Argentine Citizenship by Birth in 2025:
How to get a passport for the child and parents under the new rules
Argentine citizenship by birth in 2025 is one of the fastest and most popular ways for foreigners to move to Argentina, secure temporary and permanent residency through the birth of a child, and eventually obtain an Argentine passport with visa-free entry to about 170 countries.
Argentina practices the right of soil (jus soli): every child born on the country’s territory automatically becomes an Argentine citizen from birth. The parents, in turn, can obtain temporary and permanent residency by virtue of the child’s birth and get a passport after 2 years of residence. The country attracts foreigners with its developed infrastructure, free healthcare for citizens and residents, high quality of life, and a strong passport granting visa-free access to more than 170 countries.
A flexible immigration system, simplified paperwork, and a friendly attitude towards foreigners make giving birth in Argentina and obtaining a passport one of the most in-demand ways to relocate.
Legal grounds for obtaining Argentine citizenship upon the birth of a child
Citizenship by birth (right of soil, jus soli) is guaranteed by the Constitution and Law No. 346 of Argentina.
Any child born on Argentine territory automatically receives Argentine citizenship from the moment of birth. This rule applies regardless of the status or citizenship of the parents – the only exception is made for children of diplomats and foreign government officials.
Thus, a baby born on Argentine soil is recognized as an Argentine citizen by law.
Temporary and permanent residency for the newborn’s parents:
Previously, parents of an Argentine newborn could very easily obtain permanent residence (PR) – in fact, immediately after the birth one could submit documents for PR, and soon after even apply for citizenship. However, on May 29, 2025, a new decree (No. 366/2025) came into force, radically changing the immigration rules.
The times when obtaining an Argentine passport through the birth of a child was simple have ended. According to the new rules, parents no longer receive automatic PR by virtue of having an Argentine-born child.
Temporary residence permit (Precaria).
Now, immediately after the child’s birth, foreign parents are only issued a temporary residency (the so-called Precaria – a preliminary residence permit). This temporary permit must be periodically renewed (usually every 90 days); it does not grant the right to immediately apply for citizenship or a permanent status. It’s important that you have entered the country legally: when applying for residency, the authorities will check for an entry stamp in your passport.
Obtaining PR for the child’s parents – proof of means and clean record.
The new rules require applicants to prove financial solvency and good conduct. By the time of applying for permanent residency, the parents must provide documents showing sufficient income or savings, proof of housing (ownership or a rental contract), as well as certificates of no criminal record. Having a criminal record or immigration violations (for example, an overstayed visa) can lead to a refusal and even deportation. It is therefore crucial to abide by all laws – for instance, the law now explicitly allows the expulsion of foreigners for overstaying a visa or for minor offenses.
Obtaining citizenship for the child’s parents – two years of continuous residence.
The parents are required to live in Argentina for at least 2 years continuously in a resident status. The continuity requirement is very strict: any departure beyond Argentina’s borders during this period resets the two-year count to zero. In other words, to fulfill the requirement, the parents must physically stay in the country for 24 consecutive months without a single trip abroad. In addition, they must maintain legal resident status the entire time and not violate the conditions of their stay. The citizenship application is submitted to the National Directorate of Migration or through a federal court (this procedure changed under the new decree). As part of the naturalization process, one will have to provide an extensive set of documents: the parents’ own birth certificates (with apostille and Spanish translation), documents proving a legal two-year residency (DNI – resident ID, passport stamps), Argentine and foreign police clearance certificates, and proof of income (e.g. an employment contract, bank statements, or registration as a self-employed monotributo in Argentina).
Does the parents’ status affect the child’s citizenship?
Many people wonder whether the baby will be a citizen of Argentina if the parents are in the country on a tourist visa or even illegally. The answer is yes – the newborn’s citizenship does not depend on the parents’ status. The law clearly states that children born on Argentine soil are recognized as citizens regardless of the parents’ citizenship or residency status. Even if the mother arrived in the country in the last months of pregnancy as a tourist, the child will receive an Argentine birth certificate and citizenship automatically. The parents should note that they need to regulate their own status – immediately after the birth it’s best to apply for residency. But the presence or absence of visas for the parents does not influence the baby’s citizenship.
Argentine citizenship for siblings and other relatives:
If the family has other children (brothers or sisters of the newborn), or if other relatives want to move along with the parents, it is important to understand the limits of the “right of soil.” Automatic citizenship extends only to the child born in Argentina. Older siblings born in another country do not get a passport automatically. They can reside in Argentina as dependents (they can be included in the parents’ residency/PR application as family members). However, such children will only be able to obtain citizenship later: when they turn 18 and provided they have lived at least 2 years in Argentina as residents. In essence, the law requires the same naturalization process for them as for the parents.
