The Argentina Athlete Visa, Explained
Are you a professional athlete looking to relocate to Argentina? Argentina has a specific visa for you. This guide details who can and cannot apply, what is the application process, and the required documents.
What is the athlete visa in Argentina?
Who can apply for an athlete visa? Is the athlete visa in Argentina right for me?
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Who does not qualify for an athlete visa?
This visa is very specific, and focuses on profesional athletes who comes to Argentina with a formal contract or agreement with a club or organization in their sporting discipline. This does not apply for amateur athletes without contract. If this is your case, you can use our visa tool to see if another residency visa may suits you better.
Argentina Athlete visa eligibility
Documents required to apply for an athlete visa in Argentina
Documents required for all visas
- A valid passport with a minimum validity of 6 months from the date of entry into the country.
- Two current 4x4cm photographs, taken from the front, in color, with a white background.
- A completed visa application form, preferably in electronic form, signed by the applicant.
- Proof of habitual residence in the jurisdiction of the Consulate (utility bill or other supporting document).
Specific documents for this visa
To apply for an athlete visa in Argentina, you need to present the following documents:
- A document that clearly verifies your identity.
- Your birth certificate and any documents related to your marital status, if applicable.
- A certificate of criminal records issued in Argentina, if you are a foreigner who has reached the age of 16.
- A certificate of lack of criminal records issued by the competent authorities of the countries where you have resided for more than one year, during the last three years, if you are a foreigner who has reached the age of 16.
- A sworn declaration of lack of criminal records in other countries. A document that verifies your legal entry into the country.
- Any other relevant documentation to verify the conditions of the immigration criterion invoked.
- Proof of the commercial/professional activity you have been carrying out in your country of origin (for example, a work certificate with the company's letterhead).
- A round-trip ticket reservation.
- A hotel reservation or proof of accommodation in Argentina.
You will also need to attend a consular interview.
What are the fees for the athlete visa in Argentina
The cost of an athlete visa application is $200. This fee is payable in US dollars or Euros, depending on the Consular Representation processing the application, and must be paid in the local currency of the location where the Consular Representation is situated.
Athlete visa application process
The visa for artist and athletes is one of the types of temporary visas available in Argentina. All the subcategories of temporary residency visas share the same process, which you can find explained on the temporary visa page.
Frequent questions about the athlete visa in Argentina
Athlete visa application process
Yes. There is an option to obtain an appointment faster by paying an extra fee when filing the residency application. See the visa fees page for details.
Athlete visa conditions
Yes. You can bring dependents or family members to Argentina together with you under your athlete visa. Accepted family members are the spouse, children, or parents of the main visa applicatant. The children must be under 18 years old or older with a disability.
Athletes can stay in Argentina for a period of up to three years with an athlete visa. You may not be given a 3-year visa immediately though. The visa is usually given for 1 year.
Yes. You can travel in and out of Argentina without any restrictions on an athlete visa. The visa allows for a residency period of up to three years, and includes multiple entries and exits.
No. The immigration service does not require such courses as part of the athlete visa application process in Argentina.
Athlete visa renewal / Permanent residency
Yes. You can switch to a different visa type while residing in Argentina on an athlete visa. The law states that foreigners can change their immigration category or subcategory without needing to leave Argentine territory. However, the specific requirements and necessary documentation for the visa change will depend on the visa type you wish to switch to.
Yes. It is possible to renew this visa. You must renew it before it expires though. You can file the renewal application starting from 60 days before the expiry date, up to 10 days. If you are late, it is possible to renew the visa up to 30 days after the expiry date, paying an additional fee. After 30 days following the expiry date, it is no longer possible to renew a visa.
Yes for permanent residency. No for citizenship. You can apply for permanent residency in Argentina after living on an athlete visa. The law states that you must have had temporary residency for two continuous years or more if you are a national of the countries of the Common Market of the South (MERCOSUR) or Associated States, and three continuous years or more in other cases. For citizenship application, you must first be a permanent resident. There is no direct path to citizenship from temporary residency.
References
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