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Argentine Citizenship through Marriage; Residency & Naturalization

In the diverse cultural environment of Argentina, marriage not only unites hearts but creates a clear family-reunification pathway to temporary (and later permanent) residency under Migration Law 25.871. It does not, by itself, grant Argentine citizenship automatically; however, there are few exception precedents that already exist, which are changing the game rules. Obtaining Argentine citizenship by marriage is a unique yet challenging path that we invite you to explore.

From the charms of Buenos Aires to any corner of the world, this process transforms your commitment into a deeper connection with Argentina embraceinga new chapter of your life, blending love with the new opportunities in such a beautiful country. 

Ready to discover how love can lead to new experiences? Join us on this journey toward Argentine citizenship and begin your new chapter today!

Citizenship remains a later naturalization decision. Under the current framework, you first secure temporary residency on the basis of the marriage, then choose how to pursue naturalization. Two practical routes exist after the residency stage:

  • The ordinary administrative route through the Dirección Nacional de Migraciones (two years of continuous legal residence with no exits during that window), or
  • A judicial route that relies on the June 2026 appellate decisions that restored serious arguments against the strict continuity rule of Decree 366/2025.

This page keeps the two stages distinct: residency by marriage and the subsequent possibility of naturalization. For the full map of citizenship pathways, see the Argentine Citizenship Options. 

Stage 1—Residency Based on Marriage

The foreign spouse of an Argentine citizen is entitled to temporary residency under the family-reunification category. After the required period of temporary residency, permanent residency can be requested if the legal conditions are met.


Typical sequence

  • Civil marriage (or recognition of a foreign marriage) under Argentine rules.
  • Application for temporary residency through the family link at Migraciones.
  • Issuance of the temporary DNI as a resident.
  • Later application for permanent residency once the statutory period and other requirements are satisfied.

Marriage registration itself is a civil act, not an immigration benefit. The residency application is a separate procedure. Detailed practical steps for marrying in Buenos Aires are covered on this page.

Marriage in Argentina

Stage 2 — Naturalization After Marriage-Based Residency

Citizenship is not automatic upon marriage. The foreign spouse who wishes to become Argentine follows a naturalization route.

The standard process still centers on residence; the precise length and continuity rules have been the subject of major legislative and judicial change since 2025.

Naturalization Through The Ordinary Two-Year Rule

Previously, before Milei’s DNU 366, naturalization was possible “regardless of the length of residence” for a person who had a native Argentine spouse or child through federal courts. However, in 2025, Decree 366/2025 rewrote the ordinary naturalization provision of Law 346. Foreigners aged 18 or over must prove two years of continuous legal residence immediately before the application, with no exits during that period. The naturalization process was transferred to the Dirección Nacional de Migraciones.

Now, with the new law, you have to reside for two years without exit if you target obtaining the Argentine citizenship through the NATIONAL DIRECTORATE OF MIGRATION that nominates an applicant to officially become an Argentine citizen. 

What changed in June 2026

Two appellate court decisions in June 2026 challenged the changes introduced by Decree 366/2025.

The Federal Civil and Commercial Court of Appeals declared unconstitutional the provisions of Decree 366/2025, specifically transferral of authority to grant citizenship from federal judges to the National Directorate of Migration (Dirección Nacional de Migraciones). The court explained that the government had not shown the exceptional urgency needed to issue an emergency decree under the Argentine Constitution. Congress was in regular session, and the delay in implementing the new system also raised questions about whether there had been any real urgency. As a result, the federal court was ordered to continue handling the citizenship application.

In a separate case, the National Electoral Court (Cámara Nacional Electoral) declared Decree 366/2025 null and void, due to its manifest unconstitutionality. It reasoned that citizenship is closely connected to political rights and therefore falls within the constitutional restrictions on the use of emergency decrees in electoral matters. The court also ordered that its decision be communicated to the National Directorate of Migration and federal electoral judges across the country.

  • Citizenship questions are not purely administrative immigration matters and cannot be fully removed from judicial oversight by a DNU.
  • The pre-decree framework, including family-based exceptions, remains available as a legal argument.
  • It is no longer accurate to state categorically that every spouse must complete two uninterrupted years under the strict continuity rule of Decree 366 before any naturalization claim is possible.

