Guide
Country of residence: how it shapes your move to Argentina
The country you're moving from defines the practical side of the whole process: where you obtain police clearance, where documents get apostilled, how you move money, and which tax obligations follow you.
The path to Argentine residency itself is the same for everyone — but the preparation differs a lot depending on your starting point.
Documents are gathered where you live
You'll need police clearance from the countries you've lived in over recent years — and it's far easier to get before leaving than remotely. Apostilles are issued by the country that issued the document: at state level in the US, via the Foreign Ministry and courts in Israel, via government ministries in Russia, and by national authorities across the EU. All of these countries are in the Hague Convention, so an apostille is enough — no consular legalization needed.
- Order police clearances shortly before departure — they have a limited validity period
- Apostilles on certificates (birth, marriage) can be done early — they don't expire
- Make sure your passport stays valid well beyond the whole application period
Money: very different levels of difficulty
From the US, Israel and the EU, moving money to Argentina is straightforward — international transfers, cards and services like Western Union all work. From Russia it's harder: direct transfers are restricted, and the money route deserves planning before the move, not after.
A note for US citizens: the US taxes worldwide income regardless of where you live, so moving doesn't remove the obligation to file with the IRS.
Consulates and visa questions
Citizens of the US, Israel, Ukraine and EU countries enter Argentina visa-free for 90 days — most of our readers start with a tourist entry and file for residency in the country. If your situation requires a visa in advance, you apply at the Argentine consulate in your country of residence — one more reason to start the process before leaving.