Obtaining Argentina citizenship grants you the right to live, work, and travel freely in the country.
You can apply through naturalization after two years of legal residence or by descent if you have Argentine ancestors.
This guide explains the requirements, process, and benefits of becoming an Argentine citizen.
Argentina Citizenship: At a Glance
| Who Can Apply? | Argentine residents with at least two years of residency in the country or anyone with a National Argentine spouse, or child. |
| Processing Time | 8-24 months |
| Decision Authority | Argentine judges, not immigration authorities |
| Main Requirements | 2 years of residency, clean background checks, being +18 years old, have demonstrable legal income. |
| Physical Presence Requirement | During the process, you must stay in Argentina for at least 9 months per year. |
| Key Benefit | Argentinian passport, that grants Visa-free travel to 160+ destinations. No need to renounce your current nationality (Argentina allows dual citizenship). reliable refuge in uncertain times. |
Before We Begin
This article discusses Argentine citizenship by naturalization.
However, expats can also pursue citizenship by option.
What Is Citizenship by Option?
Citizenship by option applies if at least one of your parents was born in Argentina.
The process differs from naturalization and is handled by:
- The Argentine consulate if you are abroad.
- RENAPER (National Registry of Persons) or Argentine civil registries if you are in Argentina.
In this case, the process is not handled by Argentine judges but rather by administrative authorities. For more information, click here.
| 💡 Did you Know? Marrying an Argentine or having an Argentine-born child does not grant automatic citizenship. However, it waives the two-year residency requirement for naturalization. If you meet these criteria but don’t qualify for citizenship by option, you must still apply through the judicial naturalization process. |
Without further ado, here’s everything you need to know about Argentina citizenship by naturalization.
First of all, why Choose Argentina Citizenship?
Argentine citizenship offers valuable benefits, including global mobility, security, and new opportunities.
Here are some key benefits:
A Powerful Passport
Ranked #17 globally, the Argentine passport grants visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 169 countries, including:
- Schengen Area (Europe)
- UK (6 months), Ireland (3 months)
- Thailand (3 months) (longer than most Western passports)
- Mexico (6 months), New Zealand, South Africa (3 months)
- MERCOSUR countriesÂ
| đź’ˇ Did you know? Argentina is one of the rare countries that gets a 90-day tourist visa for Thailand – most Western passports get just 30 or 60 days. |
Fast-Track Naturalization
In Argentina, you can apply for citizenship after just 2 years, significantly shorter than in many other countries—and continuous presence isn’t always required.
Obtaining Dual Citizenship Made Simple
Argentina allows dual (or multiple) citizenships, so you never have to renounce your original nationality. Once an Argentine, you’ll always be treated as one within the country.
True Permanent Residency
All residency permits in Argentina come with conditions—even “permanent residency” can be revoked if you’re away for too long. But citizenship doesn’t expire. You could leave for decades and come back anytime—you’ll still be an Argentine citizen.
Affordable & Respected Citizenship
Unlike countries that offer citizenship through expensive investment programs, Argentina maintains a respected naturalization process with low government fees. Even with legal assistance, the costs remain significantly lower.
| Important note: Argentina does not have citizenship-by-investment programs. |
A Country That Welcomes You
Argentina has a long history of welcoming immigrants. If you meet the requirements, you can become a citizen—no hidden barriers.
| 💡 Did you know? Over 60% of Argentines have European ancestry—immigration is part of the culture! |
A Stable Option in an Uncertain World
Argentina’s southern location keeps it far from major global conflicts.
The country even remained neutral in both World Wars, making it a reliable refuge in uncertain times.
More Freedom, More Security, More Options
In a changing world, Argentina citizenship offers more options. You gain choices for work, travel, investment, and stability for you and your family.
Key Requirements for Argentina Citizenship
Be at Least 18 Years Old
To apply, you must be 18 or older, the legal adult age in Argentina.
| What About Minors? Children must apply for an Argentine residence permit until they’re 18. Many qualify for a student visa if enrolled in school, but the most common option is obtaining residency through family reunification, extending their parent’s legal status. |
Have No Criminal Record
A clean record speeds up your application. You’ll need apostilled background cheks from your home country. Major crimes can disqualify you, while minor offenses may not matter.
