Argentina Passport Ranking 2025

In a world where the strength of a passport often reflects the strength of a nation’s diplomacy, Argentina’s travel document continues to punch above its weight. In 2025, it once again secures a spot in the global top, a position it has held for more than a decade. What is striking is not just the number of borders it opens, but the consistency with which it does so, despite Argentina’s recurring political and economic turbulence.

Travel experts note that the passport enjoys a reputation for trust and reliability, a product of Argentina’s early adoption of biometric technology and alignment with international security standards. This makes border crossings smoother than for many of its regional counterparts, even when formal rankings place them only a few spots apart.

Regionally, Argentina stands out for the breadth of its connections. Unlike many Latin American states whose mobility remains concentrated in the Americas, Argentina’s passport is welcomed across Europe, Asia, and increasingly China, underscoring the country’s broader geopolitical ambitions. In that sense, it mirrors Argentina’s foreign policy: outward-looking, multipolar, and pragmatic.

For Argentines, holding this document is not just about ranking charts, it is about belonging to a country whose global visibility is felt through football, tango, literature, and now, the quiet power of a passport that opens doors well beyond its borders. 

As a citizen of Argentina, you will have access to excellent banking and healthcare systems of a high standard along other perks outlined in the section below. 

5 Benefits of Holding an Argentine Passport

An Argentine passport is not only a travel document but also proof of one of the most accessible citizenships in the world with the following advantages: 

1. Extensive Visa-Free Access

Argentine citizens can enter 170–174 countries without a visa or by obtaining a visa on arrival. This includes most of Europe, the UK, Japan, South Korea, and recently China (since May 2025). These agreements place Argentina ahead of other major Latin American passports, such as Brazil (168 countries) or Mexico (159 countries).

According to the Henley Passport Index, Argentina is the strongest passport in South America, tied only with Chile in global rankings.

2. Free Movement Within MERCOSUR

Thanks to MERCOSUR membership, Argentines enjoy the right to live, work, and study freely in countries like Brazil, Uruguay, Paraguay, and associated states such as Bolivia and Chile. The process is much simpler than traditional visa applications, Argentine nationals can obtain residency permits on the basis of nationality alone. Around 3 million Argentines live abroad, with many using these agreements to settle in Brazil and Spain.

3. Strong Global Recognition and Diplomatic Prestige

Argentina’s passport consistently ranks in the top 20 globally, reflecting the country’s solid diplomatic relations. Holding it signals access to diverse regions without lengthy bureaucratic hurdles. Argentina has bilateral agreements with the EU, UK, and USA that make travel and study exchanges easier compared to many other Latin American countries.

4. Expanding International Reach

The Argentine government continues to negotiate new agreements. The 2025 visa-free deal with China was a breakthrough, opening doors for business and tourism. This move reflects Argentina’s growing importance as a global partner outside of its traditional focus on Europe and the Americas. China is now one of Argentina’s largest trading partners, and the new visa agreement boosts bilateral tourism and commerce.

5. Dual Citizenship Opportunities

Argentina allows dual and even multiple citizenships, which increases flexibility for global travelers and investors. Citizens can legally hold both an Argentine and a European or North American passport, combining travel advantages. Many Argentines hold Italian or Spanish citizenship due to historic immigration waves, making Argentina one of the countries with the highest number of dual citizens worldwide.

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With its broad visa-free access, MERCOSUR privileges, strong diplomatic ties, and openness to dual citizenship, the Argentine passport stands out as one of the most powerful in Latin America. It not only provides global mobility but also creates unique opportunities for work, study, business, and cultural integration both within the region and worldwide.

Visa Requirements for Argentina Passport Holders

As of 2025, the Argentine passport is among the strongest in Latin America, granting access to a large majority of the world’s destinations, like: 

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All Ways to Get an Argentine Passport in 2025 [Explained by Experts]

Argentina provides multiple legal avenues for foreigners to obtain citizenship and eventually an Argentine passport. Please see the possible options below. 

Citizenship by Investment (CBI)

In a historic move, Argentina officially joined the ranks of countries offering Citizenship by Investment (CBI) in July 2025, when the government issued Decree 524/2025. This decree complements earlier legal reforms introduced by Decree 366/2025, which had amended Law 346, the cornerstone of Argentine nationality legislation, by adding Article 2 bis. For the first time, foreign nationals are now able to obtain Argentine citizenship directly through a qualifying investment, without needing to comply with the traditional two-year residency requirement.

