How to Immigrate to Argentina
Argentina is a beautiful and diverse country that offers many opportunities for people who want to live and work there. If you are interested in immigrating to Argentina, you need to follow a series of steps that will allow you to obtain a visa, register with the government, and eventually become a permanent resident or citizen of Argentina. This guide will explain the process and the requirements that you need to meet in order to immigrate to Argentina.
Step 1: Obtaining a visa in the country of origin
The first step in the process of immigrating to Argentina is to obtain a visa in the country of origin. There are different types of visas that you can apply for, depending on your purpose and duration of stay in Argentina. Some of the most common visas are:
Tourist visa: This visa allows you to visit Argentina for up to 90 days for tourism purposes. You do not need to apply for this visa in advance, as you can obtain it upon arrival at the airport or border. However, you need to have a valid passport, a return ticket, and proof of sufficient funds for your stay. You can extend this visa for another 90 days at the immigration office in Argentina.
Temporary Residence: This visa allows you to stay in Argentina for more than 90 days for various reasons, such as work, study, family reunion, retirement, etc. You need to apply for this visa at the Argentine consulate in your country of origin, and provide the necessary documents and fees. The requirements and processing time vary depending on the type and category of the visa. You can check the details on the official website of the Argentine Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Permanent Residence: This visa allows you to stay in Argentina indefinitely, and enjoy the same rights and obligations as Argentine citizens, except for voting and holding public office. You can apply for this visa after living in Argentina for at least two years with a temporary residence visa, or after marrying an Argentine citizen or having an Argentine child. You need to submit the application at the immigration office in Argentina, and provide the required documents and fees. You can find more information on the official website of the Argentine National Directorate of Migration.
Step 2: Registering Temporary Residency with the government in Argentina
The second step in the process of immigrating to Argentina is to register with the government in Argentina. This involves obtaining a national identity document (DNI) and a tax identification number (CUIT or CUIL). These documents are essential for accessing various services and benefits in Argentina, such as health care, education, social security, banking, etc.
DNI: The DNI is the main identity document in Argentina, and it contains your personal information, photo, and fingerprint. You need to apply for the DNI at the Migraciones in Argentina, and present your passport, visa, and proof of address. You can choose between a physical card or a digital version that you can download on your smartphone. You can check the status of your DNI application on the official website of the Argentine Ministry of Interior.
CUIT or CUIL: The CUIT or CUIL is a tax identification number that you need to pay taxes, open a bank account, start a business, etc. in Argentina. The CUIT is for individuals who perform economic activities, while the CUIL is for individuals who work as employees or receive social benefits. You need to apply for the CUIT or CUIL at the tax agency office (AFIP) in Argentina, and present your DNI and other documents depending on your situation. You can consult the requirements and procedures on the official website of the AFIP.
Step 3: Becoming a permanent resident or citizen of Argentina
The third and final step in the process of immigrating to Argentina is to become a permanent resident or citizen of Argentina. This will grant you more rights and privileges, such as voting, holding public office, traveling without a visa to certain countries, etc. You can apply for permanent residence or citizenship after meeting certain conditions, such as:
Permanent residence: You can apply for Argentinian permanent residence after living in Argentina for three continuous years with a temporary residence visa, or after marrying an Argentine citizen or having an Argentine child. You need to submit the application at the immigration office in Argentina, and provide the required documents and fees. You can find more information on the official website of the Argentine National Directorate of Migration.
Argentinian Citizenship: You can apply for citizenship after living in Argentina for three years with a permanent residence visa, or after being born in Argentina or having an Argentine parent. You need to submit the application at the federal court in Argentina, and pass a test on Argentine history, culture, and values. You can learn more about the requirements and process on the official website of the Argentine Ministry of Justice.