Show Legal Income
Applicants must prove “honest means of livelihood”, meaning verifiable legal income. If you’re working for a country other than Argentina, this may include:
- Accountant-certified earnings
- Apostilled balance sheet from your company
- Rental property deeds
- Bank statements
| Pro Tip: Instead of showing your abroad income, starting a small personal activity in Argentina and paying minimal taxes could serve a dual purpose: demonstrating legal income to support yourself (in a much more direct and simple way) and strengthening your ties to Argentine society. |
Guess what? The Argentine system understands that a housewife, a young son/daughter going to college or even a retired parent supported by his/her family is eligible for citizenship even if their income does not come from the produce of their own work.
Have 2 Years of uninterrupted Residence
Uninterrupted residence means making Argentina your home, but you can travel. However, long absences could raise concerns. We recommend not leaving for more than 3 months per year.
| Important Reminder: This requirement does not apply if you have an Argentine child or spouse. |
Judges may review:
- Your residency permit status
- Your travel history
- Proof of ties, like healthcare, property, work, or family connections
| Clearing Up Common Questions about Argentina citizenship requirements: Do I Need to Speak Spanish? Not necessarily. Some courts may have a casual chat to check basic understanding, but it’s not a legal requirement. If you apply after two years, this will not be a concern. Do I Have to Know Argentine History and Culture? No, this hasn’t been a requirement for decades. Is There a Minimum Income Requirement? No set amount exists. We can use the immigration requirement for the passive income visa as a reference, which is around $1,500/month. However, many successful cases have been approved with less. |
Essential Documentation for Argentina Citizenship
Applying for Argentina citizenship requires gathering key personal documents. Below is a checklist to ensure a smooth process:
- Passport (valid and up-to-date)
- Apostilled birth certificate
- Apostilled criminal background check from your country of origin
- Argentine address certificate (issued by the local police department)Â Â Â
- Marriage certificate with your Argentine spouse or birth certificate of your Argentine child (if applicable).
All foreign documents must be apostilled and translated into Spanish by an Argentine public translator. Avoid unnecessary expenses by waiting to translate them in Argentina.
| ⚠️ Timing Tip: It’s best to obtain your apostilled criminal background check after starting the citizenship process. If it’s too old, the court may ask for a new one. |
Argentina Citizenship Process, Divided In Stages
Stage 1: Preparing Your Application
The first step is gathering and submitting the first documents that the judge will ask you. These include:
- Passport (original and apostilled copy)
- Apostilled and translated birth certificate
- Argentine address certificate
- Initiation form (Download it here)
Once submitted, the court verifies your identity and requests proof of income to ensure you have a stable livelihood.
| Must-know fact: Courts often call applicants for an in-person verification of documents before proceeding. Where Do I Submit All These Documents? If you plan to live in Buenos Aires City, you must submit your documents to the National Chamber of Appeals in Civil and Commercial Federal Matters, located at Talcahuano 550, CABA. If you will be residing in another province, you must go to the nearest National Civil and Commercial Federal Court based on your registered address. |
Stage 2: Background Check
The court conducts a thorough background check, requesting information from:
- Immigration authorities
- Interpol
- Other government agencies (Various divisions of the Argentina Federal Police, the National Criminal Record Registry, and the Argentine National Registry of Persons)
Usually, two of these court orders require you to visit public offices in person to provide your fingerprints. You can usually get it done in one morning.
| Expert tips for this stage: This stage can take several months due to delays in government responses. On top of that, court staff may fail to include the responses in your citizenship file. Regular visits to the court to ensure updates are processed can be very helpful.At this stage, the judge will also require you to publish a notice in a newspaper—an outdated formality known as the “publicity requirement.” We recommend waiting to do this until most government responses have been received. The same goes for your criminal background checks—start the process when only a few responses are still pending. |
Stage 3: Court Decision & Oath Ceremony
After all verifications are done, the case goes to an Argentine prosecutor. She/he reviews the process and gives a non-binding opinion. The judge uses that recommendation to decide if citizenship is granted.
If citizenship is granted:
- The judge issues a formal ruling.
- You receive an appointment for an oath ceremony.
- A citizenship certificate (Carta de CiudadanĂa) is issued.
