In the Argentine Republic, there are different sorts of visas based on the length of stay, nationality, and type of activity the visitor wishes to engage in.
So, depending on whether you want to stay in Argentina permanently or temporarily, you have several options. There are several ways to become a resident of Argentina:
- Rentista/pensionado
- Investor
Pensioners can obtain a residence visa in Argentina if they have a monthly income of at least ARS 30,000 (about USD 60). In this case, the immigration office either seeks a clean criminal record or works with the police to conduct certain verifications.
Individuals who can demonstrate sufficient independent, externally sourced income to support themselves in Argentina are granted renewable one-year residence permits under Argentina’s Rentista and Pensionado visas.
Though the official minimum monthly income is ARS30,000 (approximately US$60), immigration officials in practice expect applicants to demonstrate an income in excess of US$1,200, typically from a pension, rental income, dividends, or other recurring and independent revenues.
Surprisingly, because permanent residency and citizenship are governed by separate laws in Argentina, the period required to become eligible for naturalization is actually shorter (2 years) than the time required to obtain PR (3).
Requirements
Both the Rentista and Pensionado residence licenses are originally temporary, with a one-year validity period that can be renewed annually for a maximum of three years.
On these visas, you may not work for an Argentine company, but you may work as a freelancer accepting international work or open your own business in Argentina. Family members can also be included in the application.
Investor Visa for Argentina
Foreign investors in Argentina can also obtain a temporary residence permit. The major criteria in this regard is a minimum investment of ARS1,500,000 in a commercial operation. This is not an investment project, but a business you must actively manage. The Central Bank of Argentina must approve this amount of money.
Obtaining residence in Argentina through investing
The Visa Inversionista, or Investor Visa in English, is the official name of Argentina’s official program.
What this implies for you as a possible investor is that you must conceive and draft a business plan that meets one of three criteria: productive, commercial, or service, and has a value of at least 1.5 million Argentine Pesos.
To start the application process, the investor must offer a business plan outlining how they intend to invest their ARS1,500,000 (about $3k USD at the time of writing).
You must legitimize their finances through a bank institution approved by Argentina’s Central Bank (BCRA). Should any of the documents given be in a language other than Spanish, a translation will be needed.
The Migration Office (DNM) will assess the business plan and notify the consulate of its approval or disapproval. Because the process can take several months, the investor should file the application as soon as possible.Argentina Investor Visa Requirements
- The minimum amount accepted for investing in Argentina is ARS 1.5 million. This sum of money can be used to fund a variety of enterprises and services.
- With this sum, you are guaranteed a one-year visa, which can be renewed for another three years.
- After three years with an investment visa, you can apply for permanent residency, and after two years with the new status, you are eligible for naturalization.
It is crucial to note that in order to obtain permanent residence and citizenship in Argentina, you must keep your investments in the country.
The following are the requirements for any possible candidate for this program, which will be presented to Argentina’s Ministry of Industry and Tourism:
- No felony convictions, police certificate, or affidavit
- Evidence of financial stability and funds
- Investment and business plan, together with a CV copy
- Translation of the preceding papers into Spanish
This list is quite short, especially when you consider that no nationality is barred from applying, and that Argentina allows their passport to be kept as part of a dual nationality.
The option to acquire Argentine citizenship through investing
Foreigners seeking citizenship through investment in Argentina after 2022 can only do so through naturalization.
Naturalization is the most popular way for foreigners to become Argentine citizens, despite its complexity. It is a judicial process that takes place solely before the federal courts of Argentina. It also issues the Citizenship Certificate, which proves that a foreigner is a lawful citizen.
The Argentine passport is a very decent travel passport and one of the best in Latin America, with visa free travel to 173 countries. Additionally, an Argentinian citizen is also allowed to live in any Mercosur country (which covers most of South America except Chile).
Remember that you must first apply for temporary residence for business or investment purposes before you may begin this legal process.
