US nationals do not need a visa to enter Argentina if they intend to live in this country for no more than 90 days. However, there are other legal aspects to consider, so you are advised to discuss them with one of our lawyers in Argentina and ask for support. Our team of attorneys in Argentina specializes in immigration issues and can offer optimal solutions adapted to the client’s needs. We can help citizens immigrate to Argentina from the US.
| Short Facts | |
| Visa required for American citizens (YES/NO) | NO |
| Accepted period without a visa | 90 days |
| Working & studying & living in Argentina as an American citizen | Considering all the requirements in terms of visa & residency, plus the procedures imposed by the educational centers |
| Visa application for US citizens (for over 90 days stays) is done with | Dirección de Migraciones (the Argentine Immigration Department) |
| Work visas for relocation to Argentina from the US | Issued if a job offer from a company in Argentina is accepted. The Argentine employer will act as a sponsor for a work visa application. |
| A work & residence visa can be obtained outside Argentina (YES/NO) | YES |
| Documents required for residency in Argentina | ID/passport (valid for at least 6 months before relocation), health insurance, proof of funds, standard forms, etc. |
| Applying for a rentista visa | To relocate as a pensioner in Argentina. A minimum income of USD 2,000 is solicited. |
| Relocation with family members to Argentina | Possible option |
| When is permanent residency obtained? | After 2 years living in Argentina with a temporary residence permit |
| Customs declarations | Required at the time of relocation for more than 90 days |
| Family visa requirements | A visa application form is completed, apart from the standard one made by the main candidate. |
| Criminal record solicited | A certificate of good conduct from the relevant authorities of the country where the last residency was registered is solicited. |
| Transferring bank accounts | US citizens can choose one of the local banks in Argentina to transfer their money. However, US bank accounts can be used, considering the local currency. |
| Working with our Argentine immigration lawyers | For managing all the procedures and formalities of visa & residency in Argentina. Complete legal services are provided at affordable costs. |
Table of Contents
Conditions to enter Argentina as a US citizen
Because the visa requirement does not apply in Argentina to citizens from the USA, the immigration policies are quite relaxed. Yet, there are other important aspects to consider when you decide on immigration to Argentina:
- A valid passport is required, with at least one blank page.
- US nationals interested in business or tourist visits in Argentina do not need a visa.
- In the case of official and diplomatic passport holders, a visa is required before they arrive in Argentina. Our attorneys in Argentina can assist during the process.
- The authorities in Argentina cannot issue visas for entering Brazil or Paraguay as a US citizen. Contact us if you are interested in moving from the US to Argentina.
The legal aspects related to the entry requirements of US citizens in Argentina can be completely explained by one of our immigration specialists. It is required to have legal support by your side and prepare your travel accordingly; therefore, we can help you move from the US to Argentina. Please explore this infographic with details on this topic:
A visa for US citizens for prolonged visits - Moving from the US to Argentina
The Argentinian authorities require a visa for US citizens who intend to live for more than 3 months in this country. In this case, the following documents should be prepared:
- The passport should have a validity of at least 6 months; otherwise, the authorities in Argentina might refuse entry.
- Proof of domicile or accommodation in Argentina is solicited.
- The return flight tickets are part of the visa application.
- Information about your financial status is also required.
- A form with personal information is given by the authorities in Argentina.
Minor children must be accompanied by their parents or tutors to enter Argentina; otherwise, specific conditions might apply. This subject can be properly handled by one of our Argentine lawyers, so you can get in touch with us at any time if you are a citizen of the USA. We can help you with the process of moving from the US to Argentina.
The residence requirement for US nationals in Argentina
The Argentinian authorities impose long-term residence permits for US citizens who want to study or work in this country. This means that Americans living in Argentina must register with the local authorities before they arrive in the country. The key conditions refer to valid documents and proof of domicile in Argentina. You can discuss all these aspects with one of our immigration lawyers in Argentina. We can help you relocate to Argentina from the US in optimal conditions, considering the applicable laws. We can also offer detailed information about the Argentine visa for US permanent residents.
Can I relocate a US company to Argentina?
Yes, the relocation of a US company in Argentina is possible as long as the conditions are respected. The first step refers to the deregistration of the company from the USA and then gathering all the documents and preparing for the relocation to Argentina. Our team of lawyers in Argentina has experience in company relocation and other immigration matters and can provide optimal solutions tailored to the needs of clients. All the legal terms can be reviewed and debated with our team of lawyers ,who can also provide assistance in getting a residence permit in Argentina.
Moving to Argentina as an American for work purposes
American citizens moving to Argentina for work purposes will have to apply for a work visa with the Consular Office of Argentina in the USA. Here are some of the documents required in this regard:
- valid passport for at least 6 months before entering Argentina,
- visa application form signed by the applicant,
- proof of domicile,
- legalized or apostilled certificate of good conduct issued in the current city of residence,
- a copy of the employment contract with the registration number issued by the National Registry of Petitioners on behalf of Foreign Applicants and certified by a notary public in Argentina,
- proof of paid consular fee. Get in touch with us when moving from the US to Argentina.