Similarly, other relatives (grandparents, adult siblings, uncles, aunts) do not receive any special rights to citizenship by virtue of a grandchild or niece/nephew being born in Argentina. They cannot directly claim an Argentine passport. Nevertheless, family reunification is possible – close relatives of a citizen (within certain degrees of kinship) can apply for a residence permit in Argentina. For example, the parents of the new Argentine citizen (i.e. the baby’s grandparents) can obtain residency as family members. But that is permanent residence, not citizenship. After receiving residency and living the required period, they may naturalize on general grounds (after 2 years). However, a passport is not granted automatically through such relations.
Thus, siblings, grandparents, and other relatives of the Argentine baby would have to move to the country via standard immigration procedures, and they could obtain citizenship no sooner than after 2 years of residing there as well.
How to enter Argentina for childbirth:
Argentina is very welcoming when it comes to pregnant foreigners entering the country. Citizens of many countries do not need a visa to visit – they can stay in Argentina for up to 90 days as tourists. This period is usually sufficient to arrive shortly before the expected due date and to handle the paperwork after the baby’s birth. If you are from a country that does require a visa to enter, the optimal approach is to obtain a tourist visa or a special medical visa.
Note: Argentina does issue medical visas for foreign nationals planning medical treatment or childbirth in local clinics.
The best time to fly is before the late stages of pregnancy. It’s advisable to arrive in Buenos Aires by the 30th–32nd week of pregnancy, so that you have time to acclimate, find housing and a doctor, and prepare the necessary documents on site. Upon arrival, the expectant mother should register at the chosen hospital or maternity clinic (public or private) and sign a contract for the delivery.
Argentina’s healthcare system is high-quality: even in public maternity hospitals the standard of care is high and staff are well-qualified. Foreigners without PR are expected to pay for childbirth or have insurance, since as of 2025 free healthcare is guaranteed only to citizens and permanent residents (emergency care is still provided to everyone).
Benefits of Argentine citizenship
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Visa-free travel worldwide
Argentina’s passport is among the strongest in the world, ranking around 15th–16th globally in terms of travel freedom. Argentine citizens can visit more than 170 countries and territories without a visa. This list includes practically all of Europe, including the Schengen Area countries, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Switzerland, and others.
Visa-free entry or electronic visas are available for key nations in Asia (Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Israel, etc.), many countries in the Middle East and Africa, as well as all of Latin America.
Argentines do not need a visa even for popular tourist destinations such as Mexico, South Africa, Thailand and many more. -
Dual citizenship
Argentina permits dual (and even multiple) citizenship, which is a major plus for foreigners. When naturalizing in Argentina, you are not required to renounce your existing citizenship. Argentina has dual citizenship agreements with a number of countries (Spain, Italy, Chile, Colombia, etc.), and it is generally tolerant of multiple citizenships.
Thus, your child will hold two passports – an Argentine passport and your home country’s passport – and can enjoy the benefits of both. -
Right to live and work in MERCOSUR countries
Argentina is a member of the MERCOSUR bloc, which unites most countries of South America. Argentine citizenship automatically grants the right of free movement, residence, and employment in MERCOSUR countries.
This means that you and your child will be able to relocate to Brazil, Uruguay, Paraguay, as well as associated states (Chile, Peru, Colombia, Ecuador, etc.) with minimal bureaucracy and without special visas. -
Social benefits: healthcare, education, and quality of life
Argentine citizenship gives access to all social benefits on par with native-born Argentines. Among these benefits are high-quality healthcare and education. Argentina is proud of its strong healthcare system: citizens and permanent residents have the right to free medical care in public hospitals and clinics. For your child, this means they can receive top-notch medical attention at no cost, and for you it means access to public healthcare as soon as you obtain PR.
Education in Argentina is also universally accessible and free at all levels – from primary school through university. The quality of Argentine education is quite high, with many universities appearing in global rankings.
In addition to social perks, Argentina offers a pleasant living environment. The country has a mild climate, rich natural landscapes – from ocean beaches to mountain resorts – and good environmental quality (clean air, natural food products). -
Safety, neutrality, and no military draft
Argentina is a peaceful and safe country, which is especially important for parents planning their children’s future. The country does not engage in wars or global military conflicts.
Within Argentina, the political environment is stable; it’s a democracy with regular changes of elected authorities. Argentine citizens are not at risk of being drawn into military actions – neither abroad nor at home.
Moreover, the country has no mandatory military service. Military duty is on a voluntary basis, and there is no conscription upon reaching a certain age. This means your child will never be forcibly drafted into the army – neither in Argentina (where there is no draft) nor in any other country if they choose to use their Argentine passport.
How to get Argentine citizenship by birth:
Step-by-step guide
Step-by-step guide
Gathering documents is a key step. Prepare valid international passports, get the parents’ birth certificates and marriage certificate apostilled (for later use in Argentina), and obtain police clearance certificates (these will be needed for residency applications).
