Argentine Citizenship Guide 2026
Becoming an Argentine citizen through naturalization grants you an Argentine passport, full political rights, and membership in one of South America's most vibrant nations. Dual citizenship is allowed, and you never have to give up your original nationality.
Requirements for Naturalization
Minimum 2 years of permanent residency in Argentina with continuous physical presence (or less through marriage to an Argentine citizen)
Basic Spanish language proficiency and knowledge of the Argentine Constitution, national history, and civic principles
Proof of employment, business activity, pension, or other legitimate income demonstrating you can sustain yourself in Argentina
No criminal convictions in Argentina or abroad that would disqualify you, and no ongoing criminal proceedings
Pathways to Citizenship
Standard Path
2+ years of permanent residency with continuous physical presence in Argentina. The most common route for expats.
Marriage to Argentine
Expedited path through marriage to an Argentine citizen. Apply after 2 years of marriage while residing in Argentina.
Special Merit
For parents of Argentine-born children or individuals with distinguished service to the country. Accelerated timelines possible.
Application Process
Verify Your Eligibility
You must have held permanent residency for at least 2 continuous years. Exceptions exist for spouses of Argentine citizens (who can apply after 2 years of marriage while residing in Argentina, even with less time as a permanent resident), parents of Argentine-born children, and individuals who have performed distinguished service to Argentina. Verify that you have maintained continuous physical presence, generally meaning you have not been absent for more than one-third of the required period.
Gather Required Documentation
Prepare your permanent DNI, valid passport, Argentine criminal background check (Certificado de Antecedentes Penales), proof of means of subsistence (employment certification, tax records, or business registration), proof of Argentine address (utility bills or rental contract), and two witnesses who are Argentine citizens willing to testify to your good character and residence. All foreign documents must be apostilled and translated into Spanish.
File the Application at Federal Court
Citizenship applications are handled by the federal judiciary, not by Migraciones. File your petition at the Juzgado Federal (Federal Court) with jurisdiction over your place of residence. In Buenos Aires, this means the federal courts in the city center. In other provinces, contact the local Juzgado Federal. You will submit your complete file and the court will assign your case to a specific judge.
Attend the Judicial Interview
The assigned federal judge (or their secretary) will schedule an interview, typically 3-6 months after filing. During this interview, you will be asked questions in Spanish about your life in Argentina, your reasons for seeking citizenship, your knowledge of Argentine history and the Constitution, and your understanding of civic responsibilities. The interview is generally conversational and not an exam, but you should be prepared to discuss basic topics like the branches of government, national symbols, and the rights enshrined in the Constitution.
Witness Testimony
Your two Argentine citizen witnesses will be called to testify before the court, either at your interview or at a separate hearing. They will confirm your continuous residence in Argentina, your good moral character, and your integration into Argentine society. Witnesses should know you personally and be able to speak to your daily life and community involvement.
Receive the Citizenship Resolution
After reviewing your file, interview, and witness testimony, the judge issues a resolution (sentencia) granting or denying citizenship. If approved, you receive a certified copy of the resolution. The total timeline from application to resolution is typically 6-18 months, depending on the court's workload and your jurisdiction.
Take the Oath and Obtain Your Documents
Once approved, you must attend a citizenship ceremony to take the oath of allegiance to Argentina before the judge. After the ceremony, you can update your DNI at RENAPER to reflect your Argentine citizenship and apply for an Argentine passport at the Policía Federal. The Argentine passport grants visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to over 170 countries worldwide.
Document Checklist
- Valid permanent DNI (Documento Nacional de Identidad)
- Valid passport from your country of origin
- Argentine criminal background check (Certificado de Antecedentes Penales, less than 3 months old)
- Proof of means of subsistence (employment certificate, tax registration, business license, or pension proof)
- Proof of Argentine domicile (utility bills, rental contract, or property deed)
- Birth certificate (apostilled and translated into Spanish)
- Two Argentine citizen witnesses with their DNIs
- Passport-sized photos (4x4 cm, white background)
- Marriage certificate if applying through the spousal pathway (apostilled and translated)
- Court filing fee payment receipt (approximately $50-100 USD equivalent)
- Proof of continuous residence (bank statements, employment records, utility payment history)
Frequently Asked Questions
Important Notice
The citizenship process is handled by the federal judiciary and procedures can vary between courts and jurisdictions. Processing times depend heavily on the specific court's workload. Requirements and documentation may differ slightly by jurisdiction. Always consult with a qualified immigration attorney familiar with citizenship cases in your area, and verify current requirements with the Argentine Immigration website. This guide is for informational purposes only.
Begin Your Journey to Citizenship
Whether you are just arriving in Argentina or already a permanent resident, understanding the full immigration pathway helps you plan ahead. Explore our other guides to navigate each step of your journey.