Complete Guide To Obtaining An Argentina Retirement Visa

Argentina is known as one of Latin America’s largest economies. Tango, gauchos, wine, and the Iguazu Falls are all well-known in this gorgeous Latin country. With over 60,000 foreigners living in the nation, Argentina provides excellent living conditions at reasonable expenses.

Argentina also provides retirement-friendly visa alternatives for expats. You can retire in Argentina by filing for a pensionado visa. A Pensionado Visa is a form of temporary residency visa that allows you to come to Argentina and live there until your retirement.

The retirement age in Argentina is 65 for men and 60 for women.

Who Can Get an Argentina Retirement Visa?

You can obtain an Argentina Retirement (Pensionado) visa if you have a monthly pension of at least 30,000 Argentine Pesos. You must demonstrate that you received this amount as a pension or retirement benefit from the government or an international organization.

Requirements for an Argentina Retirement Visa

You are required to submit the following original documents to fully complete the Argentina Retirement visa application:

• A valid and original passport. If you are from a neighboring country, you do not need to present a passport. Instead, you can present a valid ID or certificate of nationality with a photo.
• Argentinian criminal record incorporated into the Radex system.
• A criminal record issued in your country of origin. The document must be signed by the Argentinian consular authority or apostilled with the Hague Convention, or endorsed by the consular authority of your home country in Argentina.
• A certificate with your address or a utility bill in your name.
• Stamp of entry to the country stamped on the travel document.
• Proof issued by a government or international organization stating that you receive a pension or retirement, on a regular basis, together with the amount and duration of the received benefit.

NOTE: All documents must be legalized by the Argentine Consulate located in the issuing country of the document or apostilled if your country has approved the Hague Convention. Documents presented in a foreign language must be translated into Spanish by a national public translator and legalized by the Association of Translators.

How to Apply for an Argentina Retirement Visa?

To apply for an Argentina Retirement visa (Pensionado Visa), you must be within the territory of the Argentine Republic. Here is a step-by-step process:

• Enter Argentina. You may enter the country by obtaining an Argentina visa or visa-free if you are exempt from the visa requirement.
• Start the application process via RaDEX. You have to start the process of visa application by entering the RaDEX (Módulos de Radiación a Distancia de Extranjeros) system on the website of the Ministry of Interior and attaching the required documents and data. The process of application in RaDEX is quick and easy.
• Pay the visa fee. You have to pay the fee in cash or by debit card at the Argentinian Ministry of Interior. This is mandatory since the procedure will be closed only if all fees have been paid.

Shortly after the procedure is done, you will receive the request for missing any documents or a date for the appointment to attend at one of the corresponding delegations:

• Jujuy
• Jump
• Tucuman
• The Rioja
• San Juan
• Mendoza
• Saint Louis
• Cordova
• Rosary Beads
• Formosa
• Iguazu
• The Pampa
• Bariloche
• Ushuaia
• Puerto Madryn
• Rio Gallgos, etc.

What Is The Duration of a Retirement Visa in Argentina?

The Argentian Retirement (Pensionado) Visa is valid for a year. If you still match the requirements, it can be extended for up to three years, following which you can apply for permanent residency.

After two years of permanent residency, you are able to petition for Argentine citizenship.

Argentina Pensionado Visa Fees

Find the fees for a Pensionado Visa in the table below:

Your application will not be processed until all the payments are done. There are two currently available payment methods you can use to pay the required fee when applying for an Argentian Retirement visa:

• Cash
• Credit Card (Visa, Master Card, and American Express)

Can I Work in Argentina if I Have a Pensionado Visa?

Holders of a Pensionado visa are allowed to establish a business or work on their own but cannot work as employees.

Can I Bring Family Members With Me?

This type of visa allows you to bring your family members (dependents) to Argentina, but you might be required to add an additional amount for each dependent.

Living Costs in Argentina

Argentina can be both expensive and cheap at the same time, but it remains extremely reasonable. Overall, a single person can live well for $1,000 to $1,200 per month, or $2,000 to $2,200 per month for a couple; however, many retirees spend less.

The amount you need to spend is determined on your lifestyle and the place where you live. If you are on a tight budget, avoid large and wealthy communities.

Puerto Madero is the most expensive residential area not just in Argentina, but in all of Latin America, so you must have enough money to live here. Buenos Aires is another pricey city with high living costs, however there are some sections of the city where you may live comfortably for less.

