What Types of Residency Are Available in Argentina?

If you're a migrant planning to live in Argentina, you’ll need to apply for a legal residency permit. Argentine law offers four main types of residency, each designed for different situations and with specific requirements.

1. Precarious Residency (Residencia Precaria)

While your main residency is being processed, the government may grant you a Precarious Residency, allowing you to stay temporarily.

Key Features of a Precarious Residency:

🕒 Duration: 90 days (renewable)

✅ Rights: You can live, work, and study

🔁 Renewable: Until your main residency is approved

2. Transitory Residency (Residencia Transitoria)

This is a short-term permit for specific activities, such as tourism or temporary professional visits.

Key Features of a Transitory Residency:

🕒 Duration: Up to 1 year

⚠️ No DNI: This residency does not grant access to an Argentine National ID (DNI)

📜 Legal basis: Regulated under Article 24 of Law 25.871

Common Reasons to Apply for a Transitory Residency:

• Tourism

• Cultural exchanges

• Short-term business or academic programs

📍For assistance, contact your nearest CAJ (Access to Justice Center).

3. Temporary Residency (Residencia Temporaria)

If you’re planning to live in Argentina for a longer period but not permanently, this is the most common option.

Key Features of a Temporary Residency:

🕒 Duration: 1, 2, or 3 years (renewable)

🔄 Multiple entries allowed during the residency

🧭 Can be a step toward permanent residency (arraigo)

Who Can Apply for a Temporary Residency?

• Temporary workers

• Medical patients

• Passive Income Earners or Pensioners

• Investors*

• Students

• Family reunification cases

Two pathways:

• Mercosur nationals (members or associate states)

• Non-Mercosur nationals

Required documents:

• Passport, ID or nationality certificate

• Argentine criminal record certificate (16+)

• Criminal records from home country + any countries lived in during past 3 years

• Sworn statement (filled out during appointment)

• Entry stamp or migratory card

• Proof of address (utility bill or certificate of domicile)

• Recent color photo (4x4 cm)

📌 If you're from a non-Mercosur country, you'll need extra documentation to prove eligibility depending on your case.

4. Permanent Residency (Residencia Permanente)

This type of residency is for people who wish to settle in Argentina permanently.

Key features of Argentina's Permanent Residency:

🧾 Grants you a DNI (Argentine National ID)

🏠 For people who intend to live in Argentina indefinitely

Who can apply for a Permanent Residency in Argentina?

• Family members of Argentine citizens or permanent residents

• People who qualify for residency by settlement (arraigo):

  • Mercosur nationals: After 2 years of uninterrupted temporary residency

  • Non-Mercosur nationals: After 3 years of uninterrupted temporary residency

Required documents for a Permanent Residency :

• All documents needed for temporary residency

• Birth certificate

• Additional documentation depending on your case (e.g., proof of relationship or reason for staying)

📍For personalized assistance, consult a CAJ (Access to Justice Center), the National Directorate of Migration (Dirección Nacional de Migraciones), or a specialized immigration lawyer.

Final Tips on Getting Legal Residency in Argentina

Every migration case is unique. Choosing the right type of residency and preparing the correct documentation is essential. If you need help at any point:

👉 Visit your nearest CAJ (Access to Justice Center) or contact the
👉 Dirección Nacional de Migraciones (National Directorate of Migration)

Argentina offers multiple paths to make your stay legal and stable — start with the one that fits your life plan.

* Investor Residency: This category is intended for individuals who plan to make a productive, commercial, or service-based investment that is of interest to Argentina. To qualify, the applicant must invest a minimum of AR$1,500,000 (approximately US$1,288, based on the exchange rate in May 2025) in a lawful business activity. This type of residency is regulated under Decree No. 616/2010, Article 23, subsection (d). The investment must be clearly documented and demonstrate potential economic benefit to the country.

Disclaimer:
This information is provided for general guidance only and does not constitute legal, tax, or financial advice. Laws and regulations related to business formation in Argentina may change and can vary depending on your specific circumstances. For personalized advice, please consult with a qualified lawyer, accountant, or other professional advisor familiar with Argentine law.

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