Citizenship is not the same as residence. Several routes exist, and each has its own authority, documents and conditions. Enrolling in a school, holding a DNI, marrying or having a child in Argentina does not by itself make you a citizen. This page is general information; it does not assess your case.
Main routes
- Born in Argentina. Under Law 346, article 1, anyone born in Argentine territory is Argentine by birth, whatever their parents’ nationality, except children of foreign ministers and members of diplomatic legations residing in the country.
- By option (children of native Argentines born abroad). People born abroad to an Argentine parent can opt for Argentine nationality when applying for their DNI. The official page lists, for adults, among other items, an apostilled or legalised birth certificate and a certified birth certificate of the Argentine parent. In Argentina an appointment is booked through the Mi Argentina app; abroad, the direct option for foreign-born children of native Argentines is handled at consulates. Official page: option of Argentine nationality.
- Naturalisation (adults born abroad). The DNM page describes this route for people over 18 who hold temporary or permanent residence and have lived in Argentina continuously and legally for the two years before applying, with no trips abroad in that period. It lists, among other items, a DNI, proof of lawful income, a CUIT/CUIL, Argentine and legalised foreign criminal record certificates, a legalised birth certificate and a written declaration of your wish to become a citizen. Documents must be originals; foreign documents need an apostille or legalisation and, if not in Spanish, a sworn translation. The application starts in RaDEX, is personal (no agent is required) and requires you to be in Argentina. Official page: citizenship by naturalisation.
The “two years” and absences
Article 2 of Law 346, as replaced by Decree 366/2025 in the text published by the government, and the DNM page both refer to legal and continuous residence during the two years before the application, with no trips abroad. Plan your travel accordingly and keep a record of your entries and exits. How particular situations are counted, for example a pending permit, should be confirmed for your case; do not assume.
How to prepare
- Identify which route applies to you; members of the same family can follow different routes.
- Collect your documents in original form and check apostille, legalisation and translation requirements before paying for them.
- Keep proof of your status, your entries and exits, and your income.
- Check the official page again just before filing, given the open legal question above.
What support we offer
Under a written agreement we can help organise research, prepare questions and plan documents. We are not a law firm: we do not offer legal representation and we do not guarantee citizenship, a DNI or a passport. See Services and Residency.