Chile’s death records are an essential resource for genealogists tracing family histories in this historically rich South American country. Civil registration of deaths began in 1885, following national reforms aimed at standardizing vital records. Earlier documentation, often found in Catholic Church registers dating back to the 16th century, is invaluable for research during the colonial period and before the establishment of civil registries.
Death records typically include key details such as the deceased's name, date and place of death, age, cause of death, and occasionally information about family members. Supplementary resources, such as cemetery records, obituaries, and notarial documents, provide additional context, particularly for earlier periods.
Chile’s diverse history, shaped by its Indigenous heritage, Spanish colonization, and waves of European immigration, is reflected in these records. They offer genealogists insights into family connections and demographic patterns across Chile’s regions, from rural communities to urban centers like Santiago. For those exploring ancestry, Chile’s death records are a critical tool for uncovering familial links and understanding the cultural and historical evolution of the nation. These records not only illuminate individual family stories but also contribute to a broader understanding of Chile’s social history.
Research your ancestors on MyHeritage
Birth, Marriage & Death
Death, Burial, Cemetery & Obituaries
- Chile, Deaths, 1700-1920 533,330 records
- Chile, Santiago Burials 430,192 records
