The Argentina Citizenship, Explained
Interested in obtaining the Argentinan Citizenship? In this article, we review the different options to obtain the nationality, indicate who qualifies or not for citizenship in Argentina and detail the required documents, fees as well as the application process for each category.
What is a Citizenship in Argentina?
Citizenship in Argentina is governed by the MIGRATIONS LAW No. 25,871, which regulates all matters related to Argentine immigration policy and the rights and obligations of foreigners wishing to reside in the ARGENTINE REPUBLIC. This law is in line with the NATIONAL CONSTITUTION and International Treaties on the subject. Argentina has redefined the objectives of its immigration policy, focusing on Latin American regional integration, respect for human rights, and the mobility of migrants. This has led to an increasing commitment to mutual cooperation between the various Member States of the COMMON MARKET OF THE SOUTH (MERCOSUR) and its Associated States.
Children of native Argentines born abroad have the option to choose Argentine nationality. All Argentine citizens are required to report any change of address to the National Registry of Persons. In the case of loss, deterioration, or theft of a previous National Identity Document (DNI), a new one can be obtained through the corresponding consular representation abroad.
Foreigners who wish to apply for permanent residence must prove that they are a spouse, parent, or child of a native, naturalized, or by option Argentine, taking into account principles of unity, support, and the scope of the right to family reunification established in the relevant legislation. They can also be a spouse, parent, unmarried minor under eighteen years of age not emancipated, or an older person with different capacity, of a permanent resident, taking into account principles of unity, support, and the scope of the right to family reunification.
Who can apply for a Citizenship? Is the Citizenship right for me?
Foreigners can apply for citizenship in Argentina under several circumstances:
Change of immigration category: Foreigners can change their immigration category or subcategory without needing to leave Argentine territory. This means that individuals who initially entered the country under one visa type (such as a work visa or student visa) can apply to change their status and seek citizenship without having to leave and re-enter the country.
Children of Argentine natives born abroad: Children of Argentine natives who were born outside of Argentina have the option to apply for Argentine nationality. This allows for the children of Argentine citizens, regardless of where they were born, to claim Argentine citizenship.
Professional activities: Individuals who are invited to Argentina to engage in professional activities, such as business, conferences, fairs, or other technical or professional activities, may be eligible to apply for citizenship. The inviting party, whether an individual or a corporation based in Argentina, must be registered in the National Registry of Requirers.
Special agreements with certain countries: Citizens of certain countries may be eligible to apply for Argentine citizenship under specific agreements between Argentina and their home country. For example, there are memorandums of understanding between Argentina and countries like Germany and Australia for programs such as holiday visas. These agreements may offer pathways to citizenship for citizens of these countries.
Who will not qualify for a Citizenship in Argentina?
The text does not explicitly state who cannot apply for citizenship in Argentina. However, it does outline certain requirements that must be met to apply, which can imply exclusions.
Foreigners who have not resided in Argentina for a continuous period of two years (if they are from MERCOSUR or associated states) or three years (in other cases) cannot apply for citizenship. This requirement ensures that the applicant has a significant connection to the country.
Foreigners who have not served as a diplomatic or consular official, or as an official of international organizations in Argentina for the required time period, cannot apply for citizenship. This requirement is designed to ensure that the applicant has contributed to the country in a significant way.
Refugees who do not meet the criteria outlined in sections a), b) or c) of the text, and asylum seekers who have not received authorization from the competent authority, cannot apply for citizenship. This requirement ensures that the applicant's status in Argentina is legal and recognized.
Foreigners who do not have a document proving their identity, a birth certificate and a certificate related to their civil status, cannot apply for citizenship. These documents are necessary to verify the applicant's identity and personal circumstances.
Foreigners who have not reached the age of 16 cannot apply for citizenship. This requirement is in place because the text mentions the need for a certificate of criminal records issued in Argentina for foreigners who have reached the age of 16.
Foreigners who have lived in a country for more than a year during the last three years and do not have a certificate of lack of criminal records issued by the competent authorities of those countries, cannot apply for citizenship. This requirement is designed to ensure that the applicant has not been involved in criminal activities.
Foreigners who do not have a document proving their legal entry into Argentina cannot apply for citizenship. This requirement ensures that the applicant's presence in Argentina is legal.
Foreigners who cannot present other relevant documentation to prove the conditions of the immigration criterion invoked, cannot apply for citizenship. This requirement is designed to ensure that the applicant meets all the necessary conditions for citizenship.
Foreigners who do not have an invitation letter in paper format containing all the required information cannot apply for citizenship. This requirement is designed to ensure that the applicant has a legitimate reason for wanting to become a citizen and that they have a connection to someone who is already a resident in Argentina.
Children of native Argentinians born abroad who do not present the required documentation cannot opt for Argentine nationality. This requirement is designed to ensure that the applicant can prove their connection to Argentina through their parents.
How to apply for the Citizenship in Argentina?
Required documents to apply for a Citizenship
- Two current 4x4cm photographs, front view, in color, white background
- Completed visa application form (preferably electronically) and signed by the applicant
- Proof of habitual residence in the jurisdiction of the Consulate (through presentation of service bill or other probative documentation)
- Document related to the civil status of the persons, required according to the invoked link (birth certificate for children and parents / marriage certificate in case of spouses). If it is a document not issued by the Republic of Argentina, it must be apostilled/legalized
- Certified copy of the National Identity Document (DNI) of the Argentine relative or permanent resident
- Certificate of domicile of the Argentine relative or permanent resident
- Updated National Identity Document for incapable Argentines
- Judicial testimony of the appointment of the person who exercises guardianship or curatorship, except in the case that it has been assumed by law.
