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📅 Post Date: November 13, 2023 | 🔄 Updated: April 21, 2026
How To Move To Argentina 2026
Moving to Argentina?
Argentina’s immigration law was updated in May 2025. If you are planning to immigrate to Argentina for citizenship by naturalization, to obtain residency (through maintaining two years of continuous residence without exit), or to pursue citizenship by investment through providing services to the nation, this guide will be relevant to you. It also applies if you are considering citizenship por opción (if you have Argentine parents).
Alternatively, if your goal is not residency or citizenship but rather to explore business and investment opportunities in Argentina, a member of the EU–Mercosur Partnership Agreement (EMPA), or across other Latin American countries, then this content will help you understand the available pathways and how they align with your objectives.
Argentine Citizenship: Three Legal Routes to Argentine Passport in 2026
| Pathway | Description | Requirements | Key Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| №1 By Option / Descent | Citizenship via Argentine parents. No residency required. Based on proof of Argentine native parents. | Documents • Applicant birth certificate (apostilled/legalized) • Argentine parent DNI or birth certificate • Applicant's foreign passport • Apostilled power of attorney | Process via RENAPER, consulate, or court depending on the case. Processing Options: • 1–2 months' stay in Argentina (full process + DNI + passport) • 1–2 weeks + return later for passport • 1–2 weeks + passport via consulate • Fully remote judicial process + passport via consulate (longer timeline) |
| №2 By Naturalization | Citizenship after 2 years of legal residence. Continuous stay required (365 days each year), without any single exit from the country during the two years. | DNI + residency proof. Short trips are allowed during regular residency; however, for citizenship applications, any exit resets the required residency period. | ~2 years minimum Residency options are provided below. |
| №3 By Investment (Judicial Process) | Citizenship via judicial process based on "Service to the Country". Article 20 of the Argentine Constitution and processed through Federal Courts. Separate from Decree 366/2025. | Investment + Documents • Passport, birth certificate, criminal record (apostilled & translated) • Proof of funds (legal source) Investment options: • USD 200,000–500,000 (construction) + ~USD 20,000 donation OR • ~USD 150,000 donation-only Investment required after court's order (1–4 months). | Estimated Timeline: 9–12 months • No 2-year residency requirement • Remote filing via Power of Attorney possible • Few short travels required • No language exam • Family inclusion allowed Risk note: outcome not yet guaranteed (new legal route). |
Argentina Residency & Citizenship Roadmap
Immigration requirements for Argentine Citizenship (Carta de Ciudadanía) have become stricter. From now on, Argentine citizenship will only be granted in the following cases.
№1: Argentine Citizenship By Opción/Descent
Foreigners whose parents, or at least one parent, are native Argentine citizens can apply for Argentine citizenship by descent under Ley 346. The process can be carried out through RENAPER, Argentine consulates, or the courts, depending on the specifics of your case. Our team can guide you through the most efficient route based on your situation.
To obtain an Argentine passport, you must first obtain your DNI (if you do not have a DNI previously). While the DNI issuance typically takes 1–2 months, you are not required to remain in Argentina during this time. Once ready, you may return briefly to complete biometric registration and request an expedited passport or, alternatively, finalize the process via an Argentine consulate abroad.
To proceed, we need to know: “How long can you stay in Argentina?”
| Processing Options | Authorities Responsible | Description | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Option 1 | Civil Registry + RENAPER | Complete full process in Argentina (one trip): DNI issuance + expedited passport Includes civil registration, DNI processing (1–2 months), and same-day expedited passport issuance once DNI is ready. | 1–2 months (full process) |
| Option 2 | Civil Registry + RENAPER | Start process in Argentina, leave, then return later for passport issuance. Initial filing and DNI request during first visit; second visit required to complete biometrics and obtain passport. | 1–2 week stay in Argentina (two trips) |
| Option 3 | Civil Registry + RENAPER + Consulate | Start process in Argentina, complete passport via consulate abroad DNI processed after initial visit; passport issued via Argentine consulate without returning to Argentina. | 1–2 weeks stay in Argentina |
| Option 4 | Court + Consulate | Fully remote judicial process + passport via consulate (longer timeline) Citizenship granted via court; DNI and passport finalized through consulate abroad without travel. | No physical travel required |
№2: Argentine Citizenship by Naturalization: Two Years of Residence Required
Foreigners can apply for Argentine citizenship after two full years of continuous residence with a DNI (ID Card) (365 days each year), without any single exit from the country during the two years, according to Decreto DNU 366 / 2025. For regular residency, short trips are permitted, but for citizenship, any exit resets the two-year count.
The residency processing time takes approximately 3–9 months, which does not count toward the two-year residency requirement. Then you physically reside for two years of continuous residency without exit. In addition, citizenship processing time is also required after completing the residency period, making the total time to obtain a passport approximately 3–4 years.
