Argentine visa resources
Who is eligible: residence categories and criteria
Eligibility depends on which subcategory of Law 25.871 you fit: nationality (MERCOSUR), activity (work, study, investment, rentista), family ties, or humanitarian grounds.
Important
Argentine migration law (Law 25.871) organises residence into three main types: transitory (short-term, for specific activities, no DNI), temporary (medium-term, up to three years, enabling a temporary DNI), and permanent (no expiry date, enabling a permanent DNI).
Within temporary residence, eligibility is defined by subcategory: MERCOSUR nationality, employment (migrant worker), study, investment, rentista (income from assets), family reunification, academics, religious activity, medical treatment, and humanitarian reasons, among others. MERCOSUR nationals have the simplest path because they qualify on nationality alone.
Permanent residence is generally reached through arraigo after holding temporary residence (two years for MERCOSUR nationals, three years for non-MERCOSUR nationals) or directly through a close family link to an Argentine citizen.
Next steps
Official sources
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to the official government sources.
Verified against official sources · last reviewed 2026-08-21. Information only — not legal advice.
