America is a place where cultural differences from the old world were forgotten, to start a new life project. In Chile, immigration has been an extremely important issue, since it has founded the foundations of our nation.

Its mainly divided into 3 phases:

1.- Primary migration (16th-18 century) - Colonial era
2.- Expansion migration (19-20 century) - Birth of Chile
3.- Local economic migration (21st century) - Modern era

1.- Primary migration (16th-18 century)

The origin of our country dates back to the 16th century, through the creation of the Capitania General of Chile, under the command of the Spanish Empire and under the protection of the Virreinato of Peru. At least almost 90% of our country has Spanish origin and 1% Portuguese origin, given that they were the first to colonize the region and that they mixed with the local natives.

Foundation of Santiago de Chile

Within the Spanish origin, its also estimated that 30% of Chile has Basque origin and 5% has Catalan origin.


There are many native Chilean Spanish words that have a mix between Euskera and Mapuzungun. Even the production of wine and its derivatives have mainly Basque origin, being part of the roots that founded our country.

2.- Exansion migration (19-20 century)

Once Chile is founded and after the definitive proclamation of independence, Chile begins an expansion plan to the North and South of our current territory. The government initiates programs to colonize these sectors and secondary immigration from the old world begins. Its estimated that approximately 30% of the Chilean population has non-Iberian European origin.

The main origins are the following:

1) England
2) Germany
3) Croatia
4) France
5) Italy
6) Palestine
7) Jewish
8) Syria
9) Ireland
10) Greece

The British influence in Chile is known, due to the years of friendship between both nations. From the tradition of Golf, Tennis and Football, to the economic influence during the Pacific War and later, during the Falklands War, they imply a long economic and social agreement between both nations, Chile being considered in England as a friend and strategic ally in the southern cone of America.



German immigration settled mainly in the south of Chile, maintaining traditions and typical clothing of the 19th century in the culture of the south of our country. A strong German influence can also be observed in the Chilean army, mainly maintaining the Prussian traditions.


Croatian immigration in Chile settled throughout the national territory. It mainly corresponds to Croats who escaped during the 19th century and at the beginning of the 20th century from the Balkans, representing an important and respected ethnic group in our country. Although its not as strong as the German and English ones, in political and economic terms, its important due to the estimated number of Chileans of Croatian origin.


The French influence in Chile can be seen in the structures of some Chilean support bodies, such as the Firefighters, whose French traditions have been recognized by both nations. There was also a Franco-Chilean resistance group during the Second World War, sending soldiers to the front for the recovery of the country.


Italian immigration in Chile occurred mainly in the north of Chile, in the cities of Arica and Iquique, with the objective of establishing a strong Chilean presence after the war of the Pacific. There is also an Italian presence in other sectors of the country, but they do not correspond to important groups.


There are other important groups, such as Arabs and Jews, who have marked settlements in some cities in Chile.


3.- Local economic migration (21st century)

The current immigration has been carried out during the last years of Chile, mainly after the return of democracy and strongly from the year 2010. This immigration comes from different parts of America, since Chile is considered in the region as one of the most prosperous and stable countries, due to its low levels of corruption and crime (although the Chileans themselves dont believe it).

The main countries correspond to the following:

1) Perú
2) Venezuela
3) Colombia
4) Bolivia
5) Haiti

Peruvian immigration in Chile began in the 90s, with Peruvians in search of better job opportunities in our country, occupying jobs associated with non-professional secondary jobs. Discrimination against Peruvians in Chile was very strong during the 90s, due to the historical problems between the two countries.

In 1998, a process of inclusion of Peruvians in our country began, led by different municipalities, in order to end years of hatred and to be able to live peacefully among brother peoples. To this day, Peruvians are recognized as great workers in our country and are highly esteemed.



Venezuelan immigration began in the last 5 years, representing the main group of immigrants in our country, estimated at approximately half a million Venezuelans eradicated in Chile. Venezuelans correspond to a group of young professionals, who occupy different jobs, representing an important economic group in Chile and vital during the pandemic, due to their contribution in the transfer of food and basic resources. Venezuelans in Chile are highly respected due to the history between the two nations, especially during the time of the dictatorship, where Venezuela was the one who received many compatriots during the political exiles that occurred in the 70s in the Pinochet dictatorship.



Colombians represent one of the most important groups in the North of Chile. Like Peruvians, they occupy non-professional jobs and have probably had to experience a lot of discrimination in Chile.

There are cities in our country, like Antofagasta, where far-right groups blame Colombians for bringing drug trafficking to Chile. The Chilean police work intensely to maintain order, maintaining extreme border control between the two nations.

Due to the economic treaties between both countries, as well as Peru and Mexico (Pacific Alliance), Colombian immigration in Chile is extremely easy to carry out. Today there is a lot of empathy with the Colombian people, especially due to the recent events that they are experiencing.



In general, immigration is part of our nation, forming what is now known as Chile, a polycultural country that has always accepted cultural exchange between the Americas. Lets hope that one day the borders of our region will end, putting aside the differences of the past, to be able to grow economically free and without external pressure.

Thanks for your reading and have a nice weekend.