Argentine Citizenship Options
How to Obtain Argentine Citizenship?
Argentine citizenship offers numerous benefits, including access to one of the world’s most powerful passports. Argentine citizenship is increasingly valued for its global mobility benefits. Currently ranked 16th globally, the Argentine passport allows holders to travel to 170 destinations without needing a traditional visa. This includes 130 visa-free countries, 35 that offer visas on arrival, and five destinations requiring only an electronic travel authorization (eTA). Among these are highly desirable locations such as the United Kingdom and all European Union member states. Foreigners can obtain Argentine nationality through multiple options.
Suppose you reside in the Republic of Argentina for two years or invest in the country. In that case, a significant advantage of acquiring Argentine Citizenship is that Argentina does not require individuals to renounce their original nationality, allowing for dual citizenship. This makes Argentine nationality more attractive option for those seeking global mobility and a second passport.
Key Pathways to Argentine Citizenship
Under current Argentine regulations, there are six legal pathways to obtain citizenship:
- By birthright, or being born in Argentina (artículo 1 ley 346): procedure carried out at the Civil Registry and Renaper.
- By choice or by option or by descent, for those who have Native Argentine parents (artículo 1 ley 346), procedure is carried out at the Argentine embassies, at the Renaper, and/or through the courts, depending on the case.
- By naturalization, by living two years of legal and continuous residence (Decreto DNU 366 / 2025), more details here.
- By investment, making a relevant investment (Decreto DNU 366 / 2025), procedures would be carried out before the Ministry of Economy and the DNM, which is expected to launch in October 2026.
- Stateless person or refugee status (Ley 27.512, artículo 56)
- Providing services to the nation (Art. 20 de la Constitución Nacional); contact us for details.
Argentine Nationality by Soil and/or By Blood
According to Citizenship Law No. 346, Title 1, Article 1, the following individuals are eligible for Argentine nationality by blood or by soil.
1° Option: Citizenship by Birthright (Jus Soli-By Soil)
All individuals born or to be born in the territory of the Argentine Republic (Jus soli) are eligible to obtain Argentine passport directly, regardless of the nationality of their parents, except for the children of foreign Ministers and members of the Legation residing in the Republic (Children of Diplomats are not eligible).
If you were born in Argentina and have never obtained a passport, you can apply for your DNI and receive both your DNI and passport within a few days through the express service. Please get in touch with us for more information.
2° Option: Citizenship by Choice or Citizenship by Option (Jus Sanguinis-By Blood)
The children of native Argentines born in a foreign country can opt for citizenship of origin (Jus sanguinis) and are eligible to process Argentine citizenship by Option without two years of required residency. Those with at least one Argentine parent may qualify for Argentine citizenship by blood (jus sanguinis), even if the applicant was born outside Argentina. In other words, individuals with at least one parent born in Argentina can apply for citizenship through the federal court for Argentine nationality by descent, based on the principle of jus sanguinis (right of blood). This law enables individuals to claim Argentine citizenship by blood through their native parents, even if they were born outside the country.
Apart from Argentine nationality by descent (blood) or birth on Argentine soil, there are several options to obtain citizenship through naturalization, as we mentioned above.
3° Option: Argentine Citizenship by Naturalization After 2 Years of Residency
On May 29, 2025, significant changes were implemented along with the new immigration rules. The naturalization process was switched from the Federal Court to the National Immigration Directorate. From now on, Migraciones will be the authorized body for granting Argentine citizenship. However, the courts still handle citizenship by option, since it does not require the two-year residency period that applies to foreigners. Before these changes, a judicial process took place exclusively before the Argentine federal courts, resulting in the issuance of the Argentine Citizenship Letter. However, now that the new law has been implemented, the National Directorate of Migration will process applications for Argentine citizenship.
Eligibility Criteria for Argentine Naturalization
To apply for Argentine citizenship by naturalization, you must be at least 18 years old and have maintained uninterrupted legal residence in the country for at least two years, as certified by the National Directorate of Migration. You will need a duly legalized birth certificate (with Apostille or international legalization), a photocopy of your ID and passport, a criminal record certificate, and a certificate of residence issued within the last five days by the local police station. You must also provide proof of financial support, such as an employment contract, a current job certificate, or a Monotributista pay stub. If you are self-employed, submit a copy of your tax or contribution records. If you have Argentine children, include copies of their birth certificates and a certificate from the Immigration Department.
