Argentina Temporary Residency Guide 2026
Residencia Temporaria is your gateway to living, working, and studying in Argentina. This 1-3 year renewable visa grants you a DNI, access to healthcare, banking, and sets you on the path to permanent residency.
Residency Subcategories
For those with an employment contract from an Argentine company or self-employed professionals with demonstrable income. Requires CUIT registration and proof of economic activity.
For students enrolled in accredited Argentine universities or educational institutions. Requires enrollment certificate and proof of financial means to support yourself during studies.
For spouses, parents, or children of Argentine citizens or permanent residents. Requires proof of family relationship (marriage certificate, birth certificate) and the sponsor's DNI.
For individuals with stable passive income such as rental properties, investments, pensions, or retirement funds. Must demonstrate monthly income equivalent to at least 30 times the minimum wage.
Streamlined process for citizens of Mercosur and associated states (Brazil, Uruguay, Paraguay, Chile, Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and others). Simplified requirements and faster processing.
For religious workers, volunteers, refugees, and individuals granted humanitarian protection. Requires documentation from the sponsoring organization or UNHCR refugee status certification.
General Requirements
Birth certificate and criminal background check from your home country, apostilled (Hague Convention) or legalized at an Argentine consulate
Original passport with at least 18 months validity. Some nationalities also need certified translations of all documents into Spanish
Documentation supporting your residency category: employment contract, university enrollment, marriage certificate, or rental income proof
Migraciones processing fee (approximately $200-400 USD depending on nationality) plus RENAPER fee for DNI issuance
Application Process
Determine Your Subcategory
Argentina offers temporary residency under several subcategories: work (empleado or autónomo), study (universitario), family reunification (familiar de argentino or residente), Mercosur nationality, rental income (rentista), and religious or humanitarian reasons. Choose the category that fits your situation, as each has specific document requirements.
Gather and Apostille Documents
Obtain your birth certificate and criminal background check from your home country. These must be apostilled under the Hague Convention (or legalized at an Argentine consulate if your country is not a Hague member). If documents are not in Spanish, get certified translations (traducción pública) by a sworn translator registered in Argentina.
Apply at Migraciones or Consulate
You can apply either at a Dirección Nacional de Migraciones office within Argentina (if you entered on a tourist visa) or at an Argentine consulate in your home country before traveling. Applying in Argentina is more common. Book an appointment (turno) on migraciones.gov.ar, complete the online form (TAD - Trámites a Distancia), and upload your documents.
Attend Your Migraciones Appointment
Bring all original documents, photocopies, certified translations, and your payment receipt to your scheduled appointment. A Migraciones officer will review your file. You may receive a precaria (provisional residency certificate) that allows you to stay and work legally while your application is processed.
Receive Your Residency Approval
Processing times vary from 2-6 months. You can track your application online through the TAD portal. Once approved, you receive a residency disposition (disposición) granting temporary residency for 1-3 years depending on your category.
Apply for Your DNI at RENAPER
After receiving your residency approval, book an appointment at RENAPER (Registro Nacional de las Personas) to obtain your DNI (Documento Nacional de Identidad). The DNI is essential for opening bank accounts, signing contracts, accessing healthcare, and daily life in Argentina. Bring your passport, residency disposition, and two passport photos.
Document Checklist
- Valid passport (minimum 18 months validity recommended)
- Birth certificate with apostille or consular legalization
- Criminal background check from home country (apostilled, less than 3 months old)
- Certified Spanish translation of all non-Spanish documents
- Passport-sized photos (4x4 cm, white background)
- Proof of Argentine address (utility bill, rental contract, or responsable letter)
- Category-specific documents (employment contract, enrollment letter, marriage certificate, etc.)
- Migraciones fee payment receipt
- RENAPER appointment confirmation for DNI processing
- Argentine tax registration (CUIT/CUIL) if applying under work category
Frequently Asked Questions
Important Notice
Argentine immigration procedures and fees are subject to change. Processing times can vary significantly based on your nationality, subcategory, and the current workload at Migraciones. Always verify current requirements on the official Argentine Immigration website or consult with a qualified immigration attorney. This guide is for informational purposes only.
Ready for the Next Step?
Once you have temporary residency, start planning your permanent future in Argentina. Learn about permanent residency, set up your banking, and explore your new home.