The Argentina Business Visa, Explained
Interested in doing business in Argentina? Well, Argentina is also interesed in foreign entrepreneurs. Let's review how to secure a business visa in Argentina together. From understanding who is eligible to the necessary documentation, visa fees, and the application process, we've got you covered.
What is the business visa in Argentina?
A business visa in Argentina can be processed at any Consular Representation of the Argentine Republic. The authorized stay period for this type of visa is up to sixty days. 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; a completed visa application form (preferably electronically) and signed by the applicant; an invitation letter from the inviter in the Argentine Republic properly registered in the RENURE; proof that accredits the commercial/work activity developed in the country of origin (for example, work certificate with the company's letterhead). The inviter must take responsibility for the foreigner's departure from the country when the authorized stay period expires.
Who can apply for a business visa? Is the business visa in Argentina right for me?
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Who does not qualify for a business visa?
Argentina Business visa eligibility
Documents required to apply for a business 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 business visa in Argentina, you need the following documents:
- Proof that verifies your commercial or work activity in your home country. This could be, 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 business visa in Argentina
The cost of a business visa application in Argentina is $200. This fee can be paid 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.
Business visa application process
Yes. The business visa in Argentina does have a specific application process. An individual or legal entity based in Argentina who invites foreigners to conduct professional activities in the country must be registered in the National Registry of Requirers. The visa application process is initiated online through the 'tramitesadistancia.gob.ar' website. The applicant must select the "AFIP" option and complete it with their CUIT/CUIL and personal AFIP key to validate their identity. They then search for "Invitation letter" and select the procedure "Invitation letter to process Foreign Visas".
It is important to note that no more than one person can be invited per procedure. Any procedure involving more than one guest will not be considered. The applicant must then complete the "Procedure Data" item and indicate the Argentine consulate where the foreigner will process the visa. They must also complete the "Application Form" item and fill in the inviter's details.
As this is an invitation for tourism, the Corporate Name and RENURE Number will not be completed. Instead, the relationship with the inviter and the details of the invited foreigner must be specified.
The applicant must also present evidence of the commercial/labor activity developed in the 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, and attend a consular interview.
Frequent questions about the business visa in Argentina
Business visa application process
Yes. You can apply for a business visa outside Argentina. The application for residency by a foreigner not native to a MERCOSUR member state or associated states can be made either from abroad, by the interested party or their representative, before an Argentine consular or immigration authority with jurisdiction in the applicant's domicile.
The processing time for a business visa application is approximately 30 business days from the date the file is generated. This period only begins once the payment of the visa application is confirmed.
No. The information given does not indicate a way to expedite the process of obtaining a business visa. The processing time is around 30 business days from the date of file generation, and this only begins once the payment of the visa application is confirmed.
Business visa conditions
Yes. You can bring dependents or family members to Argentina together with you under your business 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.
You can stay in Argentina with a business visa for up to sixty days.
No. You cannot travel in and out of Argentina without any restrictions on a business visa. The authorized stay period for a business visa is up to sixty days.
No. There are no courses required as part of the business visa application process in Argentina.
Business-related questions
- 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)
- 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 Argentine Republic, it must be apostilled/legalized
- Certified copy of the National Identity Document (DNI) of the Argentine relative or permanent resident
- Certificate of domicile of the Argentine relative or permanent resident
- RNC FORM n° 7 (APPLICATION FOR REGISTRATION OF BRANCHES OR HEADQUARTERS)
- MINUTES OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS AUTHORIZING THE REPRESENTATIVE (IF THE PROCEDURE IS PRESENTED BY A PERSON DIFFERENT FROM THE HIGHEST RELIGIOUS AUTHORITY)
- MINUTES OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS WHERE THE OPENING OF THE BRANCH / HEADQUARTERS IS AUTHORIZED
- BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACTIVITIES TO BE CARRIED OUT IN THE BRANCH / HEADQUARTERS
- TITLE OF PROPERTY OF THE PLACE OF WORSHIP OR DOCUMENTATION THAT ACCREDITS AUTHORIZATION FOR ITS USE AS A PLACE OF WORSHIP
- A complete description of the procurement, including the nature and quantity of the goods or services to be procured or, where the quantity is not known, the estimated quantity and any requirements to be fulfilled, including any technical specification, conformity assessment certification, plans, drawings or instructional materials
- Any conditions for participation of suppliers, including a list of information and documents that suppliers are required to submit in connection therewith
- All evaluation criteria to be considered in the awarding of the contract, and, except where the price is the sole criterion, the relative importance of such criteria.
Yes. There is a minimum investment amount required to qualify for the business visa in Argentina. The applicant must make a productive, commercial, or service investment of interest to the country, with a minimum amount of one million five hundred thousand pesos ($1,500,000). The applicant must present the investment project to the National Immigration Office, proving the origin and legality of the funds, and their entry into the country through banking or financial institutions authorized by the Central Bank of the Republic of Argentina.
Yes. You can travel in and out of Argentina multiple times on a business visa. The visa allows for multiple entries and exits and can be extended for up to three years.
No. You cannot hire local employees while on a business visa in Argentina. The law states that foreigners admitted or authorized as "temporary residents" may not perform remunerated or lucrative tasks, either on their own or in a dependent relationship, unless they are expressly authorized by the National Migration Service.
The visa you are granted is specific to the activities you intend to undertake in Argentina. Engaging in activities outside of those specified could potentially violate the terms of your visa.
No. A minimum amount of revenue or profit is not required to renew a visa in Argentina.
No. There are no such requirements to obtain a business visa in Argentina. You may have appoint a legal representative for legal procedures related to a local company if you want to open one, but not for the visa.
Business visa renewal / Permanent residency
Yes. 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.
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