Eligibility Quiz
Are you a national of a Mercosur Member or Associate State (Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, or Peru)?
The Mercosur Temporary Residence (Residencia Temporaria por Acuerdo Mercosur) is a streamlined immigration pathway for citizens of South American member and associate states. Unlike other visas, you do not need to prove a specific income or job offer; eligibility is based almost entirely on your nationality and a clean criminal record.
Application Process
The application is managed by the Dirección Nacional de Migraciones (DNM) through an online portal called RADEX (Radicación a Distancia). You must be physically present in Argentina to start this process, as you will need to upload proof of your legal entry into the country.
Step 1: Document Preparation
Before starting your online application, you must gather and prepare your documents. All foreign documents must be Apostilled (or legalized by the Argentine Consulate if your country is not part of the Hague Convention). Documents not in Spanish must be translated by a Certified Public Translator in Argentina and legalized by the Colegio de Traductores.
- Identity Document: Your valid Passport or Cédula de Identidad (Mercosur ID).
- Entry Stamp: Proof of your legal entry into Argentina (digital record or physical stamp).
- Foreign Criminal Record: A certificate from your home country and any country where you lived for more than one year during the last three years. This must be less than 90 days old when you submit it.
- Birth Certificate: Required to prove your parentage.
- Proof of Address: A Certificado de Domicilio (issued by your local police station) or a utility bill in your name.
Step 2: The RADEX Upload
Access the RADEX Platform to create an account. You will upload your scanned documents and pay the required immigration fees through the portal.
Step 3: Argentine Criminal Record
As part of the process, you must obtain a local criminal record check from the Registro Nacional de Reincidencia. You can request this online or at various service points.
Step 4: The Residencia Precaria
Once the DNM validates your initial digital upload, you will be issued a Residencia Precaria (Temporary Permit). This document is vital: it allows you to live, work, and travel in and out of Argentina legally while your final residency is being processed.
Step 5: In-Person Appointment
The DNM will notify you of an appointment at their headquarters (Sede Central) in Buenos Aires or a regional delegation. You must attend this meeting to provide biometric data, including your fingerprints and a digital photo.
Step 6: DNI Issuance
After your appointment and final approval, your Documento Nacional de Identidad (DNI) will be printed and mailed to your registered home address via Correo Argentino (the national postal service).
Fees
Fees are subject to change due to inflation. The following are estimates based on current 2026 rates.
| Item | Cost (Approx. ARS) |
|---|---|
| Standard Migration Fee | $118,800 |
| DNI Issuance Fee | $3,000 - $6,000 |
| Argentine Criminal Record | $1,000 - $5,000 |
| Priority Processing (Optional) | Double the Migration Fee |
Total Estimate: Approximately $123,000 - $130,000 ARS for standard processing.
Note: This total does not include costs for Apostilles in your home country, professional Spanish translations in Argentina, or the legalization fees charged by the Colegio de Traductores.
Processing Time
The timeline for the Mercosur pathway generally moves faster than other residency categories, though it varies by region.
- RADEX Validation & Precaria: 1 to 3 months after your initial upload.
- In-Person Appointment: Scheduled within 1 month of your documents being validated.
- DNI Delivery: 2 to 4 months after your in-person appointment.
- Total End-to-End: Expect the process to take 3 to 6 months.
Document Validity: Your foreign criminal record certificate must be submitted within 90 days of its issuance. Your Residencia Precaria is typically valid for 90 days and can be renewed online if your DNI has not yet arrived. Your Mercosur Temporary Residence will be valid for 2 years, after which you can apply for Permanent Residency.