argentine passport

residency and citizenship

IMPORTANT NEWS:

In June 2023, Argentina introduced changes to the laws that make it harder for migrants (including Russians) to obtain residency and ultimately citizenship.  Among other restrictions, temporary residents are required to have annual receipts of USD 24,000 USD per person per year (previously per family group).

If applied uniformly, these changes will impact migratory movements to Argentina from all Latin American countries. 

It remains to be seen if these restrictions will survive court scrutiny and if authorities will enforce these rules.    

Overview

Russians in Argentina have several options to legalize their status and obtain permission to work and to leave and enter the country as needed.  These options include:

  1.  Digital Nomad Status
  2. Temporary Residency
  3.  Permanent Residency
  4.  Citizenship

1. Digital Nomad Status

What is Digital Nomad Status?

It is a temporary visa granted to any foreigner wishing to reside in Argentina while working remotely for a non Argentine employer. This status legalizes your stay in the country and allows you to “whitewash” your income.  The visa is valid for 180 days and renewable for an additional 180 days.  This visa option was introduced only in 2022 and is yet to be fully implemented. 

Who Can Obtain Digital Nomad Status:

Any professional who can demonstrate an income of at  least $2,500 per month paid by a legitimate company outside of Argentina for work done remotely, while residing in Argentina.

How to Get Temporary Resident Status:
Required Documents

You should apply for Digital Nomad status prior to your arrival in Argentina.  You will need the following documents.  Note, copies of all documents must be translated into Spanish and Submitted online. 

  1. Completed  and Signed application form: form includes personal data and specifies activities to be performed

  2. Curriculum Vitae

  3. Passport: JPG copy of valid passport

  4. Recent Passport Photograph:

  5. Proof of Work Activity: This may include list of contacts, company endorsements, Certifications or income/fee receipts, and at least one occupation-related reference.

  6. Additional Evidence may be requested: including proof of medical insurance coverage. 

Application Process
  1. Start the process by going to Tramitación de Ingreso Electrónico- TIE 24H
  2. Attach the required documentation 
  3. Once the procedure has been completed, you will receive a notification by e-mail with the entry authorization, which you will have to show to the Immigration Control at the time of immigration control when you enter Argentina

2. Temporary Residency Status

What is Temporary Resident Status?

Temporary Resident Status permits the holder to legally work in Argentina as well as to leave and enter the country at any time. It is granted for a renewable one-year term.

After three years, temporary residents can apply for permanent residence status, or after two years of temporary residence can apply to receive Argentine citizenship and passport.  Information on the processes for both are described below.

Who Can Obtain Temporary Residence Status:
  1. Employees of Argentine Companies or Foreign Embassies
  2. Rentiers
  3. Retirees/Pensioners
  4. Investors
  5. Students
  6. Special experts: researchers and scientists, athletes, artists, ministers of religion, university professors
  7. Refugees or those who fit criteria for “humanitarian immigration”
How to Get Temporary Resident Status:
Required Documents

To apply for Temporary Residency status you will need the following documents.  Note, all documents from Russia must be apostilled in Russia, however all translations must be made in Argentina and certified by Argentine Board of Translators.

  • Proof of Identity: Typically your passport, which needs to be translated by an official translator in Argentina and certified by a board of translators.
  • Certificate of Good Conduct: A document verifying that you have not committed any offenses in Argentina. 
  • Russian Criminal Record Certificate: Obtained in Russia no earlier than 90 days before departure.
  • Proof of Entry to Argentina: Confirmed during the application process by selecting the option on the website.
  • Proof of Residence in Argentina: Issued at the nearest police station, or alternatively, an Argentine gas, water, electricity bill, or even an internet bill in your name can serve this purpose.
  • Payment of State Fees: A nominal processing fee paid through the Argentine Immigration website (RADEX system)
Application Process

The process for applying for a Temporary Residency Status involves the following steps and typically takes 1-3 months.:

1. Online Application:

  • Begin the process by submitting an online application through the RADEX system.
  • Upload necessary document photos during this step.

2. Invitation for Interview:

  • Upon application submission, you’ll receive an invitation for an interview.
  • The interview, usually scheduled around 10 days after submission, requires you to present original documents.

3. Pending Case Status:

  • After the interview, you’ll be given a document confirming your pending status, called a “Residencia Precaria.”
  • This allows you to work and travel in and out of Argentina until your identity card (DNI) is available.
  • You can monitor your application status on the Migraciones website.

3. Receiving Your DNI:

  • Upon delivery, pay a nominal DNI fee to the postal worker by check and you’ll receive an envelope containing your new ID card.
Renewing your Temporary Resident Status

Temporary Resident Status is valid for only one year.  After 10-11 months, you should start the renewal process.  To do this you need to go the RADEX system website and resubmit the package of documents, (note you do not need to submit a new t criminal record from Russia, unless you had returned to Russia during your temporary visa status period).  

3. Permanent Residency Status

What is Permanent Resident Status?

Permanent Residency Status enables you to have most of the rights afforded to citizens of Argentina, including: opening up a bank account, starting a business, entering/exiting the country at any point and visiting neighboring countries without the need to present your Russian passport.  The only right you will not have is to vote. 

