Legal visa after illegally staying in Argentina for 8 months? Is it possible?

[Target]

So I’ve been in the country for around 8 months this time, which puts me about 5 months over the limit… yeah I'm another perm-tourist that LOVES Argentina and don't want to leave it.

I was looking into the rentista visa — that was my original plan — but I kind of froze trying to figure out how to format the trust properly, and honestly, it got overwhelming and I didn't have the money to pay a lawyer. And now I’m reading that maybe the rentista visa isn’t even a good path to citizenship anymore? That’s actually what I’m aiming for long-term, so… now I’m kind of freaking out a little.

I really do want to get legal here and eventually apply for citizenship, but I’m starting to doubt my options. I guess I need to hire an attorney. Anyone have any recommendations of anyone that won't break the bank?

Lately I’ve been thinking: what if I try for a student visa? I mean, my Spanish is decent, and I’ve got enough savings to cover myself for a few years if I study here. But… yeah… I’m nervous. I’ve heard migrations is cracking down and even deporting people, so I’m scared that if I apply now, I’ll end up drawing attention to myself.

Any advice? Please? I’m just trying to figure out the safest way forward.

 

[PhilipDT]

Oh sure, because your big problem here definitely isn’t which temporary residency to pick — rentista, student, whatever. No, no. It’s obviously more like: ‘How risky is it to try submitting a temporary resident application while I’m already overstaying and there’s a brand-new migration regime looming over me?’

Is that the question you’re actually trying to ask? Just checking.

 

[citygirl]

So I’ve been in the country for around 8 months this time, which puts me about 5 months over the limit… yeah I'm another perm-tourist that LOVES Argentina and don't want to leave it.

I was looking into the rentista visa — that was my original plan — but I kind of froze trying to figure out how to format the trust properly, and honestly, it got overwhelming and I didn't have the money to pay a lawyer. And now I’m reading that maybe the rentista visa isn’t even a good path to citizenship anymore? That’s actually what I’m aiming for long-term, so… now I’m kind of freaking out a little.

I really do want to get legal here and eventually apply for citizenship, but I’m starting to doubt my options. I guess I need to hire an attorney. Anyone have any recommendations of anyone that won't break the bank?

Lately I’ve been thinking: what if I try for a student visa? I mean, my Spanish is decent, and I’ve got enough savings to cover myself for a few years if I study here. But… yeah… I’m nervous. I’ve heard migrations is cracking down and even deporting people, so I’m scared that if I apply now, I’ll end up drawing attention to myself.

Any advice? Please? I’m just trying to figure out the safest way forward.

I did hear they are cracking down but I can't figure out any pattern. Some friends continue to have no issues but one friend that overstayed a few times over the past few years just got warned this is their LAST chance to get legal.

 

[Target]

Oh sure, because your big problem here definitely isn’t which temporary residency to pick — rentista, student, whatever. No, no. It’s obviously more like: ‘How risky is it to try submitting a temporary resident application while I’m already overstaying and there’s a brand-new migration regime looming over me?’

Is that the question you’re actually trying to ask? Just checking.

Yep. Spot on target. I would be looking for either a student visa or the rentista option. I think both would work for eventually getting my citizenship here. I read it's 2 years of legal residency and then I can apply for citizenship through RADEX and having a DNI a few years.

 

[lemonade]

I wouldn't sweat it too much. My friend has been overstaying for almost 3 years with back and forth trips to Brazil and Uruguay and the USA multiple times including recently and he just got permanent residency here. No one asked him about anything. It sounds like the right hand still doesn't know what the left hand is doing at Migraciones and Milei seems like he will be on his way out of the door after the elections. More and more people that I talk to that supported him before are souring on him.

My American friend came and went and overstayed many times over a 3 year period. He said he overstayed about 8 times and no one batted an eye. I doubt it is too much different now. I still have friends that have been overstaying and go back and forth home and never had issues.

 

[nikad]

I wouldn't sweat it too much. My friend has been overstaying for almost 3 years with back and forth trips to Brazil and Uruguay and the USA multiple times including recently and he just got permanent residency here. No one asked him about anything. It sounds like the right hand still doesn't know what the left hand is doing at Migraciones and Milei seems like he will be on his way out of the door after the elections. More and more people that I talk to that supported him before are souring on him.

