This article details the average costs of company formation and ongoing maintenance in Chile for 2025, focusing specifically on the Sociedad de Responsabilidad Limitada (SRL), one of the most common business structures. All amounts are presented in Chilean Pesos (CLP), with approximate USD equivalents provided for direct comparison (exchange rate used: 1 USD ≈ 900 CLP).
Average Company Creation Costs in Chile (2025)
The process of setting up an SRL in Chile involves several mandatory steps, each with its associated cost. The following table presents a detailed breakdown of the average company creation costs:
| Item | Amount (CLP) | Amount (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Company registration at Registro de Comercio | $100,000 | $111 |
| Official publication (Diario Oficial) | $60,000 | $67 |
| Notarial fees (public deed and protocolization) | $120,000 | $133 |
| Legal advisor fees (drafting bylaws and filings, avg.) | $70,000 | $78 |
| Total | $350,000 | $389 |
On average, forming an SRL in Chile requires an upfront investment of approximately $350,000 CLP ($389 USD). The majority of this cost is allocated to notarial and legal advisor services, which are standard in the Chilean company formation process.
Typical Annual Maintenance Costs for a Chilean SRL
Staying compliant with annual company obligations is equally important. The table below summarizes the main recurring costs for an SRL in 2025:
| Item | Amount (CLP) | Amount (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Basic accounting and tax filing services (min.) | $300,000 | $333 |
| Standard accounting for active businesses (avg.) | $500,000 | $556 |
| Renewal of municipal business license (avg.) | $100,000 | $111 |
| Legal and administrative ancillary expenses (optional, avg.) | $200,000 | $222 |
| Total range | $300,000 – $800,000 | $333 – $889 |
The minimum annual maintenance cost for a Chilean SRL starts at $300,000 CLP ($333 USD) but can reach up to $800,000 CLP ($889 USD) when opting for comprehensive accounting solutions and including other administrative expenses. Costs are notably influenced by company turnover, volume of transactions, and the requirements of the local municipality.
Relevant Official Sources
Pro Tips for Managing Company Creation and Maintenance Costs in Chile
- Engage a local accountant early to understand specific municipal licensing needs—ahead-of-time planning can prevent unnecessary fines.
- Compare notarial and legal service fees, as rates may differ across firms; obtaining several quotes can help optimize upfront costs.
- Automate accounting and tax filing processes to control recurring costs, especially if your business handles a high volume of transactions.
- Review any changes each year in municipal regulations that could affect your annual license fees or compliance obligations.
All official sources indicate that, relative to regional peers, Chile maintains moderate business setup and maintenance costs. With precise initial budgeting and proactive annual management, companies can operate with a clear understanding of fiscal requirements and ongoing compliance expectations.