Teach English in Chile

Yes, you can teach English in Chile, one of the most stable and well organised TEFL markets in South America. Most jobs are at language institutes and in business English in Santiago, teaching mainly adults. A 120 hour TEFL certificate is expected and a degree is preferred. Under Chile’s immigration law, work residence generally has to be applied for before you arrive, so plan the visa first.

Teaching English in Chile at a glance

Who can legally teach English in Chile?

Chile’s immigration system changed significantly with its 2021 migration law, and the key point for teachers is timing.

Visiting. UK, Irish, EU, US, Canadian and Australian citizens can usually visit Chile without a visa for up to 90 days. Visitor entry does not allow you to work for a Chilean employer.

Temporary residence. To work legally, you generally need a temporary residence permit, and under the current law this is normally applied for from outside Chile rather than by switching from tourist status once you arrive. In practice that usually means securing a job offer or contract first and applying online through the Chilean migration service before travelling.

Working holiday visas. Chile has working holiday agreements with several countries, including Australia, New Zealand, Canada and Ireland, which let younger applicants live and work for up to a year. For eligible teachers, this is often the simplest legal route. Check current age limits and quotas with the Chilean consulate.

Government volunteer programme. Chile’s Ministry of Education has run the English Opens Doors Program, which places volunteer English teaching assistants in state schools. Check whether it is currently recruiting before you plan around it.

Our Visa Desk tracks current entry rules for teachers.

How much do English teachers earn in Chile?

Chile pays reasonably by South American standards, though living costs in Santiago are also higher than in much of the region. Most institute work is paid by the hour, so income depends heavily on how many hours you can fill.

A full time employment contract must pay at least the minimum wage of CLP 553,553 a month, based on a legal working week that fell to 42 hours in April 2026. Most teachers combine institute or business classes with private and online students. Compare pay across countries on the TEFL Salary Index.

Where are the English teaching jobs in Chile?

Santiago has the large majority of jobs, especially in business English for the companies based there, and most foreign teachers start in the capital. Viña del Mar and Valparaíso, on the coast, have smaller markets and a relaxed lifestyle. Concepción is a university city with steady demand. Bilingual and international schools are concentrated in Santiago’s wealthier districts and usually want qualified schoolteachers.

What qualifications do you need?

A TEFL certificate of at least 120 hours is the practical minimum, alongside native or near native English. Most employers prefer a degree, which also strengthens a residence application. Because so much work is with adults and companies, business English training is a real advantage.

A regulated qualification such as our Ofqual-regulated Level 5 TEFL course can be verified on the Ofqual register, and our 120 Hour Advanced TEFL Course meets the standard institute requirement. Some Spanish is important for daily life and paperwork.

When should you apply?

• February to March. The main hiring period, before the academic year starts in March.
• July. A smaller mid year round after the winter break.
• December to February. The southern summer, when many institutes and company classes slow down, so budget for these months.

Because work residence generally has to be arranged before arrival, non EU teachers without a working holiday visa should start the job search several months ahead.

What does it cost to live in Chile?

Santiago is one of the more expensive cities in South America, mainly because of rent in central neighbourhoods such as Providencia and Ñuñoa, while coastal and regional cities are cheaper. Public transport in Santiago is efficient and affordable, and markets and local restaurants keep food costs sensible. Most new teachers share a flat for their first year, and those who add private or online students usually live comfortably.

What is it like teaching in a Chilean classroom?

Chilean learners, many of them working professionals, tend to be motivated, polite and focused on practical English for their careers. Business clients expect punctuality and well prepared lessons. Chilean Spanish is fast and full of local slang, so expect a learning curve outside the classroom. Greetings are warm, usually with a kiss on the cheek, and building good relationships with schools and clients is how most teachers find more hours.

Where to find English teaching jobs in Chile now

Last updated: 4 October 2026. 2026 figures checked October 2026: minimum wage of CLP 553,553 a month from 1 May 2026, with the next rise linked to inflation from January 2027. The minimum wage figure is from Chile’s Labour Directorate under Law 21.830. Pay and living costs are approximate. Immigration rules change, so confirm current requirements with the Chilean migration service or consulate before you travel.