How to Get Argentine Citizenship in 2025

In 2025, obtaining Argentine citizenship generally requires at least two years of continuous legal residence in the country, with no interruptions abroad. Exceptions include children of Argentine citizens, spouses of Argentines, and participants in the upcoming investment citizenship program, which allows faster access to a passport without residency requirements.

 

This guide from Astons’ experts explains all the pathways to Argentine citizenship, including residence permits, the new investment program, application requirements, and the benefits and considerations of holding an Argentine passport.

Immigration Policy Changes in 2025

In May 2025, Argentine President Javier Milei issued Decree 366/2025, which significantly revised immigration policy.

Now all foreign applicants must live in Argentina for two continuous years on a legal status (residency permit or permanent residency) without leaving the country. Any departure resets the residency requirement. Previously, no such rule existed.

Another change: citizenship applications are now handled by the Argentine Migration Service rather than courts.

The decree took effect immediately, which impacted those already in the country expecting to apply under the old rules. Applications submitted to the courts before May 2025 are still processed under previous regulations.

Exception: Investment Citizenship Program

The president also announced a new investment citizenship program, expected to launch by late 2025. Preliminary information suggests investments start at $500,000 and can be made in key sectors such as energy, agriculture, technology, and tourism. Currently, investment in real estate is not included.

It is expected that US citizens and other nationals will be eligible, as Argentina does not restrict citizenship by nationality.

How Citizenship by Investment Will Work

Decree 524/2025 establishes that investors must apply to the new Investment Citizenship Agency under the Ministry of Economy.

The process will begin after making the investment. The agency will assess the sufficiency of the investment and gather information from government sources, including provincial authorities and Interpol. Standard citizenship applications take six months to a year; an accelerated process may be developed for investors.

Approved applications will be forwarded to the Migration Ministry, which issues a certificate of naturalisation, enabling applicants to receive Argentine identification and passport.

Importantly, investors do not need to reside in Argentina to obtain or maintain citizenship.

General ways to obtain Argentine citizenship in 2025:

• Birth in Argentina (jus soli)
• Descent from Argentine parents (jus sanguinis)
• Two years of continuous legal residence for foreigners
• Marriage to an Argentine citizen with two years of residence
• Investment citizenship program (fast-track, no residency required)

Applications are submitted to the Migration Service (Migraciones).

As of September 2025, bureaucratic changes have made standard applications challenging. Previously handled by courts, citizenship applications are now processed by the Migration Service, which is still developing its system. Legal assistance may be required to proceed under old rules.

Required documents:

• Proof of two-year residence (passport stamps, migration records)
• DNI (national ID) confirming residency
• Valid passport with certified translation
• Proof of address in Argentina
• Criminal background certificate from country of origin (and any other countries lived in over one year)
• Proof of income in Argentina (can use Monotributo/self-employment if no official job)
• Documents confirming family status (birth, marriage, name changes)
• New-format birth certificate (A3)

All foreign documents must be apostilled, translated into Spanish by an accredited translator, and certified by the relevant translation board.

In 2025, Argentina offers residence permits for family reunification, retirees or passive income earners, students, workers, and refugees. Each type has specific requirements, such as proof of income, enrollment in accredited programs, or employment in the country. Residency can be obtained within 90 days of entering the country without a visa.

Previously, residence permits could sometimes be issued even with an expired status (illegal stay), but rules have now tightened. While deportation cases are still rare, it’s always recommended to act within legal boundaries to avoid risks.

Family Reunification

This status is granted to parents of newborn Argentine children and spouses. Eligibility requires proof of the relationship (birth or marriage certificate).

Retiree / Passive Income

For holders of stable income from abroad (rental income, dividends, investments, pensions, etc.). Applicants must show documents proving the right to receive passive income and monthly deposits to an Argentine bank account. The name of the sender must match what is stated in the contract.

Note: This program is tied to Argentina’s minimum wage. Currently, the requirement is 5 minimum wages per person and 15 for a family of three (~$3,000). Minimum wage is regularly updated, so outdated documents may affect permit renewal.

Student Residence Permit

Popular among those without family ties to Argentina. Requires enrollment in an accredited program of at least three years (universities, colleges, upper secondary schools). Shorter programs allow only a temporary stay without counting toward permanent residence.

