Chile Visa Process: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Since 2022, Chile has allowed individuals over the age of 18 to legally change the order of their surnames through the Law No.
- Prior to this law,Chilean tradition dictated that individuals inherited their father's surname first,followed by their mother's.
- for example, a person named "González Pérez" could legally change their name to "Pérez González" after reaching the age of 18, provided they meet the requirements outlined in...
Chile’s Law on changing surname Order
Since 2022, Chile has allowed individuals over the age of 18 to legally change the order of their surnames through the Law No. 21,535 on Changes in the Order of Surnames.
Prior to this law,Chilean tradition dictated that individuals inherited their father’s surname first,followed by their mother’s. This law provides a mechanism for adults to deviate from this tradition and choose the order that best reflects their personal preference. The law aims to promote gender equality and recognize the importance of both parental lineages.
for example, a person named “González Pérez” could legally change their name to “Pérez González” after reaching the age of 18, provided they meet the requirements outlined in the law and complete the necessary administrative procedures. The civil Registry and Identification Service (Registro Civil e Identificación) handles these requests. According to a press release from the Chilean government on September 8, 2022, the law came into effect immediately after its publication in the Official Gazette.
Eligibility and Process
Individuals must be 18 years or older and Chilean citizens to apply for a change in surname order. The process involves submitting a formal request to the Civil Registry, along with a valid identification document.
The request process is designed to be straightforward. Applicants must complete a specific form and present it in person at a Civil Registry office. There is a fee associated with the application, which as of January 26, 2026, is approximately 8 UTM (Unidad Tributaria Mensual), equivalent to roughly $45 USD, according to the official Registro Civil website. The Civil Registry then reviews the application and,if approved,issues a new identity card reflecting the altered surname order.
As of December 31, 2024, the Civil Registry reported that over 15,000 applications for surname order changes had been processed since the law’s enactment, as stated in a report by Emol, a Chilean news outlet.
Rationale and Impact
The primary rationale behind the law is to address historical gender inequalities embedded in the traditional naming system. By allowing individuals to choose the order of their surnames, the law acknowledges the equal importance of both parents’ lineages.
Proponents of the law argue that it empowers individuals to express their identity and challenge patriarchal norms. The initiative aligns with broader efforts to promote gender equality in Chilean society. The law was initially proposed by Congresswoman Camila Vallejo, as detailed in a statement on the Chilean Chamber of Deputies website on July 29, 2021.
The impact of the law extends beyond symbolic representation. it also simplifies administrative processes for individuals whose surnames are frequently misordered or confused in official documents. The law has been generally well-received by the public, with a high rate of successful applications demonstrating its accessibility and relevance.