Settling in Argentina

In this column, we introduce Argentina’s immigration policy to advise on the most appropriate way to settle in the country.

Immigration policy. Argentina’s immigration policy is based on the guidelines established in Law of Migrations (no. 25871) along with its regulatory decree (no. 616/2010). The legislation is applied and enforced by the National Direction of Migration of Argentina’s Ministry of Interior and Transportation (immigration office).

Foreigners are guaranteed equal treatment under Argentine law. Immigrants and their families are guaranteed equal access to the same protection and rights afforded to Argentine nationals. In particular, these include social services, public property, health, education, justice, employment and social security.

Documentation. All individuals wishing to settle in Argentina must apply for a residence permit. Foreigners are automatically considered settled in Argentina upon entry under an entry permit and visa. If applicable, they are then able to obtain their national identity document from the civil registry. The applicable forms and requirements for a residence permit depend on whether the applicant is a citizen of the Southern Common Market (Mercosur) bloc or Mercosur associate country, or, in the case of China, a non-Mercosur citizen.

All documents issued outside Argentina must be filed with an accompanying Spanish translation. They must be certified by the Argentine consulate in that jurisdiction or, if applicable, bear The Hague Convention Apostille. An Argentine-licensed translator must perform the translation.

María Lucía Belliz is the director of the Investors Assistance Office of the Argentina Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Worship