Chile 2026: Forecast for Investors, Visitors, and Expats
2026 could become an important milestone for Chile.
After several years of economic turbulence caused by the pandemic, high inflation, and a slowdown in the global economy, the situation in the country is gradually stabilizing, and analysts estimate growth rates could reach 2.2-2.6%. Political changes following the 2025 elections bring hope for reforms and a reduction in bureaucratic pressure.
Against this backdrop, the country is increasingly attracting the attention of investors, tourists, and those considering relocation. In this article, we will explore the key trends of 2026.
Investments and the Market
The economic situation for investments in Chile remains moderately positive. According to the OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development) forecast, GDP growth in 2026 could reach around 2.2%. Inflation, which exceeded 7-8% in previous years, continues to decline and, according to analysts' expectations, may approach 3%, making the economic environment more predictable.
Currently, the main investments in Chile are directed toward lithium mining and the development of green energy. For several years, the country has consistently ranked second in the world in lithium production, behind only Australia. In the coming years, several large new projects are planned to be launched, such as Maricunga, focused on market activity in the electric vehicle and energy storage sectors. According to estimates from Chile's Ministry of Energy, more than half of the country's electricity is now generated from renewable energy sources (RES), primarily solar, wind, and hydroelectric power plants.
In addition to the above, investors continue to pay attention to traditional sectors. Copper remains the country's main export commodity, and mining projects play a significant role in the economy. Against the backdrop of a relatively stable economic situation, interest in the real estate market is growing, especially in Santiago and coastal cities, where there is a steady inflow of buyers from local residents, expats, and investors. According to the housing price index, in 2025 the annual growth in residential property values in Chile was around 3-4%, while the overall price increase in Santiago from 2019 to 2025 is estimated at approximately 20-25%, reflecting sustained and long-term demand.
Investors are paying particular attention to projects in the rental housing segment, as well as commercial real estate related to logistics, data centers, and infrastructure.
Tourism
The tourism sector in Chile has confidently recovered from the pandemic downturn and, by the end of 2025, demonstrates steady growth: according to approximate estimates from the authorities, the country may have welcomed around 6 million international tourists, based on actual inbound tourism figures throughout the year. Thus, according to official data published by Chile’s Ministry of Economy, Development and Tourism and Sernatur, more than 3.1 million foreign visitors arrived in Chile in the first half of last year alone — approximately 32.6% more than in the same period of 2024.
Positive momentum is expected to continue, although growth rates will slow slightly compared to the recovery period. According to estimates from the industry association Fedetur, during the high tourist season from December 2025 to March 2026, Chile could receive around 2.6 million foreign tourists, which corresponds to the peak figures of the 2024-2025 season. Tourism sector revenues also continue to grow: in 2024, they exceeded $3.2 billion, up 33% compared to 2023. In the medium term (2026-2028), the authorities expect annual revenue growth of 4-5%, with tourism contributing 3-4% to the country’s GDP. The expansion of tourism activity and increased revenue in related industries should help create thousands of new jobs, primarily in the regional economy.
The growing interest in Chile as an international destination is driven by a combination of structural and institutional factors. After the coronavirus pandemic, the country focused on developing sustainable and environmentally oriented forms of tourism, which has increased its appeal to the international audience. The visa-free regime for citizens of 94 countries and the expansion of air connectivity have simplified entry and contributed to the rise in foreign visitor numbers. Additional support for the sector’s development comes from large-scale investments in transportation and tourism infrastructure. For example, in Puerto Williams, construction of a new passenger terminal at the airport has been completed, and port facilities have been expanded, improving access to remote areas. Similar projects are being implemented as part of a special program by the Ministry of Public Works aimed at developing sustainable tourism, which provides for investments exceeding $4 billion by 2030.
Emigration
Against the backdrop of economic stabilization, growing investments, and the recovery of the tourism sector, Chile is increasingly attracting the attention of those considering relocation. The country is gaining popularity among skilled professionals, entrepreneurs, and investors due to its relative macroeconomic stability, developed infrastructure, and high level of digitalization (Chile leads Latin America in the Network Readiness Index). According to official data on housing price dynamics (House Price Index YoY), residential real estate prices in the country rose by approximately 3-4% in 2025 compared to 2024, while the cumulative price increase in Santiago from 2019 to 2025 amounted to around 20-25%. One of the factors driving this demand is the growing number of foreign residents: between 2023 and 2025, their number reached 1.6-1.9 million people, an increase of roughly 50% over the past five years.
This interest is supported by relatively straightforward rules for foreigners. In particular, Chile imposes no restrictions on foreign citizens purchasing residential real estate — transactions are carried out under the same conditions as for residents. This makes the market transparent and accessible to buyers from abroad, primarily from the United States, European countries, and neighboring Latin American nations.
Overall, the listed trends show that 2026 could serve as a transitional phase for Chile, moving away from post-crisis recovery toward a more stable and sustainable development model. Moderate macroeconomic stabilization, investment inflows into core sectors, the revival of the tourism sector, and increasing interest from foreign residents are contributing to a more predictable economic environment, which also benefits the real estate market.
