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- RUT and RUN
14/10/2016, updated 11/08/2025
If you're moving to or living in Chile, you'll quickly encounter two important acronyms: RUT and RUN. These are Chile's identification numbers, essential for virtually everything you'll do in the country. This guide explains what they are, how they differ, and how to get them.
Understanding RUT and RUN
Both RUT and RUN are unique identification numbers assigned to every person in Chile's systems:
- RUT (Rol Único Tributario): Your tax identification number
- RUN (Rol Único Nacional): Your civil registry identification number
Key Characteristics
- 8 or 9 digits followed by a verification digit (0-9 or K)
- Format: 12.345.678-9 or 1.234.567-K
- Unique and permanent: Never changes, even when you renew documents
- Automatically assigned: You receive them when first registering in Chilean systems
Why You Need Them
These numbers are required for virtually every official activity in Chile:
Essential Activities:
- Opening bank accounts
- Buying or selling real estate
- Purchasing or selling vehicles
- Getting a Chilean driver's license
- Signing employment contracts
- Opening phone/internet services
- Registering businesses or freelance activities
Daily Activities:
- Collecting loyalty points in stores
- Registering Chilean domain names (.cl)
- Filing tax returns
- Accessing government services online
- Making large purchases requiring identification
For Tourists: You generally don't need RUT/RUN as a tourist, except for buying/selling vehicles or real estate. In these cases, you can get a temporary RUT (see below).
The Crucial Difference: RUT vs RUN
Technical Definitions:
- RUT (Rol Único Tributario): Tax identification number issued by SII (Chilean Tax Service)
- RUN (Rol Único Nacional): Civil registry number issued by Registro Civil (Civil Registry)
While these numbers are identical for individuals, they come from different government agencies:
- RUN: Found on your Chilean ID card (Cédula de Identidad) - bottom left corner
- RUT: Your number in the tax system for all tax-related activities
Why People Confuse Them
Most people use "RUT" and "RUN" interchangeably because for individuals, the numbers are the same. However, understanding the difference is crucial because:
- You can get a temporary RUT from the tax service before getting your official RUN/ID card
- Different agencies control each system
- Different rules apply for temporary vs. permanent versions
The distinction becomes important when:
- Tourists need to buy property or vehicles. They need a temporary RUT only.
- New residents are waiting for their ID card (RUNT), but can decide to get a temporary RUT first if needed.
If you need to find the name of a person using his RUT number, or if you need to find the RUT of a person using his name, there are several sites that exist that allows you to do that. The most commonly used are Rut y Firma, and the Rutificador Chile.
Getting a Temporary RUT: When and How
Who Needs a Temporary RUT?
If you're in Chile without a residence visa (tourists, people waiting for visa approval), you might need a temporary RUT for:
- Buying real estate (property, land, apartments)
- Purchasing vehicles (cars, motorcycles)
- Creating or investing in companies
- Starting business activities
How to Get a Temporary RUT
Requirements
- Chilean Sponsor: You need a Chilean citizen or permanent resident to act as your legal representative
- Power of Attorney: Must be signed at a notary public
- Valid Passport: Your identification document
- Justification: Reason for needing the RUT (property purchase, business, etc.)
Step-by-Step Process
- Find a Sponsor: Chilean citizen or permanent resident willing to help
- Visit Notary: Sign a power of attorney (poder) authorizing them to act on your behalf
- SII Application: Sponsor submits application to Chilean Tax Service (SII)
- Receive RUT: Tax service sends temporary RUT by email (usually within 1-2 weeks)
Expat.cl provides temporary RUT support service, including the final step of merging your temporary RUT with your official Chilean ID when you receive it. This ensures continuity and prevents tax complications. Contact us for moren information
Important Limitations of Temporary RUT
What It Allows:
- Buying property or vehicles
- Creating/investing in companies
- Tax registration for business activities
- Some banking services (limited)
What It DOES NOT Allow:
- Opening a bank account (including BancoEstado CuentaRUT)
- Subscribing to phone/internet plans
- Getting credit cards
- Accessing most government services
Temporary RUT Characteristics
- Number Format: Usually starts with 48.XXX.XXX-X
- Delivery: Sent by email to your sponsor
- Validity: Remains active until merged with permanent RUT/RUN
- Legal Status: Not a replacement for Chilean ID card
Merging Temporary RUT with Permanent RUN
Once you receive your Chilean ID card with your permanent RUN, you must complete a crucial step called "continuación de RUT" to merge your temporary non-residend RUT and your Chilean card RUN number.
