In our tour of citizenship laws in various Latin American countries, we now turn our attention to Argentina. Argentina is a nation of immigrants and this reflects in their rather liberal citizenship laws. The laws are such as to encourage people to adopt Argentine citizenship. Of course in practice, it may be different, but at least the law seems rather straightforward.
CITIZENSHIP: (IPE) Argentine citizenship is based upon Argentine Citizenship Law #346.
BY BIRTH:
- Child born in the territory of the Republic of Argentina, except to accredited ministers of foreign powers registered in Argentina.
- Child born in Argentine Legations or warship.
- Child born in neutral waters on ships flying the Argentine flag.
BY DESCENT: Child born abroad to parents, both of whom are Argentine citizens.
BY NATURALIZATION: Argentine citizenship can be applied for in two ways:
- Person must reside within the Republic for at least two years.
- Person must have married an Argentine citizen. (This does not automatically confer citizenship, and spouse must still fulfill the two year residency requirement.)
DUAL CITIZENSHIP: NOT RECOGNIZED.
Exception: Two groups are recognized as dual citizens. The first are children (18 and under), born abroad, who acquire citizenship of birth country. Upon reaching maturity at age 18, however, a declaration of allegiance must be made to one country. Also, citizens of Spain can hold dual citizenship per agreement with Argentina.
LOSS OF CITIZENSHIP:
VOLUNTARY: Per Argentine consular office, citizenship can only be renounced in the capital, Buenos Aires. Papers must be signed at the police station and then the individual must appear before a judge where the renunciation must be accepted by the Argentine government.
INVOLUNTARY: The following are grounds for involuntary loss of Argentine citizenship:
- Person acquires other foreign citizenship, and does not fall under the protected categories listed under “Dual Citizenship.”
- Person accepts employment or honors from a foreign government without Congress’ permission.
- Person commits fraudulent bankruptcy or has an infamous sentence passed against them.
ANY QUESTIONS concerning citizenship, or requests for renunciation of citizenship, should be sent to the address below:
The Embassy of the Argentine Republic
Consular Section
1600 New Hampshire Ave., NW
Washington, DC 20009
Embassy Telephone: 202-238-6400
Consular Telephone: 202-238-6460/63/64
Fax: 202-238-6471
