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How to obtain residency in Argentina?

Buenos Aires, May 31, 2026

Obtaining residency in Argentina does not simply depend on starting an online procedure or uploading documents to a platform. Before beginning any application, the most important step is to determine which type of residency applies and what immigration basis justifies the request. y cuál es el motivo migratorio que justifica el pedido.

Not everyone can apply for just any type of residency. In order for Migration authorities to assess an application, there must be a criterion that applies to the specific case: work, studies, MERCOSUR nationality, family ties, income, pension, medical treatment, or another circumstance предусмотрed by immigration regulations.

That is why the first step is not completing RaDEX. The first step is understanding why residency is being requested and which immigration category corresponds to the foreign national’s personal situation.

Residency is requested on the basis of a specific reason

A foreign national may wish to settle in Argentina for many reasons: to work, study, reunite with family members, develop a project, live in the country based on MERCOSUR nationality, prove independent income, or remain due to a specific situation.

Sin embargo, desde el punto de vista migratorio, esa intención debe encuadrarse en una categoría concreta.

Esto significa que no alcanza con querer vivir en Argentina. Es necesario demostrar el motivo que habilita la residencia y acompañar la documentación correspondiente.

Each case has different requirements and must be assessed before starting the process

Types of residency in Argentina

In Argentina, foreign nationals may enter and remain in the country under different immigration categories. In general terms, residency may be temporary stay, temporary residency, or permanent residency.. Each one has a different purpose, a different duration, and different legal effects regarding a person’s stay in the country.

Temporary stay

La residencia transitoria suele estar vinculada a situaciones específicas y de corta duración. Está pensada para personas que ingresan o permanecen en Argentina por un motivo puntual, sin intención de radicarse de manera prolongada.

It may be related to certain authorized activities, short stays, medical treatment, technical, academic, or professional activities, or special cases recognized by Migration authorities.

En general, esta categoría no está pensada como una vía de instalación definitiva en el país y no suele habilitar la obtención de un DNI como residente. Therefore, if the person’s intention is to live, work, study, or establish themselves in Argentina for a longer period, a temporary or permanent residency category will usually need to be considered, as applicable.

Temporary residency

La residencia temporaria es una de las vías más utilizadas por personas extranjeras que desean permanecer en Argentina por un plazo de mediano término.

This category may be based on different immigration grounds, including:

employment, MERCOSUR nationality, studies, income-based residency, pension, family reunification, academic, scientific, religious, sports, artistic activities, medical treatment, or other situations recognized by Migration authorities.

Temporary residency allows a person to remain legally in the country for the granted period and, depending on the case, may allow them to obtain a temporary DNI for foreign nationals..

It is important to keep in mind that the documentation required depends on the criterion chosen. The documents required for residency based on employment are not the same as those required for residency based on studies, income, or MERCOSUR nationality. For that reason, it is essential to identify the correct applicable category before starting the application.

Permanent residency

Permanent residency allows for more stable residence in Argentina, but it cannot always be requested directly.

This category is reserved for specific situations recognized by immigration regulations or for people who have already fulfilled certain legal residency requirements in the country.

In some cases, it may apply due to direct family ties or situations expressly recognized by Migration authorities. In other cases, it is requested as a change of category after having held temporary residency for the legally required period.

Can permanent residency be requested directly?

One of the most frequent questions among people who want to settle in Argentina is whether they can apply directly for permanent residency without first going through temporary residency.

The answer depends on the case.

La residencia permanente puede corresponder en supuestos específicos, como determinados vínculos familiares o situaciones reconocidas por la normativa migratoria. Sin embargo, para muchas personas extranjeras, el camino habitual es primero solicitar una residencia temporaria y luego, si cumplen los requisitos, pedir el cambio a residencia permanente.

Currently, in order to access permanent residency through legal settlement in the country, a person must have held temporary residency for two years in the case of MERCOSUR nationals y and three years for non-MERCOSUR nationals,, in addition to proving sufficient financial means and meeting the required residency conditions.

For that reason, it is not always possible to skip stages. Whether direct permanent residency is possible must be assessed according to nationality, family ties, immigration history, and the specific circumstances of each individual.

How do you obtain residency in Argentina?

To obtain residency in Argentina, the first step is to determine which migration criterion applies. If you need professional support, you can learn about our migration and residency service.