Critical Step: Failing to complete the "continuación de RUT" process can cause serious problems with tax filings, property ownership records, and business activities. Always complete this step promptly after receiving your Chilean ID.
Getting Your Permanent RUN (Chilean ID card number)
Once you have legal residency in Chile, you get your permanent RUN through:
- Apply for Cédula de Identidad: Visit Registro Civil with your residence visa
- Automatic Assignment: You receive your RUN (printed on your ID card)
- Tax Registration: Your RUN automatically becomes your RUT for tax purposes
- Full Access: Can now use your number for all Chilean services and activities
Timeline
- After visa approval: You can apply for Chilean ID card
- ID card processing: 2-4 weeks typically
- Immediate use: RUT/RUN valid as soon as ID card is issued
Temporary RUN from Private Health Insurers (ISAPRE)
Health insurers (FONASA/ISAPRE) may generate temporary numbers for contributions when you subscribe to a health plan. These number have Limited legal value, as they are only for healthcare contribution tracking. However:
- They are not widely accepted: You cannot be used for banking, official transactions, or most services
- They areTemporary only: They must be updated once you receive your official Chilean ID card
Not Recommended for General Use: Temporary numbers from health insurers have very limited acceptance and must be updated within 3-4 months. Plan to get your official Chilean ID card as quickly as possible.
Common RUT/RUN Scenarios
Scenario 1: Tourist Buying Property
- Solution: Get temporary RUT through Chilean sponsor
- Process: 1-2 weeks with notarized power of attorney
- Limitation: Cannot open Chilean bank accounts yet
Scenario 2: New Work Visa Holder
- Priority: Apply for Chilean ID card immediately upon visa approval
- Meanwhile: May get temporary health insurer number for work
- Timeline: Should have permanent RUT/RUN (Chilean ID card) within 1-2 months
Scenario 3: Investor Setting Up Business
- Option 1: Temporary RUT for immediate business registration
- Option 2: Wait for permanent RUT/RUN (Chilean ID card), recommended if possible
- Important: Must complete "continuación de RUT" if using temporary number to avoid tax issues
Professional Assistance
Getting RUT/RUN can involve bureaucratic complexities, especially for temporary RUT or merger processes. Consider professional help if:
- You need a temporary RUT urgently
- You're unfamiliar with Chilean bureaucracy
- You want to ensure proper "continuación de RUT" process
- You're making significant investments requiring RUT
We had a foreigner contacting us, who had bought a property. As she had no temporary RUT, the Chilean counterpart offered to registered the property on his name. It was then really complicated to transfer the property back to her and required negotiation with the Chilean "owner". We strongly recommend not doing this and getting a temporary RUT if you are going to buy assets of any significant value.
For assistance with RUT/RUN procedures, contact us or book a consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions about RUT and RUN
Application Process
2-3 weeks after your sponsor submits the application with proper documentation.
You may have problems with taxes declaration, property ownership records, and business activities. You may in particular not be able to obtain tax refund if you overpay during the year.
Daily Life Requirements
Very limited options. Some international banks may offer services for tourists, but full banking requires Chilean RUT/RUN.
Usually yes for formal rental contracts. Some landlords may accept tourists with passports only.
No, you need a Chilean ID card (RUN) for obtaining a Chilean driver's license.
Your RUN number never changes. Get a replacement ID card from Registro Civil - same number, new card.
No, this absolutely not recommended.
Do you want to go more in detail?
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