Citizenship of Argentina — Benefits for Families

• Argentine citizenship offers visa-free entry to nearly 170 countries, a 10-year U.S. visa, visa-free travel across the EU, and the ability to obtain residency in any MERCOSUR country.
• Argentina is preparing to launch a CBI (citizenship-by-investment) program. The government has announced preliminary terms: a $500,000 investment in the economy and no residency requirement for applicants.
• The program will most likely allow inclusion of a spouse and children in the application. The launch is expected between late 2025 and early 2026.
• On general grounds, an adult with a clean criminal record can acquire a passport after two years of continuous residence in Argentina on a temporary or permanent residence permit without leaving the country.
• Spouses, children, and parents of Argentine citizens may apply for permanent residency and obtain citizenship after two years of legal residence (children only if they are adults).
• Children born in Argentina automatically become citizens by birth. Later, they qualify for a fast-track to Spanish citizenship after two years of residence in Spain.

Argentina offers one of the world’s strongest passports, granting broad international mobility and regional advantages. Citizenship can currently be obtained after two years of uninterrupted legal residence, and the country’s upcoming CBI program is expected to further simplify access for investors and their families.

For families considering relocation or strategic citizenship planning, this guide details:

• Eligibility pathways for spouses and children
• Application requirements and documentation
• Key benefits of holding an Argentine passport
• How the forthcoming CBI program may accelerate family citizenship

Culture and Heritage

Argentina is the most European country in Latin America, with strong cultural heritage and family values. Buenos Aires is often called the “Latin American Paris.” During the economic boom of the early 20th century, Argentina was one of the world’s wealthiest countries and brought in leading European architects to shape the city. The majority of the population descends from Spanish and Italian immigrants.

Child-Friendly Society

Children are highly valued in Argentine society. Streets, parks, and public spaces are welcoming, and social interactions often show genuine respect for families. Argentinians regard children’s needs seriously, creating a nurturing environment for rasing a family.

Welcoming Immigration Policy

The Constitution guarantees every newcomer the right to integrate. Argentina was built by immigrants and remains one of the most welcoming destinations for foreign families.

Healthcare System

Argentina offers strong medical care and pharmaceuticals, available free of charge to citizens and legal residents. The public healthcare system provides treatment for serious illnesses, including cancer. For a higher level of comfort, many families choose private medical insurance.

Quality of Life and Climate

From tropical jungles to snow-capped mountains, Argentina offers a wide range of climates and lifestyles. Buenos Aires enjoys mild winters, rarely falling below +4°C, while Mar del Plata offers scenic Atlantic coastal living. The country combines modern infrastructure, international-standard schools, shopping, and cultural amenities, providing a high standard of living.

Cost of Living

Despite price increases, Argentina remains significantly more affordable than major European capitals. Services and rent are relatively inexpensive, although imported goods and electronics are 1.5–2 times more expensive than in neighboring countries. Locals often solve this through buyers and delivery forwarders.

Global Mobility

The Argentine passport provides visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to nearly 170 countries, including the EU, UK, and Japan. Citizens can obtain a 10-year U.S. visa or investor visa, and can secure residency in any MERCOSUR country (Brazil, Uruguay, Colombia, Ecuador, and others) with minimal bureaucracy.

Family members of Argentine citizens (spouses, adult children, and parents), can obtain permanent residency, offering nearly all the advantages of citizenship, except voting rights. Residents benefit from:

• Free travel across MERCOSUR countries without a passport
• Access to education and healthcare on the same terms as citizens
• Ability to open business, bank accounts, and invest locally

Residency Requirements and Limitations

Under the new law, relatives must reside in Argentina for two years in official residency status without leaving the country in order to apply for citizenship. Their advantage is simply the eligibility to obtain residency based on family ties.

The upcoming Citizenship by Investment (CBI) program, expected to launch between late 2025 and early 2026, will likely allow spouses and children to be included in the application. Preliminary reports suggest a minimum investment of $500,000, with the possibility that adding dependents may increase the required contribution.

Argentina offers a variety of residency options for foreign nationals in 2025, catering to families, investors, students, and professionals. Legal residence allows you to live, work, study, and integrate into Argentine society.

Key pathways include:

• Family reunification
• Rentista (passive income) residency
• Student residency
• Work residency
• Refugee status

Applications must be submitted via the official Immigration Service portal within 90 days of legal entry. Recent regulatory updates have tightened eligibility rules, so full compliance is strongly recommended to avoid complications.

Legal Grounds for Residency in 2025

Family Reunification

Permanent residency is available to:

• Parents of Argentine-born children
• Spouses of Argentine citizens

You must provide documents proving your eligibility: marriage certificate, child’s birth certificate, or other proof of a close family relationship.

Rentista Residency (Passive Income)

For applicants with passive income abroad: rental income, dividends, pensions, etc.

Requirements:

• Proof of legal passive income
• Monthly deposits into an Argentine bank
• funds must enter Argentina through institutions authorised by the Central Bank

Income thresholds:

• 5 minimum salaries for a single applicant
• 15 minimum salaries for a family of three

As of September 2025, 1 minimum salary equals ARS 322,000 (approx. $222), but the exchange rate fluctuates. If income requirements are not maintained at renewal, the permit may be denied.

