Argentina Immigration Changes Coming Affecting Healthcare insurance requirement, Education and Deportation

[BuySellBA]

According to the presidential spokesperson, the new immigration reform will include the following points:

• Anyone with a criminal conviction who tries to enter Argentina will be denied entry.
• Those caught in the act crossing unauthorized entry points will be immediately expelled.
• Any person who provides false information upon entry will be expelled.
• All foreign nationals convicted of any crime will be deported.
• The time frame for appealing a deportation will be shortened.
• Illegal immigrants and temporary or transitory residents will be required to pay for healthcare services.
• Anyone entering Argentina must present proof of health insurance.
• Universities will be authorized to charge for educational services if they choose to do so.
• Requirements for obtaining permanent residency and citizenship will become stricter; citizenship will only be granted to those who have continuously resided in Argentina for two years without leaving the country.
• Individuals who remain in the country irregularly will not be eligible for citizenship.

El Gobierno anunció su reforma migratoria, que incluirá más requisitos para la residencia a extranjeros y deportación exprés

El vocero presidencial, Manuel Adorni, comunicó la medida esta mañana. En los próximos días se publicará un DNU en el Boletín Oficial

www.infobae.com

 

[Betsy Ross]

Excellent changes. This is far past time they did something like this.

 

[Avocado]

I am starting to like Milei more and more each day. 🤣 Probably means more and more foreigners that break our laws will get sent back home. People cheating on their taxes and breaking our laws and thumbing their noses at the locals will be sent back home. Some on this forum should start packing their bags back home.

 

[Wally]

No convicted foreigner will be allowed to enter the country. I wouldn't hold my breath on some of these things. I doubt Argentina has access to any international database besides maybe Interpol for serious crimes. How are they going to verify crime by foreigners/tourists. There are 192 United National members states. Migraciones here is terrible! They are not organized.

Transient, temporary, and irregular residents to pay for health services: This ain't happening. The Argentina constitution and the courts have already ruled that universal public healthcare, like education, is a right afforded to everyone within the territory of the Republic regardless of their migratory status.

 

[IrishLad]

No convicted foreigner will be allowed to enter the country. I wouldn't hold my breath on some of these things. I doubt Argentina has access to any international database besides maybe Interpol for serious crimes. How are they going to verify crime by foreigners/tourists. There are 192 United National members states. Migraciones here is terrible! They are not organized.

Transient, temporary, and irregular residents to pay for health services: This ain't happening. The Argentina constitution and the courts have already ruled that universal public healthcare, like education, is a right afforded to everyone within the territory of the Republic regardless of their migratory status.

I think the writing was on the wall this administration was going to be tougher. Lately more and more people I know that have been here for years and either pay the fine to overstay or visa runs have been warned. One friend on her last exit they told her this was the last time and to get legal. So the mandate is out there now. People should work to regularize their visa status. Sounds like the door is finally closing.

Those entering Argentina must present medical insurance: Lines are going to be massive upon entering EZE once this starts! 3+ hour lines at Migraciones with this. It's Argentine's right to have entrance requirements, but doing to will drastically reduce inbound tourism. They barely have any windows open anyway when I come to EZE!

The requirements for obtaining permanent residence and citizenship will be stricter, and will only be granted to those who reside continuously in Argentina for two years without leaving the national territory. This will no doubt get thrown out by the courts. I guess if you want to live here or be Argentine.

Those who remain illegally will not be able to obtain citizenship: Good luck; the courts once again have already ruled that this isn't a barrier to citizenship. Are they going to change the constitution?

I'm glad I got permanent residency when I did. I still hope to get my passport here.

 

[sophos]

If the proposed requirement of two years of uninterrupted presence in Argentina is implemented for retirees seeking permanent residency, it could create serious complications. Retirees would need to remain in the country continuously—regardless of personal emergencies or medical needs that might require them to return to their home country.

For example, a retired U.S. citizen with temporary residency in Argentina who relies on Medicare—which does not cover medical services outside the United States—would lose the opportunity to apply for permanent residency simply by leaving the country for necessary treatment. This would apply even if the absence were less than six months, which is currently permitted under existing temporary residency rules.

Effectively, the proposed change would mean that any temporary resident hoping to qualify for permanent residency would not be allowed to leave Argentina at all—not even briefly—during the two-year period. This could make the path to permanent residency unreasonably restrictive and unworkable for many.

