Guide to Obtaining Argentine Permanent Residency via Marriage

Introduction

This guide outlines the process of obtaining permanent residency in Argentina, based on personal experience. It covers the steps from marriage to receiving the DNI (Documento Nacional de Identidad).

Key Info

• Cost: $100-300 for documents and translation
• Time:
  • 1 month from submitting documents to precaria
  • 1 month more for permanent residency approval
  • Another 2-4 months for my DNI in the mail. Note, you can't get that DNI faster by going in person anywhere.

Links:

• DNI status check: https://mitramite.renaper.gob.ar
• Migraciones chat: https://www.migraciones.gov.ar/contacto/
• Migraciones email: asesoramiento@migraciones.gov.ar

Pre-Application Steps

Marriage

1. Make an appointment online at Registro Civil (14) in CABA.
2. Both you and your spouse will need 1 witness who isn't related to either of you and has a DNI.
3. Upload document pictures online and wait for turno confirmation (usually within a day).
4. On the wedding day, collect the marriage certificate. Do not fold it!

Note: If you don't speak great Spanish, bring a translator.

Background Checks

1. FBI Background Check (U.S.)

   • Print fingerprint sheet on cartulina from a local librería.
   • Visit comisería 14 for fingerprinting.
   • Send fingerprints to a U.S. channeler.
   • Forward PDF to another channeler for apostille by the Department of State.
   • Total process time: about 6 weeks.
   • Note: Valid until your next U.S. visit.

2. Argentine Background Check

   • Get a turno online for antecedentes penales de Argentina (RNR).
   • Bring passport and fee to the appointment.
   • Process takes about 15 minutes.
   • Receive results via email the same day.

Document Translation and Legalization

• Engage a translator through the colegio de traductores.
• Send translated document to the colegio for legalization (about a week).

Certificado de Domicilio

• Visit local comisería with passport and lease.
• Receive a handwritten certificado de domicilio.

Application Process

Radex Account Creation

1. Create an account with Radex.
2. Input necessary information.
3. Choose cash payment and cita preferencial.
4. Pay at Banco Provincia and Correo Argentino (total 600 pesos).
5. Wait for email with username and password for "paso 2".
6. Upload all original documents and a self-taken photo with white background for the precaria.

Guide to Radex: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1PsEcV8b1Uo7XF3DVhIKbDvjBBhahvgYz/view (based on a student visa)

Migraciones Appointment

1. Receive appointment time via email (includes precaria picture).
2. Arrive 20 minutes early (lines can be long).
3. Submit printed precaria and passport.
4. Wait for your number to be called.
5. Submit all required documents:
   • Passport
   • Spouse's DNI
   • Marriage certificate
   • FBI background report (apostilled, translated, and legalized)
   • Argentine criminal record check (antecedentes penales)
   • Certificado de domicilio
6. Have picture taken and fingerprints recorded.
7. Sign necessary documents.

Post-Application

Precaria

Available online the day after the Migraciones appointment. Renewable on the website within 10 days of experiation.

Interview

Milei implemented a new interview requirements. About 6 weeks after the first appointment I got an email to schedule an interview at Migraciones. My wife and I went and answered some basic questions. What I studied, times I'd been to Argentina. How we met. It was friendly and simple. My beginner Spanish was enough.

1 month after interview I got an email saying my permanent residency was approved. That document lets you enter and leave Argentina (as the Precaria does). The DNI arrived 3 months after that email. So about 6 months total.

DNI (Documento Nacional de Identidad)

Typically arrives by mail within 2-4 months after the Migraciones appointment. Valid for 15 years.

CUIL Update

• Bring DNI (required) to update CUIL.
• Optional: bring passport, marriage certificate, and birth certificate.

Tips and Notes

• You can use your phone inside the Migraciones office.
• Staff are generally nice and polite.
• The process moves fairly smoothly.
• If issues arise, use a combination of site chat, email, and social media messaging to contact Migraciones.
• Keep checking the DNI status online if it doesn't arrive within the expected timeframe.

Remember, this process can be subject to changes. Always verify the most current requirements with official sources.