Moving to Argentina? Here's What You Need to Do
a month ago
4 min read

Moving to Argentina? Here's What You Need to Do

The vibrant country of Argentina is home to bustling city life and breathtaking landscapes. Meanwhile, its people are passionate about wine, tango, and football. Locals and tourists alike enjoy the country's cuisine and tourist destinations. Also diverse in terms of weather and climate, there are different areas to live in according to your ideal living conditions, whether moderate, arid, warm, or cold.

There are numerous locations for winter sports, such as the idyllic Nahuel Huapi National Park in Bariloche. During the hot summers, tourists and locals flock to beautiful Argentine beaches such as Mar del Plata and Pinamar, both along the Atlantic coast in Buenos Aires province.

As such, many people come to this corner of South America to reside and retire. In addition, Argentina is known for providing affordable, high-quality healthcare and a significantly lower cost of living compared to the United States.

A large and tightly-knit ex-pat community welcomes new immigrants and helps them learn the ropes of living in Argentina. It is also one of the safest countries in South America, with a global ranking of 69 on the 2022 Global Peace Index.

4 Reasons Why You Should  Move to Argentina

With its great location and warm and welcoming people, there's no doubt that aspiring immigrants and ex-pats pick Argentina as one of their top choices. Here are more reasons why living in Argentina should be your next life move:

  1. Low cost of living

The low cost of living is one of the main reasons many consider Argentina for immigration and retirement. On average, it costs 50–60% less to live in Argentina than in the U.S. Healthcare in Argentina is among the best in South America, particularly in the major cities of Buenos Aires, Mendoza, and Cordoba. These cities are also among the most popular residential areas for expats.

  1. Best of urban and laidback

As the country's capital city, Buenos Aires is a popular hotspot among immigrants and a well-loved tourist destination. Because it is so busy and urbanized, it is the most expensive place to live in Argentina. For someplace more laidback, Mendoza province is Argentina's top wine region, filled with picturesque vineyards. It is home to the high-altitude wine regions of Luján de Cuyo and the Uco Valley.

  1. Enjoy the outdoors and nature

Lovers of the outdoors will feel at home in Bariloche, known for its stunning views of lake Nahuel Huapi in Argentine Patagonia. This mountain town is easily among the most scenic in Argentina, boasting postcard-worthy Central European-inspired architecture.

Bariloche's natural beauty and Switzerland-esque backdrops are reason enough to visit, even for those not interested in snow sports such as skiing. In the summer, tourists and locals can participate in activities such as mountain biking, fly fishing, horseback riding, and whitewater rafting.

  1. Educational and cultural growth

If you're looking for a mid-sized city that isn't as busy and crowded as Buenos Aires, Cordoba is the place for you. It is the second-largest city in Argentina, boasting its fair share of schools and cultural hotspots.

What to Look for When Buying or Renting a House

While public transportation is affordable due to the vastness of Argentina, inter-city travel can be time-consuming. When deciding where to live, choose somewhere near, if not in the same city, as your workplace or school.

Secure a long-term property rental by paying a year's rent upfront or submitting a  with a signature of an Argentinian resident and property owner. If neither option is available to you, there are still others, such as staying at a hostel or renting a unit in an apart-hotel.

How to File for Residency

Ready to make the move to Argentina? Make sure to prepare and do the following.

  • Find employment. Many expats in Argentina have remote work that pays in dollars or euros. You can also get a job locally in one of the many large multinational companies, especially those in Buenos Aires. These include companies in the agricultural, design, marketing, banking, and tourism sectors, among others.

  • Apply for a visa. To apply for a working visa, submit a filled-out visa application form along with the other required documents and pay the corresponding migration and consular fees. You will also need to undergo a consular interview.

  • Secure basic documents. The basic documents you'll need, regardless of the visa you wish to secure, are proof of birth, proof of steady income (the minimum monthly salary will vary depending on the visa you are applying for), and a police clearance free of criminal records.

  • Check your residency options. Citizens of other MERCOSUR countries (Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay) can live and work in Argentina with a two-year residency permit. After two years, they have the option to apply for permanent residency. Those born outside of Argentina may become eligible for Argentinian citizenship through naturalization.

3 Types of Visas

Whether you are looking to work or study in Argentina, there's a particular type of visa that you should acquire to stay legally in the country.

  1. Rentista Visa. This is a passive-income visa that's best for freelancers or location-independent entrepreneurs. It's valid for one year, renewable for up to three years, and requires a steady income of at least $2,000 a month.

  2. Retirement Visa (Pensionado Visa). Anyone with a steady income or pension is eligible for a retirement visa, which requires a monthly income of $500. After two years with a retirement visa, you will be eligible for Argentinian citizenship.

  3. Student Visa. These visas can either be Standard or Transitory. A standard student visa covers formal studies such as postgraduate degrees. It is valid for one year and renewable for the duration of the course of study. 

    A transitory student visa is valid for a maximum of one year and is ideal for those taking up informal study programs such as internships, scholarships, and student exchanges.

    Like the retirement visa, a student visa will make you eligible for Argentinian citizenship after two years.

Begin a New Chapter of Your Life in Argentina

Vast and culturally diverse, Argentina should be one of your top choices if you're planning to relocate. It is home to countless tourist attractions, cosmopolitan cities, and beautiful landscapes. To top it all off, it has a low cost of living and affordable healthcare to keep your new life in Argentina happy and sustainable.