
SERMIG provides guidance to children and adolescents
The Niñez Migrante Program works to promote immigration regularization and ensure the social inclusion of all foreign children and adolescents (NNA) residing in Chile, guaranteeing their right to state protection and dignified treatment.
Find all the information about:
What you should know
Chilean legislation prioritizes the best interests of the child, ensuring that all decisions related to children and adolescents (NNA) are directed toward the full exercise of their rights and well-being.
In this context, the National Action Plan on Migration and Immigration includes, in its measures Nos. 15, 16, 17, and 18, actions that are directly linked to the objectives and lines of intervention of the Niñez Migrante Program, recognizing the particular vulnerability of this population and establishing mechanisms for differentiated, intersectoral, and rights-based care.
Humanitarian residence permit for children and adolescents
Foreign children and adolescents (NNA) may obtain a temporary residence permit for humanitarian reasons upon entering the country.
Please note that the permit:
- Is independent of the immigration status of the parent or caregiver.
- It is free of charge. You will not have to pay any fees during the process.
- Children and adolescents are exempt from all immigration sanctions, so they do not have to pay fines or report themselves if they enter through an unauthorized crossing.
- This does not extend to other members of the family group or caregivers.
How to apply for a residence permit for children and adolescents?
Check the requirements on the following page:
Which are the rights of children and adolescents in mobility situation in Chile?

Health
Guaranteed free access to public health care*.

Education
Guaranteed free access to preschool, elementary and secondary education.

Protection
Guaranteed access to specialized protection systems for children and adolescents.
Program activities
Face to face assistance
Through its Regional Directorates and in conjunction with other state institutions, the Service coordinates operations to assist and promote immigration regularization for migrant children and adolescents.
Workshop on regularization and submission of applications for NNA
Its objective is to design and implement information and outreach activities related to immigration regularity and access to rights, promoting the inclusion of children and adolescents in Chilean society.
Useful information
* Spanish only.
Institutional agreements on children and adolescents
Agreement with the Servicio Nacional de Menores (SENAME)
In order to better identify foreign youth residing in Chile and who have been admitted by a court with criminal jurisdiction to centers or programs run by the SENAME or any of its collaborating agencies, both Servicios will coordinate their efforts to regularize the immigration status in the country of foreign nationals and protect their rights.
To ease the process of applying for residence permits, SENAME officials have access to the SERMIG's Portal de Trámites Digitales, through which the necessary documentation must be submitted to obtain the residence permit, in accordance with the provisions of Law No. 21 325 of Migración y Extranjería and Decree No. 177 of 2022, which establishes the subcategories of Residencia Temporal.
Agreement with the Servicio Nacional de Protección Especializada a la Niñez y Adolescencia - Mejor Niñez (SPE)
To maintain reciprocal collaboration between SERMIG and the Servicio Nacional de Protección Especializada a la Niñez y Adolescencia - Mejor Niñez (SPE), a collaboration agreement is in force where it is stated that, if possible, the SPE will take institutional measures, to ease the timely entry into the specialized social protection system for children and adolescents of immigrant and/or refugee families whose rights have been violated or who have broken the law, regardless of the immigration status of the children and adolescents or their family members.
Aiming to simplify the residence permit application process, SPE officials have access to the SERMIG's Portal de Trámites Digitales, where the required documentation must be submitted to obtain the residence permit in accordance with Law No. 21. 325 of Migración y Extranjería and Decree No. 177 of 2022, which establishes the migratory subcategories of Residencia Temporal, particularly that for humanitarian reasons for children and adolescents who are not accompanied by their parent or guardian in the country, among other violations.
Sites of interest
Care and reintegration of adolescents and young people between 14 and 17 years of age who have been charged or convicted of having been in conflict with the law.
Dissemination, promotion and protection of human rights of all children and adolescents living in Chile.
Protection and restoration of the human rights of children, adolescents and young people whose rights have been seriously threatened or violated.
Ministry that has programs aimed at children and adolescents. Its institutional framework includes the Oficinas Locales de la Niñez and the Subsecretaría de la Niñez.
Citizen service portal of the Ministry of Education that allows users to obtain information, certificates, and complete procedures.