 

[StatusNomadicus]

citizenship will only be granted to those who have continuously resided in Argentina for two years without leaving the country.

the new law wording will make this very interesting for the myriad immigrations, judges, etc. to interpret 😛

I doubt Argentina has access to any international database besides maybe Interpol for serious crimes.

it would be very easy to do if they hired a smart security guy, and paid for some good software.

This ain't happening. The Argentina constitution and the courts have already ruled that universal public healthcare, like education, is a right afforded to everyone within the territory of the Republic regardless of their migratory status.

everything is changing around the world, so i wouldn't be so sure.

any temporary resident hoping to qualify for permanent residency would not be allowed to leave Argentina at all—not even briefly—during the two-year period. This could make the path to permanent residency unreasonably restrictive and unworkable for many.

yeah, as it is written like that it sounds very stupid. i'm interested to read the actual legal wording to see what will be allowed. it would be a deal-breaker for many people (for instance, my girlfriend with her Rentista residency had to fly back for a funeral, and at the same time cleaned her rental property and moved-in new tenants to pay for her residency needs in Argentina...that obviously shouldn't disqualify someone)

overstay thread is here, for specifics on that topic:

Legal Thread 'Any risk to constantly overstaying on tourist visa? How many times can you do border runs in Argentina?'

Dec 19, 2023

I hate to admit this on a public forum but like many expats, I admit it. I'm a perma-tourist. I am American and fell in love with Argentina about 6 years ago. I don't have the money to go through the legal process to get my DNI. I would totally get it as there is no downside for me as I don't own any assets in the USA or anywhere else.

I previously came a few years before covid-19 and I used covid as an excuse to stay here. Argentina I don't think cared and they knew I was trapped here. But now I can't use that excuse. I was going back and forth with Uruguay but the last time I...

• overstayed
• border run overstayed perma-tourist permanent tourist tourist tourist visa visa visa run
• Replies: 219
• Forum: ExPat Life

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[BosnianIllegal]

I am starting to like Milei more and more each day. 🤣 Probably means more and more foreigners that break our laws will get sent back home. People cheating on their taxes and breaking our laws and thumbing their noses at the locals will be sent back home. Some on this forum should start packing their bags back home.

I'm not packing anything boludo let's see who comes out on top. Milei will be gone in next elections then to quote the leftists in the same article "The human rights of immigrants will be respected again 😉 👍 😀 "

 

[Darksider415]

Requirements for obtaining permanent residency and citizenship will become stricter; citizenship will only be granted to those who have continuously resided in Argentina for two years without leaving the country.

This part is the one I really have an issue with. My home is here, my life is here, but I'm also a business owner and have professional conferences and things outside Argentina, so it's unreasonable (to me) to require someone to stay put and not leave the country, in order to obtain citizenship. Put time limits on how long you can be outside Argentina yes, but don't make it a hard no. You disqualify lots of folks who would be great assets to Argentina and great potential citizens by doing so.

Not even the US does that, for what it's worth.

I generally like Milei, but this is a little push too far IMO. I might be a little ticked just because I'll have two years of permanent residency in November, but I've also spent roughly 6 weeks outside Argentina since getting PR, and as it's currently proposed, I won't be eligible until December of '26.

 

[bandashoy]

I'm not packing anything boludo let's see who comes out on top. Milei will be gone in next elections then to quote the leftists in the same article "The human rights of immigrants will be respected again 😉 👍 😀 "

Milei isn't going anywhere. The economy is doing well for the first time in a long time. The might Argentine peso is strong. Citizens are able to travel all over and buy stuff now. He is getting rid of taxes and making iPhones cheap. Long live the king.

This part is the one I really have an issue with. My home is here, my life is here, but I'm also a business owner and have professional conferences and things outside Argentina, so it's unreasonable (to me) to require someone to stay put and not leave the country, in order to obtain citizenship. Put time limits on how long you can be outside Argentina yes, but don't make it a hard no. You disqualify lots of folks who would be great assets to Argentina and great potential citizens by doing so.

Not even the US does that, for what it's worth.

I generally like Milei, but this is a little push too far IMO. I might be a little ticked just because I'll have two years of permanent residency in November, but I've also spent roughly 6 weeks outside Argentina since getting PR, and as it's currently proposed, I won't be eligible until December of '26.

