South America · Colombia ⇄ Chile

International movers between Colombia and Chile

Chile hosts one of the largest Colombian communities in South America. Shipments sail on the Pacific from Buenaventura, and Chilean customs is generous with household goods but very strict with anything that might carry pests.

Quote this route See requirements

Moving Services wooden crate packing for an international shipment

Colombia ⇄ Chile

If you arrive in Chile with a temporary or employment-based residence visa, you can bring household goods and work tools free of duties and VAT, as long as they are used and come from the country where you lived. Ideally they arrive with you, though up to 120 days before or after is accepted, and the Agricultural and Livestock Service (SAG) inspects anything of plant or animal origin.

How your move travels to Chile

Buenaventura connects directly with San Antonio and Valparaíso, the ports serving Santiago. It is a Pacific route that skips the canal.

Buenaventura–San Antonio container

The natural option for full homes headed to Santiago.

Groupage

For people arriving with a few cubic meters.

Air to Santiago

For your first weeks.

Arrival: Seaports: San Antonio and Valparaíso
Arrival: Airport: Santiago (Arturo Merino Benítez)

Household goods and work tools in Chile

Chilean customs waives duties and VAT for foreigners arriving with a temporary or employment-based residence visa, and for Chileans returning after more than six months abroad.

Used goods shipped from the country where you lived.
Ideally the shipment arrives with you; up to 120 days before or after your entry is accepted.
Bill of lading and the port receipt.
List of goods valued in US dollars.
SAG or health authority clearance where applicable.
ID document and the travel record issued by the Investigations Police.

Official source: Servicio Nacional de Aduanas de Chile, retorno de chilenos y residentes extranjeros

What not to pack for Chile

Untreated wood without certification, including rustic furniture and crafts.
Fruit, seeds, plants and soil.
Animal-origin food.
Garden tools or equipment with soil residue.

Moving back from Chile to Colombia

To return from Santiago, goods leave San Antonio or Valparaíso for Buenaventura and our customs broker clears them in Colombia. If you lived in Chile for at least three years, we review the Law 1565 exemption.

How moving to Colombia works

Questions about moving to Chile

Do I need a residence visa to avoid taxes on my goods in Chile?

Yes. The benefit applies to foreigners with a temporary or employment-based residence visa; other statuses are treated differently.

Can I ship wooden furniture to Chile?

Yes, but SAG inspects wood and may require treatment or certificates. We advise on packing to avoid holds.

How long after me can my shipment arrive?

Up to 120 days before or after your entry into Chile, though arriving together is recommended.

Why ship from Buenaventura instead of Cartagena?

Chile is on the Pacific: from Buenaventura the route is direct and avoids the Panama Canal.