Chile
AI Agent Legal Status: partial · Autonomy: moderate
Legal Framework
Chile has adopted a National AI Policy and enacted the Fintech and Open Finance Law (Ley 21.521) in 2023, creating a regulatory sandbox for financial innovation. The CMF (Comisión para el Mercado Financiero) oversees fintech licensing. Chile's updated data protection law (based on GDPR principles) applies to AI systems. No specific autonomous agent legislation exists.
Key Laws & Regulations
- ◆Ley 21.521 - Ley Fintech y de Finanzas Abiertas (2023)
- ◆Política Nacional de Inteligencia Artificial (2021, updated)
- ◆Ley 19.628 - Data Protection (amended 2024)
- ◆CMF Norma de Carácter General - fintech sandbox rules
- ◆Ley 21.180 - Digital Transformation of the State
Business Formation
Chile offers Sociedad por Acciones (SpA) as a flexible, single-shareholder corporate form popular with startups. Empresa Individual de Responsabilidad Limitada (EIRL) also available. Business registration is streamlined through Registro de Empresas y Sociedades (online). Foreign entities can register relatively quickly. AI agents require a human or corporate principal.
Tax Implications
Corporate tax at 27% (general regime). First category tax applies to business profits. Crypto assets treated as intangible assets subject to capital gains taxation. Chile has extensive double taxation treaties. VAT at 19%. Digital services by foreign providers subject to VAT. Transfer pricing rules aligned with OECD guidelines.
Opportunities
Fintech sandbox enabling controlled experimentation with AI-driven financial services. Open Finance mandate creating API-based data sharing infrastructure. Government commitment to digital transformation. Regional leadership in regulatory clarity. Pacific Alliance trade bloc integration.
Highlights
Most business-friendly environment in South America with strong rule of law. Fintech Law creating clear licensing pathways for financial innovation. Active regulatory sandbox at CMF. Santiago startup ecosystem growing rapidly. Strong macroeconomic fundamentals and institutional stability.
Risks & Challenges
New data protection law increases compliance requirements. Fintech licensing process still maturing with potential delays. Relatively small domestic market. Political shifts following constitutional reform debates. Earthquake and natural disaster risk for physical infrastructure.