Argentina•South AmericaMERCOSUR Nationality Residence (Residencia por Nacionalidad MERCOSUR)
At a Glance
3-6 months
ARS $50,000
2 years
Renewable
Renewal
Renewable
Family
Dependents allowed
PR Pathway
Yes
Sponsor
No job offer needed
Work
Remote work OK
Overview
Temporary 2-year residence for MERCOSUR nationals with streamlined pathway to permanent residency.
The MERCOSUR Nationality Residence visa grants simplified temporary residence in Argentina for nationals of MERCOSUR member and associate states. Established under regional residence agreements, it waives traditional visa requirements—no job offer, investment, or specialized skills needed. Applicants must prove MERCOSUR citizenship, valid documents, and a clean criminal record.
The visa grants two years of temporary residence with automatic pathway to permanent residency after two continuous years. Spouses and dependents can accompany without sponsorship. Holders can work in the open market or pursue self-employment. Processing takes 3–6 months via RaDEx with biometrics.
This visa is ideal for MERCOSUR nationals seeking long-term residence in Argentina without employment sponsorship—pursuing jobs, launching a business, or relocating for family. It prioritizes regional citizenship over specialized credentials.
Stay & Extensions
| Initial grant | 2 years |
Eligible Nationalities (11)
Bolivia
Brazil
Chile
Colombia
Ecuador
Guyana
Paraguay
Peru
Suriname
Uruguay
VenezuelaConversion Paths
Visas you can typically switch to from this status.
ArgentinaPermanent Residence - General Pathway (Residencia Permanente)
Requirements
PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS
Must be a national of a MERCOSUR member or associated state (e.g., Brazil, Uruguay, Paraguay, Bolivia, Chile, etc.).
Must possess a valid passport or national ID card recognized under the MERCOSUR travel agreement.
Must have a clean criminal record in Argentina and in countries of residence for the last 3 years.
Must have legal entry into Argentina.
Must provide proof of address in Argentina.
REQUIRED DOCUMENTS
Valid passport or national ID card (MERCOSUR compliant).
Proof of legal entry into Argentina.
Criminal record certificate from Argentina.
Criminal record certificate from countries of residence (last 3 years).
Proof of address in Argentina.
Advantages & Considerations
Key Benefits
- MERCOSUR nationals only — streamlined access compared to third-country nationals
- No job offer required to obtain temporary residency
- Clear 2-year pathway to permanent residency with renewable status
- Low fixed fee (ARS 50,000) compared to typical residency costs
- Work authorization granted from day one of approval
- Dependents can accompany the principal applicant
- Multiple entries and exits permitted during the residency period
- Spouse/partner work rights enabled without additional sponsorship
Worth Knowing
- Temporary residency limited to 2-year terms; renewal required to maintain status
- Criminal record in Argentina or countries of residence in prior 3 years is disqualifying
- Fee subject to UMSM adjustments per Decreto 584/2024; actual cost may increase
- Limited to citizens of 11 MERCOSUR member/associate states only; third-country nationals non-qualifying
Application Process
Register on the RaDEx platform.
Complete the application form for MERCOSUR residency.
Upload digital copies of required documents.
Pay the official fees.
Schedule and attend the in-person appointment at the DNM for identity verification and biometrics.
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