Argentine Citizenship by Marriage - Guidelines from Certified Lawyers
In the diverse cultural environment of Argentina, marriage not only unites hearts but can also open doors to a new identity. 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. Argentina Citizenship through marriage in Argentina, you can embrace a new chapter of your life, blending love with the opportunity for citizenship.
Ready to discover how love can lead to new opportunities and experiences? Join us on this journey toward Argentine citizenship and begin your new chapter today!
Pathways to Argentine Citizenship: By Birthright and/or Naturalization
Argentina’s Citizenship Law in Article 1 of Ley 346 is the law that explains who is considered an Argentine citizen and how foreigners can become Naturalized Argentine Citizens. It was created in 1869 and is still used today, with some changes over time.
Argentine citizenship can be obtained through two methods: The first is through Jus Soli (Right of the Soil) and/or through Jus Sanguinis (Right of Blood). All individuals born in the territory of the Argentine Republic and/or the born abroad children of native Argentines are Argentineans. Based on the essential requirements of being children of “native Argentine citizens” (Article 1, Law 346 – Article 2, Decree 3213/84).
The second method is Argentine citizenship by Naturalization, which requires a documented and uninterrupted residency of 2 years in the country, certified by the National Directorate of Migrations. (Subparagraph substituted by Article 27 of Decree No. 70/2017 BO 30/01/2017 Effective: from the day following its publication in the Official Gazette ). There are eight more ways foreigners can become Argentine citizens, such as working in the Argentine government, serving in the national army, starting a new innovative industry, building railroads, owning property and being part of established Argentine colonies, living in national territories, or working as a teacher.
Alternatively, marry an Argentine citizen or become parents of an Argentine-born child. Being a sister or brother of an Argentine citizen doesn’t give the right to Argentine citizenship.
Obtaining Argentine Citizenship Through Naturalization
In this paragraph, we will elaborate on the details of Argentine citizenship by Naturalization. It’s a judicial process that takes place exclusively in Argentine federal courts and concludes with obtaining the Argentine Carta de Ciudadanía. This is an approval letter from the court that nominates an applicant to officially become an Argentine Citizen. With this document, you will be able to tramitar (process your DNI Permanente and Argentine passport.
Naturalization Requirements and Exceptions for Argentine Citizenship
Requirements for naturalization include being over 18 years old and having 2 years of uninterrupted residence in Argentina, certified by the Dirección Nacional de Migraciones.There is an exception for those who marry a native Argentine citizen or have a child born in Argentina. In simple words, you don’t have to live in Argentina for two years to apply for citizenship if you marry an Argentine or have a baby born in Argentina, you can apply for citizenship right away. In this case, you are becoming an Argentine parent. Here is the roadmap.
Required Documentation:
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 (the Court wants to make sure that you are not the person trying to sit on the government benefits).
Application Process For Argentina Citizenship By Marriage
1. Submission to a Juzgado Civil (the Court)
Now, we can finally elaborate on the details of Argentine citizenship by marriage. It is one of the methods of obtaining Argentine citizenship through naturalization. Let’s dive in!
Actually, all citizenship processes are the same in terms of processing steps. The only difference is the list of documents you need to submit. For example, for Argentine citizenship by marriage, you need to provide your marriage certificate with an Argentine national.
The first step is to make an appointment and physically show up at a Juzgado Civil to submit your documents in person. The time between requesting an appointment and having it approved is approximately one month. This process is different from the past, when you could spontaneously go to the first floor and submit your documents for citizenship. The rules have changed to prevent unnecessary queue lines. Now, you must request an appointment by email, and once it is approved, you should show up in person on the same day with your original documents. In Buenos Aires, you should go to the Cámara Nacional de Apelaciones en lo Civil y Comercial Federal, located at Talcahuano 550 (Ground Floor, Office 2083). If you reside elsewhere, you should go to the nearest Juzgado Federal en Civil y Comercial to your domicile.
Personal Document Submission and Court Processing for Argentine Citizenship by Marriage
Submit your documents personally since they cannot be submitted by your lawyers without you. Lawyers can accompany you, but you must present the documents yourself. Once you submit, the Court will issue some documents to take your fingerprints. 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 one to two months, and in some cases, even more. No one knows the exact time since it depends on processing at the court. It is highly recommended to stay in Argentina during this period.
