Argentina Residency by Investment 2026: Official Requirements & Process

Key Program Highlights

  • Minimum investment ARS 1,500,000 (statutory), USD 30,000-60,000 expected in practice
  • Path to citizenship in 2 years of continuous legal residency
  • MERCOSUR membership benefits with regional mobility
  • Family reunification for spouse and children under 18
  • No mandatory real estate purchase requirement
  • Argentine passport provides visa-free access to 170+ countries

Argentina's residency by investment program, established under Migration Law No. 25.871, provides a structured pathway for foreign investors seeking long-term residence in South America's second-largest economy. In compliance with all laws through our specialized legal team, NTL International assists qualified investors in navigating the requirements set forth by the National Directorate of Migration (DNM) and the Ministry of Productive Development.

The program requires a minimum investment of ARS 1,500,000 in productive, commercial, or service-oriented activities deemed beneficial to the Argentine economy. However, due to currency considerations, authorities typically assess effective investment values in the range of USD 30,000 to USD 60,000. Successful applicants receive initial temporary residency valid for one year, renewable up to three years, with eligibility for permanent residency thereafter.

Investment Requirements and Qualifying Activities

Minimum Investment Threshold

Under Migration Law No. 25.871 and Decree 616/2010, the statutory minimum investment is ARS 1,500,000. However, this amount was established when the Argentine peso held significantly different value. Due to substantial currency depreciation and current exchange rates, this statutory figure translates to a considerably lower USD equivalent than originally intended by the legislation.

In practice, Argentine immigration authorities evaluate investment projects based on their substantive economic impact rather than strict adherence to the outdated peso figure. Working in compliance with all laws through our specialized legal team, NTL International assists investors in structuring compliant proposals that meet current DNM expectations. Based on current regulatory practice and exchange rate considerations, authorities typically expect effective investments in the range of USD 30,000 to USD 60,000 for serious project approval.

Important Note: The ARS 1,500,000 figure remains the official legal threshold, but applicants should prepare investment plans reflecting substantially higher values when converted to hard currency. The Ministry of Productive Development assesses projects based on genuine economic contribution, job creation potential, and alignment with national development priorities rather than nominal peso amounts.

Business Enterprise

ARS 1,500,000+
  • Manufacturing operations
  • Agricultural ventures
  • Technology startups
  • Tourism infrastructure
  • Service businesses

Productive Projects

ARS 1,500,000+
  • Renewable energy initiatives
  • Knowledge economy ventures
  • Export-oriented activities
  • Employment-generating projects
  • Innovation sectors

Real Estate Development

ARS 1,500,000+
  • Agricultural operations
  • Hospitality infrastructure
  • Commercial development
  • Must be productive in nature
  • Not personal residence only

Investment Project Requirements

Applicants must present a comprehensive business plan to the DNM detailing the nature and scope of the investment activity, utilization and deployment of capital, economic viability, projected benefits including job creation or export potential, and compliance with environmental and regulatory standards. The Ministry of Productive Development analyzes each project and issues a non-binding advisory opinion prior to DNM approval.

Capital Transfer Requirements

All investment funds must be transferred through institutions authorized by the Central Bank of the Argentine Republic (BCRA) with proper documentation of legal origin. This ensures compliance with Law No. 25.246 on anti-money laundering regulations and provides the necessary audit trail for DNM verification.

Eligibility Criteria and Due Diligence

Financial Requirements

Requirement Details
Source of Funds Bank statements, asset sale documentation, or inheritance records proving legal origin
Financial Capacity Demonstrated ability to sustain investor and immediate family members
AML Compliance Full adherence to Law No. 25.246 anti-money laundering regulations
Banking Documentation Transfer through BCRA-authorized institutions with proper records

Background Verification and Security Screening

Applicants undergo comprehensive security verification and background checks as part of the DNM assessment process. Clean criminal record certificates from countries of residence for the past three years are required, with all documents apostilled under the Hague Convention or legalized by Argentine consulates. Background verification is conducted through national and international databases including Interpol.

Health and Insurance Considerations

No mandatory health insurance requirement exists for residency applications. Yellow fever vaccination may be required for applicants from specific countries. While not compulsory, maintaining international or local health insurance coverage is recommended for access to healthcare services.

Required Documentation

Document Category Specific Requirements
Identity Documents Valid passport with minimum 6 months validity, three recent biometric photos
Civil Status Birth certificate for all applicants, marriage certificate if applicable (apostilled and translated)
Criminal Record Clear criminal record from all countries of residence for past 3 years (apostilled and translated)
Financial Proof Bank financial statements, proof of legal source of income, evidence of fund availability
Investment Plan Comprehensive business plan professionally prepared, proof of fund transfer through authorized institutions
Professional Background CV, business references, evidence of relevant experience
Local Address Argentine address documentation (rental contract or accommodation proof)

Important: All foreign-language documents must be translated into Spanish by a certified translator in Argentina and properly legalized.

Application Process and Timeline

Step 1: Initial Consultation and Assessment

NTL International provides comprehensive consultation and eligibility assessment through our specialized legal team. We evaluate investment profiles, family situations, and objectives to determine the optimal pathway under Law 25.871.

Step 2: Project Development and Planning

Development of a comprehensive business plan meeting DNM and Ministry of Productive Development requirements. The investment must align with Argentina's economic priorities, particularly export-oriented or employment-generating projects.

Step 3: Capital Preparation and Transfer

Opening an Argentine bank account with a BCRA-authorized institution, transferring investment capital through official banking channels, and documenting the legal origin and availability of funds.

Step 4: Application Submission

Registration and completion of application through the RaDEX online platform, submission of investment project plan to DNM for initial review, and payment of applicable government processing fees.

