Are you a digital nomad, traveler, or expat looking to explore the vibrant landscapes and rich culture of Argentina without the hassle of complex visa procedures?
ExpatPathways brings you a comprehensive guide titled “Argentina Visa: Requirements, Options, and Benefits for Digital Nomads.”
This article delves into everything you need to know about securing your entry into Argentina, from the simple steps to obtain the sought-after Digital Nomad Pass to navigating business and tourist visas.
Uncover the benefits that make Argentina a paradise for digital nomads, including its welcoming culture, diverse geography, and the cost-effective lifestyle it offers.
Let us lead you through the maze of paperwork and legalities, straight to the heart of Argentina’s bustling cities and serene landscapes.
Why you should visit Argentina as a digital nomad
Both the statistics of tourists and immigrants, as well as the social, economic and natural conditions, make Argentina one of the favorite destinations for digital nomads.
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Some interesting statistics about foreigners in Argentina
- More than 5 million foreigners visited Argentina in 2023.
- The City of Buenos Aires received more than 2.5 million foreign tourists in 2023
- The City of Buenos Aires is the jurisdiction most chosen by digital nomads, having reached 62,800 foreigners.
- In Buenos Aires, 48.5% of digital nomads are male, while 46.9% are women, while the remaining 4.6% identify as “other.”
- Furthermore, more than 60% are under 34 years old, while 34% are between 35 and 54 years old, and the rest are over 55.
Benefits of Working as a Digital Nomad in Argentina
Argentina offers an exceptional infrastructure for digital nomads, characterized by its plethora of coworking spaces, robust internet connection, and a high quality of life.
Beyond the practicalities, the country’s diverse landscapes and activities—from skiing in the Andes to tango dancing in Buenos Aires or enjoying a traditional Argentine asado—make it an enriching place to live and work. Here’s why Argentina is highly recommended for digital nomads:
- Cultural Openness: Historically, Argentina has been welcoming to foreigners and immigrants, creating a society rich in diverse cultures and communities.
- Diverse Climate and Geography: Whether you prefer cosmopolitan cities like Buenos Aires, Córdoba, and Rosario or the remote beauty of Patagonia and the Andean provinces, Argentina offers a variety of climates and landscapes.
- Vibrant Cities: Major Argentine cities are hubs of gastronomy, culture, and economic activity, boasting some of Latin America’s best connectivity and transportation infrastructures.
- Friendly Locals: Argentines are known for their open and friendly disposition towards foreigners, providing a welcoming community for social, cultural, and economic integration.
- Affordable Cost of Living: Despite its sophisticated cities and technological advancements, Argentina offers an exceptionally low cost of living, making it an attractive destination for those seeking new experiences in Latin America.
Types of visas to visit Argentina
Argentina offers a wide range of visas, each of which has its own requirements and processing terms.
Tourist Visa
Tourist visas for Argentina can be processed at any Argentine Consular Representation worldwide, allowing a stay of up to ninety (90) days.
The application process is in-person, requiring applicants to arrange a meeting with the Consular Representation to submit the necessary documentation. Requirements for a tourist visa include:
- A valid passport with a minimum validity of 6 months from the date of entry into the country, and at least one blank page.
- Two (2) current 4x4cm, color, front-facing photographs with a white background.
- A completed visa application form FSV (preferably electronically) signed by the applicant.
- Proof of financial solvency (e.g., recent pay slips, last credit card statement, or bank statement).
- Round trip ticket reservation (it is recommended not to purchase tickets until the visa has been granted).
- Hotel reservation and tourist itinerary.
- If not having a hotel reservation, an invitation letter from an individual, if applicable.
- Consular interview.
Work Visa
Work visas for Argentina can only be processed at the Argentine Consular Representation corresponding to the foreigner’s domicile.
The application is in-person, necessitating contact with the Consular Representation to arrange a meeting and submit the required documentation. Work visa requirements include:
- A valid passport with a minimum validity of 6 months from the date of entry into the country, and at least one blank page, or any of the documents listed in Annex I of the MERCOSUR and Associated States’ Agreement on Travel and Return Documents, valid and in force.
- Two (2) current 4x4cm, color, front-facing photographs with a white background.
- A completed visa application form FSV (preferably electronically) signed by the applicant.
- Proof of residence in the consulate’s jurisdiction.
- A labor contract with the employer’s RENURE registration number, signed by the employer and the applicant.
- For travelers aged 16 and over, an apostilled or legalized criminal record certificate.
- A declaration of the truth or affidavit of no criminal record in other countries, signed before the consul.
- Payment of the immigration fee.
- Consular interview.
Business Visa
For those looking to engage in business activities within Argentina, a business visa is available and can be processed at any Argentine Consular Representation.
This visa allows for a stay of up to sixty (60) days.
Like other visa applications, the process requires in-person submission, necessitating contact with the relevant Consular Representation to schedule an appointment and coordinate document submission. The requirements for a business visa include:
- A valid passport with a minimum 6-month validity from the entry date and at least one blank page, or any document listed in Annex I of the MERCOSUR and Associated States’ Agreement on Travel and Return Documents, valid and in force.
- Two (2) current 4x4cm color, front-facing photographs with a white background.
- A completed FSV visa application form (preferably filled out electronically) signed by the applicant.