My American friend came and went and overstayed many times over a 3 year period. He said he overstayed about 8 times and no one batted an eye. I doubt it is too much different now. I still have friends that have been overstaying and go back and forth home and never had issues.

I wouldn't be so quick to give this advice. The major difference between your friend is they probably applied before the major changes went into effect with Milei's administration. Nothing is quick or easy so it sounds like they applied a while back. I am not sure it is the same now?

I am told now is different. Much of the entire Migraciones depends how good or bad the case worker is. It can vary from no problem issuance or getting asked to leave Argentina. Many expats are leaving Argentina now that costs have gone up.

 

[Blockchain]

Milei seems like he will be on his way out of the door after the elections. More and more people that I talk to that supported him before are souring on him.

Not sure I agree with this statement. Milei's poll numbers seem ok to me.

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-07-08/milei-approval-rating-holds-as-argentines-worry-more-about-jobs

https://archive.ph/16Hv2

 

[FuturoBA]

So I’ve been in the country for around 8 months this time, which puts me about 5 months over the limit… yeah I'm another perm-tourist that LOVES Argentina and don't want to leave it.

I was looking into the rentista visa — that was my original plan — but I kind of froze trying to figure out how to format the trust properly, and honestly, it got overwhelming and I didn't have the money to pay a lawyer. And now I’m reading that maybe the rentista visa isn’t even a good path to citizenship anymore? That’s actually what I’m aiming for long-term, so… now I’m kind of freaking out a little.

I really do want to get legal here and eventually apply for citizenship, but I’m starting to doubt my options. I guess I need to hire an attorney. Anyone have any recommendations of anyone that won't break the bank?

Lately I’ve been thinking: what if I try for a student visa? I mean, my Spanish is decent, and I’ve got enough savings to cover myself for a few years if I study here. But… yeah… I’m nervous. I’ve heard migrations is cracking down and even deporting people, so I’m scared that if I apply now, I’ll end up drawing attention to myself.

Any advice? Please? I’m just trying to figure out the safest way forward.

Two of the ones most mentioned seem to be Lorena of ARCA and Rubilar for direct citizenship. Lorena has a guarantee although if you're going the trust fund route you may need to involve a third party such as a family member to act as guarantor. Rubilar is controversial and states you can apply for citizenship as soon as you land but you'll want to do you due diligence via this route. He has very limited reviews and many cases seem to stuck in limbo for 2-5 years or more, although I did read of one successful case that took 2.5 years. (As an aside I see while his web page is still looks as it ever was, he did update his home page addressing the new decree). IIRC last I heard Lorena was $2500, but forget how long ago that was so it could be more now. Rubilar was $6500 back then and again could be more now too.

You should start off with Lorena as I know @BuySellBA and Mike/earlyretirement highly recommends her and for their clients. Same with multiple posters here. And same w Bowtiedmara from X/twitter.

I'm in a similar position in I will look to go the trust/savings route and wanted to use Lorena, but the third party part might put in a wrench in it. Have you talked to any attorneys yet especially using the trust/savings route?

 

[James Bond]

Two of the ones most mentioned seem to be Lorena of ARCA and Rubilar for direct citizenship. Lorena has a guarantee although if you're going the trust fund route you may need to involve a third party such as a family member to act as guarantor. Rubilar is controversial and states you can apply for citizenship as soon as you land but you'll want to do you due diligence via this route. He has very limited reviews and many cases seem to stuck in limbo for 2-5 years or more, although I did read of one successful case that took 2.5 years. (As an aside I see while his web page is still looks as it ever was, he did update his home page addressing the new decree). IIRC last I heard Lorena was $2500, but forget how long ago that was so it could be more now. Rubilar was $6500 back then and again could be more now too.

You should start off with Lorena as I know @BuySellBA and Mike/earlyretirement highly recommends her and for their clients. Same with multiple posters here. And same w Bowtiedmara from X/twitter.

