Argentina has officially stepped into a new era of immigration reform — and for foreign nationals dreaming of Argentine citizenship, this is big news.
Starting 6 October 2025, Argentina rolled out a brand-new online system for applying for citizenship by naturalization, marking one of the most significant modernization moves in its immigration framework in years. This reform reshapes how citizenship applications are handled and makes the journey toward becoming an Argentine citizen faster, clearer, and more transparent — especially for applicants preparing their move or status change in 2026.
What Exactly Changed in Argentina’s Citizenship Process?
Under Decree 366/2025, Argentina has officially removed citizenship by naturalization from the National Judiciary’s jurisdiction. Instead, the entire process is now handled by the National Directorate of Migration (Dirección Nacional de Migraciones – DNM).
For applicants, this means one powerful shift:
Citizenship applications are now initiated 100% online through the DNM’s official platform, rather than through lengthy court procedures.
This digital process is launched via the RaDEX system, the same platform already used for immigration and residency applications — creating a single, unified pathway from residency to citizenship.
Who Can Apply Under the New 2026 Process?
The new online citizenship pathway is open to foreign nationals who:
- Are 18 years or older
- Hold temporary or permanent residency in Argentina
- Are physically present in Argentina at the time of application
- Meet the conditions set out in Article 2, Section 1 of Citizenship Law No. 346, as amended
- Intend to acquire Argentine citizenship through naturalization
This reform is particularly relevant for long-term residents, skilled workers, professionals, digital nomads who transitioned to residency, and families planning permanent settlement in Argentina.
Documents Required to Start the Application
To initiate the citizenship by naturalization process through the DNM, applicants must prepare the following core documents:
- Argentine National Identity Document (DNI)
- Updated Criminal Record Certificate issued by the National Recidivism Registry
- Proof of occupation or lawful means of livelihood
- CUIT or CUIL certificate (tax and social identification number)
Applicants should note that while these documents are required to begin the process, the DNM may request additional supporting documentation depending on individual circumstances.
Why This Is Excellent News for Future Applicants?
This reform isn’t just administrative — it’s transformative. By centralizing residency and citizenship under one authority, Argentina aims to improve:
- Processing efficiency
- Security and data accuracy
- Transparency and traceability
- Overall applicant experience
For migrants, this means fewer bureaucratic loops, no court dependency, and a process managed entirely by the same institution that already holds their immigration history. For Argentina, it reduces judicial workload while aligning the country with global best practices in digital public services.
What Applicants Should Do Next?
If you are planning to apply for Argentine citizenship through naturalization, now is the time to:
- Review your residency status and eligibility
- Organize required documentation early
- Ensure you are physically present in Argentina when applying
- Understand timelines and compliance obligations under the new system
While professional guidance can be helpful in complex cases, the redesigned system is clearly built to make the process simpler, more intuitive, and more transparent for applicants themselves.