How do you import household goods to Argentina in 2026?

Foreigners who hold residencia permanente can import personal and household effects, new or used, free of import duties and related taxes when quantity and variety do not look commercial. Tools for a profession can sit on a different tax treatment; confirm the live ARCA table before you pack a workshop. One used car per person aged 18 or emancipated may enter duty-free when customs value is at or under US$15,000; above that, the whole car value becomes taxable. The car must already be registered in the origin country at least three months before you enter Argentina.

Temporary residents can bring household effects under a temporary regime that requires guaranteeing about 50% of the ordinary taxes, using SITA mudanza code 10220. Permanent-residence household filings use code 10221; used vehicles use 10222. A temporary car import is a separate temporary-admission path with a maximum stay of 480 days and no extension under the published ARCA summary; after that window the car waits for permanent nationalisation or re-export. Finish Migraciones status before you treat the container as duty-free: Apply for a residence permit and Get a DNI.

Goods and the car should arrive from three months before to six months after the relevant date, and customs releases them only after you have arrived. If permanent residence was granted before your definitive entry, the clock runs from your entry date. If permanent residence is granted after you are already in Argentina, the clock runs from the permanent grant date. Ship as cargo, not as tourist baggage, for this mudanza path.

Prepare identity documents, Migraciones residence proof, the transport document (BL, CRT, or air waybill), and a detailed packing list with values. Foreign-language papers need traductor público Spanish versions; foreign-issued certificates need Apostille or consular legalisation: Apostille documents. Many movers hire a despachante de aduana with a notarised power of attorney. Align delivery with a real lease: How to rent a home. Pets are SENASA, not furniture: Bring pets. Licence conversion does not replace vehicle import approval: Convert a driving licence. Sequence the whole move in Paperwork after moving.