Permanent Residence is useful document to have if you plan to remain in Argentina for a prolonged period of time and wish to avoid the hassles associated with years renewals of temporary status.  However, it does not grant you citizenship status and can be revoked if you leave Argentina for a duration of more than two years.  

Who Can Obtain Permanent Residence Status:

The following are eligible to apply for Permanent Resident Status:

  1. Anyone who has been a Temporary Resident of Argentina for at least 3 years, or who has been otherwise legally residing in Argentina for at least 3 years
  2. Anyone who has married an Argentine citizen or Permanent Resident, irrespective of time of residency in Argentina.
  3. Father or mother of a child born in Argentina, irrespective of time of residency in Argentina. 
How to Get Permanent Resident Status:
Required Documents

To apply for Permanent Residency status you will need the same documents as those presented for Temporary status, as listed below.  Note, all documents from Russia must be apostilled in Russia, however all translations must be made in Argentina and certified by Argentine Board of Translators

  • Proof of Identity: Typically your passport, which needs to be translated by an official translator in Argentina and certified by a board of translators.
  • Certificate of Good Conduct: A document verifying that you have not committed any offenses in Argentina. 
  • Russian Criminal Record Certificate: Obtained in Russia no earlier than 90 days before departure.
  • Proof of Entry to Argentina: Confirmed during the application process by selecting the option on the website.
  • Proof of Residence in Argentina: Issued at the nearest police station, or alternatively, an Argentine gas, water, electricity bill, or even an internet bill in your name can serve this purpose.
  • Payment of State Fees: A nominal processing fee paid through the Argentine Immigration website (RADEX system.

In addition to the above documents you will also require:

  • Certificate of no criminal record in Argentina. It can be obtained at a special office of the Ministry of Interior of Argentina.
  • Supplemental documents related to the reason you are seeking seeking permanent status, as for example,  a birth certificate of a child born in Argentina or a marriage certificate.
Application Process

The process for applying for a Permanent Residency Status involves involves steps similar to those for applying for Temporary status, namely:

1. Online Application:

  • Begin the process by submitting an online application through the RADEX system.
  • Upload necessary document photos during this step.

2. Invitation for Interview:

  • Upon application submission, you’ll receive an invitation for an interview.
  • The interview, usually scheduled around 10 days after submission, requires you to present original documents.

3. Pending Case Status:

  • After the interview, you’ll be given a document confirming your pending status, called a “Residencia Precaria.”
  • This allows you to work and travel in and out of Argentina until your Permanent identity card (DNI) is granted.
  • You can monitor your application status on the RODEX website.

3. Receiving Your DNI:

  • Upon delivery, pay a nominal DNI fee to the postal worker by check and you’ll receive an envelope containing your new ID card.

4. Citizenship

Argentine Passport and DNI card
Benefits of Citizenship Status

Citizenship provides all the benefits of permanent resident status, enables you to vote and most importantly provides you with an Argentina Passport, which grants you entry into some 150 countries without need of an entry visa.  Furthermore, Argentina allows dual citizenship, enabling Russian nationals to maintain both passports.

Who Can Obtain Citizenship

The following are eligible to apply for Permanent Resident Status:

  1. Anyone who has been legally residing in Argentina for at least 2 years, including those with Temporary or Permanent Residence status
  2. Anyone who has married an Argentine citizen or Permanent Resident, irrespective of time of residency in Argentina.
  3. Father or mother of a child born in Argentina, irrespective of time of residency in Argentina.
How to Get Citizenship
Required Documents

Application for citizenship is handled through the federal court system and the decision on citizenship is made by a federal judge.  Consequently, the judge may decide to request documents in addition to the ones that are requested during the residency status process, (see above).  These additional documents may also include: 

  • Certificate of income. Each judge has his or her own views on how you show Argentina how much money you live on. The form of the certificate will be specified by the court clerk.
  • Supplemental documents related to the reason you are seeking seeking permanent status, as for example,  a birth certificate of a child born in Argentina or a marriage certificate.
The judge may also require proof of Spanish knowledge, or require an exam of Argentine civics, or may request interviews with spouse if marriage is one of the basis for seeking citizenship. 
Application Process
  • Process Initiation: the process for applying for a Citizenship is initiated via a email requesting a date and time for the citizenship application sent to email address:  [email protected].
  • Response Time: Responses are received relatively quickly, and the application date is usually scheduled within a month.
  • Electronic Processing: All processing is conducted electronically. Regularly check the court website for updates on your case’s progress and invitations for personal meetings. No physical visits to the court are required unless electronic invitation is received.
  • Publication of Solicitation of Citizenship: applicants might be asked by the court to publish a notice in a newspaper, indicating their application for Argentine citizenship.

Useful Resources

  • All applications for Residency are handled electronically via the RADEX system
  • Useful “on the ground information” as well option to request consulting services can be obtained by visiting ruargentina.com
  • Legal Services: Christian Rubilar recently represented Russian women seeking citizenship status by giving birth in Argentina.  He can be contacted via his firm RubilarCitizenship.com
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