Residency categories will be provided later below in a separate table.
Note: Marriage or having a baby in Argentina no longer grants direct citizenship to the child. You must still reside in the country for two full years, as explained above.
Temporary Residency Pathways Leading to Citizenship
Temporary residency allows family reunification depending on category. These programs lead to citizenship after 2 years of continuous legal residence with DNI.
| Category | Description | Citizenship Eligibility | Residency Validity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Company Incorporation & Self-Employment | Register an Argentine company and operate locally. Requires real economic activity and operational presence in Argentina under temporary residency framework. | Yes (after 2 years) | 1 year |
| Employment-Based Residency | Work under Argentine employer contract. Formal labor-based temporary residency linked to an active employment relationship. | Yes (after 2 years) | 1 year |
| Rentista | Passive income residency. Income from rent, dividends, or investments (not salary). | Yes (after 2 years) | 1 year |
| Pensionado | Retirement pension residency. Based on verified foreign pension income. | Yes (after 2 years) | 1 year |
| Student Residency | Academic studies in Argentina. University or institute enrollment; dependents may be allowed depending on institution. | Yes (after 2 years) | 1 year |
| Humanitarian Residency | Exceptional humanitarian cases. Evaluated individually by Argentine immigration authorities. | Yes (after 2 years) | 1 year |
| Mercosur Residency | Regional Mercosur residency. Simplified migration agreement between South American countries. | Yes (after 2 years) | 2 years |
| Family Reunification | Based on Argentine or permanent resident sponsor. Duration depends on sponsor status (up to 3 years or matching validity). | Yes (after 2 years) | Up to 3 years |
Transitory Residency Pathways (No Citizenship Route)
Transitory residency does NOT allow dependents’ inclusion and does not count toward citizenship eligibility in Argentina.
| Category | Description | Citizenship Eligibility | Residency Validity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spanish Language Course | Spanish study-based residency. This is a transitory residency for language and cultural immersion. It does not allow dependents. Renewable up to 3 years total, with annual renewal required. | No | 1 year (renewable up to 3 years) |
| Digital Nomad Visa | Remote work residency for foreign professionals. Available only for visa-exempt nationalities under DNM rules. No family inclusion is permitted. Initial validity is 6 months with one extension of 6 months. | No | 6 months + 6 months |
№3: Argentina Citizenship By Investment
Option #3: By making a significant investment in Argentina, such as a minimum of USD 500,000, in which case the physical presence is not required, you do not need to reside in the country for two years, neither before the Citizenship Application nor during the Citizenship processing. In other words, direct citizenship processing is being done remotely.
As of January 21, 2026, the program has not started yet, but the government is establishing a dedicated Citizenship Programs By Investment Agency
at the government level to evaluate investment projects before forwarding application files for citizenship approval.
In both options, you must prove you have sufficient means of support and a clean criminal record, both in Argentina and internationally (where the second one is obvious).
The administration of Javier Milei has announced the CBI Argentina (Argentine Citizenship by Investment) program. The beauty of this program is that you are not required to reside in Argentina physically. This is the perfect option for those who can’t live in Argentina but are willing to invest USD 500,000 into the country and obtain one of the strongest passports in the world. You can apply for citizenship regardless of the duration of your stay.
According to the new law, foreigners who can prove to the National Directorate of Migration that they have made a significant investment in Argentina, regardless of how long they have lived in the country, are now eligible to apply for Argentine citizenship through this investment pathway. Read more…
Before diving into the existing residency options available in Argentina, let’s first answer a couple of key questions that many people often ask, such as whether it’s still possible to obtain Argentine citizenship by marriage in 2026, and whether Argentine citizenship by birth for parents is still a valid pathway under the updated immigration laws. The short answer for both questions is “No”.
Temporary Residency Options in Argentina
In Argentina, you can apply for citizenship after two years of any temporary or permanent residency, except transitorial residency, which does not lead to citizenship.
