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Argentina: How To Retire And Become A Resident

6 min read

Argentina: How To Retire And Become A Resident

Argentina is a diverse and attractive country that is often compared to Europe in terms of culture and architecture. The nation offers a financial alternative to persons who desire to retire in Europe but cannot afford the living expense. If you want to live your golden years in this beautiful country, you should apply for a Retirement Visa.

Retiring in Argentina is a dream come true for many individuals seeking a high quality of life at an affordable cost. With its stunning landscapes, vibrant cities, and rich cultural heritage, Argentina has become a popular destination for retirees from around the world.

The climate and weather in Argentina are also a major draw for retirees. With a wide range of climates throughout the country, you can choose to live in a location that suits your preferences. Whether you prefer the warm and sunny beaches of Mar del Plata or the cooler temperatures of Bariloche, there is a climate for everyone in Argentina.

 

ARGENTINA RETIREMENT VISA

Argentina now provides retirement visa alternatives for expats. Apply for an Argentinian retirement visa to retire in Argentina (Pensionado Visa). A Pensionado Visa is a temporary residency visa that permits you to relocate to Argentina and remain there for the duration of your retirement.

Retiring in Argentina also offers financial benefits. The government does not levy taxes on regular income from savings, making it an attractive option for retirees looking to live off their savings. However, if you decide to work again, income taxes will apply based on a progressive scale, ranging from 5% to 35% depending on your net income.

Safety is another important factor to consider when retiring abroad. While crime can be a concern in some areas of Argentina, the overall safety level is reasonable. Police patrols are regular, particularly in popular expatriate neighborhoods, and public security in big cities is generally excellent. It is always advisable to take precautions against theft and avoid public protests or strikes.

 

Related content: The Basics Of How To Get A Second Passport Or A Second Residency

 

Aconcagua National Park, Mendoza, Argentina - When it comes to healthcare, Argentina offers one of the best healthcare systems in Latin America. The government provides free public healthcare to all residents, including retirees. The healthcare system is of high quality, with modern facilities and a wide range of services available. However, it is recommended to have private health insurance with worldwide coverage to ensure comprehensive healthcare access.

Aconcagua National Park, Mendoza, Argentina

REQUIREMENTS FOR OBTAINING AN ARGENTINA  RETIREMENT VISA

The first thing to look out for is the age limit specified, as the retirement age for men and women in Argentina is 65 and 60, respectively.

Upon meeting the age criteria, the Argentine government wants you to get a monthly pension of at least 30,000 Argentine pesos ($820 USD). You must additionally demonstrate that you get this amount as a pension or retirement benefit from a government agency or an international organization.

 

Related article: Obtaining Citizenship In Argentina Through Naturalization

 

Plaza de Mayo, Buenos Aires - Safety is another important factor to consider when retiring abroad. While crime can be a concern in some areas of Argentina, the overall safety level is reasonable. Police patrols are regular, particularly in popular expatriate neighborhoods, and public security in big cities is generally excellent. It is always advisable to take precautions against theft and avoid public protests or strikes.

Plaza de Mayo, Buenos Aires

STEP-BY-STEP PROCEDURES FOR APPLYING FOR AN ARGENTINA RETIREMENT VISA

Your presence in Argentina is the first step, as most of the process requires your physical presence. You can obtain an Argentine visa or enter visa-free if you are exempt from the visa requirement.

Next, you should apply for your visa via the RaDEX application on the Ministry of Interior's website. You will then attach the required document and data throughout the application procedure, which will only take a few minutes. The document necessary includes:

  • A valid and authentic passport
  • A clear criminal record report from your home country
  • Entry stamp for the nation, which should be on the travel document.
  • Proof of obtaining a pension from the organization where you worked and retired. This documentation must demonstrate that you get an annuity upon retirement and the amount, timing, and length of your pension.
  • A certificate including your name, residence, and utility bill.

