Tips For Relocating To Argentina: Visa Insights And More

Argentina is South America’s southernmost country. With its vast coasts, limitless grasslands, and soaring Andes Mountains, it is a fantastic destination that everyone should be aware of. It produces high-quality wine, has a vibrant nightlife, and is the cradle of Tango, a national treasure.

Argentina is a country of remarkable contrasts; it is calm, welcoming, progressive, and innovative. It incorporates technology and has a modern infrastructure while still honoring traditions. Plus, Argentina is quite inexpensive and offers a high-quality lifestyle.

Millions of tourists travel to Argentina yearly to participate in its exciting activities and rich culture. Although visiting Argentina is impressive, living there is the best way to experience this one-of-a-kind nation’s vibrant culture and breathtaking scenery.

Basic Facts About Argentina

Basic facts about Argentina include:

Do I Need a Visa to Move to Argentina?

Anyone who plans to stay in Argentina for more than three months (90 days) must obtain an Argentina visa. Argentina offers a variety of visas based on your travel reason. You must also apply for a residence or long-term visa to enter this country.

How to Move to Argentina?

To move to Argentina, you must have a long-term (residential) visa. Foreigners seeking to live, work, study, or retire in Argentina must obtain a residence visa.

In addition to the visa, any foreign national intending to stay in Argentina for more than three months must register with the authorities (Registro Nacional de las Personas) and get a residence permit.

If you want to move to Argentina for more than three months, the following options are perfect for you.

• Moving to Argentina for work.
• Moving to Argentina to study.
• Moving to Argentina to join a family member.
• Moving to Argentina to retire.
• Moving to Argentina to Work

To work in Argentina, you must apply for both a work permit and a long-term visa. Also, your company in Argentina must be registered with the National Immigrant Sponsors Register and submit an application for a work permit on your behalf. After you have obtained your work permit, you must apply for a work visa at the nearest Argentinian embassy or consulate.

Within 90 days of arriving, you must register with your local Registro Nacional de Personas. They will also provide you a DNI (National ID). It not only serves as an identification card, but it also carries your social security number, which is essential to engage into any contract. The work visa is valid for one year and is renewable.

Moving to Argentina to Study

If you wish to pursue your studies in an educational institution in Argentina, you must obtain a student visa. The student visa is usually valid for six months but can be renewed in case the study program lasts longer. After entering Argentina, you must register with the authorities and obtain a residence permit.

Moving to Argentina for Family Reunification

If you want to move to Argentina with a family member, you must first apply for a family reunification visa. To obtain a family visa, you must be the parent, spouse, or child of an Argentine citizen or permanent resident.

Upon arrival in Argentina, you must register with the authorities (Registro Nacional de las Personas) and get a residency permit. The residency permit is valid for one year and may be renewed for up to three years.

Moving to Argentina for Retirement

You can retire in Argentina by getting a retirement visa (pensionado). You are qualified for the visa if you have a pension of 30,000 Argentine pesos. To apply for a retirement visa, you must be present in Argentina. You may enter the nation on a different visa and then apply for a retirement visa. The retirement visa is similar to a temporary residence permit.

The Argentian retirement visa has a one-year validity period. After satisfying the requirements, the visa can be renewed for up to three years. After that, a permanent resident permit can be requested for.

How to Obtain Permanent Residency in Argentina?

After a certain number of years of legal residence in Argentina, you may be eligible for permanent residency. For example, after three years on a temporary residence permit, you can become a permanent resident. Nonetheless, say you’re from a MERCOSUR (Southern Common Market) country. In that situation, you can obtain permanent residency in Argentina after two years of residence.

How Can I Become an Argentine Citizen?

You can become an Argentine citizen through the following routes:

• Citizenship by birth. A person born in Argentina automatically becomes a citizen, except if they were born to a foreign diplomat.
• Citizenship by naturalization. You can win citizenship by naturalization if you are 18 years of age or older and have legally resided in Argentina for at least two years.
• Citizenship by descent. To gain citizenship by descent, at least one of your parents must be an Argentine citizen.
• Citizenship by marriage. If you can win citizenship if you marry an Argentine citizen. Argentina allows same-sex marriages.

Does Argentina Allow Dual Citizenship?

Argentina allows dual citizenship. The acquisition of dual citizenship is possible without registering or giving up your previous citizenship. However, you should first determine whether your home country allows you to obtain another citizenship.

Why Should I Move to Argentina?

Before you decide to move to Argentina, you should consider the following pros and cons

How Can I Move My Belongings to Argentina?

You can move your belonging by air, land, or sea. It depends on how much you wish to spend and how long you can wait for them. There are a few customs regulations that you must comply with:

• You must be present when the Customs Clearance signs all the documents.
• The shipment must arrive within six months of the customer’s arrival in Argentina or three months before the customer’s arrival.*
• All items must be used and owned by the shipper for at least one year.
• New items are subject to high duties and may cause delays in customs clearance.

