While citizenship isn’t automatic upon marriage, Argentina’s immigration law allows foreign spouses to apply after meeting specific residency and legal requirements.
This guide explains how Argentina citizenship by marriage works, including who qualifies, how long it takes, and what to expect in terms of rights and obligations.
Key questions covered:
- How long does it take to get citizenship by marriage in Argentina?
- What are the requirements for citizenship in Argentina?
- How much to get citizenship in Argentina?
- What are the benefits of having a passport in Argentina?
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Can You Get Citizenship If You Marry an Argentinian?
Yes, marriage to an Argentine citizen can make you eligible for Argentine citizenship.
Under Argentina’s naturalization law, foreign spouses must apply for citizenship through a formal legal process, which includes meeting certain residency and legal criteria.
Unlike some countries that require several years of residence, Argentina offers an expedited pathway.
Spouses of Argentine nationals may apply for naturalization after just two years of continuous legal residence in the country.
This is a shorter timeline than the standard requirement for other foreign nationals.
Argentina Citizenship by Marriage Requirements
- Valid, legally recognized marriage to an Argentine citizen. The marriage must be officially registered either in Argentina or abroad (with consular validation).
- Two years of continuous legal residence in Argentina before applying. Temporary visas typically do not qualify; you must have a valid residence permit (such as a temporary or permanent residency linked to family reunification).
- Proof of integration into Argentine society, such as local employment, tax contributions, or community involvement. Judges may also consider your ability to communicate in basic Spanish, though this is not a formal language test.
- Clean criminal record, both in Argentina and from your country of origin. You will need to provide police clearance certificates from relevant jurisdictions.
- Evidence of cohabitation and a shared household with your Argentine spouse. While not always explicitly required by law, family judges often assess the authenticity of the relationship as part of the approval process.
Applicants must also appear before a federal court, where a judge will evaluate the documentation and circumstances before granting citizenship.
Argentina Citizenship by Marriage Processing Time
The processing time for Argentine citizenship by marriage typically ranges from 12 to 24 months.
Several factors influence this timeline, including the completeness of your documentation, the court’s workload, and the thoroughness of background checks.
Each application is handled by a federal court, and timelines may vary significantly by jurisdiction.
Some courts move faster than others, especially in major cities where the process is more streamlined.
Delays are common if:
- Required documents are incomplete, inconsistent, or lack proper legalization/apostilles.
- Applicants fail to provide sufficient proof of residence or cohabitation with their Argentine spouse.
- Additional verification is needed due to dual nationality or prior immigration issues.
Argentina Citizenship by Marriage Cost
- Government and court fees: These can range from approximately US$300 to US$600, depending on the jurisdiction and whether additional services (e.g., certified copies, notarizations) are needed.
- Translation and apostille costs: Foreign documents must be translated into Spanish by a certified translator and apostilled or legalized. This can add several hundred dollars, depending on the country of origin and number of documents required.
- Legal or advisory services (optional): Hiring an immigration lawyer or advisor for help with the process may cost US$500 to US$2,000+, depending on the complexity of the case.
While hiring a lawyer isn’t mandatory, professional support can streamline court interactions, reduce delays, and ensure compliance with evolving documentation standards.
Argentina Citizenship by Marriage Age Requirements
To pursue Argentine citizenship through marriage, the marital relationship must be legally valid under Argentine law.
- Both spouses must be at least 18 years old at the time of marriage for it to be recognized without additional conditions.
- Minors aged 16 or 17 may marry with judicial or parental approval, in accordance with Argentina’s Civil and Commercial Code. However, even if the marriage is legally recognized, citizenship applications generally require the applicant to be of legal adult age (18+) when initiating the naturalization process.
In all cases, the legal age of the applicant is assessed at the time of submitting the citizenship application; not just at the time of marriage.
Do Argentina Allow Dual Citizenship?
Yes, Argentina allows dual citizenship.
Foreign nationals who acquire Argentine citizenship whether through marriage, descent, or naturalization are not required to renounce their original nationality.
This means you can hold an Argentine passport alongside another, provided your home country also permits dual nationality.
It’s important to check with your own government, as some countries like Japan, or China may have restrictions or conditions on holding a second citizenship.
Argentina Citizenship by Marriage Benefits
Becoming an Argentine citizen through marriage offers several long-term advantages beyond legal residency:
- Visa-free access to over 105 countries, including much of Latin America, Europe, and parts of Asia.
- Freedom to live, work, and study in MERCOSUR countries like Brazil, Uruguay, Paraguay, and Bolivia without the need for a visa or work permit.
- Access to Argentina’s public healthcare and education systems, as well as social welfare and pension benefits.
- The ability to pass on citizenship to your children, giving them Argentine nationality by descent.
- Permanent citizenship status once granted, there is no need to renew or reapply, and Argentina does not impose citizenship maintenance requirements.
Conclusión
Argentina citizenship by marriage remains an accessible and advantageous route for foreign spouses seeking deeper ties to the country.
While marriage to an Argentine citizen does not grant automatic citizenship, it significantly shortens the naturalization timeline and eases eligibility requirements.
Applicants must still meet residency, documentation, and character standards; but once approved, the benefits are substantial.
For couples committed to building a future in Argentina, this pathway offers both legal stability and long-term opportunity.
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