I didn't see the words " IMMIGRATION OFFICER DISCRETION" in the information regarding temporary residency requirements on the migraciones website. I believe that exp<b></b>ression applies to border agents allowing or denying entry into Argentina, not the immigration officials deciding whether or not to grant residency.
I also use the descriptive words ¨perma-tourist¨ and ¨fake tourist¨ to drive a point home, even if they are not found on the migraciones website.
Of course the $8000 pesos figure meant much more when the peso was 4 to 1 with the dollar. it meant that migraciones was requiring a monthly foreign income of about $2000 USD. Everyone knows the cost of living in Argentina has increased dramatically in the past three years. The $8000 figure may still be there, but the key phrase in the regulations/decree is that the foreigner must prove "that the amount of income that is sufficient to provide for their maintenance and their primary family group" (while living in Argentina).
They didn´t ask .me if I have kids, or how many, if I´m married or divorced, or cost of living, ... nothing of the sort.
They have no DISCRETION on the $8000, .. they have no opinion, they don´t estimate or evaluate what it SHOULD be on an individual basis . They have to verify if the source is acceptable, if it´s laundry, ... etc
Unless/until someone who recently was granted a visa rentista or pensionado can "attest" that it is still possible for an individual to obtain temporary residency with a foreign income equivalent to $800 pesos per month, anyone who is "planning" on applying for a rentista or pensionado visa would be well advised not to go to all the trouble of getting their documents together an/or moving to Argentina unless they have a foreign income equivalent to the amount of $2200 USD per month.
Rentistas: go in person and ask the Immigration Officer (¨HIM/HERSELF¨, not the information desk clerk).
Catch him nicely when he is fooling around, and not busy. ...... 2 of them answered me, $8000 pesos firm. no ifs, no buts ....
Hard to believe but .... IT¨S TRUE.
PS: I know one expat who recently obtained citizenship took that route because her retirement (US Social Security) income was well below the $2000per month level and could not get a visa pensionado as a result.
I personally know some one who obtained Pensionado Residency for a little less $1100 USD, .. it is ME: