The Argentina Temporary Residency Visa, Explained
Planning to move to Argentina? Are you wondering about the residency visa application process? In this article, we guide you through the steps to obtain a residency visa in Argentina. Whether you are relocating for work, retirement, or simply seeking a change of scenery, this article will help you navigate the requirements and start your application.
What is a Temporary Residency in Argentina?
Temporary residency in Argentina is a status granted to foreigners who have obtained the appropriate entry permit for admission into the country as temporary residents. This status allows the individual to stay in Argentina for a specified period, which is determined at the time the visa is granted. Temporary residency visas can be issued for various purposes, such as studying for a period longer than 365 days, for professional transfers, or for participating in business, congresses, fairs, or other technical or professional activities. The visa application must be processed at the Argentine Consular Representation corresponding to the foreigner's domicile. The applicant must present the entry permit and a valid Identity Document, Passport, or Travel Certificate visaed by the Argentine consular authority.
Who can apply for a Temporary Residency? Is the Temporary Residency right for me?
Foreigners can apply for temporary residency in Argentina under several categories:
Business, Congress, Fair, or Other Technical or Professional Activities: Individuals or companies based in Argentina can invite foreigners to conduct professional activities in the country. The inviting party must be registered in the National Registry of Requirers.
Memorandum of Understanding between Argentina and Other Countries: Citizens of certain countries, such as Germany and Australia, can apply for temporary residency under specific agreements between Argentina and their home countries. These agreements often have a limited quota.
Religious Visas: Foreigners who are members of the Catholic or non-Catholic religious orders can apply for temporary residency. These visas are processed only at the Consular Representation of the Argentine Republic.
Nationality-Based Visas: Foreigners can apply for temporary residency based on their nationality. This type of visa is processed only at the Consular Representation of the Argentine Republic corresponding to the foreigner's domicile.
Work Visas: Foreigners who have secured employment in Argentina can apply for temporary residency.
In all cases, foreigners must present valid identification, birth certificate, and proof of civil status, if applicable, to the immigration authority. They must also have a visa issued by the Argentine consular authority. For journalists or audiovisual producers who wish to enter the country with temporary equipment, they must comply with the procedures outlined in the General Luggage Import and Export Regulations.
Who will not qualify for a Temporary Residency in Argentina?
How to apply for the Temporary Residency in Argentina?
Required documents to apply for a Temporary Residency
Common Documents
- Valid passport with a minimum validity of 6 months from the date of entry into the country, and at least one page (two sides) available
- 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 (by presenting a service bill or other probative documentation)
- Proof of sufficient funds to cover initial expenses of stay
- Reservation of return ticket to place of origin, or proof of necessary funds to purchase it
- Medical and accident insurance covering hospitalization and repatriation expenses for the 12 months of stay
- Payment of the corresponding consular fees for the visa.
Passport Yes. Argentina does require a copy of the passport for long-term residency visa application. The passport must be valid with a minimum validity of 6 months from the date of entry into the country, and it must have at least one blank page available.
Photo Yes. Argentina does require an identity photo for long-term residency visa application. The requirements for the photos are that they should be current, 4x4cm in size, taken from the front, in color, and with a white background.
Criminal Record Origin Country Yes. Argentina does require a criminal record or background check from your country of origin for a long-term residency visa application. This must be issued by the competent authority of the countries where the applicant has resided for more than 1 year during the last three years. The applicant must also make a sworn statement of lack of criminal records in other countries. However, the National Immigration Office may exempt the applicant from presenting these documents under certain conditions, such as having legally resided in Argentina for the two years prior to the application, or in cases of force majeure or fortuitous event that make obtaining such documents impossible.
Criminal Record Residence Country Yes. Argentina does require a criminal record or background check from your country of residence for a long-term residency visa application. The applicant must present a certificate of criminal records, apostilled or legalized, issued by the competent authority of the countries where they have resided for more than 1 year during the last three years.
Insurance Yes. Argentina does require health insurance for long-term residency visa application. The insurance policy should cover medical and accident expenses, including hospitalization and repatriation, for a minimum amount of USD 30,000. It should be valid for the duration of the stay in Argentina.