At the same time, the courts have not abolished the need for residence. Real domicile, economic and family roots, and a coherent residence history remain central, meaning you must physically reside in the country, even if taking the judicial route is not “faster” or “guaranteed.” Processing times and outcomes are case-specific. 

Absences During the Process

Short, justified absences are generally tolerated once the naturalization file is underway, provided the applicant returns for fingerprinting, interviews, or the oath ceremony and maintains legal residence. Prolonged or unexplained departures can undermine the required “intent to remain.” Under the strict two-year administrative route, any exit during the continuity window resets the clock.

Core Documents for the Naturalization Stage

Exact document lists vary by the chosen route (administrative migration file versus federal-court filing) and by individual circumstances:

    • Birth certificate (apostilled and translated into Spanish by a certified translator).
    • Marriage certificate (apostilled if foreign; Argentine-issued certificates follow local rules).
    • Passport (and, once obtained, the temporary or permanent resident DNI).
    • Home-country criminal-record certificate (apostilled and translated) covering the last relevant period.
    • Argentine criminal-record certificate from the Registro Nacional de Reincidencia.
    • Certificate of Argentine domicile.
    • Proof of means of livelihood (work contract, Monotributo contributions, invoices, or equivalent).
    • Spouse’s DNI and, where relevant, children’s birth certificates.

1. Birth certificate duly legalized with Apostille.  The birth certificate, an official record documenting an individual’s birth, must be issued by the civil authority of the place of birth. Legalization ensures the document’s international recognition, with Apostille being a recognized international method, simplifying the process.

2. Marriage certificate duly legalized with Apostille. 

Legalization is necessary for both the birth and marriage certificates, authenticating their validity internationally. Apostille, recognized internationally, is a seal or certification placed on the documents by the competent authority of the issuing country.  Note: Just in case, if you want to legalize your marriage certificate registered in Argentina, the Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores provides Apostille.

3. Copy of your DNI (Argentinian ID Card) or your International Passport.

4. Certificate of criminal record from your Home Country (also called the Police Clearance Certificate) and/or from other countries you have been in for more than 6 months in the last 3 years. You will have to Apostille this document too. 

5. Certificate of criminal record from Argentine Registro Nacional de Reincidencia.

To get it, you would have to initiate a Turno (appointment) for the processing of the Criminal Record Certificate, give fingerprints and within 1 or 2 hours results will be available on your email. You can print it. No need to Apolistile or Legalize Domestic Documents for the Citizenship Submission. You will process this document in Argentina. 

6. Certificate of domicile.

To obtain a Certificate of Address in Argentine, go to the local police station corresponding to your residence, present your ID, and proof of residence in Argentina, such as rent contract, or billings on your name). Complete the required forms, and undergo any necessary interviews or verifications. Once the process is complete, you will receive the certificate officially confirming your place of residence. Later, this document may be necessary for additional procedures, such as job applications or government processes.

7. Justification of livelihood (proof of funds),

which may include a work contract, current work certificate, pay stub, or proof of contributions if you are self-employed.
If you have Argentine children, provide photocopies of their birth certificates and a certificate from the Directorate of Migrations because the NATIONAL DIRECTORATE OF MIGRATION wants to make sure that you are not the person trying to sit on the government benefits.

Spanish Language and Genuine Relationship

Argentina does not impose a formal Spanish-language examination for naturalization. Basic conversational ability is nevertheless expected during interactions with Migraciones or court officials. A complete inability to communicate can raise doubts about integration.

Because marriage is one of the faster family routes to residency, authorities pay close attention to the authenticity of the relationship. Supporting evidence may include joint bank statements, shared lease or utility bills, photographs, travel history, and statements from mutual acquaintances. Random interviews can occur.

Submission of documents requires personal presence. The lawyers accompany you, but you must present the documents yourself. 

Background Check including Argentinian Non-Criminal Certificate

This may take some time. For example, starting from the day of submission to the day of inviting you for the fingerprints, it may take a few months. No one knows the exact time since it depends on the processing at the NATIONAL DIRECTORATE OF MIGRATION. It is highly recommended to stay in Argentina during this period.

Final Stage - Approval

Once your fingerprints are taken and other required documents are submitted—for example, the publication of an article in national newspapers (which is mandatory)—Argentine authorities invite you for the vowing. Once you have officially vowed, you will be issued a Carta de Ciudania. 

