Working in Argentina: make your expatriation a success with confidence

The job market in Argentina

Argentina suffered a severe economic crisis in 2001. Since then, the country has bounced back and developed once again, but it’s still in slow motion: high unemployment and job insecurity, high inequality… Many Argentines work below the poverty line. For your information: the minimum wage or Salario Mínimo Vital y Móvil is estimated at just over €200 per month, for 44 to 48-hour weeks (daytime work). While it can be difficult to find a low-skilled job (competition is fierce, illegal immigration and moonlighting are rife), the country has a shortage of skilled workers in many fields, such as IT, biology, technology and the automotive industry.

Today, it’s possible to enjoy a successful expatriation to Argentina, especially if you’re qualified and looking for a job in a sector that’s recruiting.

What sectors are you looking for?

Foreign engineers and technicians in IT, biology, technology or the automotive industry are, as we said, highly sought-after. Especially if they are highly qualified and fluent in Spanish. Other profiles in demand in the region include English teachers, jobs in the tourism, hotel and catering industries, telemarketing (particularly for positions requiring English), ICT (Information and Communication Technologies), banking and many positions in international and/or foreign-owned companies. Speaking English is a plus, and can help you find a job in a wide range of fields.

Cities on the move in Argentina

Most job offers open to foreigners are to be found in major cities. These include

• Buenos Aires, the country’s political and economic center. You’ll find jobs in ICT, finance, transport, commerce, real estate, tourism and catering.
• Cordoba is another major city, dynamic and renowned for the diversity of its job market (tourism, air transport, ICT, mechanical engineering).
• Mendoza is a leading destination for jobs in the wine-growing and tourism sectors.
• Rosario is home to a large number of multinationals and expatriates. Most of them come to work in the textile, food, automotive or metal industries. The Polo Tecnologico Rosario, a center for research and development in the technology and biology sectors, recruits heavily every year.
• The Concordia region is on the move, particularly in the ecotourism and agricultural sectors.
• Finally, Patagonia Argentina (San Carlos de Bariloche) is a region to consider for work in tourism or outdoor activities.

Visas to work in Argentina as a foreigner

There are several visas that allow foreigners to work in Argentina for temporary or permanent stays.

• The Temporary Residence Visa allows foreigners to live and work in Argentina for one year (renewable). Apply locally or abroad. This visa gives access to a social security number (CUIL) and a DNI (identity document). To obtain it, however, you’ll need a promise of employment.
• The PVT (or working vacation visa in Australia ) is one of the easiest ways to spend a few months in Argentina. This visa allows you to work and travel freely in Argentina for a period of one year. However, it is only available up to the age of 36. It is non-renewable and does not allow you to obtain an identity document. In this case, you’ll need to apply to the Argentine embassy in France. Visit the pvtistes website to find out what documents are required (in addition to a passport to affix the visa).
• Permanent visas are available for spouses and children of Argentine nationals or permanent residents. It is also possible to apply for one after 3 consecutive years on a temporary visa in the country.

The transitory visa(visa de residencia transitoria) does not entitle the holder to work, but is used for tourist or business stays in the country.

Health insurance for your WHP in Argentina

When you travel to Argentina on a WHP (Working Holiday Program) visa, it’s essential to take out international health insurance to cover your medical expenses and other risks associated with your stay. This insurance must not only guarantee coverage of at least €30,000 to obtain your visa, but must also include benefits such as medical expenses, hospitalization, medical repatriation and civil liability. Unexpected accidents or illnesses abroad can lead to high costs, especially for non-residents.

Numerous PVT insurance plans are available, such as those offered by Chapka, Globe PVT or Allianz Travel, which cover hospitalization costs up to €1,000,000, as well as civil liability options up to €4,500,000. It’s important to compare coverage, such as coverage of medical expenses from the first euro, as well as exclusions, particularly for extreme sports, pre-existing illnesses and dental care, which are often limited or not covered at all.

Tips for finding a job

Highly-skilled people will have no trouble finding a job in the big cities. For low-skilled jobs, on the other hand, competition is fierce. Faced with Argentinians and illegal immigration, it can be difficult to find a job. Before you start your search, here are a few things you should know:

• Knowing how to speak Spanish is essential; it’s virtually impossible to find a job without speaking the language. It’s advisable to have a good level of Spanish to be able to work comfortably.
• A good level of English is an advantage for jobs in tourism, telemarketing and the hotel and catering industry.
• It’s possible to find a job in the capital on the Internet, on classified ads and job offers. For other cities, it’s best to look locally. Having a contact is a plus!
• There are a number of sites that can help you find a job, such as zonajobs or bumeran; however, the process can take a long time (2 to 3 months).

It’s worth noting that the working atmosphere in Argentina is fairly relaxed. People dress smartly, but the attitude is friendly.

Final point on health

For some visas, health insurance will be required (PVT applications in particular). If you’re leaving with a job, don’t worry: ask your employer about health coverage. The Franco-Argentine social security agreement enables you to benefit from the Argentine system as a French citizen, and facilitates the transition. If you’re leaving to find a job, it’s advisable to take out insurance before your trip.

Health insurance: the key to a successful expatriation to Argentina

Argentina, with its rich culture and varied landscapes, attracts many expatriates every year. However, to guarantee a worry-free experience, it’s crucial to be well prepared, especially when it comes to your health cover. Taking out international health insurance is essential to protect you against unforeseen medical circumstances, whether you’re in Buenos Aires or in other parts of the country.

Although Argentina’s healthcare system is relatively accessible, there are disparities in quality from one area to another. What’s more, some visas, such as the Working Holiday Permit (PVT), require health insurance. Choosing the right insurance will enable you to access quality care and avoid unexpected medical expenses, which are often high for non-residents.

Use platforms like Santexpat.fr to compare over 300 insurance offers and find the coverage that meets your specific needs. This will ensure a successful and worry-free expatriation to Argentina, while offering you the necessary protection for your health.

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*While Argentina was one of the first Latin American countries to offer the PVT, the program is now open to Brazil, Uruguay, Chile, Colombia, Mexico and Peru (depending on the agreement with the country).