For International Buyers
The Complete Foreign Buyer's Guide
Everything a US or international buyer needs to know about purchasing land in Chilean Patagonia — from first steps to legal ownership.
Read the GuideYes
Foreigners can own land
4–5%
Total closing costs
4–8 wks
Typical timeline
100%
Remote purchase possible
Can Foreigners Buy Land in Chile?
Yes — Chile is one of the most foreigner-friendly countries in the world for property rights.
Chile grants foreign nationals identical property rights to Chilean citizens. No ownership caps, no time limits, no restrictions on transfer or inheritance. There are no minimum investment requirements and no residency requirements.
The one notable exception: properties within 50 km of an international border may require approval from DIFROL (Dirección de Fronteras y Límites del Estado). In practice, this rarely affects typical Patagonia purchases, and DIFROL generally approves straightforward private-to-private sales.
Step 1: Obtain Your Chilean RUT
Before signing any property documents, you need a RUT (Rol Único Tributario) — Chile's national tax ID number. This is mandatory for all financial transactions, including real estate.
How to Get Your RUT from Abroad
Designate a Chilean attorney or legal representative
Grant a notarized, apostilled Power of Attorney (POA)
Your representative visits the SII (Chilean Tax Authority) on your behalf
RUT issued same day at the SII office
Step 2: Due Diligence
This is the most critical phase. Before signing any preliminary agreement or paying any deposit, your attorney must verify the following:
Title Check
- Clean title chain (no liens)
- Seller is legal owner
- No encumbrances
- Property taxes current
Survey Check
- Boundaries match legal description
- No neighbor disputes
- Legal road access confirmed
- Topographic map obtained
Water Check
- Water rights registered at DGA
- Type: consumptive or non-consumptive
- Volume allocated (l/s)
- No competing right-holders
Zoning Check
- Permitted land uses confirmed
- Building permit feasibility
- Environmental restrictions
- Tourist facility regulations
Steps 3–4: Contract and Closing
Choose Your Region
Explore Los Lagos, Aysén, or Magallanes. We'll help you understand the differences in landscape, accessibility, price, and potential — and match you with the region that fits your vision.
Due Diligence & Legal
Our team verifies title, boundaries, water rights, and access. You'll receive a complete legal package in English. Remote purchase is fully possible with a power of attorney.
Sign & Register
A Chilean notary executes the Escritura Pública (deed of sale). Title is registered at the Conservador de Bienes Raíces. Total closing costs: 4–5%. Timeline: 4–8 weeks.
You Own Your Land
Your Patagonian land is yours — legally and permanently, with the same rights as a Chilean citizen. Welcome to one of the world's last great wildernesses.
Closing Costs Breakdown
Chile has among the lowest closing costs for real estate in the Americas. Total costs typically run 4–5% of the purchase price.
What to Watch Out For
Never pay a deposit before title verification is complete
Don't rely solely on the seller's representations — hire independent professionals
Verify water rights separately from land title at the DGA
Border zone land (within 50km of international border) may require DIFROL approval
Get all agreements in writing and notarized
Don't use an untested power of attorney without legal review
Free Consultation
Our team guides international buyers through every step — from region selection to closing. No obligation, fully confidential.
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