To bring your belongings to Argentina, you must provide a few documents:

• Your valid passport.
• Your visa.
• Detailed shipment inventory (in Spanish).
• Proof of deposition of a “Guarantee” based on the value of the goods.
• The customer should declare on his/her passport that they will expect a household goods shipment upon arrival at Customs.

You are prohibited from shipping the following items:

• Illegal drugs.
• Explosives.
• Knives and deadly weapons.
• Counterfeit money and goods.
• Pornographic material.
• Meat or meat products from any animal.
• Dairy products.
• Items produced by bees.
• Fresh fruits and vegetables.
• Flowers and plants with fruit, ornamental plants, trees or parts of trees, bulbs, seeds, rhizomes, and buds.
• Insects, bacteria, fungi, viruses, and any other microorganisms used for research purposes.
• Semen and other biological products used in veterinary medicine.
• Animal food.
• Soil.
• New computers.
• New and color televisions.

*Argentine Customs requires a special permit if a shipment arrives six months or more after the customer.

Can I Move With My Pets to Argentina?

You can move with your pets to Argentina, to do so, you must meet the following requirements:

• Your pets must have a microchip.
• Your pets must be vaccinated for rabies for at least 21 days and not more than 36 months before entering Argentina, with the exception of puppies and kittens under three months.
• All pets must have a health certificate.
• A licensed veterinarian must complete the Veterinary Certificate for Argentina within ten days of entry.
• Your pets must be treated for internal and external parasites 15 days before traveling.
• If your pets are entering through the air, you must notify the veterinary officials.
• Other animals, except cats and dogs, need an import permit and health certificate for entry.
• If your pets are turtles or parrots, you should verify that they are not protected under the Convention on International Trade in
• Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).

Popular Places in Argentina for Expats

Argentina, the second-largest country in South America, is known for its beautiful nature and vivid culture. Some of the most popular cities in Argentina are:

• Buenos Aires.
• Mendoza.
• Cordoba.
• Rosario.
• Ushuaia.

Buenos Aires

Buenos Aires is the capital of Argentina. With a blend of European and Latin influences, Buenos Aires is an intriguing place to live. Century-old buildings line its boulevards, and street art coexists with wonderful restaurants and bars. As a result, many expats dwell in this South American town, and visitors are warmly welcomed.

Buenos Aires may not be the cheapest city to live in, but it is still reasonable. Because the economy is famously volatile, the cost of living in Buenos Aires varies significantly by year and income.

If you plan to relocate with your family to Buenos Aires, you will find expat communities and foreign schools for children. This city offers beauty, diversity, and exceptional red wines,  rich meats, endless conversations, and the never-ending stories of the country.

Mendoza

Mendoza is located in Mendoza province, nestled between the Andes. This city is well-known among wine connoisseurs because it is the largest producer in the country. Mendoza is also a year-round destination for climbers, hikers, skiers, rafters, cyclists, paragliders, naturalists, trekkers, and wine enthusiasts.

Foreigners have numerous advantages in Mendoza, both in the city and across the province. In addition to the breathtaking natural scenery, the area offers a variety of recreational opportunities. In addition, the current economic situation provides opportunity for entrepreneurs with good business sense and those who are adventurous.

The city offers a well-developed infrastructure, including great healthcare, European architecture, and a vibrant metropolitan culture.

Cordoba

Cordoba, renowned as Argentina’s Heartland, preserves its colonial history while incorporating a modern tourism sector. Many of Argentina’s monuments can be located in Cordoba, with some dating back to the Spanish colonial era. Cordoba’s gorgeous colonial architecture, known for its colorful clubs and restaurants, draws a big student population who appreciate the city’s blend of traditional and contemporary influences.

Cordoba is a rather safe city. Cordoba’s low crime rate makes it a relatively safe place to reside. Still, foreigners should be mindful of petty crimes such as pickpocketing and bag theft.

Rosario

Rosario is Argentina’s third largest city. The city is most known as the birthplaces of Lionel Messi and Che Guevara. Rosario is historically significant because it was the first location where the Argentine flag was raised. The National Flag Monument, which offers a spectacular perspective of the entire city, was built in its honor. Rosario also has various art museums.

Rosario, a lovely city with a vibrant nightlife, has a lot to offer visitors. Visitors frequently neglect it in favor of the nation’s capital, yet they are always astounded by what this place has to offer.

Ushuaia

Ushuaia, one of the world’s most southerly cities, is located in Tierra del Fuego and is bordered by the stunning snow-capped Martial Range, which provides a picturesque backdrop for its low-lying houses nestled along the beach.

There are several good museums, restaurants, casinos, and other entertainment alternatives available. Most guests come to see the stunning natural scenery right outside their hotel doors. From there, you may kayak, hike, sail, scuba dive, ski, or explore other breathtaking landscapes and ecosystems. Ushuaia is an excellent starting point for trips to Antarctica or the Andes.