Chile's National Immigration Services launches Work Authorization Certificate

Chile’s National Immigration Service (SERMIG) has officially launched a brand-new digital Work Authorization Certificate (Habilitación Laboral), designed to simplify how foreign workers and local businesses verify employment eligibility.

Available completely free of charge on the government’s online portal, this update introduces instant QR-code verification to eliminate processing delays and heavy paperwork.

Foreign nationals can download their digital certificate instantly via the SERMIG online platform at no cost. Employers can use the integrated QR code for rapid, digital validation of an individual's right to work. However, SERMIG has explicitly warned that this digital certificate does NOT replace a full immigration assessment.

Consequently, businesses should not rely solely on the QR code. SERMIG mandates that employers must continue conducting comprehensive reviews of physical documentation—including relevant approvals, entry records, permits, and residence activation statuses.