Moving to Argentina - How to Immigrate to Argentina? (2024)

Argentina is the nation at the furthest southernmost point of South America. It is an exciting location that everyone should be aware of, with its extensive coasts, boundless prairies, and soaring Andes Mountains. It makes wine of the highest caliber, boasts a lively nightlife, and is the birthplace of Tango, a national treasure.

Argentina is a country of intriguing contrasts; it is relaxed, hospitable, progressive, and innovative. It embraces technology and has a modern infrastructure while valuing traditions. Further, Argentina is incredibly affordable, and it offers a high-quality lifestyle.

Millions of tourists travel to Argentina yearly to participate in its exciting activities and rich culture. Although visiting Argentina is impressive, living there is the best way to experience this one-of-a-kind nation’s vibrant culture and breathtaking scenery.

Basic Facts About Argentina

Basic facts about Argentina include:

Do I Need a Visa to Move to Argentina?

Anyone wishing to move to Argentina for longer than three months (90 days) needs an Argentina visa. Argentina offers different types of visas depending on your travel purpose. In addition, you must apply for a residency or long-term visa to move into the country.

How to Move to Argentina?

You must hold a long-term (residency) visa to move to Argentina. A residency visa is issued to foreigners who want to reside in Argentina to live, work, study, or retire.

In addition to the visa, any foreign national who plans to stay in Argentina for more than three months is required to register with the authorities (Registro Nacional de las Personas) and obtain a residence permit.

If you want to move to Argentina for longer than three months, the following ways are the right choice for you:

• Moving to Argentina for work.
• Moving to Argentina to study.
• Moving to Argentina to join a family member.
• Moving to Argentina to retire.

Moving to Argentina to Work

To move to Argentina to work, you must apply for a work permit and a long-term visa. In addition, your employer in Argentina must be registered with the National Immigrant Sponsors Register and apply for a work permit on your behalf. After obtaining your work permit, you must apply for a work visa at the nearest Argentinian embassy or consulate.

After arriving, you must register with your local Registro Nacional de las Personas within 90 days. They will also provide you with a DNI (National Identity Document). Besides serving as an identity card, it also contains your social security number, which is required for entering any contract. The work visa is valid for a year and can be renewed.

Moving to Argentina to Study

If you wish to pursue your studies in an educational institution in Argentina, you must obtain a student visa. The student visa is usually valid for six months but can be renewed in case the study program lasts longer. After entering Argentina, you must register with the authorities and obtain a residence permit.

Moving to Argentina for Family Reunification

If you want to move to Argentina and join a family member, you must apply for a family reunification visa. To be eligible for a family visa, you must be either a parent, spouse, or child of an Argentine citizen or permanent resident.

Upon arriving in Argentina, you are required to register with the authorities (Registro Nacional de las Personas) and obtain a residence permit. The residence permit is valid for a year and can be renewed for up to three years.

Moving to Argentina for Retirement

You can retire in Argentina by obtaining an Argentina retirement visa (Pensionado visa). You are eligible for the visa if you have a pension of 30,000 Argentine pesos. To apply for a retirement visa, you must be in Argentina. You can enter the country with a different visa and then apply for a retirement visa. The retirement visa is equivalent to a temporary residence permit.

There is a one-year validity period for the Argentian retirement visa. Upon meeting the requirements, the visa can be renewed for up to three years, following which a permanent residency permit can be applied for.

How to Obtain Permanent Residency in Argentina?

You can obtain permanent residency in Argentina after specific years of legally residing there. For example, you can become a permanent resident after three years of staying with a temporary residence permit. Nevertheless, suppose you are from MERCOSUR (The Southern Common Market) countries. In that case, you can gain permanent residency in Argentina after two years of living.

How Can I Become an Argentine Citizen?

You can become an Argentine citizen through the following routes:

• Citizenship by birth. A person born in Argentina automatically becomes a citizen, except if they were born to a foreign diplomat.
• Citizenship by naturalization. You can win citizenship by naturalization if you are 18 years of age or older and have legally resided in Argentina for at least two years.
• Citizenship by descent. To gain citizenship by descent, at least one of your parents must be an Argentine citizen.
• Citizenship by marriage. If you can win citizenship if you marry an Argentine citizen. Argentina allows same-sex marriages.

Does Argentina Allow Dual Citizenship?

Argentina allows dual citizenship. The acquisition of dual citizenship is possible without registering or giving up your previous citizenship. However, you should first determine whether your home country allows you to obtain another citizenship.

Why Should I Move to Argentina?

Before you decide to move to Argentina, you should consider the following pros and cons:

How Can I Move My Belongings to Argentina?

You can move your belonging by air, land, or sea. It depends on how much you wish to spend and how long you can wait for them. There are a few customs regulations that you must comply with:

• You must be present when the Customs Clearance signs all the documents.
• The shipment must arrive within six months of the customer’s arrival in Argentina or three months before the customer’s arrival.*
• All items must be used and owned by the shipper for at least one year.
• New items are subject to high duties and may cause delays in customs clearance.

