Guide to Contracting in Chile

Most freelance workers aren’t superheroes who successfully tackle these issues all on their own. There are companies who specialise in helping workers make the most out of their contracts.

They’re called Umbrella Companies (or, contractor management companies).

Basically, an Umbrella Company acts as your full-time employer, even though you maintain your independence as a contractor. They collect and filter payments from your clients, filtering out the necessary social security and fees. You send them your timesheets, and they send you payments.

Because they act as your “employer,’ they can sponsor you and provide a single work permit for multiple contracts in Chile. Even better, most are experts in Chile and expat tax law, meaning they’ll also help you optimise your earnings in Chile

Although the Umbrella Company is technically your “employer,” you’re essentially freeing yourself to work even more independently. You still dictate your contracts, your hours, your schedule. The Umbrella Company simply filters out the time-consuming admin and immigration issues, allowing you to focus on your new contract.

 

Can I Organise My Taxes and Work Permit Myself?

Generally, you need to have an employer sponsor in order to secure the appropriate work permit and work visa for Chile

If you’re working independently, it can be difficult to find clients willing to sponsor you. Moreover, even if your client can do this, you’ll need a new sponsor each time you decide to take on a new contract. Of course, every new sponsor will mean more paperwork.

Also, are you familiar with the intricacies of the tax system in Chile, as well as your own country’s laws on overseas earnings? If so, good on you!

However, if you’re like the rest of us, figuring out (much less reducing) your tax liability in Chile and your home country can seem like full-time work in itself.

 

A Contractor’s Guide to Taxes in Chile

One of the most consistently challenging aspects of contracting in Chile is complying with the country’s tax system. As well as paying tax in Chile, you might also still be eligible to pay some tax in your home country, and understanding the legislation behind this can be a challenge.

 

Tax Filing as a Contractor in Chile

Tax Figures in Chile

Tax Residency in Chile

Can you set up your own Limited Company in Chile?

How We Can Help You with Tax in Chile

A Contractor’s Guide to Work Permits in Chile

Most people want to do their work, earn their money and enjoy their spare time without taking on loads of admin in a new country. That is why an umbrella company can help.

When you’re working through an Umbrella Company, you’ll essentially be outsourcing the admin and tax issues to specialists.

While the umbrella company will charge a fee, you’ll likely end up saving more money in the long run: you’ll be able to focus on your work, expertly reduce your tax liability, and comply with all laws and regulations in Chile (which means avoiding fees, fines, or even worse penalties).

 

There’s a huge variety of Umbrella Companies with different specialities and advantages in Chile. How do you find the right one for your circumstances?

We work closely with Umbrella Companies all throughout Chile and match contractors with the right company for them. If you’ve already secured a contract in Chile, we can help you find your best match (for free). Or, we can simply give you feedback on your situation (for free).