Medical Check Yes. Argentina does require a medical certificate for long-term residency visa application. The certificate must be issued by the corresponding health authority as determined by the Ministry of Health. Additionally, applicants are required to have a medical and accident insurance policy with a minimum coverage of USD 30,000, which includes repatriation for health reasons and remains.
Fee Yes. Argentina does require the payment of a fee for a long-term residency visa application. The consular fee is €150 or $250 (in US dollars or Euros, depending on the Consular Representation processing the application, payable in the local currency where the Representation is located). Additionally, there is a Migration Fee of $300 for MERCOSUR citizens and $600 for non-MERCOSUR citizens.
Argentina Permanent Residency fees and related costs
The consular fee for visa application is $250, payable in either USD or Euros, depending on the Consular Representation processing the application. This fee is payable in the local currency of the location where the Consular Representation is situated. Additionally, there is a Migration Fee of $300 for MERCOSUR citizens and $600 for non-MERCOSUR citizens. This fee is payable in USD.
Partner:
Yes. There is a visa application fee for the partner/spouse relocating with the principal applicant. The fee is referred to as the "Tasa Migratoria" and the cost is $300 for MERCOSUR citizens and $600 for EXTRA-MERCOSUR citizens. Additionally, there are consular fees that need to be paid, which are $250. These fees are payable in the local currency where the consular representation is located.
Children:
Yes. There is a visa application fee for children relocating with the principal applicant. The consular fee is $250 (in US dollars or Euros, depending on the Consular Representation processing the application, payable in the local currency where the Representation is located). The immigration fee is $300 for MERCOSUR citizens and $600 for EXTRA-MERCOSUR citizens. However, the immigration fee should not be paid until indicated by the consular authority.
Temporary visa application process in Argentina
- 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 color photographs, 4x4cm in size, facing forward, with a white background.
- Completed visa application form (preferably electronically) signed by the applicant.
- Copy of the study program.
- Electronic data preloaded by the educational institution with the National Immigration Office.
The Electronic Travel Authorization (AVE) is processed through the National Immigration Office via the following link: http://www.migraciones.gov.ar/ave/index.htm
Visas for family reunification can only be processed at the Consular Representation of the Argentine Republic corresponding to the foreigner's place of residence. This type of visa is available for the spouse, child, or parent of a native, naturalized, or optioned Argentine citizen.
Visas for non-Catholic religious practitioners that involve temporary residence in the country can only be processed at the Consular Representation of the Argentine Republic corresponding to the foreigner's place of residence.
IMPORTANT: It is reminded that promoting or facilitating the illegal stay of foreigners in Argentine territory to obtain a benefit is punishable by 1 (one) to 6 (six) years of imprisonment. All sponsors are recommended to read Chapter VI of Migration Law No. 25,871 regarding migration offenses. This legislation can be consulted at the following link: servicios.infoleg.gob.ar
Article 2: The residence application of a non-native foreigner from a member state of the Southern Common Market (MERCOSUR) and Associated States who is abroad can be made: a) Abroad, by the interested party or their representative, before the Argentine consular or immigration authority with jurisdiction over the petitioner's place of residence. b) In Argentine territory, by a representative, first-degree relatives of the petitioner, or the petitioner themselves, before the National Immigration Office.
In order to facilitate family reunification for foreigners whose relatives are in a country where the ARGENTINE REPUBLIC does not have a diplomatic or consular mission, assistance may be sought from international organizations such as the UNITED NATIONS HIGH COMMISSIONER FOR REFUGEES (UNHCR) or delegations of member states of the Southern Common Market (MERCOSUR) and Associated States with which there may be agreements.
Once the internal process is completed, it will be sent electronically to the corresponding National Immigration Office. The interested party must previously request an appointment from the National Immigration Office through the website: www.migraciones.gov.ar, to regularize their immigration status in the Argentine Republic.
Shall apply at a consulate or after arriving in Argentina?
Apply at a consulate
Yes. You can apply for a long-term residency visa before coming to Argentina. The application process must be done in person at the Argentine Consular Representation corresponding to the applicant's place of residence. The visa application requires the presentation of various documents, including a valid passport, completed visa application form, a 4x4 front-facing photo with a white background, and a certificate of criminal records issued by the authority of the applicant's country, stating the absence of criminal records for the last three years.
