Argentina has a temporary residence category based on a family relationship with an Argentine citizen or with a temporary or permanent resident. It is not automatic: the link must be one the law recognises, it must be proven with official documents, and the immigration authority decides each file. This page explains the official framework; it does not tell you whether you qualify.
Which family links are covered
According to the official page of the National Migration Directorate (DNM), the category covers spouses, parents and children of an Argentine citizen (native-born, naturalised or by option), and spouses, parents and children of a temporary or permanent resident. For children, the page refers to unmarried, non-emancipated children under 18 and to adult children with a disability. The legal basis cited is article 23(ñ) of Law 25.871, as amended by Decree 366/2025. Official page: family reunification.
A relationship that is not a marriage or another recognised link (for example a couple who live together without a local registration) is a different question. Do not assume it gives the same rights; check the current rules and how the DNM treats registered partnerships on the day you apply.
Documents the official page lists
- A valid passport. Mercosur nationals may use the travel documents listed in the Mercosur agreement.
- Proof of the family link: a legalised or apostilled birth or marriage certificate, plus the identity document of the family member the application relies on.
- Proof of address and proof of regular entry into Argentina.
- The Argentine criminal record certificate for applicants over 16 (obtained through the online system) and certificates from countries where you lived more than one year in the last three years.
- For minors: a legalised birth certificate and written authorisation from a parent signed before a competent authority. If the parents do not live in Argentina, a guardian with legal residence and a public document proving the appointment.
- Foreign documents must be apostilled or legalised, and documents in another language need a sworn translation by a national public translator legalised by the translators’ college. Originals are required and the DNM may ask for more.
How the procedure works
- The procedure starts online in RaDEX: you register, complete the form, pay the fees and upload the documents.
- If the file meets the requirements, you receive an email with the date of your in-person appointment.
- You must be in Argentina to apply. The procedure is personal and does not require an intermediary; the only payments are those made through the official platform.
- A priority appointment can be requested for an additional fee; in that case the Argentine criminal record certificate is presented at the appointment.
- Duration: the official page says the residence is granted for the same period as the family member’s residence, and for up to three years if that person is an Argentine citizen or a permanent resident.
If the family member is outside Argentina, the DNM has a separate entry-permit procedure that involves a consulate. Choose the right procedure before paying any fee.
Files started before 29 May 2025
Decree 366/2025 contains transitional provisions for residence and citizenship files started before it came into force. If you have an older open file, keep the document that shows when it started and ask the DNM which rules apply to you.
Related reading: Residency in Argentina, citizenship and student residency. An application, an appointment or a family link does not guarantee approval or an ID card. Our support, when agreed in writing, is limited to organising research and documents; we do not offer legal representation.