Argentina Permanent Residency Guide 2026
Residencia Permanente is the culmination of your immigration journey in Argentina. No more renewals, full work rights, and a direct path to citizenship. Learn everything you need to make Argentina your permanent home.
Requirements
2 years of temporary residency for Mercosur nationals, or 3 years for all other nationalities, with continuous physical presence in Argentina
Updated criminal background check from Argentina (Registro de Reincidencia) and from your home country, both less than 3 months old
Proof of registration with AFIP (tax authority) and evidence of tax compliance during your temporary residency period
Current DNI, valid passport, proof of Argentine address, and your temporary residency disposition showing continuous legal status
Benefits of Permanent Residency
No Renewal
Your residency never expires. No more periodic renewals, appointments, or paperwork at Migraciones.
Full Work Rights
Work in any profession, start businesses, and access all employment opportunities without restrictions.
Path to Citizenship
After 2 years of permanent residency, apply for Argentine citizenship and an Argentine passport.
Application Process
Verify Your Eligibility
Confirm that you have held temporary residency for the required period: 2 years for Mercosur nationals or 3 years for other nationalities. Your residency must have been continuous, meaning you have not spent extended periods outside Argentina (generally no more than 6 consecutive months abroad). Check that your temporary residency is still valid or has been properly renewed.
Obtain Updated Background Checks
Request a criminal background check from the Registro Nacional de Reincidencia in Argentina and from your home country. Both documents must be less than 3 months old at the time of application. The Argentine certificate can be obtained online or in person. Your home country certificate must be apostilled and translated into Spanish by a sworn translator.
Prepare Your Tax Documentation
Gather proof of your AFIP registration (constancia de inscripción) and tax compliance. If you are registered under the monotributo regime, show that your payments are up to date. If employed, provide your CUIL documentation. Migraciones wants to see that you have been a responsible taxpayer during your time as a temporary resident.
Book and Complete Online Application
Access the TAD (Trámites a Distancia) platform through migraciones.gov.ar. Complete the permanent residency application form (Radicación Permanente), upload all required documents, and pay the processing fee. Book an in-person appointment (turno) at your nearest Migraciones office.
Attend Your Migraciones Appointment
Bring all original documents, certified translations, and payment receipts to your scheduled appointment. A Migraciones officer will review your file, verify your identity, and may ask questions about your time in Argentina. You will receive a provisional certificate (precaria) while your application is processed.
Receive Permanent Residency & Update DNI
Once approved (typically 3-6 months), you receive a permanent residency disposition. Take this to RENAPER to update your DNI from temporary to permanent status. Your permanent DNI does not expire and does not need renewal, though the physical card itself may need periodic replacement.
Document Checklist
- Valid passport with sufficient validity
- Current DNI (temporary) showing continuous legal residence
- Temporary residency disposition (original or certified copy)
- Argentine criminal background check (Certificado de Antecedentes Penales)
- Home country criminal background check (apostilled and translated)
- AFIP tax registration proof (constancia de inscripción CUIT/CUIL)
- Proof of tax compliance (monotributo payments, tax returns, or employer certification)
- Proof of Argentine address (utility bill or rental contract)
- Passport-sized photos (4x4 cm, white background)
- Migraciones fee payment receipt
- RENAPER appointment for permanent DNI update
Frequently Asked Questions
Important Notice
Immigration requirements and processing times change regularly. The eligibility periods and fees listed here are based on current regulations but may be updated. Always verify current requirements on the official Argentine Immigration website or consult with a qualified immigration attorney before beginning your application. This guide is for informational purposes only.
What Comes After Permanent Residency?
With permanent residency secured, you are just 2 years away from Argentine citizenship. Learn about the naturalization process and the benefits of an Argentine passport.