The pensionado category is a temporary residency for people who receive a regular, permanent pension or retirement payment for services rendered abroad. It is assessed by the Dirección Nacional de Migraciones (DNM) on the documents you submit. This page is general information, not legal advice, and it does not promise any outcome.
Who may apply
According to the DNM, the pension or retirement benefit must come from a government, an international organization or a private company, and must be regular and permanent. Its amount must be equal to or higher than five (5) Salarios Mínimos Vitales y Móviles (SMVM). The peso value of the SMVM changes over time, so we do not quote a fixed figure; check the current amount before you apply.
Documents the DNM lists
- Valid passport (MERCOSUR nationals may use the documents listed in the MERCOSUR travel-document agreement).
- A certificate from the paying entity confirming the pension or retirement benefit.
- Argentine criminal record certificate (applicants over 16), normally obtained through RADEX.
- Criminal record certificates from the countries where you lived for more than a year in the last three years (applicants over 16).
- Proof of address and proof of regular entry into the country.
- Foreign documents legalized by an Argentine consulate or apostilled; documents in another language need a certified Spanish translation by a Traductor Público, legalized by the Colegio de Traductores.
- Originals. The DNM may ask for additional documents.
How the procedure works
The application starts online in RADEX: you complete the form, pay the fees and upload the documents. If the file meets the requirements, you receive an email with an in-person appointment. According to the DNM, the procedure must be done while you are inside Argentina and without an intermediary. The official page does not state the fee amounts and refers to the migration fee table.
Duration and renewal
The residency is granted for one year and can be extended. For the extension you must still receive the benefit, at no less than five SMVM, and you must submit an updated certificate from the paying entity, proof of address and the other documents the DNM lists. Apply before the permit expires.
Pensionado or rentista?
Pensionado is based on a pension or retirement benefit earned through services abroad. Rentista is based on passive income that comes from assets. Receiving money every month does not turn one into the other; the type of document and the source of the income decide.
Family members
Spouses and children are assessed separately; see family reunification. Approval of the pensioner does not automatically approve relatives.
What this page does not do
It does not guarantee residency, an ID card (DNI) or citizenship. For a view of all categories, see the residency guide. If you want help preparing a file, contact us.