The Argentina Family Visa, Explained

Yes. There is a distinct subcategory of family visa in Argentina known as the reunification family visa. This visa is available for the spouse, child, or parent of a native, naturalized, or by option Argentine citizen. The visa can only be processed at the Consular Representation of the Argentine Republic corresponding to the foreigner's domicile.

Yes. You can apply for a family visa outside Argentina. The visa application must be made at the Consular Representation of the Argentine Republic corresponding to the foreigner's domicile. The visa is available for the spouse, child, or parent of a native, naturalized, or by option Argentine citizen. It can also be obtained by a foreigner who is a spouse, parent, or minor child under 18 years old (or older with a disability) of a foreigner with permanent residence. The visa application process requires the presentation of specific documents.

The processing time for a family visa application is approximately 30 business days from the date the file is generated. This timeline begins once the application payment is confirmed. Yet, there is no specific resolution period as it depends on the volume of applications.

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.

Yes. The primary purpose of this visa is to reunite family members. Yet, you can apply with dependents too. For example, you can reunite with your wife already in Argentina, and apply with your child as depedent.is your bring dependents or family members (spouse, children) to Argentina under your family visa. The family reunification visa is available for the spouse, child, or parent of an Argentine citizen by birth, naturalization, or option. It can also be obtained by a foreigner who is a spouse, parent, or minor child under 18 years of age (or older with a disability) of a foreigner with permanent residence. The visa application must be made in person at the Consular Representation of the Argentine Republic corresponding to the foreigner's domicile.

Under the family visa category in Argentina, you can sponsor your spouse, parent, unmarried child under the age of eighteen who is not emancipated, or an older child with different abilities.

The visa application process in Argentina does not differentiate between biological children, step-children, or children from previous marriages. As long as the child can prove their relationship to the Argentine parent or parents, they are eligible for the Family Reunification visa. This requires the original birth certificate and ID of the Argentine parent, the child's birth certificate, and the non-Argentine parent's ID. If the child is under 18, they must be accompanied by the parent or parents who have parental responsibility, and if only one parent is present, they must have authorization from the other parent, unless parental responsibility is assigned to one of them. Special circumstances may also be considered for temporary residency, such as being the spouse, parent, or unmarried child under 18, or an adult with disabilities, of an immigrant with temporary residency.

Yes. Elderly parents or grandparents can be sponsored if they require special medical care or assistance. This authorization can be extended to direct family members, legal representatives, or guardians. However, you should consider having comprehensive health insurance that offers wide medical and legal coverage, as public health systems in other countries generally do not offer free medical care to foreigners who do not reside there regularly.

The duration of a family visa in Argentina is up to three years (two years for Mercosur citizen). The visa is usually given for 1 year, and can be renewed. After three years (two years for Mercosur citizen), you must apply for permanent residency. Note that in some cases, depending on your family link, you directly get the permanent residency.

Yes. You can travel in and out of Argentina without any restrictions on a family visa. The visa includes multiple entries and exits.

No. There is no cap on the number of family visas issued each year by Argentina. Family reunification is defined as a human right, so if you meet the requirements, you should not have any issue to get a family reunification visa.

No language or cultural courses are required as part of the family visa application process in Argentina.

1. Two current 4x4cm photographs, front view, in color, white background
2. Completed visa application form (preferably electronically) and signed by the applicant
3. Proof of habitual residence in the jurisdiction of the Consulate (through presentation of service bill or other probative documentation)
4. Document related to the civil status of the people, 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
5. Certified copy of the National Identity Document (DNI) of the Argentine family member or permanent resident
6. Certificate of domicile of the Argentine family member or permanent resident.

Yes. There are income or financial support requirements for sponsoring family members. The sponsor must demonstrate sufficient funds to cover the initial expenses of the family member's stay. This includes providing money or taking care of their bills, such as food, transportation, hotel, legal, medical, or any other type of expenses. The sponsor may also need to manage local residence, work, visa permissions, and act as a guarantor or co-signer. They may also need to provide money for medical expenses, hospitalization, surgeries, or health repatriations, and cover the costs of repatriation of ashes or remains of Argentine citizens who have died abroad.

To prove you can financially support your family once they join you in Argentina, you need to demonstrate sufficient funds to cover initial expenses of their stay. This includes providing money for their bills such as food, transportation, hotel, legal, medical, or any other type. You may also need to cover the costs of medical expenses, hospitalization, surgeries, or health repatriations. Additionally, you should be able to pay for the return ticket or prove you have the necessary funds to purchase it. You will also need to pay the consular fees and tariffs corresponding to the visa. In some cases, you may need to act as a guarantor or surety.

Changes in family circumstances such as a birth, marriage, or divorce can affect visa status in Argentina. Foreigners can request a change in their visa category or subcategory if they meet the conditions required by law. This includes the principle of family unity and the right to family reunification. For instance, if you are the spouse, parent, or unmarried child under 18, or an adult with different abilities of a permanent resident, you may be eligible for a visa change. However, the specific impact of these changes on visa status would depend on the individual's current visa type and other circumstances.

Yes. Family members can switch to another visa type, such as a student or work visa, while in Argentina. Foreigners can change their immigration category or subcategory without needing to leave Argentine territory.

Yes. It is possible to renew a family 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 a family visa. See the [permanent residency in Argentina] page for more information. Direct citizenship application is not possible with just a temporary visa.