Adopting a child from Chile

Information about how Australian citizens and permanent residents may be able to adopt a child from Chile.

About adoption from Chile

Chile follows the Hague Convention on Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Intercountry Adoption(Opens in a new tab/window). Australia has partnered with Chile to make sure intercountry adoption only happens when it is best for the child.

The Central Authority in Chile for intercountry adoption is the Servicio Nacional de Protección Especializada a la Niñez y Adolescencia(Opens in a new tab/window).

Before a child can be adopted by someone overseas, Chile must first try to find a home for the child within Chile. If this is not possible, the child may be considered for adoption by a family in another country.

Only a small number of adoptions from Chile are completed each year.

Eligibility to adopt

Australian citizens and permanent residents may be eligible to adopt from Chile.

You must meet the requirements and be approved by your state or territory central authority. They are listed in the intercountry adoption contacts.

You must also meet Chile’s requirements and:

  • have been married for at least 2 years, including same-sex couples
  • be 25 to 60 years old
  • be at least 20 years older than the child
  • be in good physical and mental health
  • have no criminal record.

You must also have basic Spanish language skills.

Chile does not accept applications from de facto couples and single applicants.

Children in need of intercountry adoption

Children adopted from Chile are usually between 8 and 10 years old. Many have experienced early trauma, such as abuse, neglect or abandonment. They may have spent a long time in care. This may affect how they manage emotions and build trust. They may need ongoing support, including therapy.

Children under 8 years old are less common. If they need intercountry adoption, they often have additional needs or are part of a sibling group.

Waiting times

Waiting times are usually up to 3 years after acceptance of your application, but they can be longer.

Cost of adopting

Australian state and territory adoption application and processing fees vary.

Chile does not charge a fee for adoption. Donations are not allowed.

Other costs

You may also need to pay for translation services, travel and accommodation, and daily living expenses.

Travel

You will need to travel to Chile once to meet the child.

You will need to stay in Chile for 40 to 60 days to complete the adoption process.

Immigration and citizenship

Before bringing your child to Australia, you must ensure they have the right Australian immigration status. There are 2 possible options:

  • Australian citizen before travel 
  • Adoption visa (subclass 102).

Australian citizenship before travel

After you get the adoption certificate your child is eligible to apply for Australian citizenship. You can then apply for an Australian passport so the child can travel to Australia with you.

Adoption visa 

Your child could also travel to Australia on adoption visa subclass 102(Opens in a new tab/window).

Reporting obligations

You will need to complete reports for your state or territory central authority regularly in the first 2 years.

You should also complete follow-up reports for Chile about progress of the child.

More information

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