Citizenship by origin

Argentine citizenship law follows the law of "jus sanguinis", which allows any child of at least one Argentine parent to acquire Argentine citizenship.

If the child is born outside the country, the Argentine parents must present the child's birth certificate to the local Argentine embassy. In addition, the child can later adopt Argentine citizenship upon reaching the age of 18.

Naturalization

Naturalization allows a foreign citizen to obtain Argentine citizenship. The procedure is different in each individual case.

What is naturalization?

Naturalization is the last step in the process of integration into the Argentine way of life. This gives you the right to vote and run for office.

Since Argentina recognizes dual citizenship, applicants for an Argentine passport do not risk losing their original citizenship, provided the country of origin also allows dual citizenship.

You can apply for naturalized Argentine citizenship if you have lived in the country for at least two years. You will need to confirm employment and continuous residence, as well as provide other important documents, including your passport and DNI (residence card).

What are the basic requirements for obtaining citizenship by naturalization?

Applicants must:

• be over 18 years of age

• live in Argentina for at least 2 years

• file an application for naturalization with a federal judge.

Naturalization may be denied if applicants:

• during the last 5 years were in prisons for more than 3 years

• are under criminal prosecution

• have an illegal source of income

• working without legal permission is considered by the majority of the appeals chamber not to be a legitimate source of income.

What documents are required to obtain citizenship through naturalization?

• Marriage certificate or proof that the applicant has lived continuously for 2 years in Argentina. If the marriage was concluded outside of Argentina, it is necessary to first register the marriage certificate in Argentina

• Photocopy of identification number and/or passport

• Information about criminal records

• Certificate of residence

• Confirmation of the availability of funds: employment contract, a certificate from the place of work or a receipt for wages

• If there are Argentine children: photocopies of birth certificates and DNM certificate.

Citizenship by marriage

If you plan to obtain Argentine citizenship through marriage, you will need the following documents to apply:

• Both parties must present identity documents. One party who is a foreigner must present a passport and legal immigration status in the country

• If a person is divorced or widowed, he or she must provide a certified copy of the divorce decree or the death certificate of the deceased spouse. This copy must be certified in the issuing country at the Argentine consulate or by apostille. The certificate of previous marriage and/or divorce decree must be registered in the Argentine civil registry office in a judicial manner

• If a minor (under 18) intends to marry in Argentina, he/she must present a birth certificate legalized in his/her country of issue with an apostille or at an Argentine consulate, identity documents, a marriage license issued by parents or guardian of a minor, or documents proving the identity of the parents by an Argentine court.