Moving to Argentina

Moving Guide

Visa & Residence in Argentina

Navigating the Argentine visa and residence process largely depends on your nationality. Citizens from certain regions, like the European Union, may have different entry requirements and pathways to residency compared to those from non-EU countries. Generally, common routes to obtain a residence permit include:

• Work Visa: If you have a job offer from an Argentine employer, they will typically sponsor your work visa, which is a common path to temporary residency.
• Family Reunification: Spouses, children, or parents of Argentine citizens or permanent residents can apply for residency based on family ties.
• Study Visa: Enrollment in an accredited educational institution in Argentina allows international students to obtain a study visa, granting temporary residence for the duration of their studies.
• Rentista/Pensionado Visa: For individuals with a guaranteed passive income from outside Argentina (e.g., pensions, rental income), there are specific categories for retirees or those living off their investments.

It is crucial to verify the most current requirements and procedures directly with the Argentine consulate or embassy in your home country, or with the National Directorate of Migration (Dirección Nacional de Migaciones) once in Argentina. Regulations can change, and official sources will provide the most accurate and up-to-date information.

Housing & Rental in Argentina

Finding housing in Argentina, particularly in major cities like Buenos Aires, can be an exciting but sometimes challenging process. Here’s what you need to know:

• How to Find Housing:
  • Online Portals: Websites specializing in real estate are a primary resource.
  • Real Estate Agencies (Inmobiliarias): Engaging a local real estate agent can be beneficial, especially for navigating the local market and legalities.
  • Word of Mouth/Social Media Groups: Expat groups and local networks can sometimes offer leads.
• Typical Rental Process:
  • Viewings: Arrange to see properties that interest you.
  • Offer: Once you find a suitable place, you'll typically make an offer.
  • Lease Agreement: Rental contracts are usually in Spanish. It's advisable to have a trusted translator review it if your Spanish isn't fluent.
  • Guarantor (Garantía): For long-term rentals, landlords often require a "garantía propietaria" (a property owner as a guarantor) or a bank guarantee. For foreigners, this can be a hurdle, and some landlords may accept a higher deposit or prepayment of several months' rent in lieu of a local guarantor.
• Deposits and Fees: Expect to pay a security deposit, typically one or two months' rent. Agency fees, if applicable, are also common.
• Temporary vs. Long-Term:
  • Temporary Rentals: Often furnished and available for periods from a few weeks to several months. These are ideal for initial settling-in and do not usually require a local guarantor.
  • Long-Term Rentals: Typically unfurnished, for periods of one year or more, and usually require the aforementioned guarantor.

What Affects the Cost of Your Move

The total cost of relocating to Argentina is influenced by several key factors. Understanding these can help you budget effectively:

• Volume of Goods: The more items you move, the higher the cost. This is often measured in cubic meters or weight.
• Distance: The origin country's distance from Argentina significantly impacts shipping costs.
• Seasonality: Peak moving seasons (e.g., summer months in the Northern Hemisphere) can sometimes lead to higher demand and potentially higher prices.
• Access at Origin and Destination: Ease of access to your current and new homes (e.g., stairs, narrow streets, elevator availability) can affect labor costs.
• Extra Services: Services like professional packing, unpacking, disassembly/assembly of furniture, storage, and specialized handling for delicate or oversized items will add to the overall expense.

For an accurate estimate tailored to your specific needs, exact pricing details are best obtained through a free, no-obligation quote.

Timeline & Packing Tips

A well-organized timeline, typically starting 4-8 weeks before your move, can significantly reduce stress. Here’s a checklist-style guide:

