Chile’s Mining & Data Surge: The 2026 Gold Rush for Global Companies

By easyco Updated October 10, 2026

Chile is evolving. Long known as the world’s largest copper producer, it is now combining mining, digital infrastructure and clean energy, which makes it a strong destination for global companies in 2026.

From copper to cloud: two growth engines

1. Mining is getting smarter

Chile produces roughly a quarter of the world’s copper and is a leading lithium producer.
The National Lithium Strategy and green hydrogen projects in Antofagasta and Magallanes are opening new public-private partnerships.
Large copper miners pay a mining royalty under Law 21,591 (2023), and environmental and community requirements keep tightening.

Mining suppliers, technology providers and joint-venture partners usually operate through a Chilean company.

2. Data centers and digital infrastructure

Submarine cables and a growing fiber network connect Chile with the US and, through new projects, with Asia-Pacific.
Renewable power helps operators meet sustainability targets.
Global cloud providers operate or are building data centers around Santiago, and mid-sized technology firms follow to serve mining, finance and telecoms.

3. Clear rules for foreign companies

Foreign investors receive the same treatment as local ones (Law 20,848), and InvestChile supports them.
Companies can be formed online through the Registro de Empresas y Sociedades.
Foreign shareholders obtain their RUT through a representative in Chile.

What foreign companies need to operate in Chile

Requirement	Why it matters
Entity (SpA, Ltda. or branch)	Needed for contracts, banking and a legal presence
RUT and start of activities with the SII	Needed to invoice and pay taxes
Address in Chile	Declared to the SII; operations need a real site
Sector permits	Required for extraction, energy, environmental impact and some logistics
Legal representative who can act in Chile	Signs for the company before banks and authorities
Payroll setup	Needed when hiring local staff

Why Chile is a top pick in 2026

Strong rule of law and predictable institutions.
A rare mix of natural resources and digital infrastructure.
Trade agreements with Asia, the European Union and North America.
Clean energy that supports ESG-focused projects.

How a company is set up in Chile

Choose the company type. Most foreign founders use the SpA.
If you are abroad, sign a power of attorney, apostilled and translated into Spanish, so a person in Chile can act for you.
Sign the incorporation deed before a notary, or form the company online in the Registro de Empresas y Sociedades.
Register the extract in the Commercial Registry and publish it in the Diario Oficial (both are automatic on the online registry).
Obtain the company’s RUT and file the start of activities (inicio de actividades) with the SII.
Bring in the capital and open a corporate bank account.
Set up electronic invoicing, monthly Form 29 filings and payroll.

Full guide: how to set up a company in Chile.

Get help from Easyco

Easyco coordinates the company setup in Chile up to the issue of the RUT, and supports companies afterwards with tax, accounting and payroll. Contact us to discuss your project.