Upon entering Argentina, the nationals of some countries may have to pay a fee. This usually applies to residents of the US, Australia and Canada. Fees vary depending upon the country of origin and details should be given when the flight tickets are purchased.

In order to open a bank account, register children for schools or use the public health system it is necessary to have an official ID card, the Documento Nacional de Identidad (DNI). It is only possible to get a DNI once you have obtained a visa for an indefinite stay or a visa for a one year stay. Once the application is in the DNI takes approximately three months to arrive.

In order to apply for the relevant visas it is necessary to contact the Argentine embassy in your home country several months before you plan to travel. All application forms and supporting documentation should be submitted in person. Application forms can be downloaded from embassy websites.

Visas for those who wish to work in Argentina must be approved by the Direccion Nacional de Migraciones. These must be applied for by the company sponsoring the worker and will only be issued if the worker has a formal job offer and contract. This is then passed to the worker or sent to the embassy in the country of origin in a sealed envelope only to be opened by Argentine officials. All applicants aged 16 years and over must pay an Immigration fee, details of which can be obtained from the relevant embassy.

Some supporting documentation may need to be translated and it is recommended that this is done by an Argentine translator. Required documentation for a working visa includes the contract of employment, proof of occupation (copy of degree certificate or letter from university or company clearly stating applicant’s profession), birth certificate and marriage certificate, if applicable.

It is possible to become a citizen of Argentina. The majority of expats in the country arrive with a temporary residence visa which has to be renewed every 12 months. After three years it is possible to convert this to a permanent residency visa. This gives the holder indefinite leave to remain and work in the country. A resident who has held this type of visa for two years may then apply for citizenship.

Citizenship hearings are held before a judge and proficient language skills in Spanish are mandatory as you would be tested at this hearing. Those who have a criminal record or who have tried to claim benefits would not be able to become citizens.

Visa requirements may vary so it is always a good idea to check with the Argentine embassy in your home country to ensure you have all the necessary documentation before you travel.