I'm in a similar position in I will look to go the trust/savings route and wanted to use Lorena, but the third party part might put in a wrench in it. Have you talked to any attorneys yet especially using the trust/savings route?

I used Lorena at ARCA and she was great for my permanent resident NOT Citizenship. Many have used her. My mate from the UK used her last year and she was $2,500 USD. She is the only one that I know of that guarantees it. If she can't get it she will refund but before taking on a case I would assume she is sure she can get it. I read many including @earlyretirement used her 20 years ago. He mentioned to me that she got it for all his clients too. He told me dozens and dozens and she never failed. This is for permanent residency not citizenship.

I had a friend try using Rubilar about a decade ago. He said he failed flat. It took years but he never got it and slowly stopped responding. I don't remember seeing anyone that was successful. Mostly on the old forum just failed cases. I think if someone goes years without success they just give up. I would think if someone was successful they would post about it but I don't remember reading about successful cases.

@FuturoBA good that Rubilar updated about the new decree. If you didn't see that you would think his page was stuck in time warp from early 90s.

 

[earlyretirement]

I used Lorena at ARCA and she was great for my permanent resident NOT Citizenship. Many have used her. My mate from the UK used her last year and she was $2,500 USD. She is the only one that I know of that guarantees it. If she can't get it she will refund but before taking on a case I would assume she is sure she can get it. I read many including @earlyretirement used her 20 years ago. He mentioned to me that she got it for all his clients too. He told me dozens and dozens and she never failed. This is for permanent residency not citizenship.

I had a friend try using Rubilar about a decade ago. He said he failed flat. It took years but he never got it and slowly stopped responding. I don't remember seeing anyone that was successful. Mostly on the old forum just failed cases. I think if someone goes years without success they just give up. I would think if someone was successful they would post about it but I don't remember reading about successful cases.

@FuturoBA good that Rubilar updated about the new decree. If you didn't see that you would think his page was stuck in time warp from early 90s.

Lorena at Argentina Residency (ARCA) is great! I've been friends with her for 23 years. She did my permanent residency way back in 2003 and she is simply the best. I can't say enough good things about her. She has helped at least 35 of my clients over the past 23 years. She never failed anyone to get their DNI and permanent residency. I never did my Citizenship but I will next year. I'm moving back to Buenos Aires full-time this year. Business is so busy it's time to make this change. I've been a permanent resident of Argentina for 20+ years. I could have gotten Citizenship long ago as I lived in Buenos Aires and 2 of my oldest kids was born in Buenos Aires. I never did as I was too busy but I will as I want to be an Argentine citizen. I love this country so much.
A lot of people call me the "unofficial Mayor of Buenos Aires". I would someday love to go into politics in Argentina and truly try to make a change in this country that I love so much. Maybe someday. I have so many things to do before then.

I reached out to Rubilar before and simply was not impressed. It's one thing to charge a lot if you have a great track record but honestly in 23 YEARS I have NEVER spoken to anyone that got Citizenship using him. He tooted his own horn for years on the old forum but strange how no one ever vouched for him. I'd never recommend using someone that doesn't have an established track record in Buenos Aires.

Lorena is great. In fact, I am the one that recommended BowTiedMara to her. I'm friends with him a few years and he is a a great guy. I love being able to provide great references for great people in Argentina.

Lorena is one of them. I remember after she got my permanent residency, I invited her and her husband to stay in my house in Punta del Este by the beach. I talked to her the other day and she always remembers that as one of her happiest memories she said.

Our services - ARCA, ARGENTINA RESIDENCY

Our services - ARCA, ARGENTINA RESIDENCY

argentinaresidency.com

 

[Johnny]

Lorena at Argentina Residency (ARCA) is great! I've been friends with her for 23 years. She did my permanent residency way back in 2003 and she is simply the best. I can't say enough good things about her. She has helped at least 35 of my clients over the past 23 years. She never failed anyone to get their DNI and permanent residency. I never did my Citizenship but I will next year. I'm moving back to Buenos Aires full-time this year. Business is so busy it's time to make this change. I've been a permanent resident of Argentina for 20+ years. I could have gotten Citizenship long ago as I lived in Buenos Aires and 2 of my oldest kids was born in Buenos Aires. I never did as I was too busy but I will as I want to be an Argentine citizen. I love this country so much.
A lot of people call me the "unofficial Mayor of Buenos Aires". I would someday love to go into politics in Argentina and truly try to make a change in this country that I love so much. Maybe someday. I have so many things to do before then.

