Well, where do I start....

[steveinbsas]

PS: I started using Western Union in 2019 when their exchange rate almost doubled overnight. Before that I used XOOM and WISE, but even once since then.

Should have been "but NOT even once since then."

 

[Ries]

Actually, whether they call it that or not, there IS such a thing as a temporary DNI. Migraciones has issued me a one year temporary DNI for the last 3 years.
Only after completing 3 years of annually renewable pensionista was I eligible to apply for, and get, a permanent DNI.
Which, like most things with the Argentine government, isnt exactly what it sounds like. Last I checked it’s actually only good for 15 years. But that could change tomorrow…

 

[JJWilliam]

Actually, whether they call it that or not, there IS such a thing as a temporary DNI. Migraciones has issued me a one year temporary DNI for the last 3 years.
Only after completing 3 years of annually renewable pensionista was I eligible to apply for, and get, a permanent DNI.
Which, like most things with the Argentine government, isnt exactly what it sounds like. Last I checked it’s actually only good for 15 years. But that could change tomorrow…

Good to know. 15 years..., 5 years, 2 years.. I can work with that, as long as there are options somehow.

 

[lunar]

Only after completing 3 years of annually renewable pensionista was I eligible to apply for, and get, a permanent DNI.
Which, like most things with the Argentine government, isnt exactly what it sounds like. Last I checked it’s actually only good for 15 years.

I don't think there is such a thing as a permanent DNI. Even Argentine citizens have to renew their DNIs every 15 years.
Residence status is called permanent, not the DNI. Permanent residence allows you to obtain a DNI and renew it for as long as you remain a permanent resident.

 

[steveinbsas]

Hopefully, you will be able to apply for temporary residency (the visa pensiona) based only on your Social Security income.

You will automatically recieve your DNI after your temporary residency is granted. You won't need to do anything else to get it

Prior to that, migraciones will issue a precaria. If they require you to start making monthly transfers into an Argentine bank account, you would need to get a temporary CUIL from ANSES. There is no such thing as a temporary DNI (in case you read that in another thread).

You should be able to open a bank account with the precaria and the temporary CUIL (which will change when you get your DNI). Then (I believe) you will have to notify the bank of the new CUIL.

After migraciones accepts all of the required docs for temporary residency (and after the in person interview?), they will issue the precaria. They will not issue a "temporary DNI" as the temporary residency must actually be approved before a DNI will be issued by RENAPER.

The DNI will be good for one year if it is based on temporary residency tied to passive foreign income. There nothing "wrong" with.calling it a "temporary DNI" but that isn't "precise" terminology and might be unintentionally confusing. This DNI does expire when the temporary residency expires and a new DNI will be issued if the temporary residency is renewed, what some (imprecicely) refer to as renewing their DNI.

In contrast, permanent residency itself does not expire, but the DNI card must be renewed after 15 years. In that sense, there is no "permanent" DNI.

I made the above post in the context of the OP's question about navagating the system, wanting to provide clear and accurate information about how to open a bank account in Argentina and start making monthly transfers to be able to comply with the rules prior to being granted temporary residency and then recieving a DNI that will expire when the temporary residency expires.

I wrote that post based on information from memory. I just asked Google AI about it and got this reply:

"Yes, that information is entirely correct: you can get a temporary CUIL from ANSES while your residency is in progress, and it will significantly improve your chances of opening a bank account. In fact, combining a temporary CUIL with your Residencia Precaria is the most effective legal pathway to open an account before your physical DNI arrives

What is a Temporary CUIL? A CUIL (Código Único de Identificación Laboral) is an Argentine labor identification number. If you don't have a DNI yet, ANSES (the Social Security Agency) can issue a "CUIL Provisorio" (Provisional CUIL).This code legally registers you within the government system, proving to banks that you have an open, valid immigration file with Migraciones.

How to Get Your Temporary CUIL (Step-by-Step)

Wait for your Precaria: You must first start your residency process and obtain your Residencia Precaria certificate from Migraciones.

Go to ANSES: Visit any physical ANSES Office in person. No appointment (turno) is required for this specific procedure; it is handled on a first-come, first-served basis.

Bring Documents: You must present your valid Passport and your Residencia Precaria (bring the originals and physical photocopies of both).

Instant Issuance: The agent will process your information and print out your Constancia de CUIL Provisorio on the spot.

Taking it to the Bank: Equipped with your Passport, Residencia Precaria, and the ANSES CUIL certificate, your banking options widen considerably:

State-Owned Banks: Head directly to a physical branch of a public bank like ⁠Banco Nación (BNA) or ⁠Banco Ciudad. Ask explicitly for a "Caja de ahorros para inmigrantes" (Immigrant Savings Account).The "Manager" Protocol: Front-desk bank tellers frequently reject paperwork without a standard DNI out of habit or lack of training.

If a teller refuses your Precaria and CUIL, politely ask to speak with the branch manager. Managers are highly trained in Central Bank regulation ⁠#TodosCuentan, which legally mandates public banks to offer free basic accounts to documented migrants.

Fintech/Digital Wallets: Some digital apps, such as ⁠Prex Argentina, allow you to upload a Precaria and a tax/labor code directly into their platform to bypass traditional bank queues.

(Note: Once your final DNI card arrives, you must return to ANSES to link your temporary CUIL to your permanent DNI so you do not lose your financial history or future tax contributions)."