Argentina Work Visa
The most common path to legal residency in Argentina for professionals. Your employer sponsors your application, and you receive a temporary residency permit that opens the door to permanent residency and eventually citizenship.
Overview
Argentina's employment-based residency, commonly referred to as the work visa, is designed for foreign nationals who have secured a job with an Argentine employer. Unlike many countries that impose strict quotas or require labor market tests, Argentina's system is relatively straightforward once you have an employer willing to sponsor you.
The process is managed by the Direccion Nacional de Migraciones (DNM), Argentina's immigration authority. Your employer plays a central role, as they must initiate the process and provide documentation proving the legitimacy of the employment relationship. Once approved, you receive a temporary residency permit (residencia temporaria) valid for one to three years, depending on your contract and nationality.
This visa grants you full work authorization in Argentina, access to the public healthcare system, the ability to open bank accounts, sign rental contracts, and build a life in the country. After two to three years of temporary residency, you become eligible to apply for permanent residency, and Argentine citizenship is available after just two years of permanent residence. The entire pathway from arrival to citizenship can be completed in as few as four to five years.
Requirements
A formal job offer or employment contract from a company legally registered in Argentina. The employer must demonstrate why a foreign worker is needed for the role.
Your Argentine employer must sponsor your visa application and submit documentation to the Direccion Nacional de Migraciones on your behalf.
A signed employment contract detailing your position, salary, duration, and working conditions in accordance with Argentine labor law.
A police clearance certificate from your home country and any country where you have resided for more than one year in the past five years.
Step-by-Step Application Process
Secure Employment in Argentina
Find a job with an Argentine employer willing to sponsor your visa. The employer must be a legally constituted entity registered with AFIP (the Argentine tax authority). Larger companies and multinational firms with local offices are the most common sponsors.
Employer Initiates the Process
Your employer files a request with the Direccion Nacional de Migraciones. They must provide their company registration documents, tax filings, and a justification for hiring a foreign worker, including proof the role could not be filled locally.
Gather Your Personal Documents
Collect your passport, apostilled birth certificate, police clearance certificates, educational credentials, employment contract, and passport-sized photos. All foreign documents must be apostilled and translated into Spanish by a certified public translator in Argentina.
Submit the Application
File your residency application at the Direccion Nacional de Migraciones office in Buenos Aires or online through the Radex digital platform. Your employer may need to be present or provide a power of attorney for certain steps.
Biometrics and Interview
Attend an appointment at Migraciones for fingerprinting and photograph. You may be asked basic questions about your employment and plans in Argentina. Bring all original documents and copies.
Receive Your DNI
Once your temporary residency is approved, apply for your DNI (Documento Nacional de Identidad) at the Registro Nacional de las Personas (RENAPER). The DNI is your national identity card and is essential for daily life, banking, and contracts in Argentina.
Document Checklist
- Valid passport (minimum 6 months remaining validity)
- Passport-sized photos (4x4 cm, white background)
- Apostilled birth certificate
- Police clearance certificate from home country (apostilled)
- Police clearance from any country of residence in the past 5 years
- Signed employment contract with Argentine employer
- Employer's company registration documents (AFIP enrollment, articles of incorporation)
- Employer's justification letter for hiring a foreign worker
- Educational credentials (apostilled, if relevant to the position)
- Certified Spanish translations of all foreign-language documents
- Proof of accommodation in Argentina
- Payment receipts for all applicable government fees
Expected Timeline
Weeks 1-4: Document Gathering
Obtain police clearances, apostille documents, and arrange certified translations. This step often takes the longest because it depends on your home country's processing times.
Weeks 4-6: Employer Filing
Your employer submits their portion of the application to Migraciones, including company documents and the employment justification.
Weeks 6-8: Application Submission
Submit your personal application with all documents at Migraciones or via the Radex platform. Pay the government filing fees.
Weeks 8-24: Processing and Approval
Migraciones reviews your application. Processing times vary significantly. You may receive a precaria (temporary authorization to remain) while waiting. Once approved, proceed to obtain your DNI.
Reality Check
- Processing delays are common. While the official timeline suggests 2-6 months, delays at Migraciones are frequent. Budget extra time and do not make irreversible plans based on a specific approval date.
- Apostilles take time. Getting documents apostilled from abroad can take weeks or months. Start this process as early as possible, ideally before arriving in Argentina.
- Salaries in Argentina are lower. If you are being hired locally, be aware that Argentine salaries are significantly lower than in North America or Europe, even for skilled positions. Factor in the cost of living advantage, but set realistic salary expectations.
- Currency and banking are complicated. Argentina has a complex financial system with multiple exchange rates. Your employer will pay you in Argentine pesos. Understanding the financial landscape is essential before committing to a local salary.
- You need an immigration lawyer. While it is technically possible to navigate this process alone, the bureaucracy is complex and largely conducted in Spanish. A qualified immigration attorney can prevent costly mistakes and expedite the process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Need Help With Your Work Visa?
Our legal partner Lucero Legal specializes in Argentine immigration law and employer-sponsored residency applications. Get professional guidance through every step of the process.
This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Visa requirements, fees, and processing times change frequently. Always verify current requirements on the official Argentine Immigration website or consult with a qualified immigration attorney before making any decisions. Last updated: 2025.