Argentina Retirement Visa
Retire in Buenos Aires with your pension. Affordable healthcare, European lifestyle, and a clear path to permanent residency.
Why Retire in Argentina?
A $2,500/month pension lets you live comfortably. In the US, that barely covers rent.
Private healthcare costs $100-300/month vs $500-1,200+ in the US. Quality is excellent.
Cafes, culture, walkable neighborhoods - the "Paris of South America" at a fraction of the cost.
Cost of Living Comparison
| Expense | US Average | Buenos Aires |
|---|---|---|
| Rent (2BR nice area) | $2,500-4,000 | $800-1,500 |
| Health Insurance | $500-1,200 | $100-300 |
| Dinner for Two | $60-100 | $30-50 |
| Monthly Groceries | $600-800 | $300-500 |
| Transportation | $400-800 (car) | $50-100 (public) |
Based on 2025 data. Costs vary by lifestyle and neighborhood choice.
Requirements
Proof of regular pension or retirement income of approximately $1,500-2,000 USD per month minimum
Official pension letters, Social Security statements, or retirement account documentation proving stable income
Valid health insurance covering your stay in Argentina (prepaga plans available for ~$100-300/month)
Criminal background check from your home country with apostille/legalization
Application Process
Gather Pension Documents
Collect official pension statements, Social Security award letters, or retirement account documentation showing stable monthly income.
Get Background Check
Obtain a criminal background check from your home country and have it apostilled or legalized.
Secure Health Insurance
Purchase Argentine health insurance (prepaga) or provide proof of international coverage valid in Argentina.
Complete Application
Fill out the retirement visa application and submit with all documents to the Argentine consulate or immigration office.
Pay Fees & Wait
Pay the visa application fee (~$200-400) and wait for processing (typically 1-2 months).
Enter Argentina & Get DNI
Once approved, enter Argentina and apply for your DNI within 90 days. You're now a temporary resident!
Document Checklist
- Valid passport (minimum 6 months validity)
- Birth certificate (apostilled)
- Criminal background check (apostilled, less than 90 days old)
- Official pension award letter or Social Security statement
- Bank statements showing pension deposits (last 3-6 months)
- Health insurance policy valid in Argentina
- Proof of accommodation in Argentina (rental contract or property deed)
- Marriage certificate if bringing spouse (apostilled)
- Passport-sized photos (check current requirements)
- Visa application fee payment
Path to Permanent Residency
The retirement visa offers one of the clearest paths to permanent residency:
Temporary Residency (Years 1-2)
Live in Argentina on renewable retirement visas, enjoying all benefits of residency
Permanent Residency (Year 2+)
Apply for permanent residency (residencia permanente) - no more renewals needed
Citizenship (Optional)
After 2 years of permanent residency, eligible to apply for Argentine citizenship
Frequently Asked Questions
Real Retiree Experience
"My teacher's pension goes three times as far here. I live better on $2,200/month than I did on $6,000 in Arizona."
Robert C.
Retired Teacher, Former Phoenix • 4 years in San Telmo
Important Notice
Retirement visa requirements and income thresholds change frequently. Always verify current requirements on the official Argentine Immigration website or consult with a qualified immigration attorney before applying. This guide is for informational purposes only.
Explore Other Visa Options
Work remotely for foreign companies. No pension required. Valid for 180 days.
Learn MoreFor significant investments in Argentine business or real estate.
Learn MoreReady to Retire in Argentina?
The retirement visa process is straightforward but requires careful documentation. We've worked with a trusted immigration partner who has helped many retirees successfully navigate the process and start their new life in Buenos Aires.