International moving companies: Everything you need to know
If you have used our moving overseas checklist, you know there are numerous tasks to deal with when planning your move. And, one of the key tasks on t
Your guide to living in Argentina. Options for your Argentina visa, Argentina citizenship, Argentina passport and more.
Living in Argentina
A move to Argentina may be the best decision you make. More and more people are weighing up the pro and cons of living in Argentina and deciding on whether to take the plunge. People are moving at all stages of life, including those who retire to Argentina. We’ll explore the reasons people choose to immigrate to Argentina for a new life abroad. We’ll have a look at the best Argentina visa for your immigration to Argentina. Finally, we’ll explore your options for Argentina permanent residency, Argentina nationality, Argentina citizenship, and an Argentina passport.
Argentina has had a difficult few years, both politically and economically. This disruption has meant a drop in the value of the Argentine peso against most major currencies. The devaluation has had several effects, but two are important for Expats. Firstly, the value of any off-shore incomes and savings have a dramatically higher value in Argentina. Your money will go much further and buy you a much higher quality of life. Secondly, imported goods have become more expensive. As long as you don’t have to make many big, imported purchases, this won’t have a significant impact on you.
Property prices have dropped considerably as a result. There have been steps by the government, electorate, and the international community to address some of Argentina’s core issues. As a result, many are optimistic about the medium-term and long-term outlook for Argentina, politically, socially, and economically. Forbes recently quoted Barclay Capital as seeing Latin America, including Argentina, as a coming growth hot spot.
Argentina continues to contribute as a member in good standing of the G15 and G20 economies.
Move to Argentina for the low cost of living
The cost of living in Argentina varies, like most countries. Cities like Buenos Aires (population 13 million) have a much higher cost of living than smaller country towns. Having said that a like-for-like comparison with an equivalent life in the United States would be anywhere from 50% to 60% lower. Rental prices can be as much as 75% lower than the equivalent in the USA. As wages are low, the cost of help, including childcare and domestic workers is cheap compared to most other countries.
Once you move to Argentina day-to-day-costs will use up less of your savings. Eating out, alcoholic drinks, public transport, leisure activities, and more will cost less than in most countries.
You can live a much more affluent lifestyle in Argentina for less.
And what are Expats doing in Argentina? Well, some Expats are working in large multinationals based in Buenos Aires. You will find oil and gas, banking, tourism, and agricultural companies. Others provide services including information technology (IT), marketing, teaching and design. For those that don’t want to work in the Argentinian economy, many run location-independent businesses or have passive income sources. Having a foreign income source can be advantageous. Having access to a foreign-exchange income from off-shore takes the stress out of the movements of the peso. They can also be a good inflation hedge.
One exception to the low cost is imported goods, including fashion and electrical items. The weak peso means higher relative prices for these items.
The cost of living is excellent for all Expats, but especially for those who retire to Argentina. Retirees on a pension or investment income can live a great lifestyle.
Move to Argentina for the cuisine
Argentina has many foods for which it is famous. Empanadas, the best beef BBQ in the world (ask any Argentinian), fresh seafood, and mountain lamb. The fruit and vegetables are locally grown and as a result, are tasty and cheap. Visiting a local market is a great way to shop, both for the quality of the products on offer and the excellent value. Living in Argentina means eating well. …and Argentinian wine is an attraction all its own!
Argentineans often speak English
Although Spanish is the national language, English has been a mandatory subject at school for some time. As a result, English is becoming more widely spoken. Young people and people in international business and local tourism will all speak good English. Also, many people will be happy to practice their English with you. Add in a large Expat population, and you’ll find someone who speaks your language. Argentina was ranked 27th in the world for English skills in 2019.
While you’ll have a much better time if you speak some Spanish, it is not critical to be fluent on arrival. Definitely, in the longer-term Spanish is useful for deepening your friendships and connections in Argentina.
Move to Argentina for excellent, affordable healthcare
There are both private and public parts to Argentina’s health care system. Importantly, the standard, considering costs, is overall excellent. Medical tourism is a big industry taking advantage of the quality and value of care available. This has led to Argentina’s health system being ranked 46th in the world.
Many of Argentina’s health professionals (including doctors and specialists) are overseas-trained and deliver world-class service. On offer are all services that you would expect to find in the US or Europe at a fraction of US prices.
Expats in Argentina generally rely on the private system. High-quality insurance can be had for as little as $50 to $60 a month. Getting a health plan is straightforward compared to the complexities of some other Expat destinations.
Medications and drugs are much cheaper than in the US. In Argentina, pharmacies are abundant and staffed by excellent qualified professionals. In contrast to some countries, dental care follows the same high-quality, low-cost model.
For those who retire to Argentina, the excellent value healthcare is a boost to their retirement savings. Peace of mind is priceless and knowing you can be looked after positively contributes to your happiness.
