When thinking about some of the best places to spend time as a digital nomad, Argentina often comes up in conversation. There are many reasons for this, ranging from the country's beauty to the high quality of life that can be attained there.
The great news is that there is an Argentina digital nomad visa, and we will take a closer look at this to understand how to apply and the benefits of doing so.
Established in 2022, the Argentina digital nomad visa, officially called the Transitory Residence Visa, allows remote workers to live and work in Argentina for six months and can be extended up to one year. This can give digital nomads the perfect time to experience life in this beautiful South American country.
The primary spoken language of Argentina is Spanish. Argentina is the country to visit if you have ever wanted to learn how to dance, and Latin dance is everywhere, including Bachata, Flamenco, Tango and Salsa.
Argentina has a well-justified reputation for having a low cost of living, especially outside the major cities, reliable internet, vibrant culture and beautiful cuisine. The climate is also temperate for most of the year, which makes spending time there very rewarding for those who are averse to the cold.
One of the things people associate most strongly with Argentina is wildly passionate football fans, and if you have the chance to go to a match, it is an experience never to be forgotten.
Steak and barbecued meat (Asado) is very common and high-quality. If you are a keen carnivore then you will love the cuisine. Argentinian wine has an excellent reputation internationally as well, should you wish to indulge.
As with more digital nomad visas, Argentina expects you to have a minimum level of income every month.
This is so they can be sure that you will not need the assistance of the state in order to survive.
There is no officially-stated amount for this in Argentina, but it is thought to be around $2,500 per month in stable income.
You will need to provide proof of your income, including bank statements and proof of employment, such as freelance contracts.
Like most countries with digital nomad visas, Argentina requires you to have a clean criminal record.
You will also need to hold a valid passport which remains valid until the end of your proposed stay in the country.
You should have insurance in case you require medical care during the course of your stay in Argentina.
You may also be asked for your CV or resume and proof that you work in a field where remote work is possible. You will need to prove that your main income source comes from outside the country.
It is possible to fill out the application online on the Argentinian immigration website. You should ensure that you have all of the relevant documents to hand in a digital format to include with your application.
It is easy to apply online and to pay the fee of around $120 in the first instance. If you need to attend a consulate with your documents, it will cost a further $80 as a consulate fee.
There are many benefits of the Argentina digital nomad visa and one of the largest is that it allows you to live in this beautiful, diverse country for an extended period of time.
You will be able to immerse yourself in a vibrant culture and maintain a lifestyle that is high-quality and interesting.
If you take the six-month option without renewing, you won’t have to interact with the Argentinian tax system at all, as they have double taxation agreements with many countries. As long as you don’t stay for more than six months and, therefore, become a “tax resident”, you will continue paying your normal rate of tax from your country of residence.
Argentina, in general, is one of the more affordable places to stay. City Centre accommodation in the capital city of Buenos Aires is more expensive, as you would expect. Rental prices of $200-$300 for a month outside the centre aren’t uncommon.
Which visa type is best for digital nomads in Argentina?
The Transitory Residence Visa is the name of the visa that is most commonly used for digital nomads. It lasts for six months, and can be renewed for up to a year in total. It is not as long as many other digital nomad visas but should allow for a good taster of what life is like in Argentina, should you wish to look at other options to live there in the future.
Does an Argentina digital nomad visa lead to permanent residency?
No, the digital nomad visa has no route to permanent Argentinian residency. It is a short visa with little scope to renew, so this is not entirely surprising in the circumstances. There are other visa options that you can pursue if you wish to obtain permanent residency in the future.
Do digital nomads pay taxes in Argentina?
If digital nomads don’t renew their Transitory Residence visa, there should be no reason to pay taxes in Argentina. Unless your stay exceeds six months, you will not be eligible to pay tax in the country. This is because Argentina has “double-taxation” agreements with many countries. You will still have to pay tax in the country where you are normally tax resident.
How much is the digital nomad visa in Argentina?
The digital nomad visa for Argentina costs around $200 in total. This includes the application fee of $120 that is payable at the initial online application stage and the $80 consulate fee that is paid when you visit an Argentinian Embassy or Consulate to complete the visa application process in person.
How Long Is the Argentina Digital Nomad Visa Valid?
The Argentina Digital Nomad Visa is valid for six months and can then be extended for a further six months, provided that you still meet all of the relevant criteria to apply for it. It is one of the shorter digital nomad visas that is on offer. Most can be extended into multiple years.
What Are the Income Requirements for the Argentina Digital Nomad Visa?
It is recommended that you can prove a steady monthly income of at least $2,500 when you apply for the Argentina digital nomad visa. These are not official requirements, but visa experts agree that this is the amount of money that you should be aiming for in order to apply successfully.
What Are the Living Costs and Safety Levels in Argentina for Digital Nomads?
Living costs are generally quite low, and most digital nomads can live comfortably in Argentina for around $1,000 - $1,500 per month. Accommodation isn’t very expensive, and a one-bedroom apartment can be rented for a month for around $200-$300. Accommodation can be even less expensive in some of the rural regions.
Are There Digital Nomad Communities in Argentina?
Yes, there are digital nomad communities all over the world. The best way to find them is to look for relevant Facebook groups, where details of WhatsApp or Slack channels will be available. Joining these can be an invaluable way of navigating a new country, as well as meeting like-minded people and making friends.