I reached out to Rubilar before and simply was not impressed. It's one thing to charge a lot if you have a great track record but honestly in 23 YEARS I have NEVER spoken to anyone that got Citizenship using him. He tooted his own horn for years on the old forum but strange how no one ever vouched for him. I'd never recommend using someone that doesn't have an established track record in Buenos Aires.

Lorena is great. In fact, I am the one that recommended BowTiedMara to her. I'm friends with him a few years and he is a a great guy. I love being able to provide great references for great people in Argentina.

Lorena is one of them. I remember after she got my permanent residency, I invited her and her husband to stay in my house in Punta del Este by the beach. I talked to her the other day and she always remembers that as one of her happiest memories she said.

Our services - ARCA, ARGENTINA RESIDENCY

Our services - ARCA, ARGENTINA RESIDENCY

argentinaresidency.com

I will use Lorena once I start the process in Argentina. This is a NO brainer. I am going through the process now of getting Permanent Residency in Mexico with Mike's help. We are going for a few weeks in September to start the process in Mexico. Mike is going for his Mexican passport next year. Mexico seems very easy. I am going to attempt it myself with his help. I am in the process of buying my second apartment in Guadalajara. The first one was such a great investment. I'm selling that one and buying the 3 bedroom apartment next to Mike's! I can't wait.

Definitely @earlyretirement should try to actually become the Mayor of Buenos Aires! I will donate to your campaign fund Mikey! I didn't know you wanted to go into politics there. That doesn't sound fun. But if anyone can improve Argentina it is you! Every visit is always fun with you meeting the movers and shakers in BA. It was fun meeting the CEO of that big financial institution and seeing their trading operations/desk. That was neat.

Mike took me to meet with a large financial company that has been around in Argentina for 50 years. I'm an executive at a large bank in the USA. It was neat seeing their trading desk and meeting with their CEO. He owned a vineyard in Argentina and even gifted us several bottles from his vineyard. Each trip has been an experience! It's clear everyone in BA respects Mikey.

 

[Betsy Ross]

Two of the ones most mentioned seem to be Lorena of ARCA and Rubilar for direct citizenship. Lorena has a guarantee although if you're going the trust fund route you may need to involve a third party such as a family member to act as guarantor. Rubilar is controversial and states you can apply for citizenship as soon as you land but you'll want to do you due diligence via this route. He has very limited reviews and many cases seem to stuck in limbo for 2-5 years or more, although I did read of one successful case that took 2.5 years. (As an aside I see while his web page is still looks as it ever was, he did update his home page addressing the new decree). IIRC last I heard Lorena was $2500, but forget how long ago that was so it could be more now. Rubilar was $6500 back then and again could be more now too.

You should start off with Lorena as I know @BuySellBA and Mike/earlyretirement highly recommends her and for their clients. Same with multiple posters here. And same w Bowtiedmara from X/twitter.

I'm in a similar position in I will look to go the trust/savings route and wanted to use Lorena, but the third party part might put in a wrench in it. Have you talked to any attorneys yet especially using the trust/savings route?

I can't for the life of me figure out who would hire Rubilar. Just the fact that his website looks like it's from the Stone Age would prevent me from using him. The lack of testimonials would be the next thing after supposedly helping people for so many years. The third would be his price! From the old forum it seems like it was mostly Chinese illegals hiring him before. Not sure if that is the case now.

