Anyone operating in the Chilean market or planning to launch there will need to find a firm to provide legal services in Chile. They will have in-depth knowledge of the local regulatory framework and significant experience of working with investors, meaning they will be able to guarantee your compliance while also completing all administrative processes in the shortest time possible.
Depending on the level of support you will be seeking out, you may want to seek out legal services in Chile from a provider that offers a broader range of professional services, so that you can have all of your needs taken care of in one service agreement.
Such a provider will be able to offer the likes of accounting and taxation, visa processing, and payroll outsourcing. Where that provider offers professional employer organization (PEO) services, you may even be able to avoid registering a local entity.
If you are looking for more conventional support with company formation and ongoing operations, legal services in Chile will be able to provide you with invaluable advice, as well as helping you make valuable connections in the local business community. Biz Latin Hub can help you find the right provider of legal services in Chile.
Why investors choose Chile
Chile has the sixth-largest population in Latin America, as well as the fifth-largest economy by gross domestic product (GDP), which was registered at $301 billion in 2022 (all figures in USD).
Chile is famed for its heavy promotion of global free trade, and the country maintains a considerable portfolio of free trade agreements with key economies around the world.
It is also a founding member of the Pacific Alliance — a ten-year-old economic integration initiative that includes Colombia, Mexico, and Peru, and which recently accepted Singapore as an associate member, in a sign of its ambitions to expand beyond the region.
Chile is known for its mining sector, with major reserves of copper, precious gems, and metals. It also has a significant agricultural sector, with fruits and nuts and seafood among its key exports.
If you are operating in one of these industries, you will likely want to seek out the assistance of a legal firm in Chile with a track record of assisting investors with similar interests.
In the case of very specialized endeavors, such as mining or hydrocarbon extraction, you should hire a provider of legal services in Chile with proven knowledge of the specific legislation.
How your legal firm in Chile will be able to help
Your legal firm in Chile will be able to help you in the following areas:
- Intellectual property: Your provider of legal services in Chile will have a history of helping clients protect their intellectual property. Whether you have a brand or product to protect from imposters, your chosen legal firm will be able to carry out trademark registration in Chile in the quickest time possible to maintain your competitive advantage.
- Risk management: Your law firm in Chile will guarantee your compliance with all local regulations, meaning that you can operate safely in the knowledge that you will not face financial penalties or legal inconveniences, while maintaining your good standing in the eyes of local authorities.
- Valuable connections: Your legal services provider will have well-established networks in both the business and legal communities in Chile which can be valuable to you in the future.
- Key decisions: Your legal firm in Chile will be able to draw from its experience to offer useful advice on key decisions, such as which type of entity to establish or which local providers and partners to work with.
What should you look for in a lawyer in Chile?
When seeking out a provider of legal services in Chile, it is worth having the following in mind:
- Language capability: While your corporate legal services in Chile will have to carry out all legal processes in Spanish, they will also need to be able to communicate effectively with you. So, if you do not speak Spanish, they will need to be proficient in either English, or any other language that you do speak.
- Specialist knowledge: Certain sectors will be governed by specialist legal areas — be that mining, international commerce, real estate, or any other — and you will need to secure legal services in Chile from a provider with a track record of managing that legislation.
- Client satisfaction: Your legal services in Chile will have generated feedback from past clients that is freely available online. While you have to be wary of competitors potentially posting negative reviews, you can generally get a good impression of general client satisfaction that can inform your choice.
- Online management: If you are going to be based outside of Chile, or spending a lot of time managing your operations remotely, you will want to hire a provider of legal services in Chile who is comfortable using an online task management and communication platform in order to be able to properly monitor them.
FAQs When hiring legal services in Chile
1. What is the difference between a corporate attorney and a business attorney?
While both corporate and business attorneys deal with legal issues related to businesses, corporate attorneys specifically focus on the laws and regulations governing corporations. They handle matters such as corporate governance, mergers and acquisitions, shareholder rights, and compliance with corporate laws. Business attorneys may have a broader focus, including contracts, employment law, and general business disputes.
2. How do I know if legal services in Chile are right for my business?
To determine if a corporate attorney is the right fit for your business:
- Assess their experience and expertise in handling similar legal issues.
- Evaluate their understanding of your industry and business model.
- Consider their communication style and whether it aligns with your preferences.
- Check their availability and responsiveness to your needs.
- Request references and feedback from previous clients.
3. Can a corporate attorney help with international business transactions?
Yes, a corporate attorney with experience in international business law can assist with cross-border transactions by:
- Advising on international regulations and compliance requirements.
- Drafting and negotiating international contracts.
- Handling disputes and litigation involving foreign entities.
- Assisting with the establishment of subsidiaries or branches abroad.
- Ensuring protection of intellectual property in different jurisdictions.
4. When should I hire legal services in Chile?
Hire a corporate attorney when starting a business, entering into contracts, dealing with regulatory issues, or facing potential legal disputes.
5. How do corporate attorneys charge for their services?
Corporate attorneys typically charge hourly rates, fixed fees, or retainers. It’s important to discuss and agree on the fee structure before engaging their services.
Biz Latin Hub can provide legal services in Chile
At Biz Latin Hub, we assist investors with legal services in Chile as part of a comprehensive portfolio of corporate support solutions that also includes company formation, accounting & taxation, hiring & PEO, and visa processing.
We have teams in place in 16 markets around Latin America and the Caribbean and trusted partners taking our coverage to almost every corner of the region, and we specialize in multi-jurisdiction market entry.
Contact us today to discuss how we can support you doing business in Chile.
Or read about our team and expert authors.
