APEC economy: Chile; Jurisdiction: Chile

Temporary practice ('fly-in, fly-out' practice)

There is no express rule allowing temporary practice by foreign lawyers.

Limited licensing of foreign lawyers (foreign legal consultant rules)

A foreign lawyer cannot obtain a limited licence entitling them to offer advisory services in foreign and international law (ie become a foreign legal consultant).

Full licensing

A foreign lawyer can obtain a full licence to practise law in this jurisdiction.

The relevant legislation is the Tribunal's Organic Code Title XV, Decree 110 of the Ministry of Justice Official Gazette March 20, 1979. This is available online at www.vcn.cl/ (in Spanish).

In order to obtain a full licence to practise law in this jurisdiction, foreign lawyers must be a permanent resident and must complete the totality of their legal studies in a university in Chile. These requirements are the same as the rules applicable to a local applicant.

Commercial association between lawyers and law firms

In this jurisdiction:

local lawyers may be employed by another local lawyer of a local firm;
local lawyers may be employed by a foreign lawyer or foreign firm;
foreign lawyers may provide services in some other form of commercial association with local lawyers;
foreign firms are permitted to establish a commercial presence (a permanent office) to offer advisory services in foreign and international law;
foreign firms are permitted to enter into commercial association with local lawyers or law firms. Other form of practice requirements is detailed in the database.

Other regulatory issues