Blog · 2024-02-26

Giving birth in Argentina in 2025: the pros and cons of one of the most popular destinations

More and more expectant parents are exploring the option of giving birth abroad. Argentina - a country with a strong healthcare system and a welcoming attitude toward foreigners - has become one of the most popular destinations. But like any major decision, having a baby here comes with its own advantages and drawbacks. Let's look at both.

The upsides of giving birth in Argentina

Citizenship for the child

A child born on Argentine soil is automatically entitled to claim citizenship. That makes them the holder of one of the world's strongest passports, which brings:

Visa-free entry to more than 170 countries, including the Schengen Area, the United Kingdom, Japan and others.
The ability to settle in a country with a relatively low cost of living.
Access to quality healthcare (Argentina ranks 33rd in the world by healthcare index).
A favorable tax framework.
Faster visa processing for the US and Canada, plus eligibility for the US E-2 business visa.
No military conscription.
No double taxation.

Immediate citizenship rights for the parents

Parents don't have to wait or live in the country for any set period before they can obtain citizenship.

2025 update

Until recently, having a child in Argentina also opened doors for the parents: a foreign mother, father and older children automatically qualified for permanent residency. However, following a new decree issued on 29 May 2025, the parents of Argentine citizens no longer receive permanent residency automatically. They can now apply only for temporary residency, and permanent residency requires proof of sufficient income to live on and a clean criminal record. If a permanent resident stays outside the country for more than a year, the status is revoked. Temporary residents may leave the country for no more than six months at a time. Citizenship applications can now be filed only by those who have lived in Argentina for at least two years without leaving its territory.

Dual citizenship is allowed

Argentina permits its citizens to hold dual nationality.

A high standard of healthcare

Argentina offers a high level of medical care and a wide choice of hospitals for childbirth, and local doctors are attentive and competent.

Visa-free entry for Russian citizens

Before the birth, you can travel to the country freely and get a feel for it before making a final decision.

Affordable services

Compared with the US, Canada or Europe, medical care in Argentina costs less while remaining competitive in quality.

The downsides of giving birth in Argentina

A long wait for citizenship for your other children

Children born outside Argentina can only obtain the country's passport once they come of age (18).

The language barrier

While some doctors speak English, Spanish remains the main language of communication, which can create certain difficulties.

Argentine citizenship cannot be renounced

Argentine citizenship is irrevocable - it cannot be given up.

Choosing where to give birth is a serious decision for any family. Having a baby in Argentina can be a wonderful experience thanks to the high standard of medical care, the country's hospitality, and the appealing prospect of citizenship for both child and parents. It's worth weighing all the pros and cons carefully and taking the country's linguistic and cultural specifics into account in order to make the right choice.

FAQ

Does a baby born in Argentina get citizenship?

Yes, a child born on Argentine soil is entitled to citizenship regardless of the parents' status. The passport gives visa-free access to more than 170 countries, including the Schengen area, the UK and Japan, and makes US and Canadian visas easier to obtain.

What do the parents get after a birth in Argentina?

Parents of an Argentine child used to receive permanent residency automatically, but the decree of 29 May 2025 ended that. They can now apply for temporary residency, and permanent status requires proof of sufficient income and a clean criminal record. Citizenship applications are open only to those who have lived in the country for two years without leaving.

Do you need a visa to travel to Argentina to give birth?

Russian citizens do not need a visa to enter, so you can fly in and look around before committing to anything. That makes it easy to visit hospitals and neighbourhoods first and decide on the spot.

Can you renounce Argentine citizenship?

No, Argentine citizenship is irrevocable and cannot be given up. The country does allow dual citizenship, so keeping other passports is fine. Bear this in mind if you plan to naturalize later in a country with strict single-citizenship rules.

Will older siblings get citizenship too?

Children born outside Argentina do not receive a passport automatically. Under the rules they can only claim citizenship once they come of age at 18. For families, this is one of the biggest drawbacks of the birth tourism route.

Is giving birth in Argentina expensive?

Medical care in Argentina costs noticeably less than in the US, Canada or Europe while staying competitive in quality, and the country ranks 33rd in the world on the healthcare index. There is a wide choice of hospitals, but Spanish is the working language and English-speaking doctors are not available everywhere.

Don’t want to figure this out alone?

We handle the whole process end to end: we check your documents, match a program to your situation and give you honest timelines and costs. Leave your details and a migration expert will get back to you. The first consultation is free.