Even though Canada happens to be one of the most attractive countries to migrate to, loads of Canadian citizens would long to visit or retire in other countries, and interestingly, Argentina happens to be among the countries that Canadians love to visit.
Argentina has a very low cost of living and for this reason, it is highly attractive as an expatriate retirement destination. Costs may vary from location to location, but it is entirely feasible and possible to live comfortably in the country for less than USD1000 per month.
Aside from visiting and retiring in Argentina, Canadian citizens can also travel to Argentina to work as ex-pats for some time. Please note that any company sending foreign employees from Canada to work in Argentina must acquire work permits to stay compliant.
While Argentina does not have strict permit requirements, obtaining a work visa is a long and arduous process. There are different visa categories that Canadians can apply for if they want to travel to Argentina, and here are some of them.
Visa Categories That Canadians Can Apply For If They Want To Travel To Argentina
Business Travel
If you are traveling to Argentina as a Canadian citizen for business purposes, you would not need a visa as long as you have your valid Canadian Passport and you meet the requirements. Please keep in mind that while a visa is not required, you must:
- Hold a passport valid at least six months on entry with one blank visa page
- Hold proof of onward/return flights
- Hold all documents required for the next destination
- Hold proof of sufficient funds relative to your intended length of stay.
Please note that you are required to confirm with the airline you want to book to be sure that boarding will be permitted without a visa as these conditions are subject to change.
Tourist Travel
If you are traveling to Argentina as a Canadian citizen for tourism, you would not need a visa as long as you have your valid Canadian Passport and you meet the requirements. Please keep in mind that while a visa is not required, you must:
- Hold a passport valid at least six months on entry with one blank visa page
- Hold proof of onward/return flights
- Hold all documents required for the next destination
- Hold proof of sufficient funds relative to your intended length of stay.
Please note that you should confirm with the airline you want to book to be sure that boarding will be permitted without a visa as these conditions are subject to change.
Work Visa
In Argentina, there are different types of work visas, and most employees planning to work in Argentina longer than 90 days will need a 23 A or 23 E visa. The 23 A visa applies to the majority of people moving to Argentina for a salaried activity that lasts one year.
If needed, employees can extend this visa for longer. The 23 E visa is specific to scientists, specialists, some managers, technicians, and administrative staff. If your employees fall into any of these categories, they may need to apply for a 23 E visa.
Requirements to Obtain Argentina Work Visas
You will need to meet several requirements before applying for a working visa in Argentina. First, you need to obtain an entry permit, also known as the permiso de ingreso. You can even apply for the permit on behalf of your employees.
It will then be sent to the consulate or uploaded to a visa application system once it’s ready. Please note that all candidates working under a foreign work contract must get the contract translated into Spanish. Then, the Argentina chamber of commerce will sign and certify it.
Contracts must include information about a candidate’s period of employment, details of the company, names of all dependents, and evidence of a social security fund. Your company should then send the files to the Argentine consulate in the employee’s home country.
Application Process
Once employees receive their residence permit, they need to apply for a work visa at the Argentinian consulate in their country of residence. The application process includes attending a personal interview with the consulate’s staff and paying all relevant application fees. Employees will also need to present certain documents, including:
- A valid passport
- Three passport photos
- Notarized certification of the company’s intra-company transfer or an employer-signed employment contract
- Birth Certificate
- A marriage certificate or divorce decree, if applicable
- A certificate of good conduct
- An affidavit showing that they don’t have an international police record
- An official certified copy of the degree certificate or professional credentials
Other Important Considerations
After arriving in Argentina, your employees will need to obtain a Documento Nacional de identidad (DNI) at the National Registry of People in Buenos Aires, also known as the Registro Nacional de Identificación y Estado Civil. While the application process is fast, employees must pay a fee.
Please note that if you are traveling with your spouse, parents, and children under 18, they must apply for a visa as dependents and submit the paperwork at the same time as your employee. Lastly, employees must register with ANSES, also known as the Argentine social security fund, and apply for a Código Único de Identificación Laboral (CUIL), which is similar to a social security number.
In Conclusion;
Aside from the fact that you can travel to Argentina as a Canadian citizen, you can also apply for naturalized Argentinian citizenship if you’ve been living in the country for at least two years. A bit to qualify for this, you will need to prove employment and uninterrupted residence as well as provide other essential documentation, including your passport and DNI (residency card). Interestingly, dual citizenship is permitted in Argentina.
