Moving to Argentina From US

Moving to Argentina from the US is a life-changing decision filled with exciting opportunities. Whether you’re relocating for work, retirement, or a new lifestyle, careful planning is key. From shipping your household goods to navigating customs and handling paperwork, Earthrelo makes your international relocation smooth, affordable, and stress-free.

Because of the flourishing market size and stability, Argentina is regarded as a middle emerging economy and is ranked as the highest on the HDI(Human Development Index). This holds tremendous lucrative opportunities for expats. Moving to Argentina from America is easy unless you are entirely educated about the culture, work background, rules, laws, and visa restrictions.

Having said that, if you are moving to Argentina from US, here is a comprehensive country guide for you. Furthermore, while relocation, one major thing to worry about includes a complicated move. Hence, before shipping your goods to Argentina, make sure you reach out to the leading team of movers and packers that ship your goods without damage.

When you connect with us, we provide you with a seamless moving transition with top-notch services. Being the international US to Argentina movers, we are here to help you with our incredible set of relocation services at every step of international relocation right from packing to delivering. On that note, let’s get straight into the discussion for your moving to Argentina journey.

Planning your relocation isn’t complete without arranging safe and reliable shipping. Shipping household goods to Argentina can feel complex, but with the right guidance, the process becomes much smoother. Earthrelo specializes in international moves, making sure your belongings are packed, transported, and delivered on time while complying with Argentine customs requirements.

Typical Shipping Times

On average, shipments from the US to Argentina take 4 to 8 weeks depending on the origin port, destination city, and customs clearance. Full container loads (FCL) often arrive faster than consolidated shipments (LCL), but careful planning ensures both options are efficient. Earthrelo provides clear timelines and updates, so you always know when to expect your belongings.

FCL vs. LCL Options

• Full Container Load (FCL): Best if you’re relocating an entire household. You get exclusive use of a 20- or 40-foot container, which typically results in faster delivery and less handling.
• Less than Container Load (LCL): Ideal for smaller shipments or partial moves. Your belongings share container space with others, making it a more cost-effective option.

Earthrelo helps you choose the most practical solution based on your budget, shipment size, and timeline.

Packing Tips for Argentina’s Climate

Argentina’s climate ranges from humid subtropical in the north to temperate in Buenos Aires and cold in Patagonia. To protect your items:

• Use moisture-resistant packing for humid regions.
• Choose sturdy crates for fragile or valuable belongings.
• Store electronics in sealed containers to avoid damage.
• Clearly label all boxes with contents and destination room for easier customs inspection and unpacking.

Earthrelo’s professional packing services use export-grade materials designed for long ocean voyages and diverse climates.

Restricted and Prohibited Items

Argentina has strict rules on what can and cannot be imported. Items you cannot bring include:

• Firearms and ammunition
• Fresh produce, seeds, and plants
• Prescription medications without proper documentation
• Hazardous materials
• Used car parts and tires

Earthrelo reviews your shipment list in advance, helping you comply with Argentine regulations and avoid unnecessary delays or fines at customs.

Argentina provides both private healthcare universal systems to all its residents. Although public healthcare is entirely available for everyone, few workers need to hold proper health insurance that is run by labor unions. The Ministry of Health(MSAL) looks after each of these kinds of healthcare thus making sure that clinics and hospitals are regulated with exceptional standards.

Expats moving to Argentina, can have access to private as well as public healthcare easily. Usually, expats prefer private healthcare as they are similar to the level of care provided in the US. There are no waiting times and no bulk paperwork.

• Public Healthcare: Almost more than half the Argentinian residents use public health services. It offers free medical, hospital, dental, and palliative care along with free rehab, prosthetics, and medical transport. The only time you need to pay is for chronic conditions. However, waiting lists for public healthcare are quite long. Hence, maximum people prefer private healthcare.
• Private Healthcare: One of the best healthcare services in South America is Argentina. In cities like Mendoza, Buenos Aires, La Plata, and Salta, expats get an incredible level of professional care. However, in rural areas, the standard may vary. Expats can sign up for private healthcare cover with quite a low cost of $40 to $50 per month. You don’t require any residency visa for this. Expats merely need any ID proof. The best part is, most doctors are trained overseas, and hence finding an English-speaking physician is not a big deal.

With tons of accommodation available in Argentina, finding a house is not really difficult. Irrespective of the reason for your visit, you can easily get a proper housing solution. Although prices are quite affordable, they may vary with Seasonal demands, tourist/academic year. However, when moving to Argentina from US, you can stay in convenient accommodation like hostels, family homestay, or pension houses.

Rents in Argentina can either be furnished or unfurnished as per urban and rural areas. A common duration for a lease agreement is 2 years to 10 years. Short-term rental agreements can be built to meet the demands of expats. In case you sign a two-year lease, you need a mandatory occupation of a minimum of 6 months.

Furthermore, neither you nor the landlord can break the lease prior to this period. In addition, both the tenant and the landlord are required to sign the rental contract which is usually valid for 2 years. Alongside, you need to sign an affidavit called convenion de desocupacion. With this document, the landlord gets the right to end the contract in case they face any major problem with the tenant.