Cities like Mendoza and Salta are preferred if you wish to live comfortably at a moderate cost.

Here is a presentation of the average living costs in Argentina:

Healthcare for Retirees in Argentina

Argentina provides free public healthcare to all residents, both native and foreign, including visitors. Argentina’s health-care system is regarded as one of the best in Latin America. The Programa de Atención Médica Integral (PAMI) is Argentina’s largest aged care program. This program is run by the state and supports about 3.6 million pensioners across the country.

Public healthcare is used by half of the Argentine population because of the numerous benefits it provides and because it is less expensive than private healthcare. Hospitals and clinics in Buenos Aires and other large cities are of high quality, with contemporary equipment and qualified personnel.

Public healthcare offers many services free of charge:

• In-patient and out-patient visits
• Dental services
• Palliative care
• Rehabilitation
• Medical transportation
• Prosthetic, etc.

Although, the public healthcare system in Argentina is free and covers medical services, it lacks nationwide coverage. This is why most people opt for private health insurance with international coverage.

Why Retire in Argentina?

Here are some of the reasons you should retire in Argentina:

• Culture. Argentina is perfect for artists and people who appreciate art. The culture in Argentina is distinctive and fascinating, and the country is known for producing important writers and artists.
• Healthcare. Healthcare in Argentina is free for everyone, including expats. Public healthcare covers more than 60% of all medical services, and public hospitals have trained and qualified staff that performs with modern appliances.
• Living costs. Argentina might not be the cheapest in South America, but the living costs are still relatively affordable. You can live well without having to spend much on groceries, transportation, or rent, depending on the city you are residing in.
• The weather and climate. Living in Argentina will have you experiencing the diversity of climate all year round. The climate in Argentina ranges between warm, moderate, arid, and cold. You can choose between areas where you can live in a sunny and warm temperature or colder regions where colder temperatures are more dominant.
• Great food. One thing Argentina is known for is the delicious cuisine and fantastic meals. The country is home to high-quality beef and some of the most delicious dishes in South America, such as asado, chimichurri, provoleta, dulce de leche, etc.
• Friendly people. Argentines are generally friendly and hospitable towards foreigners, so you will not have a hard time making new friends there. They are known for having a spontaneous, loving, and affectionate nature.
• Safety. You will not have to worry about safety while living in Argentina because the country is one of the safest nations in Latin America and has a low crime rate.

Best Places to Retire in Argentina

Argentina offers many cities that provide excellent living circumstances for seniors, but each has a unique lifestyle. Depending on your preferences, you can live in large and bustling cities such as Buenos Aires, or in smaller and more calm towns such as Mendoza and San Juan. Here are some of the top retirement destinations in Argentina.

Bariloche

A little town famous for its Swiss alpine style, architecture, and chocolate. Bariloche has full of winter tourist attractions, including snow-capped summits. It is a popular hiking and skiing destination, with several mountains, clear blue lakes, ski slopes, trout fishing, and a variety of other outdoor activities to keep you engaged. Bariloche is ideal if you prefer cooler temperatures and enjoy snow.

Mendoza

One of the wealthiest provinces in Argentina, offers many advantages for retirees choosing to reside abroad. Mendoza is known for its wine, tree-lined streets, sunny climate, and luxurious restaurants. The cosmopolitan city also offers a multitude of outdoor recreation options and a high quality of life.

Buenos Aires

Buenos Aires is Argentina’s largest and most cosmopolitan city. The city is known for its moderately priced housing and is a desirable area to reside. Buenos Aires has a diverse range of activities, a vibrant nightlife, and great living standards. Many retirement homes in Buenos Aires provide high-quality services and care.

Rosario

Rosario is the largest city in central Argentina, some 300 kilometers northwest of Buenos Aires, and the country’s third most populous city. Rosaria’s slightly slower pace of life, straight streets, and large trees all appeal to seniors. There are numerous activities to choose from, including kayaking and cycling, exploring Rosario’s parks, tanning and swimming on the lovely beaches, and more.

Córdoba

Cordoba is a bustling city and an excellent place to retire. Living in Cordoba has several advantages, including low cost of living, pleasant weather, and a handy location. There is a mix of fresh and old history and culture that will accompany you throughout the city. Prices are quite low, and there are many interesting things to do and see.