The Argentina Rentista Visa is a great option for expats who want to live in Argentina while earning passive income.
This guide covers what you need to know.
It includes eligibility, requirements, and steps to apply.
Rentista Visa At A Glance
| Who can apply? | Anyone who can show legal passive income of USD $1,500 per month. |
| Processing time | 3-11 months |
| Decision Authority | Argentine Immigration Department |
| Main Requirements | Valid passport, clean criminal record, Argentine address certificate, and proof of passive income of $1,500 per month. |
| Physical Presence Requirement | 7 months per year to maintain residency. |
| Key Benefit | Gives you a DNI, no need to commit to any activity in the country, very flexible visa for traveling abroad. |
What is the Argentina Rentista Visa?
The Argentina Rentista Visa offers residency to those with a steady passive income.
This can come from rental properties, dividends, or investments for example.
Unlike other visas, it doesn’t require you to work or study.
Who is It For?
It’s ideal for Digital nomads or anyone with a stable passive income (minimum $1,500/month)
This visa allows you to live in Argentina legally and obtain an Argentine national identity document (DNI).
Argentina Rentista Visa Requirements
To qualify, you need to meet certain criteria. This includes income, documentation, and background checks.
General Requirements
- Valid passport
- Criminal background check from any country where you’ve lived for more than a year in the past three years.
- Argentine police address certificate
Passive Income Requirements
- Minimum income: At least $1,500 USD/month
- Proof of income: Bank statements, rental contracts, investment dividends, etc.
| 💡 Did you know? This minimum income is based on the calculation required by law, which specifies 5 Argentine minimum wages. The number may fluctuate due to changes in the official exchange rate of the Argentine peso. |
Example case: If you own properties abroad and rent them out, you can qualify for a rentista visa.
These are the documents you need to submit:
🏡 Property deed – Proof of ownership
📄 Rental contract – Showing legal income sources
💰 Bank transfer receipts – Evidence of rent payments received
📜 Certified accountant letter (optional but recommended) – Strengthens financial proof
Important note: All documents must be apostilled and in Spanish. If not, they need to be translated and legalized. This includes the background check and passport.
Fund Transfer Requirements
- Must transfer funds to an Argentine bank regulated by the Central Bank of Argentina
| Noteworthy detail! A common question is how much money needs to be transferred. Right now, our Immigration Department usually needs a transfer that equals two or three months of income. This is due to current restrictions on international money transfers. |
Step-by-Step Application Process
Step 1: Document Preparation (1-3 months)
Collect the needed documents. Then, apostille them. Make sure to have an Argentine expert translate and legalize everything.
| Some pro tips! Legalize documents before arriving in Argentina, as doing it is often easier abroad. Obtain an apostille/legalization for your background checks and income-related documents.Do not translate any documents yet—translations must be done in Argentina by certified professionals. |
Step 2: Enter Argentina & Submit Online Application (1-6 weeks)
Submit an online pre-application and upload the required documents.
| Use a certified translator from the Argentine province you´ll be, as translations must also be legalized. Confirm before paying. |
Step 3: Immigration Interview (2-30 days)
Attend an interview at the Argentine National Immigration Department, provide documents, and fingerprints, and receive a Precaria.
| The precaria is a temporary document. It lets you stay legally in Argentina as the immigration department reviews your case. |
Step 4: Open an Argentine Bank Account and transfer the funds (1-3 months)
After your interview, start preparing everything to open your bank account. If the Immigration Department accepts your passive income documents, they will require proof of fund transfers.
If the Immigration Department accepts your passive income documents, they will require proof of fund transfers.
| It goes without saying, but deposit the exact amount requested by immigration Department into an Argentine bank. |
Step 5: Visa Approval (1-3 months)
If all requirements are met, proof of funds is submitted, and the documentation is approved, Immigration grants a one-year visa.
| Once your visa is approved, request your “ID trámite” number from Immigration Department. This will allow you to track the delivery of your DNI to your address through the following link. |
Common Challenges with the Rentista Visa
1. Documentation Issues
Immigration agents decide if your passive income qualifies for the rentista visa.
Getting an apostille for many documents needed by the Immigration Department can be tough. Here is where creativity comes into play to find alternative solutions.
2. Bank Account Setup
Opening an Argentine bank account can be challenging without a DNI. You may need local guidance to navigate Argentina’s banking system.
Sometimes, even after opening the account with just a passport, you may face issues. Accessing all the features might not work as expected.
3. Fund Transfers & Currency Exchange Issues
Transferring funds legally can be complex due to Argentina’s strict banking regulations.
Finding legal ways to bring money into the country takes creativity. This approach helps you avoid major losses.
4. Delays & Bureaucratic Hurdles
The visa process can take months, and applications may be delayed in the system.
Golden Rule: Frequent follow-ups with the immigration Department can help expedite approval.
| We highly suggest hiring a professional immigration lawyer for this visa. There are many hurdles that could slow down your process or even lead to a denial. Check out our trusted immigration firm here. |
Rights & Restrictions of the Argentina Rentista Visa
Residency & DNI
- Rentista Visa holders receive a DNI, Argentina’s national ID card.
- Visa must be renewed yearly, and after three renewals, you can apply for permanent residency.
| Interesting fact: You need three renewals for permanent residency. However, after two years of living in Argentina, you can start your citizenship process! |
Work & Business Permissions
- Although this visa is not a work visa, holders can legally work or open a business in Argentina.
Travel Rights
- You can leave Argentina for up to 5 months a year and keep your residency. However, if you stay away for more than 3 months, it might impact your future citizenship eligibility.
Family Reunification
- Spouses and children under 18 can be included in the application.
Healthcare Access
- Access to Argentina’s public healthcare system
- Option to purchase private health insurance
Learn more about this topic: Argentina’s Healthcare System
FAQs About the Argentina Rentista Visa
1. What are the benefits of the Rentista Visa?
- No employment or business obligations
- Freedom to travel abroad for a couple of months while maintaining residency
- Pathway to permanent residency and/or citizenship
2. Are there any fees?
- Immigration fees range from $80 to $120
- Lawyers typically charge upfront fees for the initial application and any renewals
3. Can I apply while on a tourist visa in Argentina?
- Yes, if your country allows visa-free entry to Argentina
- If you need a visa permit to enter Argentina, you must apply from your home country
Unsure if you need a visa to enter Argentina? Find out here
4. Which residency option is best for me?
- If you’re looking for a faster or simpler process, this type of residency might not be the best option for you. A residency based on activity, such as a student visa, could be a better option.
- If you prefer more freedom and don’t mind a slightly more complicated process, the Rentista Visa might be a better fit.
Final thoughts
The Argentina Rentista Visa is an excellent residency option for digital nomads and passive income earners. The process can be complex, involving paperwork and banking setups, but nothing a professional can’t handle.
If you’re ready to navigate these steps, the Rentista Visa can pave the way for long-term visa and even citizenship in Argentina.
This guide is regularly updated to reflect Argentina’s latest immigration policies.
