Getting Your DNI in Argentina
Complete step-by-step guide to obtaining your Documento Nacional de Identidad (National Identity Document).
The DNI is your official Argentine ID card - essential for banking, signing contracts, and daily life as a resident.
What is the DNI?
The Documento Nacional de Identidad (DNI) is Argentina's national identity card. For expats with residency, it's the official proof of your legal status in the country.
- • Open bank accounts
- • Sign rental contracts
- • Get local phone plans
- • Access public healthcare
- • Travel within Mercosur
- • Prove residency anywhere
- • Limited banking options
- • Difficulty with contracts
- • Tourist-priced services
- • No access to public healthcare
- • Must carry passport
- • Harder to prove residency
Requirements by Visa Type
- Valid passport
- Proof of remote income ($2,700+/month)
- Criminal background check (apostilled)
- Proof of health insurance
- Entry stamp showing legal entry
- Valid passport
- Proof of passive income ($1,400+/month)
- Income source documentation
- Criminal background check (apostilled)
- Birth certificate (apostilled)
- Valid passport
- Proof of pension income
- Pension documentation
- Criminal background check (apostilled)
- Birth certificate (apostilled)
- Valid Mercosur country passport
- Birth certificate
- Criminal background check from home country
- Proof of address in Argentina
- Entry stamp showing legal entry
Document Checklist
Must be valid for duration of stay
Apostilled and translated if not Spanish
From home country, apostilled, translated
Bank statements, employment letters, pension docs
Valid in Argentina, coverage proof
Utility bill or rental contract in your name
If applicable, apostilled and translated
4x4 cm, white background, recent
The DNI Process Timeline
Enter Argentina Legally
Day 1Enter with appropriate visa or visa-free entry. Get entry stamp in passport.
Apply for Residency
Within 90 daysSubmit residency application at Migraciones office. Book appointment online.
Wait for Approval
30-90 daysProcessing time varies. You'll receive a precaria (temporary permit) while waiting.
Get Residency Approved
VariableReceive residency approval notification. Now eligible for DNI.
Apply for DNI
Same dayVisit RENAPER office with approval documents. Biometrics taken.
Receive DNI Card
2-4 weeksCard mailed to your address or pick up at RENAPER office.
Total timeline: 2-6 months from entry to receiving your DNI card
Where to Apply
Main office in Retiro. Book appointments online at migraciones.gov.ar.
Multiple locations throughout Buenos Aires. Appointment required.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
Documents from your home country must be apostilled. Notarization alone isn't enough. Plan 2-4 weeks for this process.
Solution: Start apostille process before arriving in Argentina
Non-Spanish documents must be translated by a certified Argentine translator (traductor público).
Solution: Find a certified translator in Buenos Aires, budget $20-50 per page
Criminal background checks are typically only valid for 90 days from issue date.
Solution: Time your background check carefully - don't get it too early
You need a local address for DNI delivery. Hotels often won't work.
Solution: Secure a rental or use a friend's address with their permission
Expected Costs
With lawyer: $800-2,600 depending on complexity
Need Help With Your DNI?
The DNI process can be confusing and paperwork-intensive. Lucero Legal's immigration attorneys handle DNI applications daily and can guide you through every step.
Lucero Legal is a licensed immigration law firm based in Buenos Aires.