Chile Investors need a RUT Tax Number

You do not need to be a resident of Chile to obtain a temporary RUT number. A RUT number is required to make any major purchase in Chile, with tax consequences, and is issued by the Internal Revenue Service of Chile (SII). It looks like this 005.573.392-9.

A temporary RUT numbers does not entitle you to residency in Chile or citizenship in Chile. To obtain a permanent RUT number you must apply for Residency. Most Chileans, and even many attorneys in Chile, are not aware there is such a thing as a temporary RUT number for foreigners in Chile.

In 2015, the government of Chile has imposed a new requirement on foreigners obtaining a temporary RUT numbers. Prior to 2015, it was possible for foreigners to simply obtain a RUT number with their passport at any IRS office in Chile by filling out a form.

Now, foreigners are required to have either a resident or citizen of Chile with a permanent address in the country, to act as your “legal representative” for the purposes of obtaining official notification or correspondence from the Chilean Tax authority before they will issue a temporary RUT number for foreigners in Chile.

A law firm can obtain RUT numbers for clients through a special limited power of attorney, when foreigners are either outside of Chile or inside of Chile. In addition for drafting and arranging for you to sign the limited power of attorney, applying for the RUT number with the SII, they can be your “legal representative” or point of contact for official notifications from the SII office in Chile.

In most cases foreigners only need a temporary RUT number when they plan to do such things as purchase real estate, vehicles, or other major assets that require the payment of taxes in Chile.