As an aside, Argentina has more psychologists per capita than anywhere else in the world. This fact means mental health care is readily available and reasonably priced. We assume it also leads to a perfectly well-balanced population…
Move to Argentina for the variety
Once you have your visa for Argentina, you can explore this vast country. Cosmopolitan Buenos Aires is a city that wouldn’t be out of place as a European capital. Thirteen million people live and work in this beautiful city. Buenos Aires offers a wide range of activities, including concerts, theatre, cinemas, parks, fashion, and shopping.
There are exceptional sporting facilities, both as a participant and as a spectator. Finally, you can enjoy beautiful day-trips and weekends away within easy reach for a battery recharge.
On the other end of the scale is the rustic charms of the islands of the Tigre Delta. Alternatively, if you love open spaces, the Tierra Del Feugo province and the mountains offer an unspoilt paradise. Here you’ll find world-class hiking in summer and winter sports when the snow starts.
There are the beautiful beaches of the South-Atlantic and the temperate wine-growing region of Mendoza. Names like La Pampa, Patagonia, Santa Fe, Aconcagua, and more. A move to Argentina means you have at your disposal the 8th largest country in the world by area. Amazingly, it has a coastline of almost 5,000km. There is somewhere for everyone who moves to Argentina.
Move to Argentina for the education system
A move to Argentina doesn’t mean having to compromise on the standard of education for you or your children. The education system is excellent. As well as the local system, there is a wide range of world-class international schools taught in a variety of languages, especially in English. There are excellent Universities with a strong academic tradition.
And, if you want to learn Spanish, the tango, or to make BBQ they are all on offer.
Immigration to Argentina comes with a warm welcome
Argentinians are, on the whole, warm and passionate people. Expat story after Expat story tells of a warm welcome and an open, caring local population. If you love football and can speak some Spanish all the better, you’ll be practically family. Given some of the difficulties Argentina has faced recently, this seems to have got even better. It has led to locals happy to meet people who believe in the future of this beautiful country.
One area where this is not true is the local bureaucracy. Having a good lawyer in your corner to manage your immigration paperwork is essential. Getting your visa for Argentina first time will be much simpler. Getting your utilities (lights, water, internet, etc.) set up can be complicated. These tasks are much simpler with the assistance of a trusted local to help you navigate the complexities.
The options for Argentina residence permits and the range of visas for Argentina reflect this welcome. We will explore them all on the next tabs.
Retire to Argentina to enjoy these benefits and more
Many people are looking to retire to Argentina. The lifestyle, healthcare, and cost of living are top of many retiree’s lists of concerns. The vibrant Expat community and the range of recreational and cultural activities available make Argentina an excellent choice for your golden years.
To explore retirement visa opportunities around the world, check out our article on Retirement Visas. To decide if this life is for you, see our blog the Pros and Cons of Retiring Overseas.
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Argentina visa options
Argentina offers a wide range of visas and residency permits. Some of those visas and residency permits lead to Argentina permanent residency and Argentina nationality.
As a member of the MERCOSUR trading organisation, Argentina offers residency to any nationals of other MERCOSUR countries.
Before you commit to a long-term move to Argentina, it may be a good idea to visit to do some research. Visiting will allow you a chance to talk to locals and Expats on the ground about the pros and cons of living in Argentina. Regardless if you are planning to work or retire to Argentina, this is worthwhile. You’ll be able to see, hear, smell and taste to get a real feel for life in Argentina. Many countries require a tourist visa for Argentina. We suggest you use the Visa HQ tool below to see if you need a tourist visa for Argentina.
Be aware, Argentina’s bureaucracy and immigration system can be complicated to navigate. Accordingly, access to a qualified and professional lawyer can be critical to a successful Argentina visa, Argentina permanent residency, or Argentina citizenship application.
Short Term Tourist Visa
Argentina issues a 90 day tourist visa. There are no restrictions on how many tourist visas you can have in any period. You can leave and return (across the river to Uruguay in an afternoon if you want) indefinitely in theory.
We have partnered with VisaHQ to help you understand and apply for your tourist visa. Just use the VisaHQ tool to the right to understand your requirements.
Marriage Visa or Family Visa
Argentina offers a family reunification visa. If you are a spouse, parent, or child of an Argentinian national, you are eligible for Argentinian residency and can permanently move to Argentina.
Passive Income Visa (for retirees, religious or persons of independent means)
Argentina has an attractive passive income visa (sometimes referred to as a non-lucrative visa) program. A range of people can access these visas. They are popular with people looking to retire to Argentina, as well as Digital Nomads, and others with an income stream.
There are two visas with similar requirements, the pensioner (pensionado) and financier (rentista) visas. These visas give you full Argentina residency rights excluding working in Argentina. You need to be able to show a minimum income of between 25,000 and 30,000 Argentine pesos per month. There is an interview required for the visa. You’ll need to pay two sets of fees. The first is an application fee of USD$250 that everyone must pay. The second is an immigration fee that differs depending on your country of origin. If you are from a MERCOSUR country, you pay USD$300, and non-MERCOSUR countries pay USD$600.