Stage 4: Getting Your Argentine Passport
While not part of the judicial process, most new citizens apply for an Argentine passport. Here’s how:
- With your citizenship certificate, apply for your Argentine DNI (ID card) at RENAPER. If you plan to stay in Buenos Aires City, here’s what you need to know.
- Use your DNI to request a passport.
- Choose the processing speed:
- Standard processing: $27 USD, takes a few weeks.
- Express service at the airport: $100 USD for same-day issuance.
| Passports are valid for 10 years.For more information on how to get your Argentinian passport click here! |
| Clarifying Key Aspects of Argentina Citizenship Stages. How long does the citizenship process take? It usually takes 12 to 24 months. However, some applicants finish in just 8 to 9 months with legal help. Can I apply without a lawyer? Yes, but the process is bureaucratic and complex. Even native Spanish speakers often need legal assistance. Can I travel while waiting for approval? Yes, but prolonged absences might be seen as abandoning your residency. Judges decide case by case. What if my application is denied? You can appeal the decision, but this requires a lawyer. If denied, reapplying is possible, but only if circumstances change. |
Argentine Citizenship: What You Need to Know
Argentine citizenship comes with many benefits, but before applying, here are some key aspects to consider.
You Can’t Automatically Transfer Citizenship to Your Children
If you become an Argentine citizen by naturalization, your children will not automatically inherit your citizenship. They must apply for naturalization themselves once they turn 18, following the same process you did.
You Can’t Renounce Argentine Citizenship
Argentina does not let its citizens give up their citizenship, unlike many other countries.
That being said, the government won’t easily strip you of your citizenship. The only way to lose it is through a civil lawsuit initiated by the state, and a judge must rule on it.
Voting is Mandatory
Argentina enforces compulsory voting for all citizens.
What happens if you don’t vote?
Fines for not voting are usually low and won’t impact your daily life unless you are planning to work for the government, actually be elected as a political authority of where you live, and in a few other scenarios.
If none of these apply to you, this rule is more of a formality than a real inconvenience.
Dual Citizenship & Conflicts with Other Countries
Argentina allows dual and even multiple citizenships, meaning you can hold an Argentine passport while keeping your other nationalities. However, not all countries allow this.
What does this mean for you?
- Most Western Hemisphere countries allow dual citizenship, so having an Argentine passport won’t be an issue.
- Some countries—like Japan, China, Estonia, for example—require you to formally renounce your previous nationality when obtaining a new one.
So, what happens if you need to renounce Argentine citizenship?
- Argentina does not allow its citizens to renounce their nationality under normal circumstances.
- Some foreign governments don’t accept Argentina’s stance. So, they will process your renunciation if their laws require it.
- In practice, some Argentine consulates may take note of your renunciation, but they will inform you that Argentine law won’t consider it valid.
| Bottom line: If you give up your Argentine nationality abroad, Argentina still sees you as a citizen at home. |
Taxes: What You Should Know
Becoming an Argentine citizen does not automatically make you a tax resident. However, tax obligations can arise depending on your situation.
- Living in Argentina? You may become a tax resident after 12+ months.
- Living abroad? You could lose tax residency if you spend fewer than 90 days per year in Argentina.
Important: If you own a business or receive income from Argentina, you will still have to pay Argentine taxes, even if you live abroad.
Argentina has treaties to avoid double taxation with several countries, including:
France, Canada, Belgium, Australia, Germany, Norway, and many more.
| Tax laws can be complex, so always consult a lawyer, accountant, or tax expert before making any financial decisions. |
Final Thoughts: Is Argentina Citizenship Right for You?
So, is Argentine citizenship worth considering? Absolutely.
For those seeking a straightforward path to citizenship with strong travel benefits, a welcoming immigration system, and a relatively simple application process, Argentina stands out. Unlike many countries where naturalization can take 5, 10, or even 20 years, Argentina allows you to apply after just two. Additionally, dual citizenship is fully recognized, meaning you can retain your current nationality.
Of course, the process involves some bureaucracy, and judicial interpretations may vary, requiring patience and careful navigation. Having the right guidance can be invaluable in ensuring a smooth application.
Whether you choose to apply independently or with legal assistance, the benefits—full citizenship rights and a globally competitive passport—make the effort worthwhile.
