Temporary residence is the first step — and often the most important — in the immigration journey in Argentina. It grants the legal right to live in the country, obtain the Argentine DNI, work, study, open a bank account, rent housing under ordinary terms and enter and exit the territory without restrictions. It is also the period whose completion later enables access to permanent residence and, subsequently, to Argentine citizenship by naturalization.
Art. 23 of Law No. 25.871 lists the categories of temporary residence. Each has its own economic, documentary and procedural requirements — and choosing correctly is the first battle. An application filed under the wrong category delays the entire immigration project. We assist clients from the choice of category to the delivery of the DNI.
Temporary residence is governed by art. 23 of Immigration Law No. 25.871 and its Regulatory Decree No. 616/2010. DNU No. 366/2025 introduced significant changes: it eliminated some categories, redefined others, and added family reunification as an autonomous subsection. Each category is supplemented by specific DNM Dispositions detailing documentation, timelines and updated economic requirements.
For foreigners living off passive income from abroad: deposits, dividends, rental income, participation in foreign companies. DNM Disposition No. 1,732/2023 (as amended by No. 3446/2023) requires proving stable monthly income of at least 5 minimum living wages for a period of no less than 2 years. Funds must enter through BCRA-authorized banks and their origin must be documented in accordance with Law 25.246 on anti-money laundering.
For foreigners admitted as regular students at recognized educational institutions. Governed by DNM Disposition No. 2,802/2023. Includes subcategories for interns and scholarship holders. Following DNU 366/2025, public universities may charge tuition to foreign students — a relevant change to keep in mind when planning the residence application.
For foreigners with an employment contract under an Argentine employer. Requires the employer's registration in the RENURE and a duly registered contract.
A category profoundly reformed by DNU 366/2025. Applies to spouses, registered domestic partners, parents and minor children of Argentine citizens or permanent residents. Also applies to adult children with disabilities. Siblings and other collateral relatives are not included.
For persons in a vulnerable situation: trafficking victims, de facto refugees, political persecution victims, those affected by armed conflicts or natural disasters. Special regimes are currently in force for Ukraine (Disp. 417/2022), Haiti (Disp. 1143/2017), Senegal (Disp. 940/2022) and CARICOM countries, the Dominican Republic and Cuba (Disp. 941/2022). Revoked regimes: Venezuela (Disp. 388/2024 — expired) and Syria Program (Disp. 1752/2024 revoked 3915/2014).
For priests, ministers, pastors, monks and other members of recognized churches and religious communities coming to carry out functions related to their faith.
For foreigners contributing a minimum amount to the country in a productive, commercial or service activity, in accordance with the parameters periodically set by the DNM.
For specialized professionals, researchers, athletes and artists hired by Argentine public or private entities or carrying out equivalent activities independently.
The specific documentation varies by category, but there is a common core applicable to all applications:
Temporary residence is granted for periods of 1 to 3 years, depending on the category, with the possibility of extension as long as the requirements are maintained. After 2 years of continuous lawful residence, it becomes possible to apply for permanent residence under art. 22 of Law 25.871. For direct relatives of Argentine citizens (spouses, children, parents) the path may be shorter: they may access permanent status directly.