- An invitation letter from a host registered in the National Registry of Petitioners of Foreigners (RENURE), detailing the foreigner’s personal information, the activities to be conducted in the territory, and the duration of the stay. If the host is not registered in RENURE, contact should be made with [email protected] to facilitate registration.
- Proof of commercial/labor activity in the country of origin (e.g., employment verification letter with the company’s letterhead).
- Round-trip ticket reservation (it is recommended not to purchase tickets until the visa has been granted).
- Hotel reservation or proof of accommodation in Argentina.
- Consular interview.
After the Tourist Stay Limit
Once the initial 90-day tourist stay concludes, and you wish to extend your time in Argentina, a special visa is available for digital nomads through the Ministry of the Interior’s website.
This innovative approach accommodates the lifestyle of digital nomads, enabling remote workers from countries that do not require a tourist visa to enter Argentina and reside while working for foreign entities.
Argentina Visa for digital nomads
For some years now, and in the heat of trends and favorable winds, Argentina has developed a special visa program for digital nomads. At a reasonable price, expats, digital nomads and travelers in general from all over the world can access a special visa to carry out their work activities in Argentina.
Special Visa for Digital Nomads
Argentina introduces the Digital Nomad Pass, a special temporary residence designed for digital nomads by the Argentine government. This initiative allows remote workers from visa-exempt countries to enter Argentina and live there while working remotely for individuals or companies abroad.
The Digital Nomad Pass is valid for 180 days, offering an entire semester to explore the beauty and diversity of Argentina.
This policy caters specifically to foreigners who intend to provide services remotely using information technology, telecommunications, or similar means, for clients or employers based outside Argentina.
Tax Obligations for Digital Nomads in Argentina
Digital nomads working remotely for companies or clients outside of Argentina will be relieved to know that they are not obligated to pay local taxes on their global income, as long as their work does not serve the Argentine market directly.
This regulation ensures that digital nomads can enjoy the country’s diverse landscapes and cultural offerings without worrying about local tax implications on their worldwide earnings.
However, it’s crucial to seek advice from a tax advisor for guidance tailored to your specific situation, as tax laws can vary and have nuances that might affect your individual case.
Access Conditions for the Digital Nomad Pass
The Digital Nomad Pass is specifically designed for individuals from countries that do not require a tourist visa for entry into Argentina.
If your home country has a visa exemption agreement with Argentina, you’re eligible to apply for this pass and embark on your remote work journey in this vibrant South American country.
The program targets non-Argentine tourists over the age of 18 planning to stay in the country for at least 30 nights. To obtain the Digital Nomad Pass, applicants must fill out a form and provide a passport photo and documents verifying their travel and accommodation in Argentina.
Group travelers must submit individual applications, with gift card points awarded based on the total duration of the visit.
Costs and Validity of the Digital Nomad Pass
Applying for the Digital Nomad Pass incurs a fee of 120 Consular Units (CU) for the Immigration Rate and 80 CU for the Consular Tariff, payable in USD or Euros, depending on the country.
This special temporary residence permit is valid for 180 days, offering an extended stay without the need for immediate renewal or additional paperwork.
Application Requirements
To apply for the Digital Nomad Pass, interested parties must submit a request letter detailing personal information, independent work activities to be undertaken, a brief CV highlighting relevant experience and education, a valid passport (with a JPG image of the data and photo page), a formal, current face photo with a white background (in JPG format), and proof of employment (contracts, company endorsements, or income certifications). Additional evidence may be requested to support the claims made by applicants.
Permissible Work as a Digital Nomad in Argentina
As a digital nomad in Argentina, you can perform any job remotely for markets outside Argentina, provided it does not involve working for the Argentine market or employers.
This flexibility allows for a wide range of professional activities, as long as the work is conducted for companies or your own business not registered in Argentina and does not serve Argentine clients or employers.
For those wishing to engage in local employment, obtaining a work and residence permit is necessary.
How to Apply for the Argentina Digital Nomad Pass
Applying for the Digital Nomad Pass in Argentina is a straightforward process designed to be convenient for applicants from all over the world. Here’s how you can start your adventure as a digital nomad in Argentina:
- Begin the Application Online: Start by accessing the Electronic Entry Processing (Tramitación de Ingreso Electrónico- TIE 24H) platform. This online process allows you to initiate your application from anywhere, at any time.
- Submit Required Documentation: You will need to attach the necessary documentation and information according to the type of entry you are requesting. Ensure that all documents are complete and accurately filled out to avoid delays.
- Receive Confirmation: Once your application is processed, you will receive a notification via email containing the entry authorization confirmation. This document must be presented to the immigration officer upon arrival in Argentina, as part of the immigration control process.
Last considerations
Independent consultants and government organizations, both Argentine and international, agree in identifying Argentina as an increasingly chosen destination for digital nomads and remote workers.
In this sense, in addition to the material and cultural conditions that support Argentina as a favorite place for travelers, there is a regulatory framework that invites us to stimulate this process.
Analyze the existing visa options offered by the Argentine state and consult with other digital nomads who are or have been in the country. Although Argentina offers endless reasons to visit and work there, try to inform yourself of all the requirements and procedures to make your stay unforgettable.
(Featured Image Source: pabs242/flickr.com)