For visas related to business, congresses, fairs, or other technical or professional activities, the inviting party in Argentina must be registered in the National Registry of Requirers.
For visas related to study or work transfer, the process must also be done at the Argentine Consular Representation corresponding to the applicant's place of residence.
Apply in Argentina
No. You cannot apply for a long-term residency visa after arriving in Argentina as a tourist. The visa application process must be done personally at the Argentine Consular Representation corresponding to the foreigner's domicile. This includes visas for studying, for transferred personnel, and for tourism. The visa for tourism allows a stay of up to ninety days. The visa application process cannot be done online or by sending documents by physical mail.
Visa application process for family members
The family reunification visa can only be processed at the Consular Representation of the Argentine Republic corresponding to the foreigner's domicile.
This visa is available for the spouse, child, or parent of a native, naturalized, or by option Argentine citizen.
The visa 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 applicant must present the following documentation (in original and copy) to the corresponding Consulate:
- Valid passport with a minimum validity of 6 months from the date of entry into the country, and at least one page (two sides) available
- Two current 4x4cm photographs, front view, in color, white background
- Completed visa application form (preferably electronically) and signed by the applicant.
The visa application can be made abroad by the interested party or their representative, before the Argentine consular or immigration authority with jurisdiction in the applicant's domicile.
In Argentina, the application can be made by a representative, by first-degree relatives of the applicant, or by the requester, before the NATIONAL DIRECTORATE OF MIGRATIONS.
The foreigner applying for permanent residence must prove that they are a spouse, parent, or child of a native, naturalized, or by option Argentine citizen.
How long can I stay in Argentina?
FAQ concerning visa applications in Argentina
Application channels and procedure
Yes. You can apply for a long-term residency visa before coming to Argentina. The application process must be done in person at the Argentine Consular Representation corresponding to the applicant's place of residence. The visa application process is personal and requires the presentation of various documents, including a valid passport, completed visa application form, a 4x4 front-facing photo with a white background, and a certificate of criminal records issued by the authority of the applicant's country, stating the absence of criminal records for the last three years.
For visas related to business, congresses, fairs, or other technical or professional activities, the inviting party in Argentina must be registered in the National Registry of Requirers.
For visas related to study or work transfer, the process must also be done at the Argentine Consular Representation corresponding to the applicant's place of residence.
No. You cannot apply for a long-term residency visa after arriving in Argentina as a tourist. The visa application process must be done personally at the Argentine Consular Representation corresponding to the foreigner's domicile. This includes visas for studying, for transferred personnel, and for tourism. The visa for tourism allows a stay of up to ninety days. The visa application process cannot be done online or by sending documents by physical mail.
Yes. There is an interview during the long-term residency visa application process. The consul or a designated consular official is required to interview the foreign applicant as part of the visa extension process.
Yes and No. For most of the visas, Argentina does not have a cap on the total number of visas issued each year. The only exclusion is the working holiday visa, which is limited. The cap varies depending on the country of origin of the visa applicant. See the working holiday visa in Argentina page for more information.
The visa is not received by email. The original visa application must be sent by mail to the Argentine embassy or consulate where the foreigner will apply for their visa. The visa process may also involve a consular interview. Therefore, it is likely that the visa will be stamped on the passport at the consulate or immigration office.
Once the visa is approved, it must be picked up from the Dirección Nacional de Migraciones within thirty days.
The visa must be used to enter Argentina within thirty days of being issued.
Yes. The foreigner needs to show the documents when picking up the visa. The documents required include a health certificate issued by the corresponding health authority, birth certificate and other documents related to the civil status of the person, and any other documentation expressly required in the agreed entry permit. The foreigner may also need to present proof of their tourist status, such as round-trip tickets, travel assistance insurance, hotel reservations, or proof of financial solvency. For family reunification visas, the applicant must present their valid passport, two current 4x4cm photos, and a completed visa application form.
No. The visa application process is personal and the applicant must present the required documentation in person at the Argentine embassy.
Family-related residency visa questions
The spouse, child, or parent of an Argentine native, naturalized, or by option, can apply for a family reunification visa. This visa is processed only at the Consular Representation of the Argentine Republic corresponding to the foreigner's domicile. Children of Argentine natives or by option born abroad are recognized as permanent residents and are allowed free entry and stay in the territory.
