ARGENTINA – Significant immigration law reforms are implemented.

June 4, 2025


 

By: Matias Celatti, Lead Immigration Consultant, Argentina

Argentina has introduced substantial changes to its immigration law, affecting visa categories, healthcare access, and residence permits. These amendments, outlined in Decree 366/2025, signal a shift toward more restrictive immigration enforcement. Foreign nationals and sponsoring entities should be aware of the following developments.

Work restrictions for visitors: No paid employment without authorization.

A key change under the new decree prohibits individuals entering Argentina under visitor status—whether for tourism or business—from engaging in paid work. This applies to both self-employment and employment relationships, unless explicit authorization is granted by immigration authorities. This distinction reinforces the separation between visitor categories and work-authorized immigration statuses.

Healthcare access limited to insured non-permanent residents.

Public healthcare services administered by the national government are now restricted to foreigners who present valid health insurance or prepay for services. This change affects all non-permanent residents and marks a departure from the previous universal access model, where care was available to all residents regardless of status or ability to pay.

Increased scrutiny for permanent residence applications.

While the core eligibility criteria for permanent residence remain—proof of sufficient financial means and a clean criminal record—the review process has become more stringent. Immigration authorities are expected to conduct a deeper evaluation of the documents submitted, potentially increasing the evidentiary threshold for applicants.

Updated family reunification rules for foreign nationals.

New Subsection ñ) in Argentina’s immigration law.

Decree 366/2025 introduces a new provision governing family-based immigration. Eligible applicants now include spouses, parents, and children of Argentine citizens or current residents holding temporary or permanent status. Under the new rules, successful applicants will receive temporary residence only, valid for up to three years or the duration of their family member’s authorized stay. This marks a change from previous practice, which allowed for equivalent residency status to be granted in family reunification cases.

Stricter entry requirements for foreign travelers.

Conditions that may lead to denial of entry.

Foreign nationals may be refused entry if they:

  • Fail to disclose prior criminal convictions or legal obligations,
  • Misrepresent information to obtain an immigration benefit,
  • Lack a verifiable job offer when entering on a work-related basis,
  • Declare tourism as the purpose of travel without meeting Article 24(a) requirements of the Immigration Law.

Mandatory affidavit and health insurance for entry.

Foreign travelers must now submit an affidavit stating the reason for their entry and hold valid medical insurance. The format and submission method for the affidavit have not yet been defined by the government. Newland Chase will provide updates as soon as implementation details are released.

Expanded enforcement and inspection capabilities for Argentina’s immigration authorities.

Immigration officials now have enhanced authority to:

  • Request identification and immigration documentation,
  • Conduct compliance inspections at worksites and residences,
  • Seize documentation for up to three working days,
  • Request judicial authorization for non-public premises inspections,
  • Involve law enforcement when needed,
  • Recommend preventive detention of foreign nationals to the courts.

These powers are aimed at improving enforcement of immigration controls and ensuring employer and housing compliance.

New obligation to report address changes.

All foreign nationals must declare changes to their real, legal, or appointed address. Non-compliance may result in administrative consequences and jeopardize one’s legal status in the country.

Revised rules on absence and residence validity.

New time limits for temporary and permanent residents.

Residency status will now be more easily forfeited due to prolonged absence:

  • Permanent residents will lose status if outside Argentina for 12 months or more, reduced from 24 months.
  • Temporary residents will forfeit status after six months of absence, replacing the previous threshold tied to 50% of the residence duration.

Public university access now restricted.

Free access to public higher education institutions will now be limited to Argentine citizens and permanent residents. Non-permanent residents will be required to pay tuition, reversing the previous policy of open access.

Newland Chase is monitoring the enforcement and regulatory rollout of Decree 366/2025. Further clarification is expected in the coming weeks, particularly regarding affidavit requirements and procedural timelines. Clients with employees or operations in Argentina should review existing immigration and compliance strategies in light of these updates. For further assistance, please contact your Newland Chase representative.

This immigration update is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for legal or scenario-specific advice. Furthermore, it is important to note that immigration announcements are subject to sudden and unexpected changes. Readers are encouraged to reach out to Newland Chase for any case- or company-specific assessments.