• 8 Weeks Out:
  • Declutter: Start sorting through your belongings. Decide what to keep, sell, donate, or discard. This reduces moving volume and cost.
  • Research: Begin researching visa requirements, housing options, and schools if applicable.
  • Get Quotes: Contact relocation companies for moving quotes.
• 6 Weeks Out:
  • Documents: Gather essential documents (passports, birth certificates, marriage licenses, academic records, medical records, financial statements). Have copies and digital backups.
  • Medical: Get necessary vaccinations and obtain prescription refills for the initial period in Argentina.
  • Book Services: Confirm your moving company and any other necessary services (e.g., temporary accommodation).
• 4 Weeks Out:
  • Utilities & Notifications: Notify utility companies (electricity, gas, internet, water) of your move-out date. Cancel or transfer subscriptions.
  • Mail Forwarding: Set up mail forwarding if available.
  • Packing Supplies: Start acquiring boxes, tape, bubble wrap, and markers.
  • Begin Packing (Non-Essentials): Pack items you won't need in the weeks leading up to the move (e.g., seasonal clothing, books, decorative items).
• 2 Weeks Out:
  • Essentials Box: Prepare a box with essentials for your first few days in Argentina (toiletries, medications, important documents, chargers, a change of clothes).
  • Valuables: Keep important documents, jewelry, and other valuables with you personally.
  • Confirm Appointments: Reconfirm moving day logistics with your relocation company.
• 1 Week Out:
  • Final Packing: Finish packing all remaining items. Label boxes clearly with contents and destination room.
  • Clean Out: Start cleaning out your current home.
  • Empty Fridge: Plan meals to use up perishable food.
• Moving Day:
  • Supervise: Be present to answer questions and supervise the movers.
  • Final Walk-Through: Do a final check of your old home to ensure nothing is left behind.

Ready to start your Argentine adventure? Request a free quote today on relocation123.com!

Visas, immigration & documents

Moving to this country often involves visas, residence permits, document translation/legalization and customs paperwork. Our verified partners handle the move itself; for visa or immigration help, send the request below and we'll point you the right way.

• Residence permit / visa (work, study, family)
• Document translation & apostille
• Customs clearance for personal effects
• Travel & goods insurance

Get help with your move →

Customs & Import Rules

Moving to Argentina: Your Essential Customs & Import Guide

Relocating to Argentina can be an exciting adventure, and understanding the customs and import regulations for your personal belongings is key to a smooth transition. This guide will walk you through the necessary steps and requirements to bring your household goods into the country.

If you're relocating as a new resident (Foreigners with Temporary Visa, excluding Tourist Visa)

If you hold a temporary resident visa (not a tourist visa), your household goods can be imported under a temporary admission scheme. This means your items are guaranteed for the duration of your visa, or a period set by Customs, and must be renewed if your visa is extended. If you obtain permanent residency, your goods can be nationalized without duties. Otherwise, they must be re-exported before your guarantee expires.

What you'll need

• Complete copies of your passport (including blank pages), certified by a public notary and legalized by the Argentine Public Notaries Association.
• Complete copies of your Argentine ID (DNI) or Visa or Residencia Precaria (temporary visa) copy (if DNI is unavailable).
• Certificate of Migratory Movements, indicating entries and departures for the previous 24 months.
• Clave Única de Identificación Laboral (CUIL) Certificate / Argentine Tax ID.
• Insurance bond issued by a local insurance company.
• Original Bill of Lading (OBL) / Air Waybill (AWB) / CRT.
• Typed packing list in Spanish (detailed inventory; handwritten lists are not accepted).
• Migrations Certificate (obtainable from migraciones.gov.ar/transitos/).
• Letter authorizing the moving company to perform import clearance on your behalf, with signature certified and legalized (your moving company can provide the form).
• Import permit for artwork (if applicable).
• Declaration of all artwork pieces on a special form, with photographs, filed online with the “Secretaría de Cultura” before customs clearance.

Good to know

• Your shipment must arrive within 6 months of your entry date into Argentina (stamped on your passport).
• All documents not in Spanish must be translated by an official translator and certified by the Colegio Argentino de Traductores.
• Physical inspection handling charges will apply for shipments arriving by sea or land (estimated LCL: USD 600, 20FT: USD 800, 40FT: USD 1000, 40HC: USD 1200).
• The goods must be guaranteed (bonded) for the duration of the visa or a period determined by Customs. This bond must be renewed before expiration.
• The bond system applies to all moves by sea, land, or air.

If you're a returning Argentine citizen

If you are an Argentine citizen returning home, you may be eligible for duty-free import of your household goods, depending on the duration of your stay abroad. Strict conditions apply regarding your time spent outside Argentina and the frequency of duty-free imports.