Then, once the reason for residency has been identified, the next step is to gather the specific documentation, verify whether it must be apostilled or legalized, translate it if necessary, and prepare the application before the National Directorate of Migration.

In many cases, the application is started through the RaDEX system, but the platform is only the means used to file the request. What truly matters is that the case is correctly structured from the beginning. RaDEX system,, pero la plataforma es solo el medio para presentar la solicitud. Lo verdaderamente importante es que el caso esté bien encuadrado desde el inicio.

A poorly chosen application, an incomplete submission, or a file lacking sufficient documentation may lead to observations, delays, or rejection of the case.

At Arrival Argentina we analyze your immigration situation, review which category may apply to you, and guide you on the documentation needed to begin your residency process in Argentina with order, professional support, and the right approach.

Residency in Argentina Step by Step: How to Complete the Process Through RaDEX

Obtaining residency in Argentina is one of the first steps that allows a foreign national to regularize their immigration status, live in the country with greater peace of mind, and move forward with other important matters, such as working, studying, obtaining a DNI, or carrying out administrative procedures.

Currently, a large part of the process is completed online through the RaDEX system,the digital platform of the National Directorate of Migration. However, before starting the application, it is essential to understand the stages of the process, what documentation is required, and what happens after the application is submitted.

What is the RaDEX system?

RaDEX system, is the online platform of the National Directorate of Migration through which foreign nationals can initiate their residency application in Argentina.

Through this system, personal information is uploaded, the required documentation is attached, and the corresponding immigration fees are generated. The documentation you will need to provide depends on the residency category you are applying for, for example: residency based on work, family ties, studies, MERCOSUR nationality, or another immigration category applicable to your case.

First step: gather the necessary documentation

Before starting the RaDEX process, it is advisable to have all documentation prepared, digitized, and valid.

The required documents may vary depending on the type of residency requested, but in general they may include:

a valid identity document or passport, criminal background certificate, proof of lawful entry into the country, documentation proving the basis for the residency request, proof of address, and other specific requirements depending on the applicable immigration category

Having complete documentation from the beginning helps avoid observations, additional requests, or delays in the file.

Each case must be assessed individually, since the documentation required for residency based on work is not the same as that required for residency based on studies, MERCOSUR nationality, family ties, income, or another immigration category.

Filing the application through RaDEX

Once the documentation has been gathered, the next step is to register in RaDEX system,, complete the personal information, and upload the requested files according to the type of residency

At this stage, it is important to review that the information entered is correct and that the uploaded documents are clear, legible, and complete.

The system will then generate the corresponding immigration fees. Once those fees have been paid, the process will continue and an appointment will be assigned for the applicant to attend the corresponding Migration office in person.

In-person appointment at Migraciones

On the day of the appointment, the applicant must appear personally before the National Directorate of Migration or the corresponding office

It is important to bring the original documents and the necessary copies, since the information previously uploaded in the system will be verified there.

If the submitted documentation is complete and no additional clarification is required, a case file number will be issued. With that file number, it will be possible to track the process on the official Migration website.

What is temporary residence status?

Once the case file has been initiated, Migration authorities may issue a temporary residencewhich functions as a provisional document while the final application is under review.

Temporary residence status allows the applicant to prove that the immigration process is underway and, depending on the case, may allow them to carry out certain procedures in Argentina while awaiting the final resolution.

During this stage, the file remains under review. If Migration approves the application, a formal decision granting the corresponding residency will be issued.

It is important to keep in mind that temporary residence status is not the same as approved residency. It is only a provisional authorization while the agency reviews the documentation and decides the main application.

When is the DNI issued?

Once residency has been approved, the process continues with the issuance of the National Identity Card for foreign nationalsThe document will be sent to the address declared in the application.

For that reason, it is important to provide the correct address and monitor the progress of the process.

It is also essential to review the period for which residency has been granted. Many residencies are temporary and must be renewed before they expire. In some cases, it may also be necessary to request a change of immigration category.

Do you need help applying for your residency in Argentina?

Each immigration case may involve different requirements. For that reason, before starting the process, it is advisable to review your personal situation, nationality, reason for staying in the country, and the documentation available.

A properly prepared application from the beginning can help avoid delays, observations, and mistakes that are difficult to correct later in the process.

At Arrival Argentina we guide you step by step so you can prepare your residency process in Argentina with order, professional support, and the right approach from the very beginning.