To bring your belongings to Argentina, you must provide a few documents:

• Your valid passport.
• Your visa.
• Detailed shipment inventory (in Spanish).
• Proof of deposition of a “Guarantee” based on the value of the goods.
• The customer should declare on his/her passport that they will expect a household goods shipment upon arrival at Customs.

You are prohibited from shipping the following items:

• Illegal drugs.
• Explosives.
• Knives and deadly weapons.
• Counterfeit money and goods.
• p*rnographic material.
• Meat or meat products from any animal.
• Dairy products.
• Items produced by bees.
• Fresh fruits and vegetables.
• Flowers and plants with fruit, ornamental plants, trees or parts of trees, bulbs, seeds, rhizomes, and buds.
• Insects, bacteria, fungi, viruses, and any other microorganisms used for research purposes.
• sem*n and other biological products used in veterinary medicine.
• Animal food.
• Soil.
• New computers.
• New and color televisions.

*Argentine Customs requires a special permit if a shipment arrives six months or more after the customer.

Can I Move With My Pets to Argentina?

You can move with your pets to Argentina, to do so, you must meet the following requirements:

• Your pets must have a microchip.
• Your pets must be vaccinated for rabies for at least 21 days and not more than 36 months before entering Argentina, with the exception of puppies and kittens under three months.
• All pets must have a health certificate.
• A licensed veterinarian must complete the Veterinary Certificate for Argentina within ten days of entry.
• Your pets must be treated for internal and external parasites 15 days before traveling.
• If your pets are entering through the air, you must notify the veterinary officials.
• Other animals, except cats and dogs, need an import permit and health certificate for entry.
• If your pets are turtles or parrots, you should verify that they are not protected under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).

Popular Places in Argentina for Expats

Argentina, the second-largest country in South America, is known for its beautiful nature and vivid culture. Some of the most popular cities in Argentina are:

• Buenos Aires.
• Mendoza.
• Cordoba.
• Rosario.
• Ushuaia.

Buenos Aires

Buenos Aires is the capital of Argentina. With a mix of European and Latin influences, Buenos Aires is an exciting city to live in. Centuries-old buildings line its boulevards, and street art is mixed in with its fantastic restaurants and bars. As a result, many expats live in this South American metropolis, and wanderers are well-received.

Buenos Aires might not be the cheapest city to live in, but it is still decent. As the economy is notoriously volatile, the cost of living in Buenos Aires can vary significantly by year and income.

In Buenos Aires, expat communities exist, and international schools are available for children if you plan to move with your family. In this city, one will enjoy the beauty, diversity, excellent red wines, rich meats, endless conversations, and the never-ending stories of the country.

Mendoza

Amidst the Andes, Mendoza is located in Mendoza province. Known as the nation’s largest wine producer, this city is popular among wine connoisseurs. In addition, the city of Mendoza is an all-season destination for climbers, hikers, skiers, rafters, cyclists, paragliders, naturalists, trekkers, and oenophiles.

There are many advantages for foreigners in Mendoza, both in the city and the province. In addition to the spectacular natural environment, the area offers a wide range of leisure activities. Furthermore, entrepreneurs with good business sense and those who are adventurous are provided opportunities in the current economic condition.

Furthermore, the city has a well-developed infrastructure with excellent healthcare, European architecture, and an exciting metropolitan lifestyle.

Cordoba

Cordoba, known as the Heartland of Argentina, retains its colonial history and combines it with a modern tourism industry. Many of Argentina’s monuments can be found in Cordoba, some dating back to the Spanish colonial period. Known for its vibrant bars and restaurants, Cordoba’s stunning colonial architecture attracts a large student population who enjoy its mix of traditional and contemporary influences.

Cordoba is a relatively safe city. It is generally trouble-free to live in Cordoba due to the city’s low crime rate. Still, there are some petty crimes, such as pickpocketing and bag snatching, which expats should be aware of.

Rosario

Rosario is the third-largest city in Argentina. The city is mostly known as the birthplace of Lionel Messi and Che Guevara. Since Rosario was where the Argentine flag was initially raised, it has significant historical significance. The National Flag Monument, which provides a fantastic overview of the entire city, was constructed in its honor. There are also numerous museums in Rosario dedicated to art.

There is much to see and do in Rosario, a charming city with great nightlife. Visitors often overlook it in favor of the nation’s capital but are inevitably blown away by everything this place offers.

Ushuaia

Ushuaia, one of the most southerly cities in the world, is situated in Tierra del Fuego and is surrounded by the breathtaking snow-capped Martial Range, which creates a picturesque background for its low-lying buildings tucked along the coastline.

Several good museums, restaurants, a casino, and other entertainment options exist. Most visitors come for the beautiful natural sights just outside their hotel doors. From there, you may go kayaking, hiking, sailing, scuba diving, skiing, or exploring other incredible landscapes and ecosystems. Ushuaia is the ideal starting point if you want to travel to Antarctica or the Andes.