Argentina (AR)
Argentina is South America's second-largest country — a land of European-influenced culture, world-class wine, legendary beef, breathtaking landscapes from Patagonia to the Andes, and one of the most vibrant expat communities in Latin America.
Capital: Buenos Aires
Region: Americas
Language: Spanish
Currency: ARS ($)
Cost of living: Very affordable (index 25)
Emergency: 911
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Citizenship & Permanent Residency
Long-term settlement options in Argentina.
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Permanent Residency
Name
Residencia Permanente (Permanent Residence)
Eligibility
After 3 years of continuous temporary residence OR immediately for: parents, children, or spouses of Argentine citizens (foreign family members); pensionados; investors with substantial capital.
Duration
Permanent (DNI renewed every 5–10 years)
Requirements
- ✓3 years of continuous temporary residence in Argentina
- ✓Clean Argentine criminal record
- ✓Proof of continued reason for residence (income, employment, family tie)
- ✓Valid passport and current DNI
- ✓No serious criminal convictions anywhere
- ✓Biometric appointment at Migraciones
Permanent residents receive a DNI with longer validity and have virtually identical rights to Argentine citizens for employment, healthcare, and education. They cannot vote in national elections (only citizens can). Permanent residence is required before applying for naturalisation.
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Citizenship
Name
Ciudadanía Argentina (Argentine Citizenship)
Eligibility
2 years of legal permanent residence in Argentina, OR immediate citizenship by birth or descent.
Duration
Permanent
Requirements
- ✓2 years of continuous legal permanent residence immediately before filing — IMPORTANT: under Decree 366/2025 (May 2025, Milei administration) any departure from Argentina can reset the 2-year qualifying period; maintain uninterrupted physical presence throughout
- ✓Good conduct — clean criminal record in Argentina
- ✓Real domicile in Argentina (physical presence required)
- ✓Application submitted online via the RaDEx system to the National Migration Directorate (DNM) — as of October 6, 2025, applications were transferred from the Federal Judiciary to the DNM and can be completed fully online
- ✓Proof of financial solvency and means of livelihood
- ✓No specific language test required by law (though Spanish knowledge is practically required)
Argentine naturalisation is one of the most accessible in the world — only 2 years of permanent residence required (total ~5 years from initial temporary residence). Under Decree 366/2025, absences from Argentina reset the 2-year residency clock — plan international travel carefully during the qualifying period. Since October 2025, applications are submitted online via the RaDEx portal to the National Migration Directorate (DNM). Argentina allows dual citizenship. An investment-based citizenship pathway was established under Decree 524/2025 (July 2025), requiring a minimum USD 500,000 productive investment; framework is in place but full implementation with open applications is expected in second half of 2026.
Other Routes to Residency & Citizenship
Citizenship by Birth (Jus Soli)
Eligibility
All persons born on Argentine soil, regardless of parents' nationality, are automatically Argentine citizens. This is enshrined in the Argentine Constitution.
Duration / Outcome
Permanent from birth
Requirements
- ✓Birth in Argentine territory (including Argentine-flagged ships and diplomatic missions)
- ✓Register the birth at the Registro Civil within 40 days
- ✓Both Argentine and foreign parents can register
Argentina is one of the countries that applies jus soli broadly — a child born in Argentina is automatically Argentine. This is widely used and creates the "anchored baby" pathway. The Argentine DNI is issued immediately. Children can hold both Argentine and their parents' nationality simultaneously.
Citizenship by Descent (Jus Sanguinis)
Eligibility
Children of Argentine citizens born abroad automatically have the right to Argentine citizenship.
Duration / Outcome
Permanent
Requirements
- ✓At least one parent is an Argentine citizen
- ✓Register the birth at the nearest Argentine consulate abroad
- ✓Documents: birth certificate of the child, Argentine parent's DNI and passport
Register at the Argentine consulate in your country of residence. Children of Argentines born abroad acquire Argentine citizenship by registration — there is no minimum residency requirement. This gives children access to an Argentine passport without ever having lived in Argentina.
Marriage to an Argentine Citizen
Eligibility
Foreign spouses of Argentine citizens receive automatic permanent residence and can apply for citizenship after 2 years of marriage and residence in Argentina.
Duration / Outcome
Permanent residence immediately; citizenship after 2 years
Requirements
- ✓Valid marriage certificate registered in Argentina (or legalised foreign marriage)
- ✓Spouse holds Argentine citizenship
- ✓Joint residence in Argentina for 2 years
- ✓Clean criminal record
One of the fastest pathways to permanent residence in Argentina — spouses of citizens can apply for permanent residence immediately (without the usual 3-year temporary residence requirement). Citizenship follows after 2 years of marriage and Argentine residence. Marriage must be in good faith — authorities may investigate sham marriages.
PATRIA GRANDE — Mercosur Fast-Track Residency
Eligibility
Nationals of MERCOSUR and associated countries: Brazil, Uruguay, Paraguay, Bolivia, Chile, Peru, Ecuador, Colombia, Guyana, Suriname, Venezuela.
Duration / Outcome
2-year temporary residence, then permanent; citizenship after 5 years total
Requirements
- ✓Valid passport or national ID
- ✓Birth certificate from home country
- ✓Clean criminal record from home country
- ✓No minimum income or employment requirement
The fastest and easiest permanent residency pathway available in Argentina. Mercosur nationals can have temporary residence approved in as little as 30 days at Migraciones. This makes Argentina a top destination for Brazilians, Uruguayans, and Colombians. After 2 years temporary + permanent, standard citizenship path requires 5 years total residence.
🌍 Dual Citizenship
✓
Dual citizenship is allowed — Argentina fully allows dual citizenship. There is no requirement to renounce your original nationality when naturalising as an Argentine citizen, and Argentine citizens who naturalise elsewhere do not automatically lose Argentine citizenship. Argentina is a signatory to international conventions protecting dual nationality. This is a key benefit for expats who naturalise in Argentina — they can hold their home country passport alongside an Argentine passport.
Citizenship & Permanent Residency
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