They don't mean occasional trips. They mean if you go to live somewhere else after moving here. If you are just going for work trips they aren't going to count that. It is not literal.

 

[bandashoy]

the new law wording will make this very interesting for the myriad immigrations, judges, etc. to interpret

I agree with you. I wonder how all the judges and lawyers are going to interpret this. Most of the immigration lawyers are 2 bit con artists. Milei is stacking his judges. He failed with Supreme Court judge but if he is successful with VVL in October it's go time.

everything is changing around the world, so i wouldn't be so sure.

Yep. And with his new best friend Trump they are going to keep changing. The mighty right will come to power and we will probably see more of this throughout South America as elections come up. The citizens will see that communism doesn't work and nuke all the commie leaders!

 

[Darksider415]

They don't mean occasional trips. They mean if you go to live somewhere else after moving here. If you are just going for work trips they aren't going to count that. It is not literal.

I'm waiting to see how this pans out in reality, because nobody has seen the final text of the DNU yet. That said, this is something that I could see being a problem for the hard-working, nose-to-the-grindstone get stuff done type of immigrants that Argentina needs.

 

[Betsy Ross]

I'm waiting to see how this pans out in reality, because nobody has seen the final text of the DNU yet. That said, this is something that I could see being a problem for the hard-working, nose-to-the-grindstone get stuff done type of immigrants that Argentina needs.

Agree have to see how things are explained but I noticed there is a real desire for locals to get out of Mercosur and many locals I know are glad tourism is dead. They are wrong in their thinking but just goes to show you things have shifted for a lot of people in their thinking. I guess if they are hardcore and really don't allow people to leave uninterrupted, there are going to be a lot less citizens which may be ok too.

 

[MikeYoung]

According to the presidential spokesperson, the new immigration reform will include the following points:

• Anyone with a criminal conviction who tries to enter Argentina will be denied entry.
• Those caught in the act crossing unauthorized entry points will be immediately expelled.
• Any person who provides false information upon entry will be expelled.
• All foreign nationals convicted of any crime will be deported.
• The time frame for appealing a deportation will be shortened.
• Illegal immigrants and temporary or transitory residents will be required to pay for healthcare services.
• Anyone entering Argentina must present proof of health insurance.
• Universities will be authorized to charge for educational services if they choose to do so.
• Requirements for obtaining permanent residency and citizenship will become stricter; citizenship will only be granted to those who have continuously resided in Argentina for two years without leaving the country.
• Individuals who remain in the country irregularly will not be eligible for citizenship.

El Gobierno anunció su reforma migratoria, que incluirá más requisitos para la residencia a extranjeros y deportación exprés

El vocero presidencial, Manuel Adorni, comunicó la medida esta mañana. En los próximos días se publicará un DNU en el Boletín Oficial

www.infobae.com

This is terrible news! I thought I could just survive here on border runs or paying the overstay penalty and someday just applying for DNI. Does anyone know now if I can just enter on a tourist visa and stay here for 2 years and then apply for legal residency? From how it is worded I won't qualify as I will be illegal? Sucks!

 

[Darksider415]

Agree have to see how things are explained but I noticed there is a real desire for locals to get out of Mercosur and many locals I know are glad tourism is dead. They are wrong in their thinking but just goes to show you things have shifted for a lot of people in their thinking. I guess if they are hardcore and really don't allow people to leave uninterrupted, there are going to be a lot less citizens which may be ok too.

I've seen some of the anti-Mercosur stuff tangentially, but most folks I know aren't too happy about the tourism part... Then again, among my circles, I'm pretty much the only foreigner who isn't from elsewhere in South America.

If it ends up being continuous without even leaving for a visit, I'll probably buckle down and deal with it, but I won't be happy.

 

[Piranha]

This part is the one I really have an issue with. My home is here, my life is here, but I'm also a business owner and have professional conferences and things outside Argentina, so it's unreasonable (to me) to require someone to stay put and not leave the country, in order to obtain citizenship. Put time limits on how long you can be outside Argentina yes, but don't make it a hard no. You disqualify lots of folks who would be great assets to Argentina and great potential citizens by doing so.

Not even the US does that, for what it's worth.

I generally like Milei, but this is a little push too far IMO. I might be a little ticked just because I'll have two years of permanent residency in November, but I've also spent roughly 6 weeks outside Argentina since getting PR, and as it's currently proposed, I won't be eligible until December of '26.

