Chile launches online work permit verification for foreign nationals

Chile has introduced a digital Work Authorisation Certificate, a free online tool designed to streamline the verification process for foreign workers and their employers. Developed by the National Immigration Service (SERMIG), the certificate aims to make checks faster and reduce the administrative workload associated with employment authorization.

The Habilitación Laboral Certificate is accessible through SERMIG’s immigration platform and includes a QR code. This allows employers to quickly verify a foreign national's work authorization status digitally. The initiative is intended to provide a convenient and efficient way for businesses to confirm that their foreign employees are legally permitted to work in the country.

However, SERMIG has clarified that the digital certificate serves as an additional verification tool rather than a complete substitute for a thorough assessment. Employers are still required to review all relevant immigration documentation and ensure that the foreign worker meets all applicable legal requirements. This may involve examining immigration approvals, permits, entry records, and residence activation status.

The new system is expected to benefit both foreign workers, who gain a convenient digital record of their status, and employers, who can expedite their verification processes. The move reflects Chile's efforts to modernize its immigration procedures and facilitate the integration of foreign talent into the workforce.