Getting a DNI in Argentina as a UK Citizen: What to Expect
The DNI is Argentina's national ID card. For British expats, it unlocks banking, leases, and credit. Here's exactly how to get one.
Thomas SinclairWriter and editor · London
The DNI (Documento Nacional de Identidad) is Argentina's national identity card. For British expats who have made the move permanent, it is the document that finally makes day-to-day life straightforward. Until you have one, you are navigating Argentine bureaucracy with one hand tied behind your back.
What the DNI Gives You
Banking without restrictions. With a DNI, you can open accounts at any Argentine bank — not just the limited foreigner-friendly options. You can access credit cards, personal loans, and mortgages (though Argentine mortgage terms are rarely attractive to foreigners).
Property and leases. Landlords and estate agents treat DNI holders differently. The notorious garantía (property guarantor) requirement is often waived or simplified for DNI holders with a stable income.
Travel. The DNI is valid for travel within Mercosur countries (Brazil, Uruguay, Paraguay, Bolivia, and associated states) without a passport. For British citizens, this is a convenience rather than a necessity, but it simplifies border crossings.
Services and utilities. Some internet providers, mobile phone contracts, and gym memberships offer better terms or simply require a DNI to sign up at all.
Who Qualifies
Only permanent residents and Argentine citizens can apply for a DNI. If you are on temporary residency (Digital Nomad, Rentista, etc.), you do not yet qualify. Your identifying document is the CUIL or CDI until then.
The Application Process
1. Wait for permanent residency approval. The DNI application is a separate step that comes after Migraciones approves your permanent residency.
2. Book an appointment at RENAPER. The Registro Nacional de las Personas handles DNI applications. Book online at renaper.gob.ar. Appointments are typically available within 2–4 weeks.
3. Attend your appointment. Bring:
- Your passport
- Your permanent residency certificate
- A recent passport-style photograph (RENAPER specifications — slightly different from UK passport photos)
- Proof of address in Argentina
4. Biometric capture. RENAPER takes your fingerprints and photograph digitally.
5. Receive your DNI. Processing takes 1–3 months. You collect it in person or arrange delivery, depending on the RENAPER office.
Costs
The DNI itself is free for first-time applicants. Some RENAPER offices charge a small administrative fee (ARS 5,000–10,000). If you need the DNI urgently, an expedited service may be available for an additional fee at some offices.
Updating Your DNI
DNIs must be updated when you change address, change your marital status, or when the physical card expires (typically every 15 years for adults). Address updates are done at any RENAPER office and are free.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a DNI on temporary residency?
No. The DNI is only issued to permanent residents and citizens. On temporary residency, your identifying number is the CUIL (for tax/social security) or CDI (foreigner ID).
How long does the DNI take to process?
Typically 1–3 months from your RENAPER appointment. Some offices are faster than others. Buenos Aires city offices tend to be busier than suburban or provincial offices.
Do I lose my British citizenship if I get an Argentine DNI?
No. Holding an Argentine DNI does not affect your British citizenship. Argentina allows dual nationality. The UK also permits dual citizenship, though the Home Office notes that you may not receive consular assistance in your other country of nationality.
Sources & Official Links
When this guide isn't enough
The guides on this site cover the general shape of Argentine immigration. For case-specific advice — complex visa categories, tax obligations, time-sensitive filings, or family situations — you need a lawyer who can review your actual paperwork.
I send people to Lucero Legal in Buenos Aires. They speak English, handle the full move (visas, schooling, leases, the bureaucratic maze), and they have helped families I personally know.
Talk to Lucero LegalAlso from Lucero Legal
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