The new framework establishes a specialized Agency for Citizenship by Investment Programs within the Ministry of Economy, tasked with managing applications. The Agency evaluates investor profiles, the source and impact of funds, and compliance with Argentina’s national interests. Applications are then forwarded to the National Directorate of Migration, which is responsible for the final decision. By law, the Directorate must approve or deny applications within 30 business days, providing a reasoned explanation if citizenship is refused.

While the decree sets the framework, it does not define the precise minimum investment amount or specify the types of eligible projects. These details are expected in follow-up regulations to be issued by the Ministry of Economy in late 2025. Industry experts speculate that the threshold will likely be in the range of USD 500,000 or more, in line with international CBI programs, and may target strategic sectors such as technology, agribusiness, real estate development, renewable energy, and industrial modernization.

Citizenship by Naturalization

Foreign nationals may become Argentine citizens through naturalization, following the conditions set forth under Article 2 of Law 346. The main requirements include:

• Age Requirement. Applicants must be at least 18 years old.
• Residency Requirement. A minimum of two consecutive years of legal residency in Argentina is mandatory. Under current rules outlined in Decree 366/2025, any interruption in residency may cause the two-year count to reset.
• Declaration Before Federal Judge. Applicants are required to personally appear before a federal judge to express their formal intention to acquire Argentine citizenship.
• Family Exceptions. Foreign spouses of Argentine citizens and parents of Argentine children are exempt from the two-year residency rule.
• Possible Disqualifications:
  
  • Serving over three years in prison within the past five years.
  • Current involvement in criminal proceedings.
  • Inability to prove the legality of income sources.
• No Formal Language Exams. While no official Spanish language tests (such as DELE or CELU) are required, basic Spanish proficiency is assessed during interviews and legal proceedings.

The Federal Court evaluates applications on a case-by-case basis, reviewing the applicant’s criminal record, financial background, and personal circumstances. Older convictions or crimes not punishable under Argentine law are generally not disqualifying.

Pathways to Fulfilling the Residency Requirement

To qualify for naturalization, foreigners usually enter Argentina through one of the long-term residency visa categories. The three most common are:

• Rentista Visa. Designed for foreigners with stable passive income (such as rental contracts, dividends, royalties, or trust funds). This visa provides temporary residency, renewable annually, and after maintaining legal residence for two uninterrupted years, the holder can apply for citizenship. It is a popular choice for digital nomads and investors with predictable offshore income.
• Retirement Visa (Pensionado). Tailored for retirees who receive a guaranteed lifelong pension or annuity from abroad. This visa grants residency in Argentina and is renewable on an annual basis. After two years of continuous residence, retirees may apply for naturalization and ultimately citizenship. This pathway is attractive for older applicants who want to combine stable income with Argentina’s lower cost of living and strong healthcare system.
• Investment Visa (Inversionista). Available to foreigners who commit a significant investment in Argentina, usually by creating or funding a business in a government-approved sector. While this visa does not grant instant citizenship, it provides a direct residency route. After two years of uninterrupted residency, investors are eligible to apply for naturalization. The size and type of investment are defined by Argentina’s National Directorate of Migration and may vary by year or sectoral priorities.

Citizenship by Marriage

Marriage to an Argentine citizen grants a simplified pathway to citizenship. Applicants residing in Argentina may apply for nationality without completing the usual two-year residency period. This option applies equally to opposite-sex and same-sex marriages, as Argentina has recognized marriage equality since 2010.

This fast-track procedure reflects Argentina’s commitment to equal rights, allowing spouses to obtain citizenship in a shorter timeframe.

Citizenship by Descent (Jus Sanguinis)

Citizenship by descent is available for individuals with Argentine ancestry. Eligibility depends on the citizenship status of the applicant's parents or grandparents:

• Children of Argentine-Born Parents. Those born abroad to Argentine-born parents may apply for citizenship either at an Argentine consulate abroad or directly in Argentina at RENAPER or local civil registries. Adults must submit the application personally; for minors, legal guardians may apply on their behalf.
• Children of Citizens by Option. If a parent acquired citizenship by option (typically through a grandparent born in Argentina), the applicant may qualify for citizenship through the federal court system. Legal representation is required.
• Children of Naturalized Citizens. If a parent gained citizenship through naturalization, children may also be eligible, following the same federal court process with legal assistance.

