Permanent residency (Residencia Permanente) in Argentina grants you the right to live and work indefinitely, without needing to renew visas continually. It opens access to public services, banking, healthcare, and forms a solid foundation for pursuing citizenship. There are two main pathways:
Family-based: If you're a spouse, child, or parent of an Argentine citizen or permanent resident.
Time-based: After legally residing in Argentina under a temporary visa for a required number of years.
Family-Based Path
You may apply if you're:
The spouse, dependent child, or parent of an Argentine citizen.
A dependent under 18 or a person with disabilities.
Your relationship must be properly documented.
Temporary Residency Path
MERCOSUR citizens can apply after 2 years of legal temporary residency, typically with at least half of that time spent in Argentina.
Non‑MERCOSUR nationals qualify after 3 years of temporary residency, with a similar physical presence requirement.
Right to reside, work, and study indefinitely without needing visa renewals.
Access to national identification (DNI), public services, banking, and healthcare.
Solid pathway to Argentina citizenship—eligible after residing for two continuous years as a permanent resident.
Family members can often be included in the process or follow independent pathways.
Imagine someone arrives in Argentina with a digital nomad visa and lives legally and continuously for three years. Having maintained lawful residency, demonstrated local ties, and passed background checks, they apply for permanent residency. Once granted, they receive a permanent DNI and can work freely, pursue a business, and eventually apply for citizenship two years later.
For MERCOSUR nationals, two years of legal temporary residency is required. For non-MERCOSUR nationals, three years are needed.
Yes, you must have spent at least half of your temporary residency period physically living in Argentina.
Yes, spouses, dependent children, and parents of Argentine citizens or permanent residents are eligible under the family reunification category.
You’ll typically need your passport, current temporary residency card, local proof of residence, clean criminal background checks (both from Argentina and abroad), and any family-related documents if applying through a relative.
Yes, if you live outside Argentina for more than two consecutive years without returning, your permanent residency status may be canceled.
No. Permanent residency allows you to live and work in Argentina indefinitely, while citizenship grants you full political rights and an Argentine passport. You can apply for citizenship after two years of continuous residence in Argentina.
Yes, permanent residents have unrestricted access to employment and self-employment opportunities.