Step 5: Project Evaluation

The Ministry of Productive Development analyzes the investment proposal and issues a non-binding advisory opinion. DNM conducts comprehensive security verification and background checks.

Step 6: Residency Approval and Investment Execution

Upon DNM approval, temporary residency is granted with a mandatory deadline for investment completion. The investment must be executed according to the approved business plan within the specified timeframe.

Step 7: Biometric Processing and DNI Issuance

In-person appointment at a DNM office or Argentine consulate to provide biometric data. Receipt of the Argentine National Identity Document (DNI) upon final approval.

Step 8: Residency Maintenance and Renewal

Maintenance of the investment according to approved project parameters. Application for renewal three months before the initial one-year permit expires. After two renewals, eligibility to apply for permanent residency is established.

Step 9: Pathway to Citizenship

After completing two years of continuous legal residency in Argentina, residents may submit a naturalization application through the federal court system. Additionally, Decree 366/2025 established a citizenship by investment program with investment thresholds to be determined by the Ministry of Economy.

Program Benefits and Advantages

Administrative Advantages

  • No sector restrictions on investment type
  • Initial temporary residency valid for one year, renewable up to three years
  • Family reunification provisions for spouse and children under 18
  • Full rights to work and study for all family members
  • Eligibility for permanent residency after two or three renewals

Regional Mobility and MERCOSUR Benefits

MERCOSUR membership enables residence and work rights in Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay, and associate member states, providing access to a market exceeding 295 million people.

Path to Argentine Citizenship

Argentina offers the shortest naturalization period in Latin America at two years of continuous residency. The country accepts dual citizenship, and the Argentine passport provides visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to over 170 countries including the Schengen Area, United Kingdom, Japan, and most of Latin America.

Quality of Life and Business Environment

  • Access to Argentine universal healthcare system
  • Enrollment in free public education including renowned universities
  • European-influenced culture and world-class cuisine
  • Full work authorization for residents
  • Diversified economy with strong agriculture, energy, manufacturing, and technology sectors
  • Member of G20 and strategic position for South American market access

About Argentina

Category Details
Location South America, bordering Chile, Bolivia, Paraguay, Brazil, and Uruguay
Total Area 2,780,085 km² (second-largest country in South America)
Population Approximately 46 million people
Capital Buenos Aires
Official Language Spanish
Currency Argentine Peso (ARS)
Economic Memberships MERCOSUR, G20

Argentina stands as South America's second-largest country by area and third-largest economy, offering investors a sophisticated market environment with European cultural heritage and abundant natural resources. The nation's strategic location, MERCOSUR membership, and commitment to economic modernization create compelling opportunities for international investment and residency.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the current minimum investment amount?

The statutory minimum is ARS 1,500,000 as established in Migration Law 25.871 and Decree 616/2010. However, this figure was set when the Argentine peso held substantially different value. Due to severe currency depreciation, this amount now translates to a very low USD equivalent. In practice, Argentine authorities assess projects based on substantive economic impact and typically expect effective investments of USD 30,000 to USD 60,000 for approval. The outdated peso figure remains the legal threshold, but applicants must demonstrate genuine economic contribution through significantly higher hard currency investments. Regulatory updates to reflect current economic conditions are anticipated.

Can real estate investment qualify for residency?

Pure real estate acquisition for personal use does not automatically qualify. However, real estate forming an integral part of a productive business project such as agricultural operations, tourism infrastructure, or development ventures may qualify within the investment threshold.

Are there sector restrictions on investments?

No specific sector mandates exist, though projects aligned with national priorities such as renewable energy, technology, export industries, and regional development may receive favorable consideration during ministerial evaluation.

Can I include family members in my application?

Yes. Your spouse or registered civil partner and children under 18 may be included as dependents. Disabled adult children financially dependent on the investor may also qualify with appropriate medical documentation.

Is physical presence required during the application process?

Yes. While initial documentation can be submitted remotely or through legal representatives, personal appearance is mandatory for biometric processing and DNI collection at Argentine immigration offices or consulates abroad.

How long does the application process take?

Processing times vary by case complexity and completeness of documentation. Initial review and project evaluation typically take several months. After approval and investment execution, temporary residency is granted, with total process duration averaging 6 to 12 months.

Does Argentina allow dual citizenship?

Yes. Argentina explicitly recognizes dual and multiple citizenships. Naturalized citizens are not required to renounce previous nationalities.

What is the new citizenship by investment program?

Decree 366/2025 and subsequent Decree 524/2025 established a direct citizenship pathway for foreign investors making relevant investments in Argentina, without requiring the standard two-year residency period. The Ministry of Economy will define qualifying investment thresholds and sectors. The program is expected to be fully operational by late 2025 or early 2026.

What are the tax implications of Argentine residency?

Tax residency is triggered after 183 days of presence in any 12-month period. Tax residents are subject to progressive personal income tax (5% to 35%) on worldwide income and wealth tax (Bienes Personales) on global assets exceeding specified thresholds. Consultation with international tax advisors is essential before establishing tax residency.

Can residency be cancelled?

Yes. DNM may cancel residency if the investment is not completed within the specified timeframe, if documentation is found to be fraudulent, or if the resident commits serious violations of Argentine law. Maintaining the approved investment is essential for residency renewal.

Schedule Your Private Consultation

Our specialized legal team is ready to assess your eligibility and guide you through the Argentina residency process.

About NTL International

NTL International operates in compliance with all laws through our specialized legal team, providing expert guidance on residency by investment programs across the Americas, Europe, Caribbean, and Pacific regions. Our services include comprehensive eligibility assessments, project development support