4° Option: Argentine Nationality by Investment Without 2 Years of Residency
Option 2°: This is the new CBI Argentina program designed for foreigners who prove to the NATIONAL DIRECTORATE OF MIGRATION, regardless of the length of their residence, that they have made a relevant investment in the country. Argentine citizenship can be granted more quickly to individuals who make significant contributions to Argentina. Establishing a new industry or introducing a useful invention in Argentina can expedite the naturalization process for foreign nationals. Typically, individuals who have resided in Argentina for two consecutive years are eligible to apply for citizenship immediately upon naturalization. However, this period can be shortened if applicants make significant contributions to the country, such as starting a new industry or introducing beneficial inventions, for an amount of USD 500,000. Moreover, you don’t have to reside physically in Argentina during the Citizenship processing period. For details, contact the Immi Legal Team.
General Requirements for Argentine Nationality
For foreigners over 18 to obtain the nationality of Argentina, the following documents are required:
An application in person,
Valid identification document,
Birth Certificate of the applicant, which must be apostilled and translated into Spanish in Argentina only.
Note: There is no need to translate in your home country.
Being the child of a native, naturalized, or optional Argentine is eligible for permanent residence in Argentina. They can also apply for citizenship more easily after two years of residence. Argentina’s family-centered approach to citizenship makes it easier for individuals with direct ties to Argentine citizens to obtain permanent residency in Argentina. However, spouses, children, and parents of naturalized Argentine citizens do not automatically pass on citizenship. In these cases, relatives must pursue other citizenship pathways we discussed above, such as residing in Argentina for two years before applying or obtaining citizenship, or through Investment.
Argentine Citizenship by Option – How It Works
Argentine citizenship can be Opt’ed by descent. Understanding the details of these methods is crucial for individuals seeking Argentine nationality. If you are the son or daughter of a native Argentine father or mother and were born abroad, you can apply for Argentine nationality. The process is completed at the Federal Court, and it may take up to one or two years. But you don’t need to reside in Argentina continuously. Of course, you will also need to prove ties as part of the standard procedure.
Requirements for the Option for Argentine Nationality
a) Being the daughter/son of a native Argentine father or mother.
b) If you are over 18 years of age, it is your sole responsibility to make this choice.
c) If you are under 18 years of age, the holders of parental authority will be the only ones authorized to choose on your behalf.
This pathway allows individuals born abroad to Argentine parents to acquire Argentine nationality by Option. The process involves presenting the Argentine birth certificates of one or both parents and the applicant, both of which must be appropriately apostilled, to establish the familial connection. This right is reserved for the children of native Argentine citizens and does not extend to other relatives. In other words, if one of your parents is a native Argentine, you can obtain Argentine nationality. However,
if your parent is a naturalized Argentine, this rule does not apply.
Can GrandChildren of Native Argentine Citizens Get Citizenship by Option?
No, it doesn’t apply to grandchildren. Only the children of native Argentines who, having been born in a foreign country, opt for citizenship of origin. (Art. 1, Law 346). However, for more accurate details, consult with certified lawyer specialized on judical procedures.
You’ll need to live in Argentina for two years with permanent residency and then apply for citizenship by naturalization (Art. 2, Law 346).
Your parents can apply for citizenship directly without a residency requirement, and then you will get permanent residency. After two years, you can apply for Argentine citizenship.
A Hypothetical Example for Obtaining Argentine Nationality by Option
To help illustrate the process of obtaining Argentine nationality by descent, here’s a hypothetical example:
Emma Garcia (Applicant), daughter of Laura Martinez (Mother), is seeking Argentine nationality. Her grandfather, Francisco Martinez, was born in Salta, Argentina, but passed away some time ago. The family needs assistance in obtaining a certified copy of his Argentine birth certificate. Following that, they will pursue Argentine nationality for Laura Martinez (Emma’s mother), and then, subsequently, for permanent residency for Emma Garcia.
Argentine Citizenship for Naturalized Argentinians’ Children
Argentina grants nationality to every person born in its territory. Children born abroad to naturalized Argentine citizens who immigrated together with their parents may choose Argentine citizenship only when they reach the age of 18. However, children of naturalized Argentinians can obtain permanent residency automatically. Foreigners who have lived in Argentina for two uninterrupted years may acquire citizenship by naturalization.
Tax Considerations for Foreign Nationals Becoming Argentinian Citizens
When foreign nationals acquire Argentinian citizenship, one common concern is whether they will need to pay taxes on income generated in their home country. This issue depends on several factors. Key considerations include the source of the income, existing double taxation agreements between Argentina and the foreign national’s home country, and special tax regimes for naturalized citizens. Additionally, the taxpayer’s residency status in Argentina may significantly influence their tax obligations.
Fortunately, if a tax treaty exists between Argentina and the individual’s country of origin, it helps avoid double taxation. This means that income taxes already paid in the individual’s home country may exempt them from paying the same taxes in Argentina. Argentina has signed such treaties with many countries to protect against double taxation. This rule prevents countries from taxing income twice across borders. You can find a comprehensive list of countries with tax agreements with Argentina on the official government website.
