To keep it simple: Article 20 of the Argentine National Constitution states, “los extranjeros obtienen nacionalización residiendo dos años continuos en la Nación” (“foreigners obtain citizenship by residing two continuous years in the Nation”).
This opened a legal loophole that thousands of foreigners—from some of the most remote corners of the world—used to enter Argentina as tourists and then apply for citizenship through the courts. Those not requiring tourist visas often lived in the country about seven months per year, coming and going strategically… just enough to maintain a record of “living” in Argentina and to convince the courts they had arraigo (a Spanish term referring to genuine attachment or ties to the country).
In this context, many foreigners made jokes online about how easy it was to get Argentine citizenship, mocking the system as naive—while presenting themselves as clever masterminds gaming the law. But what’s expected now? If rumors are confirmed, an executive order on migration and citizenship—expected to be released soon—will clarify that “residing two years in the country” means two full years (365 + 365 days).
In other words, the executive order (if it comes) might be read as saying: “Oh, you—the brilliant one trying to invoke Article 20 to gain citizenship while on a tourist visa? OK, here’s your Article 20: live here for two full, continuous years.”
The loophole’s loophole—closed.
Buenos Aires, May 17th, 2025
Photo: Freddy Colmenares : https://www.pexels.com/es-es/foto/avion-sobre-el-panorama-del-parque-de-buenos-aires-32080954/