After the Carta de Ciudadanía

Argentine citizenship is permanent and is not lost by subsequent long absences. The Carta de Ciudadanía is the formal proof of nationality. The Argentine passport is only a travel document issued after citizenship has been granted. The new DNI listing your nationality as “Argentino/a” is obtained through RENAPER once the Carta is in hand.

Once you have officially received Argentine nationality, the relevant information is incorporated into a Registro de las Personas (RENAPER) record through the Acta de Testimonio.

Argentine Citizenship Certificate vs. Argentine Passport – Understanding the Difference

Some people think that once you have an Argentine passport, you’re automatically an Argentine citizen. However, that’s not the correct way of understanding it. In Argentina, you become a citizen when you receive the Carta de Ciudadanía (Citizenship Certificate), and then your Argentine Passport. 

Steps to Becoming a Citizen and Getting Your Passport:

1. Attend the Vowing-In Ceremony: You must take an oath of allegiance to Argentina.

2. Receive the Carta de Ciudadanía: This document officially makes you an Argentine citizen.

3. After receiving your Carta de Ciudadanía, you can then apply for your DNI (national identity document) and then your Argentine passport. 

3. Procedure for the New ID

Subsequently, with your new Citizenship Certificate in hand, you can proceed with the process of obtaining your Documento Nacional de Identidad (DNI) as an Argentine citizen.

After obtaining the Citizenship Certificate in your naturalization process in Argentina, the next step is to get your new Documento Nacional de Identidad (DNI) with your nationality listed as “Argentinian” and then your Argentine Passport.  

Steps to Obtain Your New Argentine Passport and DNI

First, request an appointment through the Registro Nacional de las Personas (RENAPER) website or the Mi Argentina application (APP). Select the most convenient RENAPER office to attend on the scheduled date, bringing with you the Carta de Ciudadanía, DNI, and other necessary documents. During the visit, your fingerprints will be recorded, and an updated photo will be taken for the new DNI. RENAPER staff will review the documentation, and if everything is in order, they will approve the issuance of your new Argentine passport. Finally, you can pick it up, or they will deliver your new Agentine passport to your home address. 

Conclusion

Starting the journey towards Argentina citizenship by marriage requires thoughtful planning and knowledge. This guide outlines the different options available, covering everything from basic requirements to step-by-step procedures. Our goal is to offer clear information to help you make well-informed decisions as you deepen your connection with Argentina. 

It’s important to know that every immigration journey is different. Take, for example, a scenario where a U.S. citizen is married to an Argentine, and things get more complicated because one of them has been divorced in another country. In such cases, additional requirements, discussed in other articles on our website, become relevant.

Personalized Support for Your Argentine Citizenship Journey at Immi Legal

At immi.legal, we understand that everyone’s situation is different. Prior divorces, criminal records, previous immigration history, or the presence of Argentine children can change the optimal route and the supporting evidence required. A preliminary legal assessment determines whether the administrative two-year path, a judicial challenge, or another family-based strategy is the more realistic option for your situation, and we’re here to help. Our team of experts is committed to making the process easy for you, providing personalized advice, and helping you on your way to becoming an Argentine citizen. If you’re ready to move forward with your migration journey, reach out to us today! Your dream of becoming an Argentine citizen is closer than you think.

Citizenship is forever, but if you absent in Argentina for long time, They can recall residency , but no citizenship.

Income Tax, Property Tax, Stamp Duty, Value Added Tax (VAT), Transfer of Real Estate Tax, Inheritance and Donations Tax. Feel free to book a paid consultation with a tax lawyer. Contact us for details: https://immi.legal/contact/

By Precaria, which makes your stay legal in Argentina.

The Precaria is a document issued to the applicant after submitting their residency application to the Migration Department of Argentina. It serves as a temporary document until the applicant’s residency is approved. Once the residency is granted, the applicant can proceed to request a National ID Card from RENAPER.

Until then, the Precaria remains the official document confirming the applicant’s residential status. This document must be renewed online each month by visiting the Migration Department’s official website, updating the application data, and submitting a renewal request. The renewal process is straightforward.

However, if the applicant leaves the country while their residency application is still being processed, the Migration Department has the right to cancel the application, with or without prior notification.

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