Maintaining permanent residency under new rules

[cordoba760]

Hi, good afternoon, and apologies if this is topic already asked elsewhere and I wasn't able to find the answer. This is a question regarding if my permanent residency is still active.

I had a legal permanent residency from 2020 to 2024, and back in 2024, in order to maintain it, you only had to be present for 1 day per 24 months. As I've recently read, as of May 2025, that window has been shortened to 12 months. I had last been in Argentina in 2024, and I had been planning to return to Argentina to maintain the residency, but it has now been more than 12 months since May of 2025, yet less than 24 months since I had last been in the country (which was OK under old rules).

My question is if I am in a codified "grandfathered in" status, since I would still be a permanent resident under the old rules, or if I am unequivocally back in 'tourist' category, enforcement questions aside. If I am strictly or likely a "tourist" now, I would likely not make a trip back this year. Thanks everyone for your input.

 

[El_fuego]

i think nobody knows yet, not enough anecdotes. if you try it, let us know. the data is valuable.

 

[Johngwyn]

Hi, good afternoon, and apologies if this is topic already asked elsewhere and I wasn't able to find the answer. This is a question regarding if my permanent residency is still active.

I had a legal permanent residency from 2020 to 2024, and back in 2024, in order to maintain it, you only had to be present for 1 day per 24 months. As I've recently read, as of May 2025, that window has been shortened to 12 months. I had last been in Argentina in 2024, and I had been planning to return to Argentina to maintain the residency, but it has now been more than 12 months since May of 2025, yet less than 24 months since I had last been in the country (which was OK under old rules).

My question is if I am in a codified "grandfathered in" status, since I would still be a permanent resident under the old rules, or if I am unequivocally back in 'tourist' category, enforcement questions aside. If I am strictly or likely a "tourist" now, I would likely not make a trip back this year. Thanks everyone for your input.

There is no such thing as the western grandfather rules, it's all about practicality.
Check your DNI status on migracion web first, as suggested by Argentine gov during the pandemic,
If you see the status is good, then you're good to come back, else not.

 

[cordoba760]

Latest update - I just returned from Argentina after being away for nearly 2 years, and both on entry and leaving, I didn't receive any commentary regarding my DNI, seemed like everything was 'normal'. Didn't apply for any services (bank or phone), so I can't comment on if it would have been valid in those situations.
Is this a case of loose enforcement? Or bureaucracy not being efficiently lined up. Unclear. In any case, all seemed to be green for now.
Which under my interpretation, I'd say I am likely still considered a resident for now and able to use in that capacity, but as always.. if you risk doing the same thing that I did, coming back only once every 2 years, YMMV.

 

[Frank2000]

The current rules (for permanent residency), established by Decree 366/2025, differentiate between "old" and "new" residents:

• Residencies granted BEFORE May 28, 2025: You can remain outside Argentina for up to two (2) consecutive years.
• Residencies granted AFTER May 28, 2025: You can remain outside the country for only one (1) consecutive year.
  
  
  Quinterno & Fidanza +2

 

[Frank2000]

• Prior Authorization: If you plan a prolonged absence that may exceed these limits, you must request prior authorization from the DNM before leaving.

 

[Utopos]

While having permanent residency, I left Argentina from 2016-2022 (visiting only briefly in mid-2019). My permanent residency has never been questioned, at Ezeiza or anywhere else since. Rules change... I do not know about enforcement.

 

[FrankPintor]

I would suggest setting up a Mi Argentina account via the iPhone / Android app. If the process doesn't work (and you can also set up a digital DNI in the app) then something's wrong. You can also get support in the app if something doesn't work, the support team are reasonably responsive.

It's useful for keeping various kinds of personal information in one place.