What you'll need

• Complete copies of your passport (including blank pages), certified by a public notary and legalized by the Argentine Public Notaries Association.
• Complete copies of your Argentine ID (DNI), certified by a public notary and legalized by the Argentine Public Notaries Association, with your current address in Argentina.
• Certificate of Migratory Movements, indicating entries and departures for the previous 24 months.
• Clave Única de Identificación Laboral (CUIL) Certificate / Argentine Tax ID.
• Residence Certificate issued by the Argentine Consulate at origin, certified in Argentina by the MFA.
• Original Bill of Lading (OBL) / Air Waybill (AWB) / CRT.
• Typed packing list in Spanish (detailed inventory; handwritten lists are not accepted).
• Migrations Certificate (obtainable from migraciones.gov.ar/transitos/).
• Letter authorizing the moving company to perform import clearance on your behalf, with signature certified by a public notary and legalized (your moving company can provide the form).
• Import permit for artwork (if applicable).
• Declaration of all artwork pieces on a special form, with photographs, filed online with the “Secretaría de Cultura” before customs clearance.

Good to know

• Your shipment must arrive within 6 months of your entry date into Argentina (stamped on your passport).
• If you lived abroad for more than 1 year and did not re-enter Argentina for more than 60 accumulative days in the 12 months prior to re-entry, you can import one duty-free shipment every 3 years.
• If you lived abroad for more than 2 years, you can import one duty-free shipment every 7 years, regardless of accumulated days in Argentina during the 12 months prior to re-entry.
• Physical inspection handling charges will apply for shipments arriving by sea or land (estimated LCL: USD 600, 20FT: USD 800, 40FT: USD 1000, 40HC: USD 1200).
• All documents not in Spanish must be translated by an official translator and certified by the Colegio Argentino de Traductores.

Diplomatic moves

Diplomats benefit from specific exemptions and procedures for importing household goods, including potential duty-free import of alcohol within set limits.

What you'll need

• Diplomatic Franchise from the Argentine Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
• Full copy of your passport, stamped by the Diplomatic Mission or official foreign organization where you are employed.
• If your passport was issued within 1 year, a previous passport must be presented. For multiple citizenships, all passports must be presented.
• Original Bill of Lading (OBL) / Air Waybill (AWB) / CRT.
• Typed packing list in Spanish (detailed inventory; handwritten lists are not accepted).
• Letter authorizing the moving company to perform import clearance on your behalf, with signature certified and legalized (your moving company can provide the form).
• Import permit for artwork (if applicable).
• Declaration of all artwork pieces on a special form, with photographs, filed online with the “Secretaría de Cultura” before customs clearance.

Good to know

• Diplomatic shipments are generally exempt from physical inspection unless a special Customs requirement arises.
• Importation of alcohol is allowed up to the annual limit imposed by the MFA and the Embassy or Representation’s own limit.
• All documents not in Spanish must be translated by an official translator and certified by the Colegio Argentino de Traductores.

Bringing special items

Vehicles

Importing vehicles into Argentina has specific rules depending on your residency status and the vehicle's age. New vehicles generally cannot be imported as part of a move, except for foreign diplomats.

What you'll need (Argentine Citizens Returning & Foreigners with Permanent Resident Status)

• Complete copies of passport (including blank pages), certified by a public notary and legalized by the Argentine Public Notaries Association.
• Residence Certificate issued by the Argentine Consulate at origin.
• Vehicle Title / Documentation, legalized at the Argentine Consulate of the country of origin.
• Original Purchase Invoice, certified and legalized at the Argentine Consulate of the country of origin.
• Original Bill of Lading (OBL) / Air Waybill (AWB).
• Letter authorizing the moving company to perform import clearance on your behalf, with signature certified and legalized (your moving company can provide the form).
• All documents not in Spanish must be translated by an official translator and certified by the Colegio Argentino de Traductores.
• Argentine ID (DNI) updated with current address in Argentina.
• Migrations Certificate (obtainable from migraciones.gov.ar/transitos/).

