Immigration & Visa

Entering as a tourist (DE/EU, visa-free up to 90 days) is different from applying for residency. Anyone who wants to work, stay longer or settle needs the right category at the Dirección Nacional de Migraciones (DNM) — often prepared with a consular visa or as an in-country status change (depending on the case).

• Tourist: up to 90 days, with a possible one-time 90-day extension
• Working without a permit is not allowed for tourists
• Under DNU 366/2025: tighter checks, broader grounds for exclusion (including criminal records); health insurance / a declaration of travel purpose may be required
• Public healthcare outside emergencies may be chargeable for non-permanent residents or tied to insurance

Broadly, the Migration Act (Ley 25.871, amended among others by DNU 366/2025) distinguishes permanent, temporary and transitory stays. For EU citizens the MERCOSUR residency path (simplified for nationals of certain South American countries) does not apply.

1. Clarify the category (work, study, rentista, family…) and download the DNM/consulate checklist
2. Documents in your home country: among others criminal record certificate, birth certificate, marriage certificate if applicable — apostilled (Hague Apostille) and, if required, sworn-translated into Spanish
3. Appointment / online process: many steps run via RaDEX / Migraciones online services; biometrics in person
4. File the application, pay fees, receive Precaria (if applicable) and meet conditions
5. After approval: apply for DNI para extranjeros (everyday ID document)
6. CUIL/CUIT at ARCA (formerly AFIP) for work, monotributo and banking

• Published/effective from May 2025: deep changes to Ley 25.871 and related rules
• Tougher entry and exclusion rules (including criminal records)
• Precaria: shorter standard validity; does not count as arraigo toward permanent residency/naturalization
• Family reunification and permanent residency with stricter means/screening requirements
• Access to public healthcare/university for non-permanents can be restricted or made chargeable
• Naturalization: among other things, two years of continuous legal residence without leaving the country (per government presentation); plus a “citizenship by investment” program (high investment threshold, agency under the Economy Ministry) — check details and implementation separately

CUIL (employees/individuals) or CUIT (tax/business ID) are central for payroll, monotributo, bank accounts and contracts. Without a DNI/valid migration status, opening one is often refused. After you get it: set up electronic tax domicile (domicilio fiscal electrónico) at ARCA.

Argentine citizenship by naturalization requires legal residence and further conditions; DNU 366/2025 adjusted timelines and criteria (including longer/more continuous residency). Special paths also exist (descent, option, investment). This is not a DIY quick process — legal support is recommended.