Eligibility quiz
Were you born in Argentina?
Benefits
Benefits for youBenefits for you
Argentine passport and ID
Argentine citizens can get a passport and ID.
A regular passport lasts 10 years for adults and five years for minors.
Live in Argentina for life
Argentine citizens can enter and live in Argentina permanently without immigration permission.
They can also move around and leave Argentina, and their citizenship does not expire.
Live and work in 9 countries
Study in Argentina
Argentine citizens can study for free at public primary and secondary schools and in public higher education.
Work in Argentina
Argentine citizens can work in Argentina without immigration permission.
Get help abroad
Argentine consulates can help citizens abroad with emergencies, detention, vulnerable children and documents.
They can issue passports and IDs, and certify documents, but do not pay medical, legal or other expenses.
Vote in elections
Citizens born in Argentina or citizens through a parent can vote from age 16.
Naturalized citizens can vote from age 18, though some legal restrictions can prevent citizens from voting.
Use public healthcare
Argentine citizens can use public healthcare on the same terms as permanent residents.
Care is not always free, and access to particular services can depend on enrolment, work, income or programme rules.
Receive family payments
Argentine citizens may qualify for child and family payments, depending on work or benefit status and the child's circumstances.
One child payment generally requires the child and parents to be Argentine citizens living in Argentina; naturalized people generally need two years' residence.
How to apply
Applying from inside ArgentinaApplying from inside Argentina
Find your local registry
You are already Argentine by birth; you do not need to apply for citizenship. If you need your first national identity document, called a DNI, find the Civil Registry near where you live.
Searches DuckDuckGo for “Registro Civil your city Argentina”
Gather your documents
Prepare the required documents for the Civil Registry or DNI office.
See required documentsGet your pre-identification certificate
If your birth has not been registered and you are over one year old, ask RENAPER for a Certificate of Pre-identification, called a CPI. If your birth is already registered or you are one year old or younger, skip this step.
Get your certificateSearches DuckDuckGo for “How do I get a Certificado de Pre-identificación from RENAPER in Argentina?”
Register your birth
If your birth has not been registered, ask the Civil Registry to register it. If you have a CPI, begin at the registry nearest your home within six months of getting it; otherwise, your parent should register your birth at the registry for your birthplace and bring the certificate from the doctor or midwife if available.
Find birth registrationSearches DuckDuckGo for “How do I register a birth at a Registro Civil in Argentina?”
Book an appointment
Once your birth is registered, book a first-DNI appointment at a RENAPER Documentation Centre through Mi Argentina. Create an account if you need one.
Book your appointmentSearches DuckDuckGo for “How do I book a first DNI appointment with RENAPER through Mi Argentina?”
Go to your appointment
Bring your documents and appointment confirmation to the RENAPER office, and pay the DNI fee as directed there. If your child is under 14, accompany them or arrange for their legal representative to do so; the office will take the identity details needed for the DNI.
Find appointment detailsSearches DuckDuckGo for “What happens at a first DNI appointment with RENAPER in Argentina?”
Wait for your DNI
Keep the receipt and use its number to follow your DNI application online.
Track your DNISearches DuckDuckGo for “How do I track my DNI application with RENAPER in Argentina?”
Receive your DNI
Collect your DNI at the office or receive it at home if delivery is offered. For home delivery, show the receipt; the recipient must be you or an adult aged 18 or over. You can then use your DNI as proof of identity and apply for an Argentine passport.
Find collection detailsSearches DuckDuckGo for “How do I receive my first DNI from RENAPER in Argentina?”
Documents needed
Required to applyRequired to apply
Birth certificates
For birth registration, get the birth certificate from the attending doctor or midwife, if available. For your first DNI, bring your original Argentine birth record or a certified copy with the official’s original or digital signature and seal; at a consulate, bring the original.
Parent’s or representative’s DNI *
Your parent or legal representative must accompany you and bring their DNI.
* Only if you are under 14.
Passport photographs *
Bring two 4 cm by 4 cm photographs with a white background. Face the camera without glasses or a hat.
* Only if you apply at a consulate that cannot take digital photographs for your DNI.
Pre-identification certificate *
Get a Certificate of Pre-identification from RENAPER before starting late birth registration. Begin the registration within six months of the certificate being issued.
* Only if you are over one year old, were born in Argentina, and have neither a birth record nor a DNI.
Proof of legal representation *
Bring the document showing your representative’s legal authority, such as a court guardianship order or the relevant care or adoption guardianship document. It must have the required court signature and seal.
* Only if you are a minor and someone other than a parent represents you.
May need translationMay need apostille/legalisationMedical certificate *
Get a medical certificate explaining the condition that affects the taking of your photograph, fingerprints or signature.
* Only if a medical condition affects the taking of your photograph, fingerprints or signature.
Witnesses’ identity documents *
Bring two adult witnesses who are not your relatives. Each witness must bring their identity document.
* Only if you apply for a first DNI by late identification or you are an adult applying for your first DNI at a consulate.
Considerations
Things to think aboutThings to think about
Tax residence abroad
Argentine citizens are generally treated as tax residents until they become permanent residents abroad or spend 12 continuous months abroad.
Exceptions apply, and tax residence can affect income tax.
Possible military service
Under the military rules, men may be called up for service, but women are not conscripted.
People already serving or in the reserves may also have duties if lawfully called.
Voting duties and limits
Citizens aged 18 to 70 must vote or give a valid reason; otherwise, a fine and a one-year limit on public procedures while it is unpaid can apply.
Voting abroad is optional, but without an overseas address on your ID, you may need to justify not voting.
Some convictions, fraudulent bankruptcy or unauthorised foreign public jobs or honours can restrict political rights.
Citizenship can be lost
Exceptional grounds for loss include certain disloyal acts, foreign political jobs or honours without permission, and foreign military service without prior permission.
Refusing military service when legally required can also be a ground for loss.
Discuss
Online communitiesOnline communities
Русскоговорящие в Аргентине 🇦🇷 Rusoparlantes en Argentina🇦🇷
Facebook group for people interested in Argentinian citizenship and visas (Russian & Spanish)
Join on FacebookArgentinian Citizenship and Residency.
English Facebook group for people interested in Argentinian citizenship and visas
Join on FacebookCiudadanía Argentina
Spanish Facebook group for people interested in Argentinian citizenship
Join on FacebookConsultation
Talk to a professionalTalk to a professional
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