A. Incorporating an Argentine Company and sponsoring yourself as an employee
B. Migrant Worker / Employment-Based Residency (employed by Argentine company)
C. Rentista (passive income of USD 1,500+/month – not salary)
D. Pensionado (pension or retirement income of USD 1,500+/month)
E. Student Temporary Residency
F. Spanish Course Residency (does not offer family-reunification options; does not lead to citizenship)
G. Family Reunification Residency
H. Temporary Residency by Marriage
I. Temporary Residency by Birth of a Child in Argentina
J. Humanitarian or Special Circumstances Residency
K. MERCOSUR Temporary Residency
L. Digital Nomad Visa (does not lead to citizenship)
M. Permanent Residency
N. Expedited / “Instant” Passport Eligibility (where applicable)
O. Other: ___________________________________________
A. Registering a Company and Obtaining a Work Permit in Argentina
One of the most practical and efficient pathways to temporary residency in Argentina is by registering Genuine Argentine business entity and having that company employ you. By establishing a legitimate, operational Argentine entity and demonstrating that it conducts real business activities, you may qualify for a one-year temporary residency as a migrant worker in Argentina. This residency is renewable and may later be converted to permanent residency or even used as a basis to apply for Argentine citizenship, provided all legal requirements are met. This option is often the fastest residency route available; however, the company must be a real business. Migration authorities routinely verify the legitimacy of such entities, including conducting physical inspections to the company’s offices to ensure that the business is active and compliant with local regulations.
C. Rentista Residency Program (Best for Passive Income Earners)
The Rentista Residency is for individuals earning more than USD 1500 or even more per month from dividends or property rentals (not salaried income).
Funds must be transferred monthly from an overseas account to your Argentine bank. These funds are intended to support you and your family during your stay in Argentina.
Requires document legalization & translation before submission, and works toward Argentine citizenship after two years of residency.
For the Rentista program, you must have an income from outside Argentina. This income must come from dividends as a business owner or property rental as an owner, and it must be a monthly income.
In other words, the income must be a benefit you receive from assets incorporated into the applicant’s patrimony. For example, financial instruments, real estate, shares in companies, or other items are available at the discretion of the GENERAL DIRECTION OF IMMIGRATION.
Please note that this can’t be your salary. Likewise, personal funds deposited in bank accounts abroad may be accepted, provided that the legal origin of such funds is clearly demonstrated. For example, proceeds from a recent property sale (with proof of property sale), income from an actively operating business, or rental income from real estate. We kindly invite you to book a consultation to discuss the details further.
If you’re eligible for this program, the first step is to legalize and translate your documents.
With a power of attorney, certified immigration lawyer will then submit your documents to the Central Office of the Government Migration Department in Buenos Aires to obtain the entry permit letter.
With this letter, you can request the visa stamp at the Argentine consulate in your home country.
After your physical arrival in Argentina, the lawyer will accompany you through each step of your residency process.
D. Pensionado Residency Program (Best for Retirees)
If you’re a retiree seeking to immigrate to Argentina, this program is tailored for you. The Pensionado program is available to retirees who receive government pensions. Requires proof of pension, an Argentine criminal record certificate, and an apostilled non-criminal record from your home country. It grants DNI & citizenship eligibility after two years.
For the Pensionado residency application, you need to prepare the following documents:
1. Passport
2. Argentine Criminal Record Certificate
3. Proof of Address in Argentina
4. Proof of Income (showing you receive a government pension)
The proof of income must be apostilled or legalized. Additionally, you must provide a certificate of good conduct or a certificate from the relevant authorities in your home country.
E. Argentina Residency Through Academic Study in 2026
For those who wish to relocate with their family, a Student Permit is a more suitable option, as it facilitates family reunification under Argentine immigration law.
To be eligible to study, you must have at least B1 or B2 level Spanish language skills. Some universities offer Spanish language preparation classes as part of their academic program for the first five months before students begin the degree program, but not all universities provide this. Additionally, some universities accept foreign students into English-taught programs, but it is super rare.
We kindly invite you to book a consultation to discuss the details further.
Argentine Residency Without Citizenship
F. Residency via Spanish Courses of 1, 2, or 3 Years (Best for Singles)
Foreigners can be admitted to enter and stay in Argentina if enrolled in a Spanish language course pathway under Transitorial Residency.
With our Spanish Language Course Services, you can enroll in Spanish language courses for one, two, or three years.
The only drawback of this program is that you cannot include your family members in your application.
Therefore, this option is best suited for single individuals planning to move to Argentina alone.
Residency & Citizenship Processing Steps
Step 1: Entering Argentina with Entry Permit Permission from Argentina
Tourist visas are no longer an option for residency purposes if a visa sticker is required for you to enter Argentina.You must inform the consulate from the very beginning that you intend to move to Argentina under a specific program. If immigration officers at the border suspect that you are not entering as a tourist but rather relocating to Argentina, they can send you back on the same flight and impose a five-year ban.
Temporary Residency: For migrant worker residency, formal study residency, rentista/pensionado(retirement) residency, or family reunification residency programs, we can offer you an Entry Permit Invitation letter processing service from the Government to facilitate the processing of your entry visa sticker labeled at the Argentine consulate in your home country.
