With the official statement No. 99, Argentina’s presidential office announced a new decree aimed to enact a stricter immigration policy. The new decree tightens the requirements for permanent residency and citizenship, as well as temporary residency of foreigners.
Main immigration updates
The Decree of Necessity and Urgency (DNU) 366/2025 has introduced key changes in the Argentine immigration policy.
First, it applied new entry restrictions and expedited deportation process. Specifically, no foreign national with a criminal conviction will be allowed to enter the country. Furthermore, any foreigner committing a crime in Argentina will be automatically deported, regardless of the severity of their offense.
Secondly, it implemented stricter requirements for permanent residency and citizenship. In fact, applicants now need to prove two years of continuous residence in Argentina, without interruptions or extended absences from the country. Moreover, authorities will strengthen checks to ensure that permanent residency applicants have resided in the country for the required period.
Finally, it affected access to public services for non-residents. Temporary residents will no longer have free access to the public healthcare system. Furthermore, national universities may increase tuition fees to temporary residents.
Consequences
The new immigration policy reflects the aim to prioritize services for citizens and legal residents.
As a result, foreign nationals already in the country and affected by the new decree may have to face a decision on whether to remain in Argentina. Moreover, companies wishing to send foreign employees on assignment must first assess the implication that the new decree will have on their employees.
To conclude, on one side it becomes important to carefully plan each assignment to Argentina. On the other side, it is worth to remind that Argentina is one of the countries that signed a social security agreement with Italy. The agreement has been in force since January, 1st 1984 and it applies to all workers, regardless of their nationality, who can claim insurance periods in Italy and Argentina.