You should note that all documents must be legalized or apostilled by the Argentine Consulate in the issuing nation unless your country has ratified the Hague Convention. Documents submitted in a foreign language must be approved by the Association of Translators and translated into Spanish by a national public translator.

The last step is to pay the visa fee, which must be done at the Argentine Ministry of Interior. The retirement and pension visa costs $3000 USD, with a renewal fee of $2000 USD. The process can only be completed once this payment is made. Payment may be made in cash or with a credit card.

Please keep in mind that immediately after completing the payment, you will get a request to set an appointment to attend one of the related delegations if any documents or information need to be included.

 

Related content: Residency In Argentina For Expats

 

The Bariloche Civic Centre -  Argentina provides a beautiful and affordable retirement destination for individuals seeking a high quality of life. By obtaining a Retirement Visa, you can enjoy the diverse culture, stunning landscapes, and friendly people that Argentina has to offer.

The Bariloche Civic Centre

DURATION FOR THE ARGENTINE RETIREMENT VISA

An Argentine retirement visa is valid for one year and may be renewed annually for up to three years. Following these renewals, you may apply for permanent residence.

After two years of holding a permanent residence visa, you can apply for Argentine citizenship. It is crucial to emphasize that those with the Argentina retirement visa are not permitted to work as employees but to form a company or operate independently.

 

Buenos Aires, Japanese Gardens - From the vibrant streets of Buenos Aires to the serene beauty of Patagonia, Argentina has something to offer every retiree.

Buenos Aires, Japanese Gardens

THE ADVANTAGES OF RETIRING IN ARGENTINA

 

LIVING EXPENSES

Argentina may not be the cheapest country in South America. Still, for those that receive in USD and Euro, you can live lavishly for a fraction of what it would cost you in your home country. Depending on your lifestyle and where you live, you may live comfortably without spending much money on food, transportation, or rent.

We advise that you avoid large and wealthy neighbourhoods. Cities like Mendoza and Salta are wonderful options if you want to live well at a reasonable cost. As a retiree, you can survive on at least $900 USD a month; if you have dependents, you can live well on around $2,300 USD per month.

Apartments with three bedrooms in city centres and outside city centres start at $405 USD and $300 USD, respectively.

 

THE CLIMATE AND WEATHER

Living in Argentina will expose you to a wide range of climates all year. Argentina's climate may be warm, temperate, arid, or cold. You might live in locations where it is bright and pleasant or in colder regions where cooler temperatures are more prevalent.

 

FRIENDLY PEOPLE

Argentines are typically polite and welcoming to outsiders, so you will have no trouble establishing new acquaintances there. They are well-known for being spontaneous, loving, and affectionate.

There are many more cultural aspects to Argentina that can only be experienced living there as each country and city is unique in its own way.

 

Tulips Field In Patagonia - Most Argentine population chooses public health care because of its many advantages, which are less expensive than accessible private healthcare institutions. Clinics and hospitals In big cities, hospitals have high standards and provide free services like in-patient and out-patient visits, palliative care, rehabilitation, medical transportation, dental treatment, and many more.

Tulips Field In Patagonia

BEST CITIES TO RETIRE IN ARGENTINA

Argentina has many areas such as Buenos Aires, Cordoba, the quiet and relaxed wealthy province of Mendoza, Rosario, the large and comfortable leisure-filled activity city, Bariloche and many more. Argentina can allow you to make a suitable choice as there is always a place to match your taste and likes and help you have a great residence and retirement experience.

 

HEALTHCARE SYSTEM IN ARGENTINA

Argentina's healthcare system is regarded as one of the greatest in Latin America since it provides free public healthcare to all local and international residents. The “Programa De Atencion Medica Integral” (PAMI) is Argentina's biggest care program. It is run by the government and serves a population of over 3.5 million pensioners nationwide.

