How to Move to Argentina: Full Guide (2025)

Jump to: Quick Facts · Living Essentials · Pros · Cons · Visas Guide · Residency & Citizenship · Business · Resources

Interested in moving to Argentina? Here’s what you need to know:

🇦🇷 Argentina at a Glance

• Size: 7th or 8th largest country globally (disputed Antarctic claim)
• Territory claims: South Georgia, South Sandwich, Falkland Islands (sovereignty contested)
• Name origin: “Argentina” from Latin argentum (silver) – explorers sought silver mountains
• Population: ~47.3 million; Greater Buenos Aires houses 1/3 of population, produces 40% of GDP on 0.14% of land
• Economic status: One of South America’s most developed; G-20 member
• History: Once wealthy (early 1900s), now affected by political instability and economic crises
• Culture highlights: Tango, Ernesto “Che” Guevara, football legends (Maradona, Messi)
• Diet: Heavy meat consumption (~116 kg/year per capita); low fish intake (~10 kg/year)
• Identity: Strong European descent (primarily Italian, Spanish, some German & British); immigration peak 1850-1930
• Corruption: Widespread in public/private sectors; cash preferred due to mistrust in banks; CPI score 37 (2024)
• Agriculture: Key industry; 3rd largest soy producer globally; major corn and wheat exporter

🏠 Living Essentials

• Currency: Argentine Peso (ARS); US Dollar widely used in large transactions
• Languages: Spanish (official), some English; Italian and Levantine Arabic among immigrant communities
• Religion: Roman Catholic (92%), Protestant (2%), Jewish (2%)
• Ethnic makeup: 97% white European (mostly Spanish & Italian), 3% mestizo, Amerindian, others
• Largest cities: Buenos Aires, Córdoba, Rosario, Mendoza, Tucumán

🤔 Why Choose Argentina

• Diverse ecosystems: Andes mountains, lakes, pampas, Amazonian jungles/waterfalls, arid northwest, glaciers, plus access to Antarctica.
• Iconic sights: Iguazú Falls and Perito Moreno Glacier are world-famous must-sees.
• Affordable European lifestyle: Similar culture and pace to Europe but with lower living costs.
• Welcoming locals: Argentinians are warm and often invite newcomers to asados (barbecues).
• Vineyards galore: Paradise for wine lovers with abundant countryside vineyards.
• Shopping variety: Major cities offer a better range of shopping than most South American countries.
• Ski resorts: Andean mountains host ski resorts, rare for the predominantly warm continent.
• Free education: Public education at all levels, including top universities, plus quality private bilingual schools available.
• Public healthcare: Free medical care with skilled doctors—expect longer waits and limited resources.
• Nightlife: Late dinners (9–11 PM) and clubs open till noon satisfy night owls.
• Meat paradise: World-class steakhouses and excellent local cuisine at reasonable prices.

⚠️ Argentina Challenges

Note: these are common expat complaints, and may not apply to you.

• High taxes: 37.2% of GDP from taxation with complaints about poor civic returns.
• Job market: Difficult for expats to find work unless relocated by multinational firms.
• Inefficient public services: Many skip public education/healthcare for private alternatives due to inefficiency.
• Siesta culture: 2-4 hour afternoon closures (noon to 5 PM) can disrupt schedules with inconsistent timings.
• ATM limits: Low daily withdrawal limits cause cash access delays without a national bank account.
• Limited diet options: Meat-heavy cuisine challenges vegetarians, vegans, and gluten-free diners.
• Unkempt urban areas: Dilapidated sidewalks, dirty streets, and common littering, especially in parts of major cities.
• Safety concerns: Rising crime and organized gangs necessitate caution, especially in large cities like Buenos Aires.
• Transport frustrations: Inefficient public transit and outdated train systems make commuting tough.
• Residency needed for basics: National ID card is essential for banking, utilities, and phone services—only residents can get one.

