Residence Registration in Argentina: Radicación (2026)

Residence Registration in Argentina: What Radicación Is

Residence registration in Argentina is known as radicación: the formal process of registering your residency with the Dirección Nacional de Migraciones. It is the step that turns an intention to stay into a legal residency status and, ultimately, a DNI.

It applies whether you qualify by Mercosur nationality or through a category like rentista or pensionado.

Starting in RADEX

Most of the process runs through RADEX, the online radicación system. You create a file, enter your details and category, upload your documents and pay the fees, then book an in-person appointment.

Getting the document set right the first time is the key to avoiding delays.

Documents to Prepare

Originals plus apostilled, translated copies.

The Precaria and Your Appointment

After you submit, Migraciones issues a residencia precaria — a temporary certificate that legalises your stay and lets you operate while the file is decided. It is renewable if processing runs long.

At your appointment your documents are checked and biometrics taken.

From Residency to DNI

Once your temporary residency is approved, you obtain your DNI from RENAPER using the residency resolution and a local address. The card is delivered to that address.

Keep your precaria until the DNI is in hand.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

The frequent missteps are uploading documents that are not apostilled or not translated by a sworn (público) translator, and letting the precaria lapse instead of renewing it.

Start gathering home-country police records and civil certificates early, since apostilles can take weeks, and keep digital copies of everything you submit in RADEX.

Do not begin a lease or job that strictly needs the DNI before it is issued — operate from the precaria where allowed, and confirm what each counterparty will accept.

Timelines and Tips

Timelines vary with category and office workload, from a few weeks to several months. Prepare apostilles early, keep certified translations ready, and consider a local immigration lawyer for complex cases.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is radicación in Argentina?

Radicación is the formal residence-registration process with the Dirección Nacional de Migraciones that grants your residency status and leads to your DNI.

What is RADEX?

RADEX is the online system where you file your radicación: upload documents, pay fees and book your Migraciones appointment.

What is a residencia precaria?

A temporary certificate Migraciones issues after you file, which legalises your stay while your residency is processed. It is renewable.

What documents do I need?

Passport, apostilled and translated civil documents (birth/marriage), police records, proof of your category (income, pension, job or nationality) and a local address.

When do I get my DNI?

After your temporary residency is approved, RENAPER issues the DNI using the residency resolution and your address. Keep your precaria until then.

How long does it take?

From a few weeks to several months depending on category and office. Preparing apostilles and translations early avoids the worst delays.

Next in the series

• 03 — Residency in Argentina: Visas Explained
• 02 — Your DNI and CUIL
• 05 — Open a Bank Account in Argentina