2011 Immigration Requirements for Argentina

article from June 27, 2011

By Jamie Douglas

For many citizens coming from the US and Canada, as well as Europeans, Australians and Chinese, not to mention the hundreds of thousands of indigents from neighboring countries, Argentina has become a magic destination, where people seek to find peace or better incomes, opportunities for their children, perhaps a more mellow existence and for some, a Utopia or Shangri La of sorts.

In this article, I will concentrate on the first four groups of potential immigrants, the ones most likely to be my readers. First off, I will give you the figures for what it will cost you to arrive in the country. When arriving on international flights at Ezeiza International Airport in Buenos Aires, US citizens are charged a reciprocity fee of US$134, while Canadians pay about $71 and Australians about $102. These amounts may fluctuate slightly with the currency exchanges. Citizens from the European Union as well as our Kiwi friends are exempt from those fees. Your entry entitles you to an automatic stay of 90 days in the country, which you may extend at any immigration office in the country for another 90 days for 300 pesos, or about US$75. After a one-time extension, you must leave the country, which, depending on where you are, may be simple or it may be expensive. If you are in the greater Buenos Aires area, a quick daytrip on the Buquebus, the ferry across the Río de la Plata, will give you a 90-day entry into Uruguay for free, but you may return the same day.

I personally recommend taking the ferry to Colonia del Sacramento, and make it a multi-day excursion, as this is one of the historical cradles of Uruguay. Large portions of the old town are beautifully restored to its ancient glory. Montevideo is a secondary destination if you look for variety on multiple visa-renewing trips, offering a large selection of cultural events, great restaurants and a vibrant nightlife. Of course, a constant back and forth will eventually come to the attention of sharp eyed immigration officials who may advise you that you will not be allowed back in, as has happened to an acquaintance. Therefore, there is option B: Not leaving the country until you have to, and then paying a 300-peso exit fee, which is the same amount as extending your visa.

If you find yourself having settled close to the Andes in Mendoza or Patagonia, your choice may be to go to Chile, where you again have to pay that reciprocity fee for getting the permission to enter their country, but the stamp you get is valid for the life of the passport.

As far as actually settling as a rentista, or retiree, the income requirements went up from about US$500 to $2,000 per person per month, funds that must be banked in “trustworthy” financial institutions in Argentina, the same institutions that the average Argentinean avoids like a pestilence. When they are not on strike, they are out of cash.

The cost of living in the large cities can be compared to pretty much the rest of the world, with energy costs leading the way and some consumables being a little less expensive. But medical care generally is much more affordable and very good. If you know what drugs you require, simply go to a pharmacy with box in hand, and you will get what you need, except for narcotics. Diabetic care, blood pressure medication, and general maintenance medicines are freely available from a friendly pharmacist near you. Be sure to ask for generic medicines, as they are much more affordable.

As always, I urge potential pilgrims to come down and spend a few weeks or months here before taking the plunge, as I have seen too many dreams shattered for good people who were seeking out an alternative lifestyle, only to discover after a few months or a couple of years that this was not the beautiful life they had hoped for.

If, on the other hand, you have sufficient funds to come in as an investor, a mere 1.5 million Argentine pesos, or about US$368,000, and a working business plan plus approval from the appropriate ministry will get you residency, no problem. (If you have that kind of money, please consider making a donation to this writer and his wife and various dogs.)

The last option is a student visa, which requires you to have been accepted by an accredited school prior to getting your residency.

Argentina is the eight-largest nation in the world and has something to offer to almost everyone, so give it a whirl. You just might fall in love with the country and its friendly people.

Note that the rules and regulations are constantly changing, so be sure to contact an Argentinean Embassy or Consulate and do your due diligence. You can start with our Useful Expat Resources page.

Jamie Douglas

San Rafael, Mendoza

Where the Malbec Wine is Always Fine!

Photo by Jamie Douglas

I encourage you to write me at cruzansailor [at] gmail [dot] com with any questions or suggestions you may have. Disclaimer: I am not in any travel-related business. My advice is based on my own experiences and is free of charge (Donations welcome). It is always my pleasure to act as a beneficial counselor to those who are seekers of the next adventure.