The Rentista Visa for UK Citizens: Passive Income Residency
The Rentista visa is for people with passive income who want to live in Argentina. Here's how UK citizens qualify, apply, and what counts as passive income.
Rosie CarterFounding editor, Brits in Argentina · Palermo, Buenos Aires, Argentina
The Rentista is Argentina's most established residency route. If you have regular income that doesn't require you to work, this is your visa.
The Rentista visa is Argentina's long-standing residency route for people who can support themselves without working in Argentina. It's the visa British retirees use, but it's also used by landlords living on rental income, investors living on dividends, and anyone else with a reliable passive income stream.
It's distinct from the Rentista Digital (digital nomad visa), which is for remote workers. The Rentista requires passive income.
What Counts as Passive Income?
Qualifying income:
- UK State Pension
- Private pension annuities
- Rental income from UK property
- Investment dividends
- Trust distributions
Does NOT qualify:
- Salary from remote work
- Self-employment income
- One-off lump sums
Income Requirements
Argentina does not publish a fixed minimum income for the Rentista visa. Based on recent successful applications:
- Single applicant: £800-1,500/month
- Couple: £1,200-2,000/month
- Family with children: £1,500-2,500/month
The Application Process
Option A: Via the Argentine Consulate in London
Address: 27 Three Kings Yard, Davies Street, London W1K 4DF
Phone: 020 7318 1340
Documents required:
- Valid UK passport
- Birth certificate (apostilled)
- Marriage certificate if applicable (apostilled)
- ACRO Police Certificate (apostilled, valid 6 months)
- Proof of passive income (6-12 months of bank statements)
- Health insurance covering Argentina
Process:
- Book an appointment (can take 2-4 weeks)
- Attend in person with original documents
- Pay visa fee (approximately £150-200)
- Wait 3-12 months for processing
- Receive visa in passport
- Complete registration at Migraciones within 30 days
Option B: Via RADEX (Online)
If you're already in Argentina on a tourist visa, you can apply via RADEX.
Costs
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Document preparation | £200-350 |
| Consulate visa fee | £150-200 |
| Health insurance (1 year) | £960-2,400 |
| Total first year | £1,310-2,950 |
The Rentista vs. the Digital Nomad Visa
| Feature | Rentista | Rentista Digital |
|---|---|---|
| Income type | Passive only | Remote employment OK |
| Min income | £800-1,500/mo | £1,500-2,500/mo |
| Best for | Retirees, landlords, investors | Remote workers, freelancers |
Worth reading next
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Rentista visa for Argentina?
The Rentista visa is a temporary residency permit for people with regular passive income (pension, rental income, investments) of roughly £800-1,500/month. It's valid for 1 year, renewable, and after 2 years you can apply for permanent residency.
Can I work remotely on the Rentista visa?
Technically no — the Rentista requires passive income. If you're working remotely, the Rentista Digital (digital nomad visa) is the appropriate route.
How long does the Rentista visa application take?
Document preparation takes 6-10 weeks. Consulate processing takes 3-12 months. Total timeline is typically 5-14 months. Start early, especially for document apostilles.
Sources & Links
Further reading — legal & visa
We cover the lifestyle side. When it comes to visas, residency, and the paperwork — these guides from Lucero Legal are the most thorough we've found.
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