Also, reach out to hospitals in Buenos Aires or another city in advance – choose a clinic, learn about their conditions, and if possible, sign a contract for the delivery.
Upon arrival, take care of practical matters: rent accommodation (a rental contract will serve as proof of address), visit your chosen hospital or maternity center, have a check-up with a doctor and get registered for the birth. If you need local mobile service and transportation, arrange those early on as well. After the successful birth of your child, you will be issued an Argentine birth certificate (Certificado de Nacimiento). It will state the child’s name and the fact of birth in Argentina – the key document establishing your baby’s citizenship.
Note: the child becomes a citizen automatically; no additional citizenship application is required for them.
First and foremost, apply for a DNI (Documento Nacional de Identidad) – the internal national ID card.
You will need the birth certificate, your passports, and completed application forms for this. The child’s DNI is usually issued within a few weeks and comes as a plastic card listing their nationality as “ARGENTINO.”
At the same time (or immediately after getting the DNI), apply for an Argentine passport for the baby. Typically, a first passport for a child is processed quickly: with a birth certificate in hand, it can be issued within 1–2 days, or at most within a few weeks.
As a result, your child will have an ID card and a passport as proof of Argentine citizenship. These documents not only confirm their status but also allow the baby to travel abroad freely if needed.
After a number of months (previously around 8 months; under the new rules this timeframe might be longer) your case will be reviewed and you’ll be issued a temporary resident DNI – from that point you are officially living in Argentina on legal grounds.
Next comes the main phase – counting 24 months of continuous residency. Make sure not to leave the country during these two years, otherwise you will lose the chance to obtain citizenship in the minimum time. In parallel, ensure that you have a legitimate source of income: find employment, register as self-employed (get a monotributo status), or otherwise demonstrate financial solvency, since this will be required when moving to permanent residency.
Permanent residency in the Reunificación familiar category (family reunification with an Argentine child) is now granted only after verifying all conditions (residency period, income, absence of legal violations) are met.
Once your PR is approved, you will receive a new DNI (for permanent residents) – with that, you are almost equal in rights to citizens (except for voting rights).
The procedure for obtaining citizenship as parents is referred to as Carta de Ciudadanía por opción (by the option of having an Argentine child) or simply as a court-mediated naturalization. As of 2025, the consideration of applications is handled by the National Migration Directorate instead of judges, which is intended to streamline the process.
- Prepare the necessary set of documents: your passports, resident DNIs, your Argentine child’s birth certificate, your own birth certificates with apostille and Spanish translation, police clearance certificates (both Argentine and from abroad), and proof of means of support.
- Submit your application; this may be done at a special department of the immigration service (or in a federal court at your place of residence – confirm the current procedure when you apply). No language test or exams are required for citizenship – Argentina does not mandate a Spanish language or history exam for naturalization.
You will be issued a document called the Carta de Ciudadanía – a citizenship certificate. With this, you can change your DNI from a resident version to a citizen’s DNI (in the new DNI, the nationality will be listed as “Argentino”). Congratulations – now you are full-fledged citizens of Argentina, and your new passports open up all the benefits described above for you and your family!
Frequently asked questions about
Argentine citizenship by birth
Argentine citizenship by birth
Under the new decree No. 366/2025, foreign parents are first granted only a temporary residence permit.
Moreover, the temporary precaria period no longer counts towards the residency requirement for citizenship – only time under a valid temporary/permanent residency counts.
Citizenship can only be obtained after 2 years of continuous stay in the country. T
he new decree also tightened deportation measures: now for overstaying, providing false information, or minor offenses, a foreigner can be expelled from Argentina. There are also new limits on free services: free healthcare is now only for citizens and permanent residents, meaning foreigners without status need to have insurance or pay for medical services. In general, the reform has made “birth tourism” immigration more difficult – obtaining an Argentine passport has become longer and more challenging.
Nevertheless, the core opportunity remains: the child receives citizenship by birth, and the parents can stay legally and naturalize after 2 years, as long as they meet the new requirements.
However knowing Spanish is a big plus – at the very least for a comfortable life in Argentina and for communicating with officials when processing documents. But if you haven’t learned it yet, not speaking Spanish will not prevent you from getting a passport.
You can bring the children to Argentina legally and obtain residence permits for them as family members of a resident (or they can receive PR together with you when you qualify for it).
Minor children of resident parents typically get the same residency status as their parents. They will be able to live in Argentina, attend school, and access healthcare – essentially, live a normal life, just without a citizen’s passport.
Once they meet the requirements in the future (for instance, after reaching adulthood and completing 2 years of residency), they can apply for citizenship through naturalization, just like the parents did.