🛂 Argentina Visa Guide

• Tourism & Business visa: 90-day visa issued upon arrival for many nationalities; no prior application needed
• Check visa requirements: Some nationalities must apply for a tourism visa before arrival – confirm with Argentine Embassy/Consulate
• Student Visa: Only if enrolled in an approved institution; valid until course completion; non-renewable
• Contracted Personnel Visa: For those working in Argentina with an authorized company; apply before or after entry; may require certified credentials and work history
• Financier Visa: Requires proof of minimum monthly income of 8,500 ARS (~$2,200 USD); income sources include investments, dividends, settlements; funds must be deposited in Argentina
• Pensioner Visa: Same income requirement as Financier (8,500 ARS/month); proof of pension income with deposits in Argentine bank needed
• Common required documents:
  • Police report from home country (issued <6 months), apostilled, Spanish translated, legalized by Argentine court
  • Argentine police report (visit main police station, provide photo, passport copy, fingerprints, fees)
  • Apostilled, Spanish translated, legalized birth certificate; if names differ from passport, an embassy letter confirming identity may be needed
  • Notarized photocopy of whole passport, translated and legalized
  • Two recent passport photos (bring extras just in case)
  • Possibly marriage certificates, divorce certificates, name change documents – all apostilled, translated, legalized
• Health insurance: Some visa types require proof of health coverage valid in Argentina
• National ID (DNI): Must apply within 90 days of entry; required for renting, utilities, and major purchases
• Work permission process:
  • Apply for Permiso de Residencia (temporary or permanent) with Dirección Nacional de Migraciones
  • Obtain tax number: CUIT (independent) or CUIL (employee) from AFIP
  • Interim Residencia Precaria status allows tax number while waiting for final permit
• Simplified residence for MERCOSUR nationals (Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Chile, Ecuador, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay, Venezuela):
  • Apply via Argentine consulate or in Argentina
  • Permit valid 2 years, renewable
  • Obtain DNI within 60 days of permit
• Other nationals:
  • Must have sponsoring company registered with Renure
  • Apply via consulate or in Argentina
  • Permit valid 12 months to 3 years, renewable
  • Obtain DNI within 60 days
  • Special permits exist for scientists, researchers, retirees
• With residence permit: Can search for jobs without company sponsorship

🛬 Residency & Citizenship

Becoming a resident:

• Residency processing: Can take months to several years; often as long or longer than visa approvals.
• Permanent residence: Allows indefinite living and working in Argentina; most visas (except Tourism and Student) count toward residency.
• Requirements change: Consult an experienced immigration lawyer to navigate unpredictable bureaucracy.

Citizenship:

• Naturalization eligibility: Must be 18+, with continuous residency in Argentina for 2+ years.
• Application process: Submit citizenship request before a federal judge.
• Criminal record: No jail over 3 years, no active prosecutions, and no illegal activities; approval likely if clean.
• Additional proofs: May need Spanish language proficiency, legal residency proof, and clean criminal records from Argentina and home country.
• Documents needed: Certified passport and birth certificate copies on hand.
• Dual citizenship: Allowed, but Argentina recognizes only Argentine citizenship within its borders.
• Renunciation: Some applicants may be asked to renounce native citizenship.

💼 Business in Argentina

• Business types: Branches, partnerships, corporations, limited liability companies.
• Residency visa: Required to start a business.
• Business plan: Must be in Spanish.
• Company name: Reserve and verify with IGJ; fee required; wait for approval.
• Partner signatures: Must be certified by a public notary (paid service).
• Bank account: Open in business name at national bank; deposit 25% of subscribed capital with proof.
• Company notice: Publish formation in Boletín Oficial.
• Official books: Purchase government-mandated operational records.
• Tax number: Obtain CUIT from AFIP.
• Social security: Register for contributions.
• Incorporation: Extra steps needed, typically requiring a lawyer due to complex laws and bureaucracy.
• Investor Residence Permit: For foreigners investing ≥ ARS$1,500,000 (~$187,000) benefiting local economy.
• Investor requirements: Submit project overview, business plan, proof of legal fund origin, funds via authorized banks.
• Approval: Ministry of Industry evaluates; upon approval, temporary residence granted for up to 3 years.
• Post-approval: Investment must be completed by deadline set by National Direction of Migration.

📚 Helpful Resources

• Migration Authority: detailed migration processes, online apps, residency info (Spanish only).
• Cancilleria: visa requirements and procedures (English & Spanish).
• ZonaJobs – Major job portal covering a spectrum of industries with frequent listings and application tools.

How to Move: The Book!

I’m putting together a practical, step-by-step guide on how to move abroad – and I need your help! In return, you’ll get a FREE copy of the book. Please see this page for details!

↑ Back to Top