How to Set Up a Company in Chile (2026): 7 Steps

By Easyco Updated October 14, 2026

If you’re planning to incorporate a company in Chile, understanding the legal requirements, company structures, and registration process is the first step toward successfully establishing your business. In short: most foreign founders form an SpA, sign the bylaws online through the Registro de Empresas y Sociedades or before a notary, get the company’s RUT from the SII and open a corporate bank account.

Chile remains one of Latin America’s most attractive destinations for foreign investment due to its stable legal framework, transparent business environment, and relatively efficient incorporation procedures. Whether you’re launching a startup, opening a subsidiary, or expanding your operations into South America, choosing the appropriate legal entity and completing the registration process correctly are essential.

This guide explains how to incorporate a company in Chile, the main company formation steps, required documentation, estimated timelines, and the key considerations foreign investors should keep in mind in 2026.

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Types of Companies in Chile

The most common types of companies in Chile are:

Individual Limited Liability Company (E.I.R.L.),

Sole founders today mostly use the SpA; the EIRL remains available, but only to a single individual (Law 19,857). In this case, any natural person is allowed to acquire legal personality and the company’s assets are independent of those of the owner.

Joint Stock Company (SpA – Company by Shares)

One of the most suggested structures for company formation in Chile is a flexible figure that protects the partners, it can be incorporated by a single shareholder, and it can also be created by one or more persons through an act of incorporation whose participation in the capital is represented by shares.

Limited Company (S.A. – Sociedad Anónima)

A ‘Sociedad Anónima’ allows the contribution of capital to a company regardless of who the partners are, such capital is divided into shares, and its incorporation and modification must follow certain legal formalities.

Limited Liability Company (Ltda. – Sociedad de Responsabilidad Limitada)

An LLC or Ltda. in Chile is constituted through a public deed where the amount that each partner contributes must be specified, and each partner is responsible for such amount. It cannot have more than 50 partners and its corporate purpose must not have as its purpose the performance of the banking business.

General Partnership

In a general partnership, all partners participate in equal conditions with a minimum of two partners without imposing any maximum number. No minimum capital stock is required.

Limited Partnerships

A limited partnership has two types of partners. The limited partner makes a certain contribution to the corporate fund and is only liable for the amount contributed, and the managing partner manages the company by himself or by delegates, being liable for the corporate debts and jointly and severally liable for the corporate obligations.

How to incorporate a company in Chile?

It is worth mentioning that foreigners, whether natural or legal persons, also have the option of creating a company in Chile. It is not necessary to have a specific visa; you can have a temporary or permanent visa.

If the interested person is not in Chile, he or she must grant a power of attorney by public deed to a person residing in the country. In this way, this person will be able to represent him or her in the different entities where the process must be followed.

1. Choose the type of company

One of the first decisions when incorporating a company in Chile is selecting the most appropriate legal structure. The choice will depend on your business activities, ownership structure, investment plans, and long-term operational needs. While several company types are available, the SpA (Sociedad por Acciones) has become one of the most commonly used structures for foreign investors due to its flexibility and simplified administration.

2. Having legal representation in Chile

As mentioned above, if you are not in the country, you must appoint a legal representative in Chile. He or she does not necessarily have to be a Chilean national. However, it is mandatory to provide a valid visa that proves residency.

3. Incorporating your company in Chile

After having chosen the type of company that suits the nature of the business you are undertaking, you must legalize the company.

A deed of incorporation is generated with the help of a notary, which must contain:

Name, RUT, nationality, marital status, address, profession, and percentage of participation of the partners.
Specify if it is a legal entity or if there are partners.
Address of the company.
Capital of the company, form, and term in which each partner has made its contribution.
Name of the company and corporate purpose.
The number of directors, shares, and members of the board of directors, if necessary.

4. Registration in the Commercial Registry

There is a term of 60 days to go to the Commercial Registry to register the company, from the date on which the deed is notarized.

This procedure can be done personally at the Real Estate Registry or through its web page.

To carry out the procedure, the following documents must be presented:

Two original documents or authorized copies of the Notary’s deed.
Deed of incorporation of the company and the form N°2 that is requested at the Real Estate Registry.

5. Publishing in the Official Gazette

When your new company is registered at the Chilean Registry, you must publish the official notice of the company in the Official Gazette. Within the first 60 days after the company was registered.

6. Obtaining your Tax ID – RUT (Rol Único Tributario)

Every company must be incorporated according to Chile’s legal framework and after that, it is granted its Taxpayer Identification number (Tax ID) – The RUT.

First, you must manage the RUT of the company in the Internal Revenue Service (SII). This RUT identifies you as a taxpayer.

If you are applying for your RUT as a legal entity, you should consider the following:

You must choose one or more codes of economic activity at the time of announcing the start of activities of your company.
There is a range of 2 months from the moment you start activities to obtain the RUT.
The procedure can be done at the SII office that corresponds to the address of your company or online. You must also choose whether you will be a First Category Taxpayer (capital income and commercial, industrial, mining, and other companies) or Second Category Taxpayer (labor income).

7. Open a corporate bank account

Once the company is officially registered, you need to open a bank account at your desired bank in Chile. Corporate bank accounts can be opened in Chilean Pesos or American Dollars, depending on the company’s needs.

After incorporation, businesses should also ensure they remain compliant with accounting, tax, payroll, and corporate obligations in Chile.

FAQ

Can I set up a company in Chile online?

Yes. Under Law 20,659 (“Tu Empresa en un Día”), an SpA, Ltda. or EIRL can be formed for free on the Registro de Empresas y Sociedades. Signers need a Chilean RUT and ClaveÚnica or an advanced electronic signature, so foreign founders usually sign through a representative with a power of attorney or use the traditional notary route.

Get Assistance from Easyco Experts!

Incorporating a company in Chile is generally a straightforward process when the appropriate legal structure is selected and all registration requirements are completed correctly. Understanding the incorporation process, tax obligations, and ongoing compliance requirements from the outset can help businesses establish a strong foundation for long-term operations in Chile.

If you’re planning to expand into Chile, Easyco’s local specialists can assist you throughout the entire company formation process, from incorporation to ongoing accounting, payroll, and corporate compliance support.

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