Minor travel and citizenship

In Argentina, foreign minors cannot automatically obtain citizenship solely through their parents' naturalization process. Citizenship is an individual legal act usually requiring adulthood. While parents obtaining citizenship can grant their children permanent residency, the children generally must wait until they are 18 to apply for citizenship themselves, unless born in Argentina.

For a minor (e.g., 16 years old) traveling domestically within Argentina in the company of adults who are not their legal parents or guardians, an official "доверенность на сопровождение" (power of attorney for accompaniment) from the parents is mandatory. This document is frequently verified by law enforcement and other authorities. A simple handwritten note is unlikely to be sufficient; a legally prepared and potentially notarized document is strongly advised to avoid issues.

An apostille is required on a birth certificate for international travel if a child was born in another country and has resided in Argentina for over a year, as they fall under local jurisdiction. The apostille must be issued by the country that issued the original document. Procedures for obtaining an apostille can take approximately 3 business days via TAD (electronic system) or about a week through a notary. If the child was born in Argentina, local authorities can issue the apostille.

A child born in Argentina does not grant automatic citizenship to parents, but it serves as a significant legal argument to facilitate the process of naturalization for parents under general regulations.

As of May 2025, the process for obtaining Argentine citizenship, particularly for parents of children born in Argentina, has been significantly tightened. Currently, older children of individuals applying for citizenship do not automatically receive citizenship; they are granted temporary residence (DNI). The process for parents to obtain citizenship through the birth of a child is effectively 'frozen' (en стопе). Courts are generally not moving against the presidential decree. While some highly specific cases (e.g., for entrepreneurs with legal assistance) might initiate the process, successful naturalization is rare. The temporary residence permit (precaria) is now issued for one month, requiring monthly renewal at the immigration office with a rental agreement. Other paths to citizenship, such as through education, are also impacted by these freezes.

Obtaining Argentine DNI (national identity document) and passports for children can be a lengthy process. While specific timelines were not provided, it's implied that the process is not immediate. Obtaining citizenship for parents might offer a pathway to faster document acquisition for children.