to a work visa without having to leave chile. in fact it�s easier to sort out your visa once you�re already in chile than organising it before coming.

[smiliegirl]

Thanks for the info. Is there any paperwork (besides passport) that I should bring with me to Chile to help facilitate getting a work visa (once I make it that far) -- health certificate, police record, etc?

[anabelle]

I would suggest bringing you origional social security card, proof of health insurance if you have it, and copies of all diplomas and certificates. Many schools that offer contracts will want these things.

[smiliegirl]

Thanks! Is health insurance required?

[anabelle]

Some schools ask for it, but those same schools will usually help you get it here if necessary. It�s not difficult to obtain, but keep in mind that here women pay a higher premium for health insurance than men�..which is probably still cheaper than what you�d pay in the States.

[djlera]

any good tips for US citizens living in Chile and getting health insurance? what are the options, if any, for getting insurance in Chile...?
thanks!
Jake