Permanent residence is the status for people who settle in Argentina on a long-term basis. There are several routes, and which one applies depends on your nationality, your current temporary residence, your family ties and other special situations. This page summarises the official framework; it does not tell you whether you qualify, and time spent in the country does not by itself create a right.
Routes described by the official page
According to the official page of the National Migration Directorate (DNM), permanent residence covers, among others:
- Children of Argentine citizens (native-born, naturalised or by option) who were born abroad.
- People changing category after holding temporary residence: two years for Mercosur nationals or three years for others, with sufficient means of support in Argentina.
- Recognised refugees who meet the residence requirement.
- Brazilian nationals under Law 26.240, with a valid national ID.
- Former diplomatic, consular or international-organisation officials who served in Argentina for the required period and completed their mission.
- Other situations authorised by current regulations.
The legal basis cited is article 22 of Law 25.871, as amended by Decree 366/2025, regulated by Decree 616/2010. Official page: permanent residence.
Presence in the country matters
For the change of category based on roots in the country, the official page requires, besides the temporary residence period and means of support, that you were in Argentina for at least 50% of the period granted and had no absence of six or more consecutive months. The DNM FAQ describes the threshold slightly differently, so if your file is close to 50% ask the DNM how it counts days before applying. Compare your entry and exit history with your residence dates first.
Documents the official page lists
- A valid passport. Mercosur nationals may use the identity documents listed in the Mercosur agreement.
- 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.
- Proof of address and proof of regular entry into Argentina.
- Depending on the route: proof of the family link and the Argentine parent’s ID; proof of the residence period, of means of support and of continuous stay; or the documents for refugees and former officials.
- For minors: a legalised birth certificate and written parental authorisation signed before a competent authority, or 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
- It starts online in RaDEX: you register, complete the form, pay the fees and upload the documents.
- If the file is complete, 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.
Rules on admission, cancellation of residence and absence from the country have changed in recent years, and files started before 29 May 2025 may be subject to transitional provisions. Confirm what applies to you with the DNM before relying on any summary, including this one.
Related reading: Residency in Argentina, work residency, family reunification and citizenship. An application, an appointment or years of residence do not guarantee approval. Our support, when agreed in writing, is limited to organising research and documents; we do not offer legal representation.