Rentista Visa & Pensionado Visa
Comprehensive Guide to the Argentina Rentista Visa (2025)
1. What is the Argentina Rentista Visa?
The Argentina Rentista Visa (also known as the Passive Income) offers a pathway to temporary residency for foreigners who can demonstrate a stable, legal passive income from outside Argentina. This visa is ideal for retirees, investors, business owners, and digital nomads who do not intend to work as employees in Argentina. The visa is regulated under Law No. 25.871 (Art. 23b/24h), Decree 616/2010, and DNM Provision 758/2022.
Key Features:
- 1-year temporary residency, renewable annually (up to 3 years)
- Pathway to permanent residency (after 3 years) and citizenship (after 2 years)
- No work permit included (self-employment and business ownership allowed)
- Minimum 183 days/year physical presence required (extended absences may risk residency/citizenship eligibility)
- In-country application only; BBI Argentina manages the entire process
2. Eligibility & Financial Requirements
Who Can Apply?
- Anyone with legal passive income of at least 5× the Argentine minimum wage (approx. USD $1,700–$2,000/month as of 2025; subject to inflation and exchange rates).
- Income sources: property rentals, investment dividends, business profits, pensions (if not applying as a Pensionado), or bank interest. Salary, employment, or remote work income is not accepted.
- Funds must be transferred through authorized, traceable banking channels into Argentina. The applicant must open a local bank account and show regular monthly transfers.
- Only the main applicant must meet the income threshold; spouse and children under 25 can be included as dependents (family reunification).
Physical Presence:
- You must reside in Argentina for at least 183 days per year (equivalent to at least 6 months annually) to maintain residency status.
3. Required Documents
Personal Documents
- Valid passport (6+ months validity)
- Birth certificate (apostilled/legalized + translated if not in Spanish)
- Criminal record checks (from home country + any country lived in for >1 year in last 3 years, apostilled/legalized and translated)
Financial Proof
- Bank statements showing foreign income transfers
- Asset ownership proof (property deeds, investment portfolios)
- Income certification (e.g., pension statements, rental contracts)
- Certified accountant letter (recommended for legitimacy and sufficiency of funds)
Other
- Proof of address in Argentina (lease, utility bill, or property deed)
- All documents must be apostilled/legalized and translated into Spanish by a certified translator in Argentina
4. Step-by-Step Application Process
BBI Argentina manages every step, including document translation, appointment scheduling, and status updates:
- Preparation: Gather and legalize all required documents. BBI Argentina provides a checklist and reviews all materials for compliance.
- Online Submission (RADEX): Create account, upload documents, pay application fee (~$100,000 ARS/100 UM).
- Processing: Argentine Immigration reviews application and issues Precarious Residency (90-day permit).
- Approval & DNI: Register Argentine address, apply for DNI (National ID) at RENAPER.
- Renewal & Permanent Residency: Renew annually for 3 years, then eligible for permanent residency. After 2 years, eligible for citizenship.
Estimated Processing Time: 3–6 months from preparation to approval.
5. Key Considerations
- No work permit: Employment in Argentina is not allowed under Rentista status. You may open a business or be self-employed; a separate visa is needed for employment.
- Annual proof of income: Required for each renewal.
- Travel: You can leave Argentina for up to 5 months/year and keep your residency. Extended absences may impact future citizenship eligibility.
- Healthcare: Access to Argentina’s public healthcare system; private insurance optional.
- Dependents: Spouse and children under 25 can be included in the main application; family reunification possible after approval.
- Fees: Application fee ~$100,000 ARS; translation/legalization fees ~$50–150 USD per document; legal assistance fees vary.
- Taxation: No tax is due on foreign-sourced passive income while on the Rentista visa; income sourced from Argentina is taxed. Consult an Argentine tax advisor for details.
- Alternative Options: Pensionado (Retirement) Visa for those with a pension; Investor Visa for those investing in local business or real estate.
