Family Reunification Visa
The Family Reunification Visa allows spouses, children, and parents of Argentine citizens or permanent/temporary residents to obtain legal residency in Argentina. Under Decreto 366/2025, eligible family members now receive temporary residence for up to 3 years (previously they could receive direct permanent residency), after which they can apply for permanent status. This is the most common pathway for partners of expats who've already obtained residency.
Quick Summary
$200 USD
Up to 3 years (temporary), then permanent residency eligible
30-60 days
Legal Basis
Defines permanent residency for immediate family of Argentine citizens
View official text →Changed family reunification from direct permanent to temporary residency (up to 3 years)
View official text →Procedures for family-based residency applications
View official text →Same-sex marriage law (2010) — same-sex spouses have identical family reunification rights
View official text →Requirements
- Proof of family relationship
Marriage certificate for spouses (apostilled, translated), birth certificate for children (apostilled, translated), or birth certificate showing parentage for parent applications. Same-sex marriages are fully recognized since Ley 26.618 (2010).
Common mistake: Foreign marriages performed in countries that don't issue apostilles — you may need to have the marriage recognized through Argentina's Registro Civil first.Ley 25.871, Art. 15 - family relationship documentation
- Sponsor's residency proof
Copy of the Argentine citizen's DNI, or the resident family member's DNI plus proof of valid residency status (temporary or permanent).
Common mistake: Applying before your spouse's own residency is finalized. The sponsor must have a valid, current residency — a pending application isn't enough.Decreto 616/2010, Art. 48 - sponsor eligibility
- Valid passport with 12+ months remaining
Each family member needs their own passport. Children under 14 may use parent's passport in some cases, but individual passports are strongly recommended.
Common mistake: Children's passports expiring during the application period. Renew before starting.Ley 25.871, Art. 8 - travel document requirements
- Criminal background check (apostilled) for adults
Required for all applicants over 16. Must be from country of residence for last 5 years, less than 90 days old.
Common mistake: Forgetting that background checks are needed for each adult family member individually, not just the primary applicant.Decreto 616/2010, Art. 12 - police clearance
- Health insurance coverage
Each family member needs health insurance with minimum $20,000 coverage. Under Decreto 366/2025, temporary residents don't have access to free public healthcare.
Common mistake: Assuming children are automatically covered under parent's policy. Verify your insurance covers all family members explicitly.Decreto 366/2025 - health insurance mandate
Application Process
Gather family relationship documents
Obtain marriage certificate, birth certificates, and any court orders (custody, adoption). All must be apostilled in the issuing country and translated by an Argentine traductor público.
1-4 weeks
Decreto 616/2010, Art. 48-53
Ensure sponsor's residency is in order
The sponsoring family member must have valid residency in Argentina — either citizenship, permanent residency, or active temporary residency.
Varies
Ley 25.871, Art. 15
Submit application via RADEX or consulate
Apply online through RADEX if in Argentina, or at an Argentine consulate if abroad. Multiple family members can be included in one application.
Same day to 2 months
Disposición DNM 2809/2016
Pay fees and attend biometric appointment
Pay $200 USD per applicant. Each family member must attend a biometric appointment (fingerprints, photo).
1-2 hours per person
Resolución DNM - fee schedule
Receive precaria and apply for DNI
Each family member receives their own precaria, then needs to apply for their own DNI at Registro Nacional de las Personas (RENAPER).
Precaria: same day. DNI: 1-3 months for appointment
Decreto 366/2025 - precaria and DNI procedures
Real Experiences
“My wife is Argentine. Applied for family reunification at Retiro office — got my precaria the same day. DNI took another 6 weeks. The process was surprisingly smooth compared to my home country.”
“The new rule about temporary instead of permanent residency is frustrating. Previously, spouses of citizens went straight to permanent. Now it's 3 years of temporary first. More bureaucracy.”
“Applied for our two kids (ages 5 and 8) through family reunification. Each needed their own background check from the US (even though they're children!). The apostille process alone cost us $600 for the whole family.”
Common Problems & Solutions
Foreign marriage not recognized by Argentine consulate
Sponsor's residency expires before family application is processed
Divorce occurs during temporary residency period
2025/2026 Updates
- •Decreto 366/2025 changed family reunification from direct permanent residency to temporary status (up to 3 years) for spouses, children, and parents of residents
- •Family members of Argentine citizens still qualify for permanent residency, but the process now requires an additional application step after the temporary period
- •Mandatory health insurance for each family member — temporary residents no longer have public healthcare access
- •Children born in Argentina are automatic Argentine citizens (jus soli) — no immigration application needed
- •Agencia Nacional de Migraciones (Nov 2025) has new processing procedures — expect slightly longer wait times during the transition
- •Appeal deadline for denial slashed to 3 days under Decreto 366/2025 — if denied, act immediately
Pros
- Keeps families together — spouse, children, and parents can all obtain legal status
- Children under 18 of Argentine citizens automatically qualify for permanent residency
- Same-sex couples have identical rights under Ley 26.618 (since 2010)
- Multiple family members can be processed in a single application
- Path to permanent residency after the temporary period (up to 3 years)
- Family members gain work authorization immediately upon receiving precaria
Cons
- Under Decreto 366/2025, family members now receive temporary residency first (up to 3 years) instead of direct permanent status
- Each family member needs their own set of apostilled documents — costs multiply quickly for large families
- Processing times have increased since the institutional restructuring in November 2025
- Divorce or separation during the temporary period can complicate the dependent's residency status
- Sponsor must maintain valid residency — if their visa lapses, dependents are affected too
- Children aging into adulthood (turning 18) during the process may need to apply independently
Frequently Asked Questions
This guide covers the basics, but every case is different. For complex situations, Lucero Legal specializes in expat immigration in Argentina.
Best for:
- Spouses (including same-sex partners) of Argentine citizens or residents
- Parents wanting to join their adult Argentine citizen children
- Families with children relocating to Argentina — children get immediate school enrollment rights
- Partners of digital nomads, workers, or investors who already have Argentine residency
- People who married an Argentine national and want to live in Argentina together
Reality check: Processing times are estimates based on recent experience. Actual times vary by office and season.