Key facts
| Italian descendants | An estimated 20–25 million; over 900,000 Italian citizens live in Argentina. |
|---|---|
| Entering Italy | Visa-free for up to 90 days in any 180 in the Schengen area. |
| ETIAS | No confirmed start date yet (the EU postponed it; expected in 2027). |
| Apostille | Argentine Foreign Ministry (online procedure) or notaries' associations (Colegios de Escribanos). |
| Italian consulates | Buenos Aires, Bahía Blanca, Córdoba, La Plata, Lomas de Zamora, Mar del Plata, Mendoza, Morón and Rosario. |
| Social security | Italy–Argentina agreement: contributions in both countries can be combined for pensions. |
| Driving licence | Argentina is listed among countries whose licences can be converted; we confirm the current agreement and deadline from residence. |
| Working holiday | No agreement with Italy (the official list covers Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea and Hong Kong). |
Italian citizenship for Argentines in 2026
Since 28 March 2025 (Decree-Law 36/2025, Law 74/2025), people born abroad who hold another citizenship only qualify for Italian citizenship by descent if:
- they filed the application or court case by 27 March 2025; or
- a parent or grandparent holds, or held at death, only Italian citizenship; or
- an Italian parent lived in Italy for 2 continuous years after becoming a citizen and before the applicant's birth.
In 2026 the Constitutional Court upheld the reform (judgment 63/2026) and then referred questions to the EU Court of Justice (order 147/2026), so the issue is still open. The Court of Cassation (Joint Sections, judgment 24045/2026) resolved the minor issue favourably: a minor born in a jus soli country did not lose Italian citizenship when the parent naturalised. This matters a lot for cases filed before 2025.
For many Argentines with an Italian great-grandparent or great-great-grandparent, the descent route is now closed unless the case was already filed. If your parent or grandparent was born Italian, we check whether they held only Italian citizenship (for example, if they never naturalised Argentine).
If you no longer qualify by descent
- Citizenship by residence: if a parent or grandparent was an Italian citizen by birth, you can apply after just 2 years of legal residence in Italy (instead of 10), with B1 Italian and sufficient income.
- Work: an offer from an Italian employer under the Decreto Flussi, or the EU Blue Card for qualified professionals.
- Study: a degree or master's in Italy, then conversion to a work permit.
- Digital nomad visa: if you work remotely for foreign clients and earn at least around €28,000 a year.
- Elective residence: for retirees or people with high passive income.
If you already have an Italian passport
- You can live and work in Italy and the whole EU without a visa.
- When you move: residence registration at the Comune, codice fiscale and health service registration. If you were registered with AIRE, the record is updated.
- Your Argentine spouse and children can apply for a residence card as family members of an EU citizen.
- Your Argentine contributions can count towards your pension thanks to the bilateral agreement.
Argentine documents: where to get them
| Document | Where |
|---|---|
| Birth, marriage and death certificates | Provincial Civil Registry (request full, recent copies) |
| Ancestor's certificate of non-naturalisation | National Electoral Chamber (CNE) |
| Criminal record | National Recidivism Registry (Registro Nacional de Reincidencia) |
| Apostille | Foreign Ministry (online) or Colegio de Escribanos |
| Translations | Certified public translator + apostille, or sworn translation (asseverazione) in Italy |
How we help
- We review your family tree and tell you honestly whether your case fits current law.
- We search records in Italian Comuni and correct name discrepancies.
- If descent isn't possible, we plan your move with another visa.
- We support you in Italy: residence, permit, family and work.
Frequently asked questions
My great-grandfather was Italian. Can I still apply?
Under current law, generally not, unless you filed the application or court case before 27/03/2025. It's still worth reviewing: there may be another route, such as residence in Italy with a shorter period for descendants.
My grandfather was born in Italy and never naturalised Argentine. Do I qualify?
That is exactly one of the cases the law keeps: a grandparent who held only Italian citizenship. It must be proven with the non-naturalisation certificate and records.
Can I work in Italy with an Argentine passport?
Only with a work visa (Decreto Flussi or Blue Card). You can't work on a tourist entry.
Is my Argentine university degree valid in Italy?
It can be, but it must be recognised (CIMEA, dichiarazione di valore or equivalence). Regulated professions need Ministry recognition.
Last updated: 2026-10-23. This guide is general information and does not replace a lawyer's advice on your specific case. Italian immigration rules change often.