This is terrible news!! Why do you all care about if there are permanent-tourists? It doesn't affect you so why do you applaud it?? I don't get it. Why do locals care about Americans or Westerners? I get the poor Mercosur but why us? We are spending money on the economy, on rents, restaurants, etc.

I doubt this is even legal. Milei can't force this as it's against the constitution. Congress would need to vote to approve this and they don't have the numbers! There aren't enough seats in Senate either for majority. LLA is very weak.

2 years without setting foot outside of Argentina is nuts! Just not going to happen! Like you said Darksider the USA doesn't even ask that!

Even in the United States, when a legal resident applies for citizenship, the rule is that an absence of less than six months at a time does not, by itself, break the continuity of residence. However, it’s important to note that multiple shorter trips—each under six months—can still lead to a determination that the applicant has disrupted their continuous residence, depending on the specific circumstances. The absence of a presumption doesn’t guarantee continuity if the overall pattern suggests otherwise.

 

[Aussieland]

This is terrible news! I thought I could just survive here on border runs or paying the overstay penalty and someday just applying for DNI. Does anyone know now if I can just enter on a tourist visa and stay here for 2 years and then apply for legal residency? From how it is worded I won't qualify as I will be illegal? Sucks!

Not possible. You shouldn't have expected to stay here illegal all these years. Get residency. It's not difficult. What you are asking does not exist and going to be even tougher with how the government is wording this. Will get harder now and rightly so.

 

[Pink Panther]

I'm waiting to see how this pans out in reality, because nobody has seen the final text of the DNU yet. That said, this is something that I could see being a problem for the hard-working, nose-to-the-grindstone get stuff done type of immigrants that Argentina needs.

Agree this could be problematic but shift seems to be happening. And many locals support it. Read the comments section. It might not be so difficult to get support for this if it is the will of the people. Many are tired of foreigners. Not so much tourists but the Mercosur countries and other "dirty South Americans" as I hear locals call them.

Reforma migratoria: Adorni suma a su campaña el odio antimigrante | Bomba de humo trumpista del vocero y candidato

El portavoz de Milei anunció que el Gobierno impulsará modificaciones al régimen migratorio. Dijo que se deportará a cualquier condenado y que "se van a acortar los plazos de los procesos de apelación". También buscarán endurecer los requisitos para ob...

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[Che Vos]

According to the presidential spokesperson, the new immigration reform will include the following points:

• Anyone with a criminal conviction who tries to enter Argentina will be denied entry.
• Those caught in the act crossing unauthorized entry points will be immediately expelled.
• Any person who provides false information upon entry will be expelled.
• All foreign nationals convicted of any crime will be deported.
• The time frame for appealing a deportation will be shortened.
• Illegal immigrants and temporary or transitory residents will be required to pay for healthcare services.
• Anyone entering Argentina must present proof of health insurance.
• Universities will be authorized to charge for educational services if they choose to do so.
• Requirements for obtaining permanent residency and citizenship will become stricter; citizenship will only be granted to those who have continuously resided in Argentina for two years without leaving the country.
• Individuals who remain in the country irregularly will not be eligible for citizenship.

El Gobierno anunció su reforma migratoria, que incluirá más requisitos para la residencia a extranjeros y deportación exprés

El vocero presidencial, Manuel Adorni, comunicó la medida esta mañana. En los próximos días se publicará un DNU en el Boletín Oficial

www.infobae.com

You can't hate Milei and his administration more! Evil people. This is not legal so no worries. It will not happen.

 

[Aussieland]

Further details have emerged in this article: Infobae – Milei’s Migration Reform in Detail.


Several points are mentioned, but one of the most notable changes concerns permanent residency. Under the proposed reform, permanent residents would lose their status after 12 consecutive months outside of Argentina. This marks a significant shift from the current rule, which allows up to two years of absence before residency lapses—though in practice, enforcement of that limit has often been lax.

The article also states that temporary residency will now be forfeited after just six months of absence. Based on the explanation, this means that if someone holds a 12-month temporary residency permit and leaves the country during, for example, month 3, they would not be allowed to return and complete the remaining two months of their residency. Instead, they would lose the residency and likely have to re-enter as a tourist.

Additionally, there’s a mention that Migraciones will have expanded tools to verify individuals’ immigration status, which may signal tighter oversight and enforcement—particularly concerning overstayers.