Argentina Visa Guide & Decision Tool
Find the right visa, calculate costs, estimate timelines, and learn from people who've actually gone through the process.
2026 Visa Reality: Delays & Processing Updates
- DNI Delays: National ID processing is taking 6+ months due to system backlogs. Without DNI, banking and renting are extremely difficult.
- 2-Year Citizenship Rule: Citizenship requires 2 years of permanent residency (not temporary). Total timeline: 4-5 years minimum.
- Digital Nomad Visa: Only 180 days with no direct residency path. Many regret choosing this over other visa types.
Interactive Visa Tools
Use these tools to find your best visa match and plan your application
Complete Visa Comparison
Side-by-side comparison of all Argentina visa options
| Feature | Digital Nomad | Work | Retirement | Student | Investment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Duration | 180 days | 1-3 years | 1 year (renewable) | Duration of studies | 1-3 years |
| Cost | $100-150 | $200-400 | $200-400 | $150-300 | $500-1,000+ |
| Processing Time | 6-10 weeks | 10-16 weeks | 8-14 weeks | 4-8 weeks | 12-20 weeks |
| Work Allowed | Remote only | Yes (sponsor) | No | Part-time only | Own business |
| Path to Residency | No | Yes (2 years) | Yes (2 years) | Possible | Yes |
| Renewable | No (reapply) | Yes | Yes (annual) | Yes | Yes |
| Bring Family | Complicated | Yes | Yes | Possible | Yes |
| Income Requirement | ~$2,500/mo | Job offer | ~$1,000/mo pension | Proof of funds | ~$50,000+ investment |
Detailed Visa Guides
Everything you need to know about each visa type
- Valid passport with 6+ months validity
- Proof of remote work (employment contract or client agreements)
- Minimum income proof (~$2,500/month recommended)
- Health insurance valid in Argentina
- Criminal background check (apostilled)
- Proof of accommodation in Argentina
Gather documents
2-4 weeksGet background check, translate documents, secure accommodation proof
Create RADEX account
Same dayRegister on the Migraciones online system
Submit application
1-2 hoursUpload all documents and pay fee online
Wait for review
4-8 weeksMigraciones reviews your application
Receive approval
1 weekDownload your visa approval letter
Enter Argentina
Within 90 daysYou have 90 days to enter after approval
Official Government Fees
- Visa application fee$100-150
- Entry fee (reciprocity)$0-160 (varies by nationality)
Additional/Hidden Costs
- Document apostille$50-150
- Certified translations$100-300
- Health insurance$50-200/month
- Photos and copies$20-50
- Transport to Migraciones$10-30
“Got approved in 7 weeks. Key was having 6 months of consistent freelance income documented. The background check took longest - start that first.”
“Rejected first time due to 'insufficient ties to home country.' Added a letter from my landlord and utility bills, then approved in 5 weeks.”
Practical Information
What you need to know about the actual application process
Insider Tips from Successful Applicants
- • Apply at least 3 months before your planned move
- • Avoid December-February (summer holidays - everything slows down)
- • Start your background check first - it takes the longest
- • Document validity: Most documents expire after 90 days
- • Scan everything in high resolution (300 DPI minimum)
- • Keep PDFs under 5MB for RADEX uploads
- • Make a checklist and check it three times
- • Apostille rules vary by US state - check yours
- • Bring more money than the minimum requirement
- • Have 6 months of bank statements ready
- • Credit cards help show financial stability
- • Budget for the unexpected - costs add up
- • Facebook groups: “Argentine Expats” and “Expats in Buenos Aires”
- • Reddit: r/argentina and r/expats
- • Consider a lawyer for complex cases (worth the $500-1500)
- • Your embassy can't help with immigration, but expat groups can
Important Legal Notice
Visa requirements, fees, and processing times change frequently. This guide reflects information current as of 2025 but should not be considered legal advice. Always verify current requirements on the official Argentine Immigration website or consult with a qualified immigration attorney before making decisions. We are not responsible for changes in immigration law or individual application outcomes.
Need Professional Help?
Immigration law is complex and changes frequently. A qualified lawyer can save you time, money, and stress - especially for business visas or if you've had previous immigration issues.