Does Chile now allow dual citizenships?

Question

I know Chile did not used to allow dual citizenship. But someone told me this has recently changed. Can anyone confirm whether this is correct or not? My Chilean BF and I are considering marriage, and I'd like to know if we'll be able to both have dual citizenship (we would like to live in both places, and he does not wish to give up his Chilean citizenship). Thanks.

Answer 1

It didnt change recently, it changed long time ago! When I worked in Chile (from 1998 till 2004) I had some friends who even had triple citinzenship: they were German/Peruvian/Chilean. They had three passports, they had Chilean RUT, Peruvian DNI and German ID. Then I knew a person in my building who was Brazilian/Chilean and had both passports. Then I knew lots of Italian/Chileans in my son's school with both passports too. So the law was on, during those years and they still have their dual citizenships until today. With US there wont be a problem, however, check the American embassy's web page in Chile to check about wedding visas and things like that, they sometimes are tough with people who marry just to get a green card, etc (which by no means I'm implying here, please dont get me wrong) Better safe than sorry and check all about the paper work first.

After reading Erina's answer I called my friends again and they DO have dual citizenship with more than one passport so YES! People can have dual citinzenships in Chile.

Answer 2

I am an American citizen currently living in Chile. The information I was able to locate seems to indicate that Chile does not allow dual citizenship, with a couple of exceptions. This is a blurb from the first website link I have listed below -

"DUAL CITIZENSHIP: NOT RECOGNIZED.

Exceptions:


Chile has a dual citizenship agreement with the country of Spain.


Child born abroad to Chilean parents, who obtains citizenship of country of birth, may retain dual citizenship until the age of majority (21). Upon reaching the age of majority, person must choose which citizenship to retain.


Persons, working or living abroad, who must acquire a foreign citizenship as a condition of remaining legally in that country"

Now, you as an American citizen have different choices. This is from the same website below -

"DUAL CITIZENSHIP: RECOGNIZED

Based on the U.S. Department of State regulation on dual citizenship (7 FM 1162), the Supreme Court of the United States has stated that dual citizenship is a “status long recognized in the law” and that “a person may have and exercise rights of nationality in two countries and be subject to the responsibilities of both. The mere fact he asserts the rights of one citizenship does not without more mean that he renounces the other,” (Kawakita v. U.S., 343 U.S. 717) (1952)."

So, in summary, it looks as though you have the choice of dual citizenship but your boyfriend does not. However, to be absolutely certain, I would suggest each of you contact your respective embassy's to be sure you get the absolute, most current and correct information.

Just so you know, it is certainly possible for you to live in both places without either of you adjusting your citizenship status. You just need to obtain the appropriate visas to do so. Certainly a much easier solution. That information is also available on the embassy websites as well, and I have included links to the Chilean and US embassies as well. Best of luck in your travels!

Answer 3

Chile does allow dual citizenship. My friend has Chilean and Ecuadorian citizenship. He showed me both of his passports.