Good to know (Argentine Citizens Returning & Foreigners with Permanent Resident Status)

• The vehicle title must be registered under your name for at least 3 months prior to departure from the origin country.
• Vehicles must arrive within 6 months of your entry date.
• Only used vehicles can be imported (one car and one motorcycle per adult family member). Importation will be dutiable, except in very specific cases.
• Argentine citizens living abroad for more than 2 years with a Residence Certificate can import one car duty-free if Customs appraisal is less than USD 15,000 CIF. If over, taxes and duties apply.

What you'll need (Foreigners holding Temporary Visa)

• Same documents as for returning Argentine citizens, excluding the Residence Certificate and Argentine DNI.

Good to know (Foreigners holding Temporary Visa)

• You may import used vehicles under temporary admission, without duties and taxes.
• Vehicles are allowed temporary admission for the duration of your visa and can be renewed upon visa renewal.
• Vehicles must be removed from Argentina prior to the expiration of your visa.
• Vehicles imported under temporary admission must keep their original plates.

Good to know (Foreign Diplomats)

• The vehicle title does not need to be registered under your name for 3 months prior to departure.
• New vehicles can be imported.

Pets

Bringing your furry friends requires specific health documentation and, for some origins, a special import permit.

What you'll need

• Veterinary Health Certificate.
• Vaccination Record.

Good to know

• The Veterinary Health Certificate must be issued within 10 days of arrival and stamped by the nearest Argentine Consulate, if possible.
• All documents must accompany the animal for entry.
• This regulation applies specifically to dogs and cats. For other animals, please check regulations before shipping.
• Dogs and cats arriving from Asia (except Japan) and Africa must obtain a special Import Permit prior to arrival.

Restricted & prohibited items

Be aware of items that are restricted or completely prohibited from import into Argentina to avoid delays or confiscation.

Restricted Items (Authorization Required)

• Archaeological or paleontological patrimony (fossils, human remains, collections, sediment geological, etc.). Once admitted, export is not permitted.
• Works of art and monuments of recent antiquity.
• Weapons (must be declared and authorized by the Registro Nacional de Armas - RENAR).
• Items considered for commercial purposes (determined by quantity, quality, or type).
• Wood must be specifically treated for pests.

Prohibited Items

• Items compromising public, animal, and agricultural health.
• Organic products (soil, firewood, wood, animal parts, dried insects, etc.).
• Narcotics or illegal drugs.
• Pornographic material of any kind.
• Dangerous, toxic, or flammable items.
• Stolen or smuggled items.
• Currency (actual or counterfeit).
• Alcoholic beverages (except for foreign diplomats within limits).
• Food.
• Spare parts or parts of any vehicle.
• Items that contain an internal-combustion or outboard engine.
• Hoverboards.
• Items not considered part of a household move by Argentine Customs.

Alcohol & tobacco

Alcoholic beverages are generally prohibited for import as part of a household move, with a specific exception for foreign diplomats.

Good to know

• Alcoholic beverages are prohibited for import with household goods for most residents.
• Foreign diplomats are allowed to import alcohol up to the annual limit imposed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and their Embassy or Representation's own limit.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to be in Argentina when my shipment arrives?
Yes, the shipper should generally be in Argentina at the time of shipment arrival for customs clearance.

Are all shipments inspected?
Yes, all shipments are subject to physical inspection, and anti-narcotics dog teams are mandatory for all shipments. Clearance depends on the availability of these brigades.

Will I have to pay for the physical inspection?
Physical inspection handling charges apply for all private shipments arriving by sea or land (not applied for diplomats).

What if my documents are not in Spanish?
All documents not written in Spanish must be translated by an official translator and certified by the Colegio Argentino de Traductores.

Can I import artwork?
Yes, but you will need an import permit and must declare all pieces on a special form, submitting photographs online to the “Secretaría de Cultura” before customs clearance.

What is the timeframe for my shipment to arrive after I enter Argentina?
Shipments must arrive within 6 months of your entry date into Argentina, as stamped on your passport.

For personalized assistance with your move to Argentina, contact relocation123.com today!

Get help with your move →