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A Guide to Moving to Argentina

Why Move to Argentina?

Argentina offers many compelling reasons for relocation:

• Western-feeling country with a great climate
• Diverse natural landscapes similar to the U.S.
• Many excellent cities, especially Buenos Aires
• Much more affordable than Western cities
• Young population with good energy
• Similar feel to Spain, but in Latin America with a better time zone
• Surprisingly well-functioning given the economic situation
• Multi-ethnic country that is extremely welcoming to immigrants

Banking and Accessing Money

Setting up a bank account in Argentina is relatively straightforward:

• Galicia Bank accepts American and other foreign customers
• Requirements:
  • Precaria (obtained during residency process, except for transitory student visas)
  • Passport
  • CUIL (obtained from ANSES with passport and precaria)

While having a local bank account isn't essential, it can provide benefits like a local debit card. However, there are many ways to access your money in Argentina without a local account. For more details, check out the Guide to Money in Argentina.

Visas

Argentina offers various options for those looking to stay long-term.

Options:

• Overstaying your tourist visa
• Student visa
• Student visa guide: Argentine Student Visa
• Permanent Residency visa: Guide Argentine Permanent Residency
• Digital nomad visa
• Temporary residency visa (eg Rentista)

Overstaying a Tourist Visa

• Common practice
• Can legally extend for 3 months (6 months total) by paying about $12. Or overstay and pay a fine at the airport when leaving
• Many people stay for years this way
• Constitutionally, re-entry is generally not restricted

Student Visa

• Options include:
  • Spanish lessons (around $1,000/year)
  • Four-year degree programs (requires better Spanish skills)
  • Cooking classes
• Allows entry and exit for a year
  Argentine Student Visa

Rentista Visa

• For those with passive income OR
• Can use savings (about $20k) in a trust to qualify
• More expensive than student visas
• Provides a route to permanent residency and a DNI

Investor Visas

• Available but not recommended due to economic instability

Permanent Residency

• Obtainable through:
  • Civil union (living together for 2 years with witnesses)
  • Marriage
• Allows immediate application for Argentine citizenship

Leases

Long-term leases can be challenging:

• Often require a guarantor with property as collateral
• May need to put up more money upfront without a guarantor
• Consider using a realtor to find a furnished apartment for the first 6 months
• Web scraper available for ArgentProp to research options

While there are some hurdles, finding good accommodations is definitely doable, and even 6-month leases can offer good rates.