Argentine Citizenship through Marriage | Outlined Guidelines from Certified Lawyers

In the diverse cultural environment of Argentina, marriage not only unites hearts but can also open the doors to a new identity. Obtaining Argentine citizenship by marriage is a quite 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.

Ready to discover how love can open doors to new opportunities and experiences? Join us on this journey towards citizenship for a new chapter in your life!

Pathways to Argentine Citizenship: By Birthright or/and Naturalization

Argentine citizenship can be obtained through two methods: the first is through Argentine Citizenship by Option 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. 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 article, We will elaborate details of Argentine citizenship via 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 would be able to tramitar (process) your DNI Permanente and Argentine passport

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 it, 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 Argentine Citizenship By Marriage

1. Submission to a Juzgado Civil (the Court)

The first step is to appear in a Juzgado Civil. 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 in elsewhere, you should go to the nearest Juzgado Federal en Civil y Comercial to your domicile.

Submit your documents personally, since they cannot be submitted by your lawyers. 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, 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.

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). First, request an appointment through the Registro Nacional de las Personas (RENAPER) website or the Mi Argentina application. 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 DNI with Argentine Nationality on your DNI. Finally, you can pick it up or they will deliver to your home address your new Passport and after that, your new DNI, solidifying your status as an Argentine citizen.

Conclusion

Starting the journey towards Argentine citizenship through 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.

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 judicial authorities.

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.

– 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.

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

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