There is extensive documentation required to prove your income/pension.
After two years you may be eligible for Argentina permanent residency, and on track for Argentina citizenship, and an Argentina passport.
See here for our blog Retirement abroad pros and cons
Freelancers and Digital nomads
Digital Nomads and location independent business can take advantage of the 70+ co-working spaces available in Buenos Aires. Excellent infrastructure, fast internet, and good coffee, low costs are the key for Digital Nomads, and Argentina delivers on all fronts.
Freelancers and Digital Nomads can take advantage of the Passive Income Visa. Some visit on a tourist visa, although this is not strictly legal.
Please see our article for a round-up of Freelance and Digital Nomad visa options around the world.
Argentina Work Permit
You can apply for a Working Visa or Work Permit to work and live in Argentina. First, you must have an existing contract from an Argentinian company. Some fees have to be paid depending on the conditions of the visa. These fees are in addition to a USD$250 application fee.
Argentina Business Visa
You can get a short stay Work Visa for Argentina if you are travelling for work. The maximum period for this visa is 60 days. You’ll need a letter from your company or employer to show the reason for your visit. You’ll also need to show you have accommodation and a round trip reservation as proof you intend to leave Argentina. The cost of the visa is USD$200.
Argentina Student Visa or Study Visa
If you want to move to Argentina to study, there are two options. The first category is for a study course of less than a year, the second for a study course of more than a year.
You can get a 12-month renewable student visa with documentation from an educational institution, or you can apply for a Cultural Exchange/Internship Visa. Again, you’ll need documentation from the institution or organisation with which you registered to study.
Argentina Working Holiday Visa
Young people from the ages of 18 – 35 can apply for a Working Holiday Visa for Argentina. The visa is only available to certain nationalities. You must be from Australia, Denmark, France, Germany, Ireland, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Poland, Portugal, Republic of Korea, or Sweden.
There are quotas for some of these countries.
The working holiday visa is valid for twelve months and cannot be renewed. You can work, but not in a permanent job.
See our article on Working Holiday Visas around the world, and our blog Working Holiday pros and cons.
Argentina Medical Visa
Argentina is pushing its high-quality, low-cost health system to medical tourists. To help facilitate these visits, Argentina offers a 12-month medical residency visa. Holding this Argentina visa means you can move to Argentina for the duration of any treatments for up to twelve months. You can come and go freely from Argentina during the visa period.
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Argentina Citizenship
The advantages of Argentina nationality
Argentina nationality, Argentina citizenship, and an Argentina passport are rewarding. Additionally, with Argentinian citizenship, you can live and work in any of the MERCOSUR countries).
Argentina grants nationality on the principles of ‘Jus Sanguin’ and ‘Jus Soli’. This rule means you can pass on citizenship to your children. Also, any children born in Argentina will automatically be Argentina nationals.
An interesting fact about Argentina nationality is that you cannot renounce it. This rule means you’ll have to get a waiver if you take on another citizenship that requires renunciation of previous citizenships.
And, if you are born in Islas Malvinas (Falkland Islands), you can claim Argentina nationality. This is even though the territory is disputed and you could also claim British citizenship.
Argentina’s powerful passport
Argentina’s passport offers visa-free access to 170 countries and territories.
Undoubtedly this makes the passport one of the world’s best. Indeed, it was ranked the 19th most powerful passport in a 2020 survey.
Argentina Citizenship by Birth
If you were born in Argentina, you are most likely a citizen of Argentina.
Argentina Citizenship by Descent
If one or both of your parents were Argentina citizens when you were born, you are probably also an Argentina citizen.
Argentina Citizenship through Marriage
If your spouse is a citizen, you can apply for Argentina citizenship after living together for two years.
Argentina Citizenship by Naturalization
You can apply to become an Argentina citizen if you are over 18 years old and have been living in Argentina for two years. To apply, you must prove income or proof of employment and evidence of continuous residence in Argentina. You’ll need to prove you have no serious criminal record, and that you have been legally living in Argentina. Finally, you’ll need to provide documentation, including your DNI (residency card) and passport.
Argentina Residency by Investment
Argentina offers an attractive Residency by Investment (RBI) program. While the requirements of the scheme are simple, the process can be challenging to navigate. We recommend using a trusted local immigration partner to ensure your success. The residency by investment program is a pathway to Argentina citizenship and passport.
To apply for Argentina Residency by Investment, you must invest more than 1.5 million Argentine Pesos. Your investment must be into a lawful activity linked to productive business, trade or service. The application needs to be translated into Spanish and presented to several government bodies. The assessment of the application can take several months.
After two years you will be eligible for Argentina citizenship, and an Argentina passport.
If you are an Expat in Argentina and would like to share your story of immigration to Argentina, please contact us!
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