Moving to Argentina from Australia
Australians can enter Argentina visa-free for up to 90 days, then apply for residence from inside the country through Migraciones' online system. Before you fly, get an AFP police certificate with an apostille, decide what happens to your tax residency, super and HELP debt, and work out how you'll move dollars cheaply.
- Visa-free stay
- Up to 90 days
- Residence fee
- ARS 100,000
- Behind Sydney
- 13–14 hours
- 1-bed rent, centre
- ≈ AUD 1,070
Checked 29 September 2026. Fees and prices change often; each guide links the official source.
The move, in order
Eight steps, from the first visa question to your first month in Buenos Aires.
- 1Before you bookCheck how you'll enterAustralian ordinary-passport holders can visit Argentina visa-free for up to 90 days, with an extension of up to a similar period available through Migraciones before permission expires. The old reciprocity fee remains suspended; bring proof of departure within the initial stay.
- 2Three to six months outChoose your residence categoryAustralians can apply for Argentine temporary residence through qualifying income, employment, study, family ties or investment; permanent residence by arraigo normally requires three years of temporary residence. The RaDEX residence charge for an Australian is 100 UMSM (ARS 100,000 under the September 2026 fee schedule).
- 3Two to three months outGet your police check, apostilles and translationsFor an Argentine residence application, obtain the appropriate AFP National Police Certificate, have the Australian document apostilled by DFAT, then arrange a Spanish sworn translation and Colegio legalisation. Your residence category determines which records DNM needs.
- 4Before you leaveSort out tax, super and HELPMoving to Argentina does not automatically end Australian tax residency. The ATO applies four tests, and a change partway through the Australian income year can affect your tax-free threshold and capital gains.
- 5Before you leaveSet up how you'll move moneyFor AUD 1,000, Wise’s 29 September 2026 mid-market quote implies ARS 1,066,430 before fees; it does not establish a Wise payout. Compare a fully specified net ARS quote from each transfer service before sending.
- 6Six to eight weeks outBook flights and ship what you needFor a move from Australia to Argentina, Sydney–Santiago–Buenos Aires is an advertised connection on Qantas/LATAM networks, not a Qantas-operated nonstop to Buenos Aires. Confirm the operating carrier, baggage agreement and Buenos Aires arrival airport before paying.
- 7Your first weeksFind somewhere to liveStart with a furnished temporary rental whose written agreement states the stay dates, total charges, cancellation terms and deposit return. Inspect permanent-home leases in person before committing to a longer term.
- 8Your first monthFile for residence, then get your DNI, SIM and bankGet a passport-activated local SIM and SUBE card first; if you qualify for residence, file through RaDEX while physically in Argentina. Your precaria is provisional permission, not your DNI.
What a month costs, in AUD
For one person, rent, coffee, groceries, transport, a gym and a phone plan come to about AUD 1,470 a month in Buenos Aires, against about AUD 4,300 in Sydney. September 2026 prices.
Compare costs by city| Monthly, in AUD | Sydney | Buenos Aires |
|---|---|---|
| One-bedroom flat, city centre | AUD 3,672 | AUD 1,067 |
| Draught beer, about 500 ml | AUD 11.00 | AUD 5.27 |
| Cappuccino | AUD 5.65 | AUD 5.55 |
| Gym membership | AUD 111 | AUD 71 |
Browse by topic
- Visas and residency8 guidesEntry as a tourist, the visas and residence permits open to Australians, and the documents each one needs.
- Tax, super and retirement6 guidesLeaving Australia for tax, the Australia–Argentina tax treaty, super, the Age Pension and HELP debt.
- Money and banking3 guidesMoving AUD to Argentina, exchange rates, bank accounts and the tax ID you need to open one.
- Renting and buying3 guidesRenting in Argentina as a foreigner, the neighbourhoods Australians pick, and buying property.
- Healthcare and insurance3 guidesPrivate health plans, public hospitals, and what Medicare no longer covers once you leave.
- Flights, shipping and pets6 guidesGetting from Australia to Argentina, shipping belongings, and taking a pet in both directions.
When to bring in a lawyer
A residence application, a property purchase or a contract in Spanish is worth a professional review. For immigration and property in Argentina we recommend Lucero Legal in Buenos Aires.