Step 2: Submitting for Temporary Residency After Arrival Phisically to Argentina
After entering the country, you will be given time to prepare the required documents in Argentina, such as an Argentine non-criminal record certificate, proof of address, and other necessary paperwork. Once the Argentine local documents are prepared, you will be physically accompanied to apply for the same residency category you declared at the Argentine consulate in your home country. If you are from a visa-free country, you can enter directly and apply for residency without a Permiso de Ingreso. It’s optional for visa-free nationals.
Step 3: Transitioning to Permanent Residency or Citizenship
After two consecutive years of legal stay in Argentina, you can begin the citizenship application process.
However, if you are not interested in citizenship, you are free to travel in and out of the country as often as you like. No need to reside contonuously in the country if you not interested in Argentine passport. Once your total time under temporary residency reaches three years, you become eligible to apply for permanent residency, which means, you can obtain a passport faster than a foreigner who is applying for permanent residency without targeting the passport.
Why Choose Us for Your Argentina Immigration?
Experienced Immigration Experts professionally ensure a hassle-free process.
Constant Support: Assistance via Email, Zoom, WhatsApp, Telegram, WeChat, etc
Document Handling: We manage translations, legalizations, and submissions.
Avoid Costly Mistakes: We ensure compliance with Argentine immigration laws and regulations.
Book Your Consultation Now
An online face-to-face Zoom consultation with a professional team is the beginning of the process. Because we need to understand which category you are eligible for. If you applied for a tourist visa sticker and, after arriving in Argentina, you ask assistance for residency, we won’t be able to help you. Therefore, we kindly request that our valued customers apply for the correct category from the begining and enter the country with the corresponding category. In this case, we can assist you in obtaining an entry permit letter from the government, allowing you to process your eligible category visa at the consulate. If you don’t need a visa to enter Argentina, you must bring the necessary documents, which should be apostilled, to avoid the need for back-and-forth travel.
The person who doesn’t want to pay for a consultation can make mistakes in choosing the right immigration pathway. That’s why we don’t work with people without consultation, to avoid wasting your time and ours. Upon payment, we will open a client file for you and recognize you as an ongoing client of our company.
Conclusion
Moving to Argentina and applying for residency or citizenship can be complex under the updated laws. Whether through two years of legal residency naturalization, or other programs, proper preparation of documents and following the correct steps is essential.
Immi Legal happy to guide you step by step, from checking your eligibility to submitting applications and accompanying you in person throughout the entire residency or citizenship process. Choosing the right pathway from the start will save time and avoid mistakes.
Please fill out/complete the Eligibility Assessment Form we have prepared for you to conduct an initial screening and assess your eligibility for residency or citizenship in Argentina and email the filled document to [email protected]
Book a consultation today to start your move to Argentina with experts.
FAQ
You may apply to convert your Real Estate investor temporary residency into permanent residency in Brazil after 4 years, provided that your investment is maintained and you continue to meet the legal requirements.
In Brazil, foreign investors can obtain direct permanent residency by investing their own funds into a Brazilian company, provided the project has the potential to generate jobs or income; this residency is granted for an indefinite term from the outset, but its continuation depends on demonstrating that the investment project is actively implemented and maintained.
Yes.
Argentine citizens can apply for permanent residency from the outset under a bilateral agreement between Brazil and Argentina directly at the Federal Police of Brazil.
It is based on a bilateral residency agreement between Brazil and Argentina that allows permanent residence without a prior temporary visa, which is is separate from Mercosur rules.
Marrying an Argentine citizen no longer grants you immediate citizenship. Recent updates under Decree 366/2025 (effective May 29, 2025) require two consecutive years of permanent or temporary residency in Argentina, regardless of marrying to Native Argentinian, to be eligible to apply for citizenship. To become eligible for Argentine citizenship through marriage, you must reside in the country for at least two continuous years under temporary residency by marriage. After fulfilling the two-year residence requirement, even if you are the spouse of a native Argentine citizen, you become eligible to apply for Argentine nationality by naturalization. Previously, citizenship through marriage was processed judicially through the federal courts; however, as of the issuance of Decree 366/2025, citizenship applications are no longer handled by the federal courts, instead being initiated entirely online through the National Directorate of Migration. Accordingly, starting October 6, 2025, all citizenship applications will be processed via Migraciones through a fully digital administrative procedure.
Same for foreign parents of a child born in Argentina, citizenship in Argentina is no longer automatically granted Argentine citizenship to the parents of a child born in the country. Under Decree 366/2025, giving birth in Argentina does not automatically grant citizenship to parents. To become eligible, parents must first secure temporary residence status. The first mandatory step is to acquire a temporary DNI in Argentina and reside legally in the country for two consecutive years before applying for citizenship.
After living in Argentina for two years, the parents of a native Argentine-born child become eligible to apply for Argentine citizenship. On the other hand, Argentine born child will be a native Argentine automatically.