Yes. A partner or spouse of an Argentine citizen or permanent resident is allowed to work in Argentina. They can apply for a visa for family reunification, which is available for the spouse, child, or parent of an Argentine native, naturalized citizen, or by option. This visa allows them to reside and work in Argentina.
Yes. There is an age limit for children to apply together with their parents for a visa. The law states that for family reunification visas, the child must be under 18 years old and not emancipated, or an adult with different abilities.
Application fees
The consular fee for visa application is $250, payable in either USD or Euros, depending on the Consular Representation processing the application. This fee is payable in the local currency of the location where the Consular Representation is situated. Additionally, there is a Migration Fee of $300 for MERCOSUR citizens and $600 for non-MERCOSUR citizens. This fee is payable in USD.
Yes. There is a visa application fee for the partner/spouse relocating with the principal applicant. The fee is referred to as the "Tasa Migratoria" and the cost is $300 for MERCOSUR citizens and $600 for EXTRA-MERCOSUR citizens. Additionally, there are consular fees that need to be paid, which are $250. These fees are payable in the local currency where the consular representation is located.
Yes. There is a visa application fee for children relocating with the principal applicant. The consular fee is $250 (in US dollars or Euros, depending on the Consular Representation processing the application, payable in the local currency where the Representation is located). The immigration fee is $300 for MERCOSUR citizens and $600 for EXTRA-MERCOSUR citizens. However, the immigration fee should not be paid until indicated by the consular authority.
Application Timing and Updates
The visa application process does not have a specific timeline as it is subject to the volume of applications. However, the current resolution time for the procedures is approximately 30 business days from the date the file is generated. Please note that the processing times only begin when the payment of the visa application is confirmed. Therefore, it is advisable to start the visa application process at least a month before your intended move date.
To check the status of your visa application, you will receive a notification in your email once the process is completed and the Apostille/Legalization is issued. You can then log into the platform and download the file that begins with the letters CE. There is no need to take any further steps or verification, as the verification is a stage for the receiving authority. The name of the Apostilled/Legalized document that appears in the "Subject" field is generic and not specific, indicating the nature to which it belongs (civil status, educational, notarial, among others). When you download the Apostille/Legalization, you can view the linked document on which the certification was formalized: the attached file appears when you select the icon in the form of a clip, when you open the file with ADOBE READER.
You will be notified of the outcome of your application via email. Once your application is finalized and the Apostille/Legalization is issued, you will receive a notification in your email. You can log into the platform and download the file that begins with the letters CE. No further steps are required from your end, as verification is a step for the receiving authority.
When you download the Apostille/Legalization, you can view the linked document on which the certification was formalized. The attached file appears when you select the clip icon and open the file with Adobe Reader.
In the case of administrative proceedings substantiated for the grant of permanent residence, the National Immigration Office will also send subsequent notifications to the last address that the foreigner has informed the National Registry of Persons.
- Any change of address must be personally informed by the foreigner in the file in which admission or residence was granted, in writing and within THREE days of occurrence.
- The NATIONAL DIRECTION OF MIGRATIONS, after verifying the identity of the signatory, will proceed to make the change.
- If the foreigner acts through a proxy or entrusts a third party to comply with the procedure on his behalf, it will be required that his signature be properly certified in the note directed to the immigration authority.
- The signature certification must be made by a public notary, police authority or justice of the peace.
Yes. There may be specific vaccination requirements depending on the country you are traveling from. It is advised to inquire about the health situation of the places you are traveling to, particularly about the vaccination requirements. Additionally, a health certificate issued by the corresponding health authority may be required, as determined by the Ministry of Health.
Yes. There is an appeal process if your visa application is denied. If your visa application is rejected, you can elevate your case to the Dirección Nacional de Migraciones within five business days. You can also improve or expand the grounds of your appeal within five business days of it being received by the Dirección Nacional de Migraciones. Additionally, administrative acts that resolve the issues listed in Article 74 can also be appealed to the issuing authority of the act within fifteen business days of its notification. This appeal will be elevated within five business days to the Dirección Nacional de Migraciones.
References
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