Rent is generally paid monthly. Tenants need to provide at least one month’s rent along with a security deposit while signing the contract. All the expenses like gas, electricity, water, telephone, and Internet are usually not included in the rent. You need to pay it separately. Accommodation prices are generally determined by location and size.

Note: Beware of landlords who ask for a security deposit of more than two or more months. This is illegal as per housing laws in Argentina.

Obtaining a visa in Argentina involves a lot of hassle besides being lengthy. It requires an in-person interview at the immigration office in Buenos Aires. The good news is that the citizens of the US do not require a visa for 90 days of business visits or vacation visits. In case you wish to stay longer, you need to contact your Argentinian Embassy. Below are a few visas accepted in Argentina.

Tourism and Business Visa

Expats who travel to Argentina for business and tourism purposes issue a 90-day visa upon arrival. However, as per the law, US citizens need to pay a reciprocity fee of around 160 USD for 10 years before entering Argentina. This is usually paid online. Each time you enter the country, you need to show a receipt of proof of payment. Hence, make sure you have enough copies of it.

Student visa

Expats can apply for this visa only if they have enrolled in an Argentinian institution approved by the Argentinian immigration department. This visa is valid as per the Duration of the course. Additionally, it cannot be renewed.

Contracted Personnel Visa

For individuals who plan to visit Argentina for stay and work, this visa is valid. However, the Argentinian company must be registered with the immigration ministry to hire foreign workers. Usually, expats can apply for this visa before or after entering the country. In certain cases, you need to offer certified copies of your credentials along with past work experience.

Financier Visa

Any expat who can show a guaranteed income of at least 8,500 ARS (roughly 2,200 USD) per month and promise to deposit it in an Argentinian bank can apply for this visa. The salary can be from annuities, investments, dividends, or settlements. However, as long as the individual can produce documentation that proves the income, they can stay and apply for a Financier visa.

Pensioner Visa

For pensioner visas, individuals need to prove a minimum income of 8,500 ARS (about 2,200 USD monthly. The stipend can be from private pensions or government pensions. Moreover, individuals need to prove a minimum amount of 8,500 ARS deposited in an Argentinian bank every month.

That said, if you are planning to stay in Argentina on a temporary or extended basis, you need to apply for a National Identity Card(DNI) within 90 days of entering the country. The DNI number is vital to contract rent apartments, utility services, and make huge purchases.

In case you wish to be a permanent resident/ citizen of Argentina, you need to go through a fair list of requirements.

These include:

• You must be a minimum of 18 years of age
• You should stay in Argentina for at least 2 years consistently
• Your citizenship application should be submitted to a federal judge
• You should not have a criminal record in your home country or Argentina
• You must not be in jail for more than 3 years
• You should not be prosecuted for a crime
• Should not engage in any illegal activities

With this, the court will need proof of your legal residency along with your ability to understand the Spanish language. You need original and certified copies of your birth certificate and passport. However, bear in mind that the Argentina government does not entertain dual citizenship.

Argentina has a thriving education reputation globally. As a parent, expats can always count on Argentina education. Here, schooling starts at the pre-primary level having kindergarten for kids aged 2-5. However, kindergarten (educación inicial) is not mandatory for everyone. Later, primary schooling begins at the age of 6 and is compulsory for age 14.

Compulsory education involves 2 options. Either 7 years of primary school and 5 years of secondary school or 6 years of primary school and 6 years of secondary school. Furthermore, adding the final year of preschool makes a total of 13 years of compulsory schooling for kids in Argentina.

Even secondary education is classified into 2 levels. The lower secondary offers general education while the upper secondary offers students to specialize. Upon completion of secondary school, students can enrol in any state university in Argentina. Private universities might have extra admission rules and regulations.

When it comes to language, English is considered an important foreign language while Spanish dominates in maximum classrooms. Younger kids can pick a foreign quickly within 6 months. Usually, expats prefer private schools and universities due to language requirements.

Generally, the academic year in Argentina runs from March to December. Summer holidays start from December to March. However, expats who wish to enrol for a university in Argentina need to have a student visa besides checking the fact that their educational credentials meet the requirements of the Argentinian university.

Relocating overseas can feel overwhelming, but having a clear plan makes the process much smoother. This Move to Argentina checklist outlines the key steps to take before, during, and after your relocation. Following it helps you stay organized, avoid last-minute stress, and ensure nothing important is overlooked.

Before You Move

• Apply for the appropriate visa (work, retirement, or family).
• Confirm housing arrangements in Argentina before shipping your belongings.
• Notify your bank, insurance providers, and schools of your relocation.
• Collect important records such as birth certificates, marriage licenses, and school transcripts.
• Book a trusted international moving company like Earthrelo to handle shipping and customs.

Preparing Your Shipment

• Declutter and decide what to bring, sell, or donate.
• Prepare an itemized inventory list for customs clearance.
• Use sturdy, moisture-resistant packing materials for Argentina’s varied climate.
• Clearly label boxes with both English and Spanish descriptions.
• Consider insurance coverage for valuable or fragile items.

Upon Arrival in Argentina

• Register your residence with local authorities if required by your visa.
• Set up local banking and mobile services.
• Research healthcare options and register with a provider.
• Enroll children in local or international schools.
• Learn basic Spanish phrases to ease your day-to-day interactions.