Student residence can be granted for universities, colleges, high school programs for teenagers, and tertiary education programs. Evening courses for adults do not qualify.

Work Residence Permit

Requires official employment with an Argentine company. Presence at the workplace may be verified several times a year; if you are absent, the permit can be revoked.

Refugee

Granted due to political, ethnic, or other persecution. Provides access to work, education, and healthcare. Each exit from Argentina must be reported to migration authorities. Processing may take 2–3 years.

Required Documents

Applicants must provide apostilled, translated (by an accredited translator), and certified documents:

• New-format birth certificate
• Valid passport
• Certificates of family status (birth, marriage, divorce)
• Name change certificates (if applicable)
• Police clearance from the country of origin
• 4×4 cm photographs in print and digital formats

Within Argentina, proof of residence (domicilio) is required. To obtain it, present a rental contract at the local police office. Some neighborhoods require two Argentine witnesses to confirm your address.

How to Submit Residence Permit Applications in Argentina

Applications are submitted online via the Migration Office website. Fill out the applicant form and attach scanned documents in PDF format.

It is important to correctly attach family members in the application form; missing members may cause delays of several weeks. If prompted about including additional family members, select “yes” if you haven’t added them yet.

After submission, receipts must be paid:

• 100,000 ARS (~$120) for application processing
• 6,000 ARS (~$5) for printing the resident card

Prices are per person. After payment, you will receive an invitation for in-person submission at the Migration Office to show originals and provide biometric data.

Processing Time and Required Documents

Applications take 1 month to 1 year, with an average of about 4 months. Completed residence permits (DNI cards) are delivered by mail. Keep your payment receipts. If missed, DNI can be collected later at the Renaper civil registry office.

Documents required:

• Apostilled and translated birth certificate
• Valid passport
• Family status certificates (birth, marriage, divorce)
• Name change certificates
• Criminal record certificates
• Passport-style photos
• Proof of residence (domicilio) via rental contract and local verification

Documents are submitted electronically through the Migration Service website. Payments: ~100,000 ARS ($120) for processing and ~6,000 ARS ($5) for printing the resident card (per person). Originals and biometrics are verified in person.

Processing time: 1 month to 1 year; average ~4 months. Resident cards (DNI) are delivered by mail.

1. Fast Path to Citizenship: Two years of continuous legal residence sufficient; investment citizenship will allow immediate citizenship without relocation.
2. Dual Citizenship Allowed: No need to renounce first passport.
3. Affordable Living Costs: ~$500/month per person, plus $400 rent in Buenos Aires
4. High-Quality Healthcare: Modern clinics, specialized doctors, affordable prices; residents can access public healthcare.
5. Friendly Society: Open and welcoming; adaptation easier due to European immigrant communities.
6. Climate Diversity: Tropics, temperate regions, even subarctic; Buenos Aires winter +8–15°C, summer up to +35°C.
7. Visa-Free Travel: Access to 170 countries, 30 more than a US passport.

• Bureaucracy: Delays, differing provincial rules, and administrative errors.
• Inflation: High in recent years; 36% accumulated by 2025.
• Crime: Risk of petty theft and street robbery.
• Distance: Long flights from Europe and the US (a minimum of 10-12 hours).
• Spanish Language: English is limited among locals.
• Political and Legal Instability: Rapid reforms and policy changes.
• No Renunciation: there is no procedure to voluntarily give up citizenship, and all applicants are warned about this before beginning the naturalization process. You cannot refuse an

Argentine passport even if you wish to. Citizenship can only be revoked for serious violations, such as falsifying documents during the application or actions considered as betrayal of the country. Regarding taxes: if an Argentine citizen lives abroad for more than 183 days and loses tax residency, they are only liable for taxes on income from Argentine sources and on property located in Argentina.

In summary, Argentina offers a compelling path to citizenship in 2025, whether through standard residency or the upcoming investment program. The Argentine passport provides extensive travel freedom, dual nationality, affordable living, and high-quality healthcare, while also enabling participation in international investment opportunities. However, applicants should be aware of bureaucratic delays, inflation, crime, and language and distance challenges. Overall, Argentina remains an attractive option for those seeking a fast, flexible, and strategic route to a second citizenship.