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Argentina Tightens Immigration Rules in 2025

Argentina’s New President Javier Milei Introduces Stricter Immigration Rules

On Wednesday, May 14, 2025, Argentina’s President Javier Milei issued a new decree introducing stricter rules for obtaining permanent residency and Argentine citizenship.

The main points of the new Decree 366/2025 are as follows:

  • Citizenship applications will be subject to stricter requirements.

  • Foreign nationals with criminal records will be deported more aggressively.

  • Foreigners will be required to pay for public healthcare and university education. Public healthcare and education were free for anyone in the past. Now the rules have changed. 

Argentina new immigration law

Why Is Argentina Doing This?

The government says that Argentina has always been open to foreigners, but too many people are coming illegally or only to use free services.

They want to protect the Argentine people and make sure only those who follow the law can stay.

Residency Options to Living in Argentina

Foreigners can live in Argentina as permanent, temporary, or transitory residents.

The National Migration Office decides if someone can change their type of residency.

While a request is being processed, the government can give a “precarious residence” permit. This is temporary, can last up to 90 days, and can be renewed. But it can be taken away if the reasons for giving it are no longer true.

With this precarious residence, a person is allowed to stay in the country, study, work, and graduate during its valid period.

However, having a precarious residence does not guarantee you’ll be approved for permanent or temporary residency later, and does not count toward the time needed to get permanent residency or Argentine citizenship.

Argentine Residency Options leading to Argentine Citizenship

At Immi.Legal, we shed light on Argentina’s legalization pathways for newcomers and immigrants. Argentina’s rules for Argentine Residency and citizenship have undergone significant updates, reflecting not only political shifts but also broader social transformations. This article explores these developments in depth, starting with the Rentista Visa, investment programs, and Argentine Citizenship. 

 

CITIZENSHIP Law 346 /Title 2°  Of citizens by naturalization / Art. 2°

Foreigners over 18 years old can become citizens if they:

       1) Have lived in Argentina continuously and legally for 2 years before applying and declare their wish to become a citizen to the National Migration Directorate. Continuous residence means they haven’t left the country during those 2 years, without having made any trips abroad.

       2) Or, regardless of how long they’ve lived in Argentina, they have made a significant investment in the country.



The Rentista Residency: A Shifting Standard for Passive Income

The Rentista Residency has been a popular way to live in Argentina, especially for people with steady income from abroad, like rent or business profits. Since 2023, the rules have changed a lot. It used to be a great option for many, specifically individuals escaping from unsafe countries. But now, the requirements to prove your income have been updated several times to match Argentina’s changing economy and politics. 

Rentista Program: Income & Transfer Requirements

Today, the Rentista Program mandates a monthly income equivalent to five minimum Argentine salaries—an amount that must flow into an Argentine bank account consistently. This requirement, detailed by the Argentine National Directorate of Migration, reflects a push for transparency and financial integration. However, for some countries, making these transfers has been difficult due to complications with international SWIFT transfers, which can be delayed or blocked by global banking restrictions. Thankfully, as of today, this process has become more manageable thanks to improvements in Argentina’s currency situation, making it easier for applicants to meet the income requirement. Check today’s exchange rates here.

In the past, flexibility reigned—funds could come from any source, even self-transfers from personal accounts abroad. That’s no longer the case. The current rules, enforced by entities registered with the Central Bank of the Argentine Republic, demand that income originates from a verifiable financial entity, closing loopholes that once allowed for creative accounting. This shift underscores a broader intent: ensuring applicants contribute to Argentina’s economy rather than merely parking funds temporarily.

Health Services Will Not Be Free Anymore

  • Foreigners who are temporary, irregular (undocumented), or just visiting must:
    •    1) Have medical insurance when entering Argentina.
    •    2) Pay for healthcare services in public hospitals.

In 2024, Argentina spent around 114 billions pesos on healthcare for foreigners. With that said, you must be prepared to have medical insurance from your home country to enter Argentina, and you will also need insurance to stay under temporary residency.

However, in emergencies, all foreigners must be given social help or medical care, no matter their immigration status.

Foreigners who are permanent residents can use the public health system just like Argentine citizens.

In other (non-emergency) cases, at hospitals run by the national government, foreigners must show health insurance or pay for the service in advance, as decided by the Ministry of Health.

