Chile is an anomaly in Latin America:
- It is a country that boasts a stable and growing economy (5-7% per year). The boom and bust cycles of other countries in the region do not apply to Chile
- It has levels of corruption that are judged by Transparency International to be lower than Spain and at the same level as in Belgium and the USA.
- The police force is honest, unbribable and widely respected.
- It has a large and growing middle class fueling demand for second homes
- It has one of the most open and investment friendly economies in the world-there are very few restrictions on foreign investments and foreign and local corporations are treated equally
- It has a respected legal system
- It has highly respected financial institutions backed by a competent, democratic government
- Chile’s Standard and Poor’s Credit Rating is “A”, the highest in Latin America
- Many major international corporations have their Latin American bases in Chile
- Low import duties and numerous free trade agreements mean that imported goods are often cheaper than in the USA or Europe
- The privatised communications network is well managed and reliable
- Real estate is still excellent value and significantly cheaper than in Europe and the USA
- Construction costs are low (us$500-800/m2)
- Mortgages are available to a large percentage of the population and the government provides subsidies to help lower income families pay a deposit on a property
- Immigration law is simple and easy to follow
Other reasons as to why Chile is such a great country to move to or in which to invest are:
- Cost of living is 25-40% lower than in the USA or Europe
- Chileans are honest and hardworking
- It is one of the world’s most geographically diverse and beautiful countries. Chile stretches the distance of Norway to Nigeria and contains some of the most breathtaking scenery imaginable: from desert, lush valleys, volcanoes, the incomparable Patagonia and the ever present Andes and Pacific Ocean offering stunning vistas at every turn
- Chile is a safe country-the risk of terrorism or kidnapping is virtually nil and crime levels are lower than in an other South American country
- Foreign and local tourism is increasing every year
- Excellent restaurants and world class wines
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