Blog · 2025-04-27

How to get a Certificado de Domicilio in Argentina: a step-by-step guide for foreigners

The Certificado de Domicilio is an official document that confirms your residential address in Argentina. You will need it for most legal and administrative procedures, including obtaining a temporary ID (Precaria), a tax number (CUIL), opening a bank account, getting a driver's licence, and applying for residency.

Why do you need a Certificado de Domicilio?

This document is required to:

obtain a Precaria and temporary residency;
get a CUIL, your unique tax identification number;
open an account at an Argentine bank;
register with ANSES (the national social security administration);
apply for a driver's licence;
sign rental agreements and other legal contracts;
submit applications to various government agencies.

Without a Certificado de Domicilio, most official procedures in Argentina simply cannot be started.

How to get a Certificado de Domicilio: a step-by-step guide

1. Prepare the required documents

To submit your application you will need:

your passport (original and a copy);
a rental contract, a booking confirmation from a platform such as Airbnb, or a written statement from your landlord;
utility bills (if available) showing your name and address.

In some cases you may be asked for additional documents proving that you live at the stated address.

2. Visit your local police station (Comisaría)

Find the police station (Comisaría) nearest to your home and go there in person. There you will be asked to fill in an application for the Certificado de Domicilio. State the purpose of the document on the form, for example "para ANSES" or "para migraciones".

After you submit the application, several things may happen:

address check: an officer may visit your home to confirm that you live there;
same-day issuance: in some cases the document is handed over immediately after you apply;
request for more documents: you may be asked to provide utility bills showing your name and address.

How long the certificate takes depends on the region and how busy the police are - usually between one and three days.

3. Receive your Certificado de Domicilio

Once your residence at the stated address is confirmed, you will receive the Certificado de Domicilio, the official document proving your address in Argentina. It is valid only for a limited time (usually 30 days), so it is best to use it for the procedures you need as soon as possible.

Getting a Certificado de Domicilio in Buenos Aires

If you live in the City of Buenos Aires and do not yet have a DNI, you can apply for the Certificado de Domicilio through the online miBA platform.

To do so you will need to:

create an account on the miBA platform;
complete the online application and choose a date and time for your appointment;
attend the appointment together with two witnesses (not relatives) who hold an Argentine DNI and live in Argentina.

The procedure is free and is designed for foreign nationals living in Buenos Aires without a DNI.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use a hostel or hotel address to get a Certificado de Domicilio?

Yes, you can. In that case it is best to provide your booking confirmation and let the front desk know that a police officer may come by to verify your stay.

How long is the Certificado de Domicilio valid?

The document is usually valid for 30 days from the date of issue.

Can I get a Certificado de Domicilio without a rental contract?

Yes. In some cases a written statement from your landlord or a utility bill showing your name and address is enough.

FAQ

What is a Certificado de Domicilio for?

It is the official proof of your residential address in Argentina, and without it most procedures cannot even be started. You need it for a Precaria and temporary residency, a CUIL tax number, opening a bank account, registering with ANSES, getting a driver's licence and signing rental contracts.

Where do you get a Certificado de Domicilio?

At the police station (Comisaria) nearest your home, where you show up in person and fill in an application stating the purpose, for example para ANSES or para migraciones. In the City of Buenos Aires, foreigners without a DNI can apply online through the miBA platform and attend an appointment with two non-relative witnesses who hold an Argentine DNI.

What documents do you need for proof of address?

Your passport (original and a copy), a rental contract, a booking confirmation from a platform such as Airbnb or a written statement from the property owner, plus utility bills in your name at that address if you have them. Additional proof of actually living there is sometimes requested.

How long is a Certificado de Domicilio valid?

Usually 30 days from the date of issue. Request it for a specific procedure rather than well in advance, and use it straight away. Issuing times depend on the region and how busy the police are, typically one to three days.

Can you get it without a rental contract?

Yes, in many cases a written statement from the property owner or a utility bill in your name at that address is enough. An officer may still come round to the address to confirm that you actually live there.

Does a hostel or Airbnb address work?

Yes, a hotel, hostel or Airbnb address is acceptable. Bring your booking confirmation and warn the front desk in advance that a police officer may come by to verify your stay, otherwise the check can end in a refusal.

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.