Success with the Rentista Program

At Immi.Legal, we’ve helped many clients successfully obtain residency in Argentina through the Rentista Program.  We’ve found alternative solutions for those facing difficulties in Rentista Income Proof, such as qualifying through an education pathway, to keep their residency journey on track. No matter the challenge, we’re committed to finding the best path forward for our clients

Education: University Is No Longer Free for Everyone

Education has emerged as the simplest and most reliable method for residency in Argentina, though it’s not without its pitfalls. Over the past two years, many who initially pursued the Rentista have shifted to this route, leveraging Argentina’s robust educational system to secure Argentine Residency. The process typically involves enrolling in programs ranging from secondary education (secundaria) to university-level courses, including master’s degrees. 

Foreigners have the right to attend public or private schools (from kindergarten to high school), even if they don’t have legal immigration status. Their immigration status cannot be used as a reason to deny them education. Schools must also help and guide them on how to fix their immigration status.

From Free to Fee: Argentina Tightens Rules on Education for Foreigners

Successes abound when done right. These programs were free so far, tapped into Argentina’s attraction as a “bridge” nation, historically used by newcomers to gain opportunity to open doors to the world, specifically to Europe or the U.S. Yet, recent trends show tightened scrutiny— Public universities can now charge tuition fees to non-permanent residents. Primary and secondary school education stays free for everyone living in Argentina, including foreigners. 

Undergraduate programs at public universities remain free for all Argentine citizens and foreigners with permanent residence. No fees or hidden costs are allowed.

However, foreigners without permanent residency may be charged tuition, but can still receive scholarships if allowed by law or agreements.

Migrant children and teens without a DNI must be allowed to enroll and stay in initial, primary, and secondary schools using documents from their home countries, in line with Migration Law 25,871.

 

Choose the Right Education Pathway for Legal Residency in Argentina

For those who already have higher education, it is not recommended to enroll in a lower-level program. For example, if you have a bachelor’s degree, you should apply for a master’s program or a higher level, not go back to college or earn another bachelor’s degree. Immi.Legal emphasizes that education-based legalization works best with full, credible programs—think a three-year technical English translation course or a year-long university Spanish curriculum—rather than short-term offerings like the four-month courses at the University of Buenos Aires (UBA). 

Citizenship After Two Years: Constitutional Clarity

Argentina’s Constitution, specifically Article 20, offers a clear path: anyone living continuously in the country for two years from entry can apply for citizenship. This has become a lifeline for those on Precaria, especially as Rentista approvals falter. However, timing is critical—applications filed before the two-year mark are overwhelmingly rejected, with 98% of courts waiting for that milestone before forwarding cases to a civil prosecutor. Now, to apply for Argentine citizenship:

    • You must have lived in Argentina legally for a strict two years without a single exit.  
    • You need to show strong proof of clean criminal record and contribution to the country (like investment or two years of residence).
  • Alternatively, you can invest USD 500,000 in Argentina and obtain Argentine citizenship without needing to reside in the country.

Criminal Records = Deportation

Any foreigner who has committed a crime in Argentina will be deported, no matter how small the crime is. This includes people with minor offenses like theft or fraud. If you are already in Argentina and commit a crime, the government can now deport you.

Courts scrutinize past convictions, even decades old, requiring proof of clearance. A full process—fingerprints, income certification, and prosecutor review—can stretch to two years if delays pile up. Yet, most court staff remain approachable, though applicants must proactively chase documents, a cultural norm in Argentina’s “you’re on your own” mentality.

Update on Citizenship Process in Argentina (as of May 29, 2025)

Until recently, Argentine citizenship was granted through the country’s civil courts, which handled applications and approvals. However, as of May 29, 2025, this responsibility has officially shifted to the National Directorate of Migration. From now on, the Migraciones will oversee and grant Argentine citizenship, streamlining the process and aligning it more closely with immigration procedures.

Fastest Way to Get Argentine Citizenship Without Staying in Argentina

The Agencia Argentina de Inversiones y Comercio Internacional is the Agency responsible for Citizenship by Investment Programs, which allows foreigners to obtain Argentine citizenship through significant financial investments in the country. This initiative is designed to attract foreign capital and stimulate economic growth. 

Everyday Questions Answered

– Can you apply, leave, and return in two years for a passport? No—citizenship requires presence for biometrics and steps; no mailing or embassy pickups exist, per Argentine Government.


– LGBT asylum? A major draw—the World’s homophobia fuels it, with near-100% approvals per ILGA. It’s lengthy but reliable—associations like ILGA World ease the process.

Argentina Is A Bridge to Freedom

Argentina is a bridge for people who want to open the door to the world. “All who want to live in Argentina must follow the law. Those who follow the law are welcome. Those who don’t will be deported.”
— Office of the President of Argentina