Argentina Work Visa
Work legally in Argentina with employer sponsorship. Complete guide to requirements, the sponsorship process, and building your career in Buenos Aires.
The Hard Truth About Work Visas
Getting a work visa in Argentina is difficult. Local unemployment is high, and companies must prove they couldn't hire an Argentine before sponsoring a foreigner. Most expats who work legally here are either transferred by multinational companies or have specialized skills in high demand.
Reddit consensus: Many expats work remotely for foreign companies on tourist or digital nomad visas instead. The work visa is primarily for those committed to building a local career.
Requirements
Valid employment contract from an Argentine-registered company willing to sponsor your visa
Your employer must file paperwork with immigration and prove they couldn't hire locally
Degrees, certificates, or experience proving you're qualified for the position
Criminal background check from your home country and any countries where you've lived
Application Process
Secure a Job Offer
Find an employer willing to sponsor your visa. This is the hardest part - many companies prefer hiring locals due to bureaucracy.
Employer Files Precalificación
Your employer submits a 'precalificación' to immigration, proving they need a foreign worker and couldn't find local candidates.
Gather Your Documents
Collect passport, birth certificate, criminal background check, diplomas (all apostilled), and health certificate.
Submit Visa Application
Apply at the Argentine consulate in your home country or, if already in Argentina, at the immigration office (migraciones).
Wait for Approval
Processing typically takes 1-3 months. Your employer may need to provide additional documentation during this time.
Enter Argentina & Get DNI
Once approved, enter Argentina and apply for your DNI (national ID card) within 90 days of arrival.
Document Checklist
- Valid passport (minimum 6 months validity beyond intended stay)
- Birth certificate (apostilled/legalized)
- Criminal background check from home country (apostilled, less than 90 days old)
- Criminal background check from any country where you've lived 6+ months in past 3 years
- University degrees and professional certificates (apostilled)
- Health certificate from Argentine doctor (can be obtained after arrival)
- Employment contract from sponsoring company
- Company's registration documents (your employer provides)
- Passport-sized photos (check current requirements)
- Visa application fee payment
All foreign documents must be apostilled or legalized depending on your country's agreements with Argentina.
Path to Permanent Residency
One major advantage of the work visa is the clear path to permanent residency:
Work on Temporary Visa
Work legally for 2 years on renewable temporary work visas
Apply for Permanent Residency
After 2 years of legal work, apply for permanent residency (residencia permanente)
Path to Citizenship
After 2 years of permanent residency, you may be eligible for Argentine citizenship
Frequently Asked Questions
Important Notice
Work visa requirements and employer sponsorship rules 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 local employer needed. Valid for 180 days.
Learn MoreFor retirees with stable pension income. Path to permanent residency.
Learn MoreNeed Help With Your Work Visa?
Work visa applications are complex and employer sponsorship adds another layer of difficulty. We've worked with a trusted immigration partner who specializes in Argentine work visas and has helped many professionals navigate the process successfully.