Student Residency

Popular among those without other grounds. Requires enrollment in an accredited program lasting at least three years. Short courses only qualify for a transit visa, not residency. The permit is issued for 1 year and must be renewed with academic records.

Eligible institutions include:

• Universities
• Colleges
• Senior school classes (for minors)
• Tertiary vocational schools

Adult evening schools do not qualify.

Work Residency

Applicants must have a legitimate employment contract with an Argentine company. Random inspections ensure compliance; fraudulent employment may lead to residency cancellation.

Refugee Status

Granted in cases of proven political, ethnic, or other persecution. Processing takes 2–3 years. Every exit must be reported to immigration authorities.

Note: Medical treatment visas and Digital Nomad visas do not qualify as legal residency.

Applying for Argentine residency requires careful preparation of official documentation. Submitting complete and certified documents ensures smooth processing and avoids delays.

Essential Documents:

• Modern-format birth certificate
• Valid passport
• Documents proving marital status (marriage, birth, divorce)
• Name-change certificate if applicable
• Police clearance from country of origin
• 4×4 photos (printed and digital)

Certification Requirements:

All foreign documents must be apostilled, translated by an accredited translator, and certified by the translators’ association.

Proof of Address (Domicilio):

Applicants must provide a domicilio within Argentina. This is typically a rental agreement submitted to the local police station. In some districts, two Argentine witnesses may need to confirm your residence.

Application Submission:

Applications are submitted online via the Immigration Service portal.

As of September 2025, citizenship applications are processed by the National Immigration Service. Previously, cases were handled by courts and could take 7 months to 2.5 years.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Minimum age: 18 years or older
• Residency requirement: Two years of continuous, legal residence (no trips abroad).
• Clean criminal record: No convictions in Argentina or abroad

Decree 366/2025 issued by President Javier Milei confirms that investors may obtain citizenship without meeting residency requirements. The exact launch date remains unknown.

Step-by-Step Application Process (General Grounds)

Citizenship applications are submitted electronically. Required documents:

Tips for a Smooth Applications:

• Ensure all documents are up-to-date and certified; expired or incorrect documents are a common cause of delays.
• Maintain continuous legal residence if applying under general grounds.
• For investors under the CBI program, monitor official announcements for launch and submission procedures.
• Keep digital and hard copies of all documents for submission and future reference.

While Argentine citizenship and residency offer significant benefits, families should be aware of potential challenges and plan accordingly.

Economic Volatility

Argentina remains in a challenging economic transition. Inflation, which reached 300% in prior years, has slowed significantly in 2025, but the peso remains volatile.

Bureaucracy and Administrative Delays

Processing times are often unpredictable and depend on human factors at various agencies. Previously, two courts could issue opposite decisions on identical cases. Official deadlines are not always respected.

Language and Cultural Adaptation

Spanish is the primary language for business, legal matters, and daily life. While many Argentinians have studied English, conversational proficiency is limited outside major urban centres. Families should consider language training to ensure smooth integration.

Tips to Mitigate Challenges:

• Engage a reputable immigration lawyer or consultant familiar with Argentine procedures.
• Maintain copies of all submitted documents and receipts.
• Monitor currency exchange rates for financial planning.
• Learn basic Spanish to navigate public services, schools, and healthcare.

The program was officially announced on May 29, 2025 under Decree 366/2025.

Key Milestones in the CBI Program:

• Decree 524/2025 (July 31, 2025): Formalised the submission process.
• Application Submission: Investors submit their application through the economic agency.
• Investment Assessment: The agency verifies the investment contribution and ensures compliance with program requirements.
• Due Diligence: Comprehensive checks are performed to validate the applicant and the funds.
• Decision and Citizenship Issuance: The agency forwards approved cases to the National Immigration Service, which issues the citizenship ruling.

What We Know So Far:

• Family inclusion: Preliminary information suggests spouses and children will be eligible to apply alongside the main investor.
• Minimum investment: Set at $500,00, though the inclusion of dependents may increase the required contribution.
• Program launch: While the exact date is pending, administrative activity indicates that the program is imminent, likely in late 2025 or early 2026.

Practical Implications for Investors:

• Families can plan their relocation or investment strategy without needing to live in Argentina.
• Early preparation is advised: legal documents, proof of funds, and financial planning should be ready ahead of the official launch.
• Working with an experienced CBI advisory firm ensures compliance, expedites processing, and reduces risk.

An Argentine passport offers families unparalleled global mobility, access to a stable democratic legal system, rich cultural experiences, and a welcoming social environment. The anticipated citizenship-by-investment (CBI) program is set to provide a straightforward route to citizenship for investors and their families, potentially becoming one of the most compelling programs worldwide.

Astons has over 30 years of experience in investment citizenship and residency solutions. Our dedicated team assists families in identifying the most suitable CBI or residency programs, and we can also design combined pathways to European residency and citizenship.

Next Steps:

• Schedule a consultation with Astons experts to assess your eligibility and plan your family’s path to Argentine citizenship.
• Begin preparing key documentation and financial records to ensure compliance when the program launches.
• Monitor program updates closely. Timing and conditions may evolve in late 2025 or early 2026.

With careful planning, families can leverage Argentine citizenship as a strategic tool for mobility, education, healthcare, and long-term stability.