Lorena at Argentina Residency (ARCA) is great! I've been friends with her for 23 years. She did my permanent residency way back in 2003 and she is simply the best. I can't say enough good things about her. She has helped at least 35 of my clients over the past 23 years. She never failed anyone to get their DNI and permanent residency. I never did my Citizenship but I will next year. I'm moving back to Buenos Aires full-time this year. Business is so busy it's time to make this change. I've been a permanent resident of Argentina for 20+ years. I could have gotten Citizenship long ago as I lived in Buenos Aires and 2 of my oldest kids was born in Buenos Aires. I never did as I was too busy but I will as I want to be an Argentine citizen. I love this country so much.
A lot of people call me the "unofficial Mayor of Buenos Aires". I would someday love to go into politics in Argentina and truly try to make a change in this country that I love so much. Maybe someday. I have so many things to do before then.

Talk about a ringing endorsement! I also know several people that used Lorena. How can you beat money back guarantee? That is impossible to find in Argentina!

 

[FuturoBA]

I used Lorena at ARCA and she was great for my permanent resident NOT Citizenship. Many have used her. My mate from the UK used her last year and she was $2,500 USD. She is the only one that I know of that guarantees it. If she can't get it she will refund but before taking on a case I would assume she is sure she can get it. I read many including @earlyretirement used her 20 years ago. He mentioned to me that she got it for all his clients too. He told me dozens and dozens and she never failed. This is for permanent residency not citizenship.

I had a friend try using Rubilar about a decade ago. He said he failed flat. It took years but he never got it and slowly stopped responding. I don't remember seeing anyone that was successful. Mostly on the old forum just failed cases. I think if someone goes years without success they just give up. I would think if someone was successful they would post about it but I don't remember reading about successful cases.

@FuturoBA good that Rubilar updated about the new decree. If you didn't see that you would think his page was stuck in time warp from early 90s.

With Rubilar it's the lack of testimonials that would deter me from using him. He's the only one I'm aware of that states you can go direct citizen and if you're going to stake such a unique angle, I'd want proof you can deliver. I guess if you don't qualify for some of the other options, I could see someone using him as a last resort. The thing is, it appears he has just as much if not more stalled/failed cases than successes.

Lorena at Argentina Residency (ARCA) is great! I've been friends with her for 23 years. She did my permanent residency way back in 2003 and she is simply the best. I can't say enough good things about her. She has helped at least 35 of my clients over the past 23 years. She never failed anyone to get their DNI and permanent residency. I never did my Citizenship but I will next year. I'm moving back to Buenos Aires full-time this year. Business is so busy it's time to make this change. I've been a permanent resident of Argentina for 20+ years. I could have gotten Citizenship long ago as I lived in Buenos Aires and 2 of my oldest kids was born in Buenos Aires. I never did as I was too busy but I will as I want to be an Argentine citizen. I love this country so much.
A lot of people call me the "unofficial Mayor of Buenos Aires". I would someday love to go into politics in Argentina and truly try to make a change in this country that I love so much. Maybe someday. I have so many things to do before then.

I reached out to Rubilar before and simply was not impressed. It's one thing to charge a lot if you have a great track record but honestly in 23 YEARS I have NEVER spoken to anyone that got Citizenship using him. He tooted his own horn for years on the old forum but strange how no one ever vouched for him. I'd never recommend using someone that doesn't have an established track record in Buenos Aires.

Lorena is great. In fact, I am the one that recommended BowTiedMara to her. I'm friends with him a few years and he is a a great guy. I love being able to provide great references for great people in Argentina.

Lorena is one of them. I remember after she got my permanent residency, I invited her and her husband to stay in my house in Punta del Este by the beach. I talked to her the other day and she always remembers that as one of her happiest memories she said.

Our services - ARCA, ARGENTINA RESIDENCY

Our services - ARCA, ARGENTINA RESIDENCY

argentinaresidency.com

One would think as long as Rubilar's been around he'd have a track record and as you said consider how much he charges. How strange that nobody's actually vouched with him.

How cool would that be to have you mayor of BA. If anyone can make changes there it would be you.

I will use Lorena once I start the process in Argentina. This is a NO brainer. I am going through the process now of getting Permanent Residency in Mexico with Mike's help. We are going for a few weeks in September to start the process in Mexico. Mike is going for his Mexican passport next year. Mexico seems very easy. I am going to attempt it myself with his help. I am in the process of buying my second apartment in Guadalajara. The first one was such a great investment. I'm selling that one and buying the 3 bedroom apartment next to Mike's! I can't wait.

