The Argentina Mercosur Visa, Explained
Are you a citizen of a Mercosur country? Then you qualify for a mercosur visa in Argentina. This is the most convenient visa to relocate to Argentina, at least regarding the requirements. Let's review more in detail the application process, criteria, requirements and fees.
What is the mercosur visa in Argentina?
The Mercosur visa in Argentina is a type of visa related to the Common Market of the South (MERCOSUR) and its associated states, as specified in Article 23, clause I) of Law No. 25,871. This visa is part of Argentina's redefined immigration policy, which aims to protect the rights of individuals. The visa regulation is designed to facilitate the procedures for foreigners who wish to live in Argentina, establishing a normative system that complements and adapts the mechanisms of protected rights. The visa allows holders to stay in Argentina for up to 12 months, with the ability to enter and exit the country, work for up to 6 months of their stay, and participate in training or education courses for up to 6 months during their stay. The visa application requires the presentation of specific documentation.
Who can apply for a mercosur visa? Is the mercosur visa in Argentina right for me?
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Who does not qualify for a mercosur visa?
Argentina Mercosur visa eligibility
Documents required to apply for a mercosur 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 a mercosur visa in Argentina, you need to present the following documents to the Argentine consular authority:
- A valid entry permit.
- 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. This is only applicable if you are a foreigner who has reached the age of sixteen.
- A sworn declaration of lack of criminal records in other countries, in accordance with the stipulations in Article 29 of Annex I of the current regulations.
- A certificate issued by the corresponding health authority, if required by the Ministry of Health.
- Receipt of payment of the consular fee (€150 euros).
What are the fees for the mercosur visa in Argentina
The cost of a mercosur visa application is $250 for the consular fee and a migration fee of $300 for Mercosur citizens. These fees are payable in US dollars or Euros, depending on the Consular Representation processing the application, and are payable in the local currency where the Representation is located.
Mercosur visa application process
Yes. The Mercosur visa in Argentina does have a specific application process. This visa is available for nationals of Mercosur member or associated states and allows temporary residence in Argentina for a period of two years. The visa application must be made in person at the Argentine Consular Representation corresponding to the foreigner's domicile. The applicant must present the following documentation (in original and copy) to the corresponding Consulate:
- A valid passport with a minimum validity of 6 months from the date of entry into the country, and at least one blank page available
- Two current 4x4cm photographs, front view, in color, white background
- Completed visa application form (preferably electronically) and signed by the applicant
- Proof of residence in the jurisdiction of the Consulate (by presenting a service bill or other probative documentation)
The Immigration Office will determine the requirements and procedures for processing residence applications made by foreign nationals from Mercosur member states and associated states in the country, and before Argentine consular representations abroad.
Frequent questions about the mercosur visa in Argentina
Mercosur visa application process
Yes. You can apply for a mercosur visa both outside Argentina and after arriving in the country as a tourist. The visa application can be processed at the Consular Representation of the Argentine Republic corresponding to the foreigner's domicile. If you are outside Argentina, you or your representative can apply at the Argentine consular or immigration authority with jurisdiction over your domicile. If you are already in Argentina, the application can be made by a representative, first-degree relatives, or a requester at the National Immigration Office.
The average processing time for a mercosur visa application is 30 business days. However, if the application is initiated through TAD (Trámites a Distancia), after paying the VEP (Volante Electrónico de Pago), you must wait at least 72 business hours for its confirmation. After this period, the TAD case will be initiated with an average resolution time of 30 business days. In urgent cases requiring processing in less than 72 business hours, you must inform the Argentine consulate and pay an additional fee for urgent processing.
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.
Mercosur visa conditions
Yes. You can bring dependents or family members to Argentina together with you with a mercosur 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.
The Mercosur visa allows temporary residence in Argentina for a period of two years. Then, you must apply for permanent residency.
Yes. You can travel in and out of Argentina on a mercosur visa. The visa allows temporary residence in Argentina for a period of two years.
Visa renewal / Permanent residency
Yes. You can switch to a different visa type while residing in Argentina on a mercosur visa. The law states that foreigners can change their immigration category or subcategory without needing to leave Argentine territory. Make sure you match all the requirements before requesting a change of visa category.
Yes. You can renew your Mercosur visa until reaching a total of three years as a temporary resident. After three years, shoud you want to continue living in Argentina, you must apply for permanent residency.
Yes for permanent residency. No for citizenship. You can apply for permanent residency in Argentina after living on a mercosur visa for a continuous period of two years. The application can be made either from abroad through the Argentine consular or immigration authority in your place of residence, or within Argentina through the National Immigration Office. However, you must also meet other conditions determined by the National Immigration Office, depending on the type of temporary residence you have. 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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