Obtain Argentine nationality by marriage or as a child of Argentine nationals

The law 346 also called, ‘Law of citizenship and naturalization’, was passed on October 1st 1869 during the presidency of Domingo Faustino Sarmiento.

This law – with later modifications – established two fundamental principles:

The ius soli: «all individuals born in the territory of the Argentine Republic are Argentines, regardless of the nationality of their parents»

The ius sanguinis: recognises the citizenship of the children of native Argentines born abroad if they opt for it.

More than 150 years later, these principles are still in force and are the legal basis for you to obtain Argentinean nationality by marriage or by being the son or daughter of Argentineans.

In Argentina, the two most common ways to acquire nationality are:

By option, for children of native Argentines born abroad.

By naturalization, which also includes foreigners married to Argentine citizens.

Each one has its particularities, but both give you the same rights as an Argentine citizen.

Were you born outside the country and have at least one native Argentinean parent? Then you can apply for Argentine nationality by option.

This procedure is quite straightforward and does not require you to have lived in Argentina. In fact, it can be done from abroad through a consulate.

• Birth certificate of the applicant (legalized/apostilled and translated if in another language).
• Document proving the Argentine nationality of the parent (Argentine birth certificate).
• Identity card of both parents.
• If you are a minor, you need the consent of both parents.

Everything must match perfectly: names, dates and data must be in harmony to avoid rejections.

• At the nearest Argentine consulate, if you are living abroad
• At an Argentine civil registry, if you are already in the country.
• Or directly by contacting us.

If you are married to an Argentinian, you can apply for citizenship by naturalization. Although it is not automatic, the fact that you are married to an Argentinean citizen allows you to accelerate some deadlines and requirements.

• Identity card and valid passport.
• Birth certificate (apostilled and translated if necessary)
• Criminal record certificates, both from the country of origin and Argentina.
• Proof of current address.
• Proof of lawful means of livelihood:

employment contract, pay slips or registered activity.

The procedure is initiated before a federal judge, and it is most usual to present everything with the help of a specialized lawyer.

Yes, although there are exceptions. In general, it is required to have lived in Argentina for at least two years. But if you are married to an Argentinian or have Argentinian children, the judge can grant you the nationality without this period of residence.

To obtain Argentine nationality by Argentine parents (also known as nationality by choice), you need to be the child of at least one native Argentine, even if you were born abroad. The requirements include the legalized birth certificate, the birth certificate of the Argentine parent and the presentation of the application at an Argentine consulate or civil registry.

The processing time varies according to the type of procedure. In general, Argentine nationality by marriage can take between 6 and 18 months if it is done in Argentina, and in the case of Argentine nationality by option (children of Argentine nationals), the processing time is usually shorter, especially if it is done from a consulate abroad.

Yes, Argentine nationality allows dual nationality. It is not necessary to renounce the citizenship of your country of origin to obtain Argentine citizenship, either by marriage or by being the child of Argentineans.

In most cases, a minimum residence of two years in Argentina is required to apply for Argentine nationality by marriage. However, this requirement may be waived if you are married to an Argentine citizen or have Argentine children, at the discretion of the judge.

No, you do not. Argentine nationality allows dual nationality, which means that you can keep your original citizenship. Argentina does not require you to renounce the nationality of your country of origin, whether you obtain Argentine nationality by marriage or as a child of Argentine nationals.

• Procedures rejected due to errors in documentation or bad advice.
• Delays due to the presentation of incorrectly apostilled or incorrectly translated documents.
• Lack of clear answers from official entities.
• Months lost due to not knowing the appropriate judicial or consular procedure.

• • Complete review of all your documentation with a focus on actual immigration procedures.
  • Personalized advice from the first contact until obtaining citizenship
  • Legal representation before consulates or courts, if the case requires it.
  • Permanent follow-up, without you having to deal with bureaucracy or travel.
  • More speed, more security and less stress at every stage of the process.