- The cost is $900 (nine hundred pesos), which can be paid online or in person at the nearest Argentine Embassy or Consulate.
- If you were not in Argentina on the date of the elections, you must attach a photo of your passport or documentation that proves this to the Registry of offenders.
- You can also present yourself upon your return to the Electoral Secretariat that corresponds to your address in Argentina, or go to the National Electoral Chamber: Leandro N. Alem 232, CABA when you return to the country.
- Documentation of studies conducted in Argentina is also required.
What are the fees for the Citizenship in Argentina
Citizenship application process in Argentina
- To become a citizen of Argentina, individuals who were born in a foreign country and are children of Argentine native citizens can choose to obtain Argentine citizenship.
- The application process requires the following documents:
- Original birth certificate and ID of the Argentine native parent.
- Properly legalized birth certificate of the applicant, and if necessary, translated.
- Document of the non-Argentine parent, which must be suitable for proving their identity.
- If the applicant is a minor and only one parent is present, an authorization from the other parent is required, unless one of them has been assigned parental responsibility.
- If the applicant is 18 years or older, they must personally submit the required documentation at the corresponding Argentine Consular Representation.
- If the applicant is under 18 years old, they must be accompanied by the individuals exercising parental responsibility and submit the required documentation at the corresponding Argentine Consular Representation.
- Once the internal procedure is completed, the application will be sent electronically to the corresponding National Immigration Office. The interested party must previously request an appointment with the National Immigration Office through the website: www.migraciones.gov.ar to regularize their immigration status in Argentina.
Frequent questions about the citizenship in Argentina
Citizenship process questions
To become a citizen of Argentina, one must have resided in the country for a continuous period of two years if they are a national of MERCOSUR or Associated States, and three years in all other cases.
No. The information given does not explicitly state that you need to speak the local language to become a citizen of Argentina. However, it does mention the use of interpreters and cultural mediators, suggesting that some level of language proficiency might be beneficial or required in certain situations.
There is an interview process to become a citizen of Argentina. The process involves presenting necessary documentation at the Argentine Consular Representation or Immigration Service.
No. You do not need to be a resident of Argentina to become a citizen. The law allows children of native Argentinians, even if born in a foreign country, to opt for Argentinian citizenship. The requirements include original birth certificates and identification documents of the Argentinian parent and the child, as well as identification documents of the non-Argentinian parent. If the child is a minor, the presence of one parent is required, along with authorization from the other parent, unless parental responsibility is assigned to one of them. The process involves presenting the required documents at the corresponding Argentinian Consular Representation.
Citizenship through activities
No. You do not need to invest in Argentina to become a citizen. The process of becoming an Argentine citizen by choice does not require an investment. It is based on being the child of an Argentine native and choosing Argentine citizenship. The requirements include original birth certificates and identification documents of the Argentine parent and the child, as well as the non-Argentine parent's identification document. If the child is a minor, the presence of one parent is required, along with authorization from the other parent, unless parental responsibility is assigned to one of them. The process must be initiated at the corresponding Argentine Consular Representation. However, if you are seeking to enter Argentina as an investor, you are required to make a productive, commercial, or service investment of interest to the country, with a minimum amount of 1,500,000 Argentine Pesos.
No. You do not need to work in Argentina to become a citizen. The law states that one can apply for citizenship if they have resided in Argentina for two continuous years if they are a national of a MERCOSUR or associated country, or three continuous years in other cases. There is no requirement for employment stated in the law.
Citizenship through relationships
Yes. You can become a citizen of Argentina through your family. Children of native Argentinians who were born in a foreign country can opt for Argentinian citizenship. The requirements include the original birth certificate and ID of the Argentinian parent, the legalized birth certificate of the applicant, and the document of the non-Argentinian parent, which must be suitable for proving their identity. If the applicant is a minor, and only one parent is present, authorization from the other parent is required, unless parental responsibility is assigned to one of them. The process must be done in person at the corresponding Argentinian Consular Representation, with the required documentation. Family reunification visas are also available for the spouse, child, or parent of a native, naturalized, or optional Argentinian citizen.
Yes. You can become a citizen of Argentina if you marry a citizen. The law states that visas for family reunification can be processed for the spouse, child, or parent of an Argentine citizen, whether they are native, naturalized, or by option. Furthermore, a foreigner who applies for permanent residence must prove that they are the spouse, parent, or child of an Argentine citizen. This is in line with the principles of unity, support, and the right to family reunification as set out in the relevant legislation.
Yes. You can become a citizen of Argentina if your parents are or were citizens. The children of native Argentine citizens who were born in a foreign country can opt for Argentine citizenship. The requirements include the original birth certificate and ID of the Argentine parent, the legalized birth certificate of the applicant, and the document of the non-Argentine parent, which must be suitable for proving their identity. If the applicant is a minor, and only one parent is present, authorization from the other parent is required, unless parental responsibility is assigned to one of them. If the applicant is over 18 years old, they must personally present the required documentation at the corresponding Argentine Consular Representation. If the applicant is under 18 years old, they, accompanied by those who exercise parental responsibility, must present the required documentation at the corresponding Argentine Consular Representation.
Yes. You can become a citizen of Argentina if you have ancestors from there. The children of native Argentinians who were born in a foreign country can opt for Argentinian citizenship. The requirements include the original birth certificate and ID of the Argentinian parent, the legalized birth certificate of the applicant, and the document of the non-Argentinian parent, which must be suitable for proving their identity. If the applicant is a minor, and only one parent is present, authorization from the other parent is required, unless parental responsibility is assigned to one of them. The process must be done in person at the corresponding Argentinian Consular Representation, with the required documentation.
References
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