The Argentina Work Visa, Explained
Did you find a work in Argentina? Or would you be interested in relocating to Argentina to get a work there? It is then crucial to understand how to obtain a work visa. This guide explains the Argentine work visa, from eligibility criteria to the necessary documentation, and even the costs involved. We also walk you through the entire application process and tackle some of the most frequently asked questions.
What is the work visa in Argentina?
A work visa in Argentina, also known as a "Vacaciones y Trabajo" visa, allows the visa holder to stay in Argentina for a period of up to 12 months. During this period, visa holders can enter and exit Argentina freely, work for up to 6 months of their total stay, and participate in training or educational courses for up to 6 months. The visa application requires the submission of specific documentation, including a valid passport, completed visa application form, a 4x4 front-facing photo with a white background, a certificate of criminal records issued by the relevant authority, and a sworn declaration of absence of criminal records in other countries. The visa application must be submitted to the Embassy of the Republic of Argentina in the applicant's home country. The visa holder is responsible for leaving the country once the authorized stay period expires.
Who can apply for a work visa? Is the work visa in Argentina right for me?
Foreigners who can apply for a work visa in Argentina include those who are invited to the country for professional activities such as business, congresses, fairs, or other technical or professional activities. The individual or legal entity based in Argentina that invites foreigners for these professional activities must be registered in the National Registry of Applicants.
Another category of foreigners who can apply for a work visa in Argentina are those who participate in the Work and Holiday Program. Participants in this program can stay in Argentina for a period of up to 12 months. They can enter and exit Argentina and work for up to 6 months of their total stay. They can also participate in training or education courses for up to 6 months during their stay.
Foreigners can change their immigration category or subcategory without needing to leave Argentine territory. If a foreigner has been admitted under a visa, they can change their immigration category or subcategory.
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Who does not qualify for a work visa?
Argentina Work visa eligibility
Documents required to apply for a work 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).
- A certificate of criminal records issued by the origin country, stating the absence of criminal records for the last three years.
Specific documents for this visa
To apply for a work visa in Argentina, you need the following documents:
What are the fees for the work visa in Argentina
The cost of a work visa application in Argentina is €150 Euros. This fee is paid as a consular fee and is payable in the local currency of the consular office where the application is being processed.
Work visa application process
Frequent questions about the work visa in Argentina
Work visa application process
Yes. You can apply for a work visa outside Argentina. The visa application process is personal and must be presented with the necessary documentation to the Argentine Consulate with jurisdiction over your usual place of residence. The documents required include a valid passport, a completed visa application form, and a 4x4 front-facing photo with a white background. It is also important to have proof of the commercial/work activity developed in the country of origin, a round trip ticket reservation, a hotel reservation or proof of accommodation in Argentina, and a consular interview.
The processing time for a work visa application in Argentina is approximately 30 business days from the date the file is generated. This timeframe begins once the payment of the visa application is confirmed.
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 work visa allows individuals to work in Argentina for a local company. However, it should be noted that under the Vacation and Work visa program, participants can only work for up to 6 months of their total stay, as the main objective of this program is to encourage tourism and leisure activities. They can also participate in training or education courses for up to 6 months during their stay. The visa application requires the presentation of specific documentation. The visa issuance is at the sole discretion of the Argentine State.
No. The immigration service does not specify any requirements that the employer needs to meet such as amount of sales, equity, or minimum history to qualify for a work visa.
Yes. The work contract does require specific clauses to be accepted. The contract must be a bona fide contract and comply with the laws, regulations, and requirements of the Party where the contract is executed. Additionally, procuring entities may require bidders to provide guarantees for maintaining the offer, and the successful bidder to provide a guarantee for the execution. The terms of the work will be defined by the engaged Parties, when needed.
Work visa conditions
Yes. You can bring dependents or family members to Argentina together with you under your work 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 duration of a work 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.
Yes. You can travel in and out of Argentina without any restrictions on a work visa.
No. Argentina does not have a cap on the number of work visas issued each year. Have in mind though that if you come to Argentina to work with a working holiday visa, there is a cap. Check the Argentina working holiday visa page for more information.
No. Spanish / culture courses are not required as part of the work visa application process in Argentina.
Yes. It is possible to change employers during the duration of the work visa. The visa holder can stay in Argentina for up to 12 months and work, but they cannot exceed a period of 6 months with the same employer.
Yes. You can get a work visa even if you do not have a job. The visa referred to as "Vacaciones y Trabajo" allows participants to stay in Argentina for up to 12 months, during which they can work, but not in a permanent job. However, you must have sufficient funds to cover initial expenses of your stay, have a return ticket to your place of origin or the necessary funds to acquire it, and have medical and accident insurance that covers hospitalization and repatriation costs throughout your stay.
Visa renewal / Permanent residency
Yes. You can switch to a different visa type while residing in Argentina on a work visa. The law states that foreigners can change their immigration category or subcategory without needing to leave Argentine territory.
Yes for permanent residency. No for citizenship. You can apply for permanent residency in Argentina after two years (Mercosur citizen) or three years (citizens from non-Mercosur countries). 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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