Definitely @earlyretirement should try to actually become the Mayor of Buenos Aires! I will donate to your campaign fund Mikey! I didn't know you wanted to go into politics there. That doesn't sound fun. But if anyone can improve Argentina it is you! Every visit is always fun with you meeting the movers and shakers in BA. It was fun meeting the CEO of that big financial institution and seeing their trading operations/desk. That was neat.

Mike took me to meet with a large financial company that has been around in Argentina for 50 years. I'm an executive at a large bank in the USA. It was neat seeing their trading desk and meeting with their CEO. He owned a vineyard in Argentina and even gifted us several bottles from his vineyard. Each trip has been an experience! It's clear everyone in BA respects Mikey.

Agree that it doesn't sound fun, and also agree that if anyone can make it work it would be Mike.

I can't for the life of me figure out who would hire Rubilar. Just the fact that his website looks like it's from the Stone Age would prevent me from using him. The lack of testimonials would be the next thing after supposedly helping people for so many years. The third would be his price! From the old forum it seems like it was mostly Chinese illegals hiring him before. Not sure if that is the case now.



Talk about a ringing endorsement! I also know several people that used Lorena. How can you beat money back guarantee? That is impossible to find in Argentina!

For me it's the lack of testimonials. For as long as he's been around, it makes it worse that there's nobody appears happy using him. If he were consistently successful and had matching positive testimonials I actually think his price would be underpriced (where else could you get citizenship for $6.5k?). IIRC I think he has you doing most of the work - getting FBI background, everything apostiled and translated etc - or at least with limited or no help.

The stone aged website wouldn't bother me if at least it was clear. It looks like he did himself, although I have no evidence. But it does give a negative perception especially when combined with everything else.

 

[Blockchain]

With Rubilar it's the lack of testimonials that would deter me from using him. He's the only one I'm aware of that states you can go direct citizen and if you're going to stake such a unique angle, I'd want proof you can deliver. I guess if you don't qualify for some of the other options, I could see someone using him as a last resort. The thing is, it appears he has just as much if not more stalled/failed cases than successes.

One would think as long as Rubilar's been around he'd have a track record and as you said consider how much he charges. How strange that nobody's actually vouched with him.

How cool would that be to have you mayor of BA. If anyone can make changes there it would be you.

Agree that it doesn't sound fun, and also agree that if anyone can make it work it would be Mike.

For me it's the lack of testimonials. For as long as he's been around, it makes it worse that there's nobody appears happy using him. If he were consistently successful and had matching positive testimonials I actually think his price would be underpriced (where else could you get citizenship for $6.5k?). IIRC I think he has you doing most of the work - getting FBI background, everything apostiled and translated etc - or at least with limited or no help.

The stone aged website wouldn't bother me if at least it was clear. It looks like he did himself, although I have no evidence. But it does give a negative perception especially when combined with everything else.

I just saw that website! OMG. Is that real? Who would purposely create a website like that?? I don't think you could even try to make such an ancient site even if you tried back in the 1990's! There are almost free Wordpress sites you can make now with hosting plans. It screams that he doesn't care what potential clients think of him.

It sounds like most people that hire him are probably illegal and the instant Citizenship claims probably pull at people's heart as they are desperate. I wonder how he gets clients then because there are no testimonials. I met a Chinese guy that tried using him and he asked for testimonials but said he could not due to privacy reasons. I went on the old forum and read a few failed cases.

Hard to imagine a business that has been around so long and no online testimonials. How does he get new business I wonder?

Very cool about possibly going into politics @earlyretirement! I remember reading that you have personally met 5 out of the past 6 Presidents in Argentina. I remember reading a post of @JonJLA where he said you introduced him to a former President that you were friends with and in your office building. I'd imagine buying up so much real estate and doing projects over 23 years you have amazing contacts. Keep us posted on that. Would be so cool to see that. It sounds like locals are ready for a change and I love the fact that you called Milei out on his BS during that Libra rug pull.