Must Reside for Two Years to Obtain Citizenship
Measures Implemented to Prevent "Birth Tourism"
Citizenship Applications Allowed for Significant Investors
The government of Javier Milei in Argentina has amended the immigration law to strengthen entry requirements for foreigners in order to prevent foreign criminals from entering the country.
According to Argentine newspapers such as Clar?n and La Naci?n on May 29 (local time), the Milei administration has changed the conditions for foreign nationals' entry and acquisition of citizenship in the existing immigration law. The government also published Presidential Decree No. 366/2025 in the official gazette, revising provisions related to free education and free medical care for foreigners.
According to reports, the revised immigration law first stipulates that only foreigners with no criminal record are allowed to enter Argentina, thereby strictly regulating entry requirements for foreign nationals. The specific types of crimes and sentencing that will be subject to these provisions are expected to be detailed in future enforcement ordinances.
However, local media reported that foreigners who have committed crimes punishable by three years or more in prison, based on the standards of the Argentine courts, are being strongly considered as the main targets of these regulations.
In addition, to obtain Argentine citizenship, foreigners must now reside continuously in Argentine territory for two years. The requirements have been tightened so that leaving and re-entering the country during this period is not permitted. Previously, foreigners could apply for Argentine citizenship two years after entry without verification of actual residency.
The government also aims to prevent so-called "birth tourism." The requirements have been strengthened to stop parents from being able to apply for citizenship without conditions simply because their child was born in Argentina.
However, the revised immigration law includes a provision allowing foreigners to apply for citizenship regardless of their period of residence if they have made a significant investment. In addition, regarding national university education, which had previously been provided free of charge to foreigners as well as citizens, the revised law allows the government to charge tuition fees to foreigners with temporary or provisional residency status, rather than permanent residency.
The revised immigration law also stipulates that at state-run medical facilities, medical services will only be provided to foreigners who present health insurance or pay medical fees, according to conditions set by the Ministry of Health. As a result, foreign nationals will no longer be able to receive free national medical services, which had previously been available to all foreigners.
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