Citizenship by Birth

Under Article 1 of Law 346, anyone born within Argentine territory automatically receives citizenship at birth, with the exception of children born to foreign diplomats or individuals in official service to a foreign government.

Under Decree 366/2025, foreign parents of Argentine-born children no longer automatically receive permanent residency and must instead meet residency requirements, demonstrate financial stability, and maintain a clean criminal record.

Citizenship by Merit (Exceptional Grant)

Argentina’s legal framework also allows for citizenship to be granted on exceptional grounds of merit. This pathway applies to individuals who have made outstanding contributions to Argentina’s national interest in areas such as:

• Science and technology
• Education
• Culture and arts
• Sports
• Economic development
• Public welfare

Unlike standard naturalization routes, the merit-based pathway does not require fulfillment of the usual residency period or other standard conditions. Applicants must still personally appear before a federal judge and formally express their intent to obtain citizenship.

The evaluation is conducted on a case-by-case basis by the Federal Court, which considers the significance of the applicant’s contributions and overall benefit to the country. Supporting documentation, expert endorsements, and professional legal representation are typically required to demonstrate the applicant's merit.

This exceptional route is highly selective and used sparingly, generally reserved for those whose achievements have positively impacted Argentina at a national or international level.

FAQ about Argentina Passport

What is the Fastest Way to Get an Argentine Passport?

The fastest path is usually through citizenship by investment (CBI), where wealthy investors and entrepreneurs can qualify by making a significant investment in Argentina. This accelerates the naturalization process through judicial discretion, in most cases reducing the waiting period to less than two years. In general, it takes up to 12 months to obtain a passport via investment.  Alternatively, naturalization after two consecutive years of residency remains one of the shortest timelines worldwide. Exceptional cases, such as athletes, professionals, or individuals with special contributions to Argentina, may obtain citizenship even faster (as little as 6 months). This pathway is called “citizenship by exception”. 

What is the Cheapest Way to Get an Argentina Passport?

The most affordable route is through the retirement (Pensionado) or passive income (Rentista) visa. Both require proof of a stable monthly income of at least USD 2,000 but not a large upfront investment. After two years of legal residence, applicants become eligible to apply for citizenship by naturalization. Government fees are modest (USD 100–200), while legal and administrative assistance typically ranges from USD 2,000 to 8,000, depending on the complexity of the case and the number of family members included.

How Much Does it Cost to Get an Argentina Passport?

The government fee for issuing a passport is small (about USD 100–200), but the main cost comes from obtaining citizenship. Among our clients, the most popular option is the Citizenship by Investment (CBI) program, since it offers a direct and accelerated pathway to Argentine citizenship without the need to spend years in the country under a residency visa.

Currently, turnkey packages start from USD 200,000, which cover the required investment, legal structuring, and full administrative support. This makes it especially attractive for investors and entrepreneurs who want a clear and straightforward process with minimal delays.

It is anticipated that the minimum investment will increase to USD 500,000 by the end of the year, reflecting Argentina’s effort to align with global investment migration standards. Early applicants therefore benefit not only from a faster timeline but also from securing the lower entry threshold before the rise.

Can I Hold Multiple Passports with My Argentina Passport?

Yes, Argentina recognizes and permits dual and multiple citizenships, which means you are not required to renounce your previous nationality when becoming an Argentine citizen. This flexibility makes the Argentine passport especially attractive for global mobility, as it can be held alongside European, North American, or other Latin American passports. In practice, many Argentines hold additional passports through descent (e.g., Italian or Spanish citizenship), which further enhances travel freedom and residency rights. However, it is important to check the laws of your other country of nationality, since some states do not allow dual citizenship and may require you to give up one passport. Argentina itself imposes no such restriction, allowing you to legally enjoy the benefits of multiple citizenships.

How Often Do I Need to Renew my Argentina Passport?

An Argentine passport is valid for 10 years for adults and 5 years for minors, after which it must be renewed to remain valid for international travel. Renewal can be done in Argentina at a local civil registry (Registro Nacional de las Personas – RENAPER) or at an Argentine consulate abroad if you are living overseas. The process is generally straightforward, requiring your expired or soon-to-expire passport, national ID card (DNI), and payment of the renewal fee. It is advisable to start the renewal process several months before expiration, as some countries require at least six months of passport validity for entry.