Immigration & Visa

Tourist stays vs residency: extension, historic Law 694 thresholds and current practice — factual and brief.

Updated: November 2026

Tourism vs residency

Short stays: tourist status (often up to 90 days, extendable). Longer: residency via DGME under general migration law (Law 761 et al.).

Orientation (simplified)

PathNoteStatus
Touristdays per stamp; extension possibleDGME
Law 694 (historic)pensionado ≥ USD 1,000 / rentista ≥ USD 1,250/moRepealed with effect from 2 August 2024
Residency todaycategories under Law 761 et al.confirm with DGME

Law 694 – historic thresholds

Historical context (Law 694): the former rules set a minimum of USD 1,000 monthly foreign pension for pensionado and USD 1,250 stable foreign income for rentista. Article 38 of Law 1210 repealed Law 694 with effect from 2 August 2024 — new filings under Law 694 are no longer possible. Residency now runs through DGME under the general migration law (Law 761 et al.). The old thresholds are historical reference only, not current requirements.

  • Current income tests and documents: confirm with DGME or a consulate.
  • Not a substitute for legal advice.

Tourist extension

Per DGME reports: apply before expiry; form; passport with entry stamp; fee often ca. USD 25 per 30 days. Maxima depend on category.

  • Tourism ≠ work permit.

Documents (orientation)

  • Valid passport.
  • Entry stamp / movement record.
  • For residency: authenticated papers per current DGME list.

Sources

Disclaimer: This page is for general guidance only and is not legal, tax or immigration advice. Rules and prices change — verify with official sources.