Moving to Argentina from the United States

Argentina customs (AFIP · DGA · Dirección General de Aduanas) clears household shipments against a clear paper trail. Missing or inaccurate documents are the single most common cause of delays at the port. Residency category determines whether your shipment clears duty-free.

• Menaje de Casa (Resolución 3751/1996)

  Required for every move

  Spanish-language itemized inventory. Argentine customs applies Resolución 3751 to menaje imports: used household goods owned more than six months qualify for duty-free entry when residency conditions are met.

• Residencia Temporaria or Permanente

  Required for residents

  DNI (Documento Nacional de Identidad) issued under Residencia Temporaria or Permanente is required. Tourist and temporary business arrivals cannot claim the menaje exemption.

• Valid passport

  Required for every move

  Passport with valid Argentine residency visa stamp. Entry stamp tracked against the migration file.

• CUIT or CUIL (tax identifier)

  Required for every move

  Argentine tax ID is required for AFIP filings. Foreigners receive CUIL/CUIT via AFIP registration after residency is processed. Our destination partner coordinates this.

• Bill of lading / air waybill

  Required for every move

  Carrier BOL line-matched to the Menaje. Destination agent files the DIA (Destinación de Importación para Menaje) at Aduana.

• Poder (power of attorney)

  Required for every move

  Notarized and apostilled power of attorney authorizing the Aduana broker to clear on your behalf.

• SENASA agricultural declaration

  Required for every move

  SENASA inspects containers for wood, plants, soil, and food products. Wooden packaging requires ISPM-15. Violations are rejected at inspection.

Argentina destinations concentrate in Buenos Aires (CABA + GBA) and the Córdoba–Rosario industrial corridor. Wine country (Mendoza) and Patagonia (Bariloche, Ushuaia) add long inland trucking legs.

• 

  Buenos Aires · CABA

  Capital federal — the destination for nearly all U.S.-origin household moves. Palermo, Recoleta, Belgrano, and Puerto Madero handle most expat volume. Loads clear at Terminal Puerto Buenos Aires.

  Transit

  35–44 days

  2-BR range

  $10,500 – $17,200

  Origin lane: Miami · TPBA via Panama Canal

• 

  Córdoba · Córdoba

  Second-largest city and a university + tech hub. Loads truck inland from Buenos Aires (~10 hours).

  Transit

  37–47 days

  2-BR range

  $10,800 – $17,500

  Origin lane: Miami · TPBA + 10 hr inland

• 

  Rosario · Santa Fe

  Paraná riverfront city and major industrial hub. Loads truck north from Buenos Aires (~3.5 hours) or arrive via the Rosario river port.

  Transit

  36–46 days

  2-BR range

  $10,600 – $17,300

  Origin lane: Miami · TPBA + 3.5 hr inland

• 

  Mendoza · Mendoza

  Wine-country capital at the foot of the Andes. Long inland truck from Buenos Aires (~14 hours). Pacific-origin moves occasionally route via Chile's San Antonio + Andes crossing.

  Transit

  38–50 days

  2-BR range

  $11,100 – $17,900

  Origin lane: Miami · TPBA + 14 hr inland, or LA via Chile

Frequently asked questions about moving to Argentina

Short, answer-first responses to the questions we get most often.

Is moving to Argentina from the USA duty-free?

Used personal effects are generally exempt from duty under the "menaje de casa" or equivalent settler category — provided you have the corresponding residency status and a properly prepared inventory. New-in-box items, vehicles, alcohol, and firearms are treated separately and usually attract duty.

How long does shipping to Argentina take?

Ocean transit depends on origin and port pairing. Most East Coast U.S. origins reach Central America in 12–20 days, northern South America in 18–30 days, and the Southern Cone in 28–45 days. Customs clearance typically adds 3–10 business days on top of transit.

Do I need to be present when my shipment clears customs?

No. Our destination partner in Argentina presents paperwork on your behalf under a signed authorization. You should be reachable by phone in case an officer requests clarification on a specific item.

Can I ship a vehicle to Argentina with my household goods?

Sometimes — but vehicle import rules vary by country and carry additional documentation, taxes, and age restrictions. We always quote vehicle import separately from household goods and confirm eligibility before booking.

What items are restricted or prohibited?

Firearms and ammunition always require advance declaration and in several countries cannot be imported by private individuals. Fresh produce, plants, seeds, and soil face agricultural restrictions. New-in-box electronics, pharmaceuticals, and bulk quantities of the same item are commonly flagged as commercial goods.

How much does a move to Argentina typically cost?

Most full-service household moves fall in a wide band: a studio can start around $4,000 from a nearby U.S. port; a 3-BR+ household to the far reaches of South America can exceed $25,000. Distance, port pair, and residency paperwork are the biggest cost drivers.

How far in advance should I book?

Start residency paperwork 8–12 weeks before your target move. Book origin pickup 4–6 weeks out. Peak season is May–August and December — secure a slot earlier if you need those windows.

What is Resolución 3751 and why does it matter?

Resolución 3751/1996 is the Argentine customs regulation that governs the duty-free import of household goods (menaje de casa) by returning residents, diplomats, and approved temporary/permanent residents. Your shipment is cleared under this regime — the paperwork package must match the resolution's specific checklist.

When do I need the DNI to clear my shipment?

The DNI is typically required before AFIP will issue the CUIT/CUIL. Without CUIT/CUIL, the DIA (menaje import declaration) can't be filed. If the DNI is delayed, we can park the shipment in a bonded Aduana warehouse for up to 30 days.

Is there import tax beyond the menaje duty exemption?

Aduana warehouse and inspection fees apply regardless of duty status. IVA (21%) applies to any items deemed new-in-box or commercial. Used personal effects under 6 months of ownership may attract reduced duty and IVA.