A RUT number in Chile is simply a tax payer ID number similar to a Social Security Number in the United States. You do not need to be a resident of Chile to obtain one. A RUT number is required to make any major purchase in Chile, and is issued at any IRS office in Chile by filling out a quick form and presenting a passport.

RUT numbers do not entitle you to residency or citizenship in Chile. Foreigners are often confused by the use of a RUT (sometimes called a RUN number) as the same number is used for tax purposes, Chilean National ID Number, and Chilean passport numbers for Chilean Citizens and Permanent Residents.

Spencer Global can obtain RUT numbers for clients through a limited Power of Attorney in cases where a client is not able to physically visit Chile. You can not obtain a RUT number through the Chilean consulates around the World. They must be requested at an IRS office in Chile.  

In most cases foreigners only need a RUT number when they plan to do such things as purchase real estate or other major assets that require the payment of taxes in Chile. The attorneys at Spencer Global normally request RUT numbers on behalf of our clients as part of our standard services in the regular course of representing our clients in such things as real estate purchases in Chile, buying cars, or in tax matters involving the Chilean Internal Revenue Service.