Nationality of Argentina: all obtaining pathways
Argentina offers one of the fastest paths to citizenship in South America: citizenship by residence requires only two continuous years in the territory, with proof of lawful means of support. Marriage to an Argentine national allows application without a separate minimum residency period, and the country applies full ius soli to those born on its territory.
1Citizenship by residence
Citizenship by residence
Requirements
- 2 years of continuous and immediate residence on Argentine territory
- Over 18 years of age
- Proof of legitimate means of livelihood
- No serious criminal record
- Law 346, art. 2(1): TWO (2) years of continuous residence as a permanent or temporary resident (text updated by Decree 70/2017).
Documentation
- National Identity Document or foreign passport
- Certificate of domicile
- Criminal record certificate
- Sworn declaration of legitimate means of livelihood
- Legalized birth certificate
2Citizenship by marriage to an Argentine national
Citizenship by marriage to an Argentine national
Requirements
- Being the spouse of an Argentine citizen
- Residence on Argentine territory
- Marriage registered in the Argentine Civil Registry
- No serious criminal record
- Law 346, art. 2(2).7: married to an Argentine woman (regardless of length of residence) — the marriage route imposes no minimum residence period.
Documentation
- Marriage certificate registered in Argentina
- Argentine spouse's identity document
- Certificate of domicile
- Legalized birth certificate
3Citizenship by descent (ius sanguinis)
Citizenship by descent (ius sanguinis)
Requirements
- Being a child of an Argentine father or mother born abroad
- Register before an Argentine consulate or reside in Argentina
Documentation
- Birth certificate
- Argentine father's/mother's birth certificate
- Argentine father's/mother's identity document
4Citizenship by birth in the territory (ius soli)
Citizenship by birth in the territory (ius soli)
Requirements
- Having been born on Argentine territory
- The parents must not be foreigners in the service of their government
Documentation
- Argentine birth certificate
Frequently asked questions about the nationality of Argentina
How many years of residence does Argentina require to naturalize?
According to the main pathway of Argentina (Citizenship by residence), the term is 2 years. The complete details of requirements and exceptions appear in the fact sheet.
Can the nationality of Argentina be obtained by marriage?
Yes, through the Citizenship by marriage to an Argentine national pathway (No separate minimum residency period required). The complete requirements appear in the fact sheet of that pathway.
What documentation does naturalization in Argentina require?
The Citizenship by residence pathway requires: National Identity Document or foreign passport; Certificate of domicile; Criminal record certificate; Sworn declaration of legitimate means of livelihood; Legalized birth certificate.
What pathways exist to obtain the nationality of Argentina?
Argentina provides 4 pathways: Citizenship by residence, Citizenship by marriage to an Argentine national, Citizenship by descent, Citizenship by birth in the territory.
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Anything to correct or add about Argentina?
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