Most Argentine population chooses public health care because of its many advantages, which are less expensive than accessible private healthcare institutions. Clinics and hospitals In big cities, hospitals have high standards and provide free services like in-patient and out-patient visits, palliative care, rehabilitation, medical transportation, dental treatment, and many more.

The main problem with the Argentine healthcare system is that it does not provide countrywide coverage, so it is recommended that you get private health insurance with worldwide coverage.

 

Related content: Top 11 Food And Water Independent Countries You Can Live In As An Expat

 

Buenos Aires Skyline at night - Public protests are prevalent in Argentina, particularly in Buenos Aires, and some have turned violent in the past, so it is better to avoid them. Strikes can occur, causing significant annoyance to expatriate retirees living here.

Buenos Aires Skyline at night

THE SOCIAL AND POLITICAL ENVIRONMENT

Living in Argentina is reasonably secure. However, crime can be a small problem in the nation, and expats must take precautions against theft. Police patrols are regular, particularly in popular expatriate neighbourhoods, and public security in big cities is generally excellent.

Public protests are prevalent in Argentina, particularly in Buenos Aires, and some have turned violent in the past, so it is better to avoid them. Strikes can occur, causing significant annoyance to expatriate retirees living here.

 

Planetarium, Buenos Aires - Argentina is a nation of taxes, which means that if you want to work again, even though you may still retire in Argentina, you'll have to pay surcharges ranging from 5-35%, according to the ANSES website.

Planetarium, Buenos Aires

SAVINGS AND INCOME TAXES

If you expect to live off your savings in Argentina, the government does not levy taxes on a regular income. Argentina is a nation of taxes, which means that if you want to work again, even though you may still retire in Argentina, you'll have to pay surcharges ranging from 5-35%, according to the ANSES website.

However, the applicable taxes are flexible and progressive (as previously stated, on a 5-35% scale) based on net income and the actual amount of money you make.

What kind of variance in income taxes can you anticipate in Argentina if you live partially on your pension allowance? For example, if you are charged less than 35% of your income, which is the projected amount you should be charged, the difference between the 35% quota and what has been or has not been charged the previous month will be charged the next month.

There is also what is known as variación de Haber, which applies to retirees if their income changes for any reason if they obtain a retroactive (temporary wage raise or if they've got any extra-economic gain in your favour.) If this is the case, you may see some tax adjustments.

 

Puerto Madero, Argentina - You'll have a great time here since there are alternatives for all personalities, preferences, and cultural backgrounds.

Puerto Madero, Argentina

CONCLUSION

The Argentine government has made obtaining a visa a relatively simple procedure. With everything Argentina offers, it is an excellent option for spending your golden years. You'll have a great time here since there are alternatives for all personalities, preferences, and cultural backgrounds. If you're looking for a drastic change of plans while enjoying some comforts of home, this is the spot. If you need help with your retirement visa procedure, be sure to contact us, I will be happy to offer you my services.

 


WORK WITH ME

I help my clients to move offshore for freedom, privacy and autonomy by focusing on the immigration, legal, and tax issues that you will face when becoming an expat. If you would like to work one-on-one with me on getting out of your home country (or setting up a Plan-B location), then read this important letter and fill in an application form to become a Private Client. My fees are not cheap; however, I can assure you that when you work with a professional firm like ours, the results will be worth it.

 

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Mikkel Thorup

Written by Mikkel Thorup

Mikkel Thorup is the world’s most sought-after expat consultant. He focuses on helping high-net-worth private clients to legally mitigate tax liabilities, obtain a second residency and citizenship, and assemble a portfolio of foreign investments including international real estate, timber plantations, agricultural land and other hard-money tangible assets. Mikkel is the Founder and CEO at Expat Money®, a private consulting firm started in 2017. He hosts the popular weekly podcast, the Expat Money Show, and wrote the definitive #1-Best Selling book Expat Secrets - How To Pay Zero Taxes, Live Overseas And Make Giant Piles Of Money, and his second book: Expats Guide On Moving To Mexico.

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