Immigration
Entry Requirements
An original passport is required for United States citizens to enter Argentina. Americans need to pay a US$160 reciprocity fee online at the National Immigration Office website prior to arrival in Argentina at any entry point. A receipt of the transaction must be presented to the Argentine Immigration officer at the time of entry and is valid for unlimited entries for 10 years from the date of payment. The U.S. Department of State recommends having multiple copies of the receipt, as you will need one anytime you enter Argentina.
Expired or damaged passports may be refused upon entry and can be subject to deportation back to the United States at the expense of owners. The U.S. Embassy cannot ensure guarantees for travelers in such situations. Prior to departure from the United States, you are encouraged to ensure that your travel documents are accurate and in good condition.
A verified permission document is required from both parents of children under 18 years of age who reside in Argentina alone, with one parent or in the custody of someone else.
Temporary Residency
A Temporary Residence Visa is mandatory for anyone who plans to move to Argentina and stay for more than three months. The procedure for getting a Temporary Residence Visa is dependent on whether or not you are a Mercosur national or not. Mercosur is the South American customs union that includes Argentina and a number of other South American countries. Extensions for temporary residence must be submitted within 60 days prior to the expiration of the Temporary Residence Visa.
The specific type of temporary visa needed depends on the purpose of your stay in Argentina. Here is a partial listing:
- Student Visa. Granted to those who are seeking academic activities in Argentina and will be temporary or transitional
- Temporary Family Reunification. Issued to the spouse, parent or unmarried child under 18 years of age and not emancipated or an adult with disabilities of an immigrant with temporary residence. Minors under 18 must have authorization from a parent.
- Migrant Workers. Temporary residence issued to those who wish to work in Argentina. Must have a labor contract signed by parties and proof of employer’s registration.
- Scientific and Expert Personnel. Issued to high-tech and research job employees who are traveling to Argentina for transfer abroad.
For more detailed information, please visit the National Immigration Office website.
Permanent Residency
After settling in Argentina for two years, eligibility for long-term residency can be obtained through a visit to the National Immigration Office (Dirección Nacional de Migraciones), a branch of the Ministry of Interior. The documentation required for a Permanent Resident Visa varies depending on the purpose for permanent residency.
Non-Mercosur applicants for permanent residency must be at least 18 years old and must submit a photo identity card or copy of passport, birth certificate, marriage certificate, certificate of Argentine and domestic criminal records, two 4 x 4 color photos, certificate of domicile or proof of previous residence, proof of financial security and your child’s birth certificate. Additional paperwork is required for different applications.
All required paperwork for non-Mercosur applicants must be submitted no later than 30 days before the expiration of your previous visa. All documents issued abroad must have the authorization of the Argentine consulate of the country issuing the documentation or with the stamp of Apostille of the Hague Convention.
The National Immigration Office website provides further information on permanent residency.
Work Permits
Work Visas are required for paid and unpaid work in Argentina. In order to obtain a Work Visa, you must first be issued a Work Permit by the National Immigration Office in Argentina. Your Argentine employer or immigration lawyer should help handle the documentation for you. They should also be able to help you with reapplying for a Work Visa, as they are valid for up to one year.
Work Visas for non-Mercosur members are organized according to your employment reason for moving to Argentina. For example, Visa Type 23 A is issued to migrant workers and Visa Type 23 E is for scientists and specialists.
Documents that must be submitted for Work Visas include:
- An identification card, passport or certificate of citizenship with two 4×4 original color photos
- Certificates of both Argentine criminal record and the criminal record of the country in which you previously lived for a period exceeding one year during the course of the past three years
- An affidavit showing no international criminal record
- Certificate of domicile or an invoice of any public service with your name
- Your employment contract signed by your employer and documentation certifying your specialty. Your employer must also be registered as a legal entity in the Single National Registry of Foreigners Applicant of the National Immigration Office.
Spouses, children and other dependents can apply for visas and must submit all temporary visa documentation. Further information can be found at the National Immigration Office website.
Retirement
If you wish to retire in Argentina, you will need a private income. A minimum of 2,500 Argentine pesos, or American dollar equivalent (approximately US$300), a month is required per visa applicant. You will need to provide evidence of income, such as a Social Security Administration letter, a pension fund or a bank statement indicating your income.
Your passport must have one entirely free page left for the visa and must be valid for one year from the proposed date of entry. A completed application form is required along with six recent passport-style photographs. You must also present evidence of your immigration status in the United States. A birth certificate, marriage certificate (if applicable), a police record, a US$200 processing fee and an international criminal affidavit are all required. Applications must be submitted in person no later than one month prior to your proposed date of entry.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Worship provides further information.