A while back, Argentina rolled out a major immigration reform, Decree 366/2025, which completely changed the rules of the game. It introduced a much stricter system, affecting everyone from tourists to those on the path to citizenship.
So, what did all these changes actually mean for people?
Let’s break it down.
✈️ Tougher Rules for Tourists and Visitors
First off, Argentina got serious about its entry rules and visa overstays. Gone were the days when you could easily sort things out after your 90-day tourist visa ran out.
- Overstaying became a big risk. Under the new rules, if your tourist visa expires, Immigration can kick you out of the country right away. They don’t have to give you a warning or a chance to get your status in order. The second your visa expired, you were considered irregular. Plus, if you left after overstaying, they might not let you back in on your next trip.
- Screening at the border became more intense. Immigration officers now have more power to deny you entry if they think you’re a “fake tourist” who plans to stay. You also need to be ready to:
- Declare any criminal record you have under a sworn statement.
- Sign a declaration explaining the purpose of your trip.
- Show proof of health insurance for your stay.
If you can’t meet these requirements, you could be turned away at the airport and banned from coming back for at least five years.
📝 Big Shifts for Residency
The decree overhauled how you get and keep residency. The main ways are still there, you can get it through family ties, money (like passive income), or sponsored activities (like a job or school), but the rules changed a lot.
- Automatic permanent residency through family ended. Getting permanent residency used to be automatic if you were the parent or spouse of an Argentine citizen. That’s no longer the case. Now, those family connections will get you temporary residency for up to three years. You have to build up three years of temporary residency before you can apply to become permanent.
- Criminal record checks became incredibly strict. The rules are tough. You can be denied residency for having a criminal record for an offense punishable by more than three years, even if the case was dismissed or you were found not guilty. If you already have residency and get convicted of a crime committed with intent, Immigration can cancel your residency and expel you.
- You can’t stay out of the country for too long. Be careful with how long you travel. Permanent residents could lose their status if they’re outside of Argentina for more than a year. For temporary residents, the limit is just six months.
- You have to stick with your sponsor. If you got your residency through a school or an employer, you normally have to keep studying or working. If you quit, your sponsor can report you to Immigration, which can then cancel your residency and order you to leave. This is why a residency based on family ties is often the safest bet.
🇦🇷 The Controversial New Citizenship Rules
The changes to citizenship were probably the most debated part of the reform. Many legal experts see these new rules as flawed and likely to face challenges in court.
- A strict new “two-year” rule was introduced. To apply for citizenship now, you need two full years of continuous legal residence without leaving the country at all. This was a huge change from the old way of thinking, which was more about showing you had built a life in Argentina, not just that you never traveled.
- Eligibility rules were changed.
- Just being married to an Argentine citizen is no longer a path to citizenship.
- Having an Argentine child still works as a path. However, it’s unclear how long this will apply since the policy idea is to eliminate this path as well.
- There’s a new citizenship by investment option, but the government still hasn’t released details about how much you need to invest or what the rules are.
- Legal challenges are expected. The “no travel” rule is based on a part of the constitution that has always been interpreted more loosely. Legal experts see it as an unreasonable, politically motivated change that will likely be challenged in court. It’s very possible that by the time many people are ready to apply, this rule might have already been overturned.
⚖️ Other Important Changes to Know
Here are a few other key updates from the reform:
- Fewer chances to appeal. If Immigration denies your application, you now only get one shot at an administrative appeal. If that fails, your only choice is to take your case to the courts.
- The digital nomad visa is still not great. For anyone thinking about it, the digital nomad visa remains a poor choice for a long-term plan. It’s good for six months and you can only renew it one time.
- Residency types. The basic categories of residency are the same: Transitory (fast but limited), Temporary (good for a year with a DNI and work permit), and Permanent (the long-term goal, usually after three years of being temporary).
The simple truth is that Argentina’s immigration process became a lot more difficult after this reform. Careful planning and getting good legal advice are more important than ever.
So, What’s the Real Story?
Okay, so the new rules in the decree sound pretty harsh on paper. But what’s really happening on the ground?
The truth is, it seems that in practice, these laws aren’t always being enforced as strictly as they’re written. It has been suggested that the real target of this reform isn’t the typical expat or investor who is here to live, work, or put money into the country. Instead, the government is likely trying to send a message and crack down on those it sees as taking advantage of the system.
This means that while the laws are on the books, enforcement can be selective. Every now and then, authorities might make an example out of someone to show they’re serious, but it hasn’t turned into a widespread crackdown on all foreigners.
The bottom line: it’s smart to know the new rules, but don’t panic.
The day-to-day reality might be less severe than the official text suggests.
Obtaining professional advice tailored to your specific situation remains the best way to navigate everything.