In addition to the requirements regarding the necessary documents to obtain the work permit, the candidate will also be scheduled for an interview at the consulate. To better understand what this entails and the whole process, we recommend that you contact one of our lawyers in Argentina. We can assist you in immigrating to Argentina from the US.
What is a work permit for exception cases?
A work permit for Argentina can be issued in a maximum of 3 months, but it depends on each case. In such situations, the authorities in Argentina can provide an interim permit that allows work in Argentina and travel outside the country, without restrictions. We advise you to discuss with us about this type of permit and the conditions imposed by the authorities in Argentina. We are here to explain the formalities for moving from the US to Argentina.
What are Argentine student visa requirements?
Moving from the US to Argentina may also involve pursuing studies in this country. In this sense, the procedures are clear, and the authorities require proof of enrollment in an educational institution in Argentina, a certificate of a clear criminal record from the USA, and proof of sufficient funds for living in Argentina, which can be in the form of sponsorship. We invite you to discuss these aspects with our local lawyers so that you can find out what the conditions for moving to Argentina as an American for study purposes are.
Applying for an Argentine family visa
US citizens who wish to travel to Argentina, reunite with their families, and stay in the country for more than 90 days must apply for a family visa. In this sense, a clear criminal record, marriage and/or birth certificates are required to prove the family ties, and a certified copy of the National Identity Document of a family member he/she wish to reunite with. In addition to these requirements, there are others, but all of them can be explained in detail by one of our specialists with experience in immigration issues. Argentine visas for US permanent residents can be obtained with the legal help offered by our experts.
When can permanent residence be obtained in Argentina?
Obtaining a permanent residence permit in Argentina is possible after 3 years of living in this country. In these years, you have to prove that you had a temporary residence permit, and then apply for a permanent one in Argentina. We advise you to discuss this with our lawyers so that you can prepare all the necessary documents required by the authorities to be able to move from the US to Argentina.
Applying for a rentista visa in Argentina
The rentista visa in Argentina is the same thing as the pensionado visa. American citizens who want to retire to Argentina must obtain this visa, taking into account the following formalities and conditions:
- Applicants must prove a monthly pension income of at least USD 2,000.
- The source of the pension is also required as part of the formalities.
- In addition to a pension, dividends, or interest payments are accepted as a source of funds for getting a rentista visa in Argentina.
- Applicants must also have a clear criminal record. This is often known as a police clearance certificate.
- The Rentista Visa Program involves issuing a residence permit valid for one year, which can then be extended with the renewal application.
- Applicants are advised to open a bank account in Argentina to receive their pension as part of the application.
Given these things, all that remains is for you to make a decision in this regard and collaborate with our Argentine immigration lawyers for complete support in terms of documents and formalities. A pensionado visa in Argentina can be obtained relatively easily if you have specialized help at hand.
Naturalization for US citizens
If you are an American citizen established in Argentina for at least two years, you can apply for citizenship. This naturalization process is aimed at people who are at least 18 years old, have resided in Argentina for at least 2 years, and have a clear criminal record. In addition, information about the source of funds is also requested, as well as a declaration of intent to become an Argentine citizen. What is worth noting in this case is the fact that Argentina accepts dual citizenship, meaning that US citizens do not have to give up their original citizenship. All the formalities involved in the process can be explained in detail by our experts in immigration in Argentina.
Marrying an Argentine citizen for nationality
Another option available to US citizens interested in Argentine nationality is to marry a citizen of this country. An advantage in this case is that there is no requirement to live in Argentina for at least 2 years before applying for citizenship by marriage, but a shorter period of residency. In any case, all information related to this process of obtaining Argentine citizenship through marriage by a US citizen can be explained in detail by one of our experts.
Making investments in Argentina
US investors are welcome in Argentina’s excellent business environment. There is a large number of American businessmen who already thrive with their businesses and profits registered in Argentina. The country provides economic and political stability, which is much appreciated by any kind of investor. The business climate provides good business conditions, starting with a strategic geographic location and ending with top facilities in terms of logistics and transport, to give some examples. Plus, the legislation related to foreign investments is a plus for US citizens who benefit from the same business treatment as domestic entrepreneurs. The visa policies are also relaxed for American citizens. Here are some facts and figures about Argentina’s population and immigration:
- According to statistics, more than 60,000 US nationals are living in Argentina.
- The massive immigration to Argentina from the US started in 2002.
- Argentina has a population of approximately 45.8 million people, according to worldometers.info.
- Argentina's population is equivalent to 0.57% of the total world population.
US citizens who want to enter Argentina and need legal advice can contact our law firm in Argentina. We can provide support and representation, so feel free to send us your inquiries about how to immigrate to Argentina and related procedures.