6. Key Requirements and Process At-a-Glance
| Requirement | Details |
| Passive Income | ≥ 5× minimum wage (USD $1,700–$2,000/month) |
| Source of Funds | Rental income, dividends, business profits, bank interest |
| Document Legalization | Apostilled/legalized docs, certified Spanish translations |
| Application | RADEX online, in-country, BBI Argentina manages all steps |
| Physical Presence | At least 183 days/year in Argentina |
| Renewal | Annually, with proof of continued income |
| Family Inclusion | Spouse and children under 25 can be included |
| Pathway | Temporary → Permanent Residency (3 yrs) → Citizenship (2 yrs) |
What is the Argentina Pensionado Visa?
The Argentina Pensionado Visa is a temporary residency program designed specifically for retirees who receive a regular, legal pension from a government or recognized private institution outside Argentina. Like the Rentista Visa, it offers a pathway to live in Argentina with the option to progress to permanent residency and, eventually, Argentine citizenship.
Key Features
- Eligibility:
Open to foreign nationals who can prove receipt of a stable pension income from abroad (typically government or private retirement benefits). - Minimum Income:
The required monthly pension is generally similar to the Rentista Visa threshold—at least five times the Argentine minimum wage (approx. USD $1,700–$2,000/month as of 2025; subject to inflation and exchange rates). - Residency Status:
Grants 1-year temporary residency, renewable annually (up to 3 years), with eligibility for permanent residency thereafter. - Family Inclusion:
Spouse and dependent children can be included as dependents. - Physical Presence:
Must reside in Argentina for at least 183 days per year to maintain residency status. - No Work Permit:
Does not authorize employment in Argentina, but you may own a business or be self-employed.
Required Documents (Summary)
- Valid passport (6+ months validity)
- Proof of pension income (official statements, bank transfers)
- Criminal record checks (home country and Argentina)
- Proof of address in Argentina
- All documents must be apostilled/legalized and translated into Spanish by a certified translator in Argentina
Similarities Between Rentista and Pensionado Visas
- Purpose: Both visas are for foreigners with stable, legal income from abroad (passive income for Rentista; pension for Pensionado).
- Residency Pathway: Both grant temporary residency, renewable annually, with eligibility for permanent residency and citizenship after maintaining legal status.
- Income Threshold: Both require proof of income at least five times the Argentine minimum wage.
- Physical Presence: Both require a minimum of 183 days per year in Argentina.
- Family Inclusion: Both allow spouse and dependent children to be included in the main application.
- No Employment Authorization: Neither visa allows employment as an employee in Argentina, but both permit self-employment or business ownership.
- Document Requirements: Both require apostilled/legalized and translated documents, including proof of income and criminal record certificates.
Summary Table: Rentista vs. Pensionado Visa
| Feature | Rentista Visa | Pensionado Visa |
| Income Source | Passive income (rent, dividends, investments) | Pension (government/private) |
| Minimum Income | 5× minimum wage (USD $1,700–$2,000/month) | 5× minimum wage (USD $1,700–$2,000/month) |
| Family Inclusion | Yes | Yes |
| Physical Presence | 183 days/year | 183 days/year |
| Work Authorization | No (self-employment allowed) | No (self-employment allowed) |
| Pathway to Citizenship | Yes (after legal stay) | Yes (after legal stay) |
Why Choose BBI Argentina?
- End-to-End Management: From document preparation to residency approval, renewals, and status changes
- Expert Compliance: Local immigration law specialists minimize errors and delays
- Government Liaison: Handles all official communications and appointments
- Bilingual Support: English/Spanish service for global clients
- Fixed-Fee Packages: Transparent pricing, no hidden costs
- 98% Approval Rate: Proven success with Rentista applications
How to Get Started
- Initial Consultation: Discuss your situation and eligibility
- Document Preparation: Guided apostille and legalization process
- Arrival Coordination: Plan your relocation date and logistics
- Application Management: BBI Argentina handles the entire process, from submission to approval
Contact BBI Argentina today to begin your Rentista residency application with confidence.
“BBI Argentina made my residency process seamless—from document preparation to final approval. Highly recommend their professional service!”
— James W., UK client (2023)
Take the first step toward your Argentine residency today!
[Book Free 20-min Consultation]
Contact: +1 (416) 937-1153 | info@bbiargentina.com
This guide is current as of June 2025 and reflects the latest regulations and best practices for a successful Rentista residency application in Argentina.