Moving to Chile from the United States

Chile customs (Servicio Nacional de Aduanas) clears household shipments against a clear paper trail. Missing or inaccurate documents are the single most common cause of delays at the port. Residency category determines whether your shipment clears duty-free.

• Declaración de Menaje (household inventory)

  Required for every move

  Spanish-language itemized inventory, consular-certified in the U.S. Used goods owned at least six months qualify for duty-free import under the Menaje de Casa regime.

• Visa + Cédula de Identidad

  Required for residents

  Temporary (Temporaria) or Permanent (Definitiva) residence visa plus the Chilean national ID (Cédula de Identidad / RUT) issued by Registro Civil. RUT is required for SUNAT's cousin, Aduanas, to file clearance.

• Valid passport

  Required for every move

  Passport with Chilean visa stamp. Tourist-status arrivals cannot claim the menaje exemption.

• Bill of lading / air waybill

  Required for every move

  Original BOL matched to the Declaración de Menaje. Our destination agent files the Declaración de Ingreso at San Antonio or Valparaíso.

• Poder (power of attorney)

  Required for every move

  Notarized authorization for our licensed Aduanas agent to clear on your behalf.

• SAG agricultural declaration

  Required for every move

  Chile's SAG (Servicio Agrícola y Ganadero) inspects all incoming containers for wood, plant material, soil, and biohazards. Declarations must be filed before arrival; wooden crates and pallets require ISPM-15 certification.

• Declared-value inventory in USD

  Required for every move

  Line-by-line USD values. Used for Aduanas storage and inspection fees even when duty-exempt.

Chile's population concentrates along the Central Valley (Santiago–Valparaíso–Viña) and south to the Lakes District. Northern mining regions (Antofagasta, Iquique) are served via dedicated northern ports when required.

• 

  Santiago · Región Metropolitana

  Capital metro — the destination for most U.S.-origin moves. Las Condes, Providencia, Vitacura, and Lo Barnechea handle most expat volume. Loads truck in from San Antonio (~1.5 hours).

  Transit

  30–40 days

  2-BR range

  $10,000 – $16,500

  Origin lane: Los Angeles · San Antonio (~30 day Pacific sail)

• 

  Valparaíso · Valparaíso

  UNESCO-listed port city on the Pacific. Short final-mile — the container port is the city's namesake terminal.

  Transit

  30–38 days

  2-BR range

  $9,800 – $16,200

  Origin lane: LA · Valparaíso direct

• 

  Viña del Mar · Valparaíso

  Pacific-coast beach city adjacent to Valparaíso. Popular retirement and lifestyle destination.

  Transit

  30–39 days

  2-BR range

  $10,000 – $16,500

  Origin lane: LA · Valparaíso + short transfer

• 

  Concepción · Biobío

  Southern-Chile regional capital. Loads truck south from San Antonio (~6 hours) or use Puerto de Talcahuano for direct delivery.

  Transit

  32–42 days

  2-BR range

  $10,300 – $16,800

  Origin lane: LA · Talcahuano or San Antonio + 6 hr south

Frequently asked questions about moving to Chile

Short, answer-first responses to the questions we get most often.

Is moving to Chile from the USA duty-free?

Used personal effects are generally exempt from duty under the "menaje de casa" or equivalent settler category — provided you have the corresponding residency status and a properly prepared inventory. New-in-box items, vehicles, alcohol, and firearms are treated separately and usually attract duty.

How long does shipping to Chile take?

Ocean transit depends on origin and port pairing. Most East Coast U.S. origins reach Central America in 12–20 days, northern South America in 18–30 days, and the Southern Cone in 28–45 days. Customs clearance typically adds 3–10 business days on top of transit.

Do I need to be present when my shipment clears customs?

No. Our destination partner in Chile presents paperwork on your behalf under a signed authorization. You should be reachable by phone in case an officer requests clarification on a specific item.

Can I ship a vehicle to Chile with my household goods?

Sometimes — but vehicle import rules vary by country and carry additional documentation, taxes, and age restrictions. We always quote vehicle import separately from household goods and confirm eligibility before booking.

What items are restricted or prohibited?

Firearms and ammunition always require advance declaration and in several countries cannot be imported by private individuals. Fresh produce, plants, seeds, and soil face agricultural restrictions. New-in-box electronics, pharmaceuticals, and bulk quantities of the same item are commonly flagged as commercial goods.

How much does a move to Chile typically cost?

Most full-service household moves fall in a wide band: a studio can start around $4,000 from a nearby U.S. port; a 3-BR+ household to the far reaches of South America can exceed $25,000. Distance, port pair, and residency paperwork are the biggest cost drivers.

How far in advance should I book?

Start residency paperwork 8–12 weeks before your target move. Book origin pickup 4–6 weeks out. Peak season is May–August and December — secure a slot earlier if you need those windows.

How long is ocean transit from the U.S. to Chile?

Pacific routings from LA to San Antonio average 28–35 days at sea. East Coast origins (Miami, Houston) route via the Panama Canal and typically run 35–45 days. Add 7–14 days for clearance and final mile.

Does SAG inspection delay my shipment?

SAG's agricultural inspection typically adds 1–3 business days. Wooden crates and pallets must carry ISPM-15 markings — non-compliant wood will be rejected at inspection and must be replaced at origin if possible, or destroyed.

Can I bring my car into Chile?

Private vehicle imports are restricted and attract high duty unless imported under specific diplomatic, returning-resident, or Zona Franca (Iquique) categories. The menaje exemption does not cover vehicles.