Once your fingerprints are taken and other required documents are submitted – for example, the publication of an article in national newspapers (which is mandatory) – you can travel internationally as much as you want until the Court invites you for the vowing. Once you officially vowed in front of the court physically in Argentina, you will be issued a Carta de Ciudania. Note: For those who need a visa to enter Argentina, make sure you will be able to enter Argentina at the time when the court invites you for the vowing ceremony.
2. Obtaining the Carta de Ciudadanía (Citizenship approval from the Court)
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.
Note: Argentine citizenship is valid forever and cannot be revoked.
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. Receive the Carta de Ciudadanía: This document officially makes you an Argentine citizen.
2. Attend the Vowing-In Ceremony: You must take an oath of allegiance to Argentina.
3. Apply for Your Argentine Passport and DNI: After receiving your Carta, you can then apply for your your Argentine passport and DNI (national identity document).
Key Point:
Your passport is only a travel document. The Carta de Ciudadanía is the proof that you are legally an Argentine citizen.
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 Argentine Passport and then manage your new Documento Nacional de Identidad (DNI). I mean, the process of obtaining documents starts with getting your Argentine passport. After about two weeks, when the passport is handed to you, you will be able to get a DNI Permanente with your nationality listed as “Argentinian.” Of course, before that, IF you had a permanent residency DNI, it would have “foreigner” written on it.
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 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. Then, after that, with a separate tramite (process), they will process your DNI with Argentine Nationality on your DNI. Finally, you can pick it up, or they will deliver your new Agentine passport to your home address. After that, your new DNI will solidify your status as an Argentine citizen.
Spanish Language Requirement – Is It Necessary?
One of the most commonly asked questions is whether a Spanish language test is required for citizenship. The good news is that Argentina does not have a formal language test.
However, you must demonstrate basic Spanish proficiency during interactions with court officials. It’s highly recommended to learn basic conversational Spanish to make the process smoother. A lack of Spanish knowledge could raise doubts about your integration into the country.
Preventing Marriage Fraud – Proof of a Genuine Relationship
Since Argentina allows the quickest citizenship process through marriage, the government has strict measures to prevent fraudulent marriages.
To prove the legitimacy of your relationship, you may need to provide:
• Joint bank account statements
• Shared lease or utility bills
• Photos and travel history together
• Statements from mutual friends or family
Authorities may also conduct random interviews to verify the authenticity of your relationship.
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, 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.
It can take two months, but it depends on the judicial authorities. We provided three different articles about each court’s case processing timeline in Buenos Aires. Buenos Aires has 11 courts and 22 Secretarias. Each court’s processing timeline is different. Go through these articles: article#1, article#2, article#3, and you will have a clear answer to your questions.
No, same for all.
Argentina is one of the most democratic countries in the world. The court system in Argentina functions very well. The court is a powerful authority, and there is no discrimination in Argentina, regardless of your gender, nationality, religion, etc.
Therefore, the citizenship process is the same for all foreigners who genuinely intend to become proud Argentinians. However, if you leave the country during the process without notification for a long period of time, it means you are not demonstrating a connection to the country. In that case, regardless of your nationality of origin, Argentine citizenship may be delayed until you return and show your connection to the country and your interest in obtaining Argentine citizenship.
According to Renaper, the regular DNI will cost three thousand pesos ($3,000) and expire after 15 years, while the regular passport will cost 35,000 pesos ($35,000) and expire after 10 years. (February 2024)
– DNI or any valid Identity Document
– Citizenship Certificate. (Carta de Ciudania)
– Original testimony of the granting judgment.
– Foreigner’s National Identity Document (recommended, not mandatory).
– In case the person cannot sign or provide fingerprints due to physical impediments, a medical certificate must be presented.
Average 10 business days
No. If you want to revoke your Argentine citizenship, it requires another/separate judicial process with a reasonable explanation of why. This process takes longer than obtaining Argentine citizenship and may be a complicated process. That’s why you should think carefully before obtaining Argentine citizenship. If you plan to revoke it later, it’s better not to start the process in the first place.
Citizenship is forever, but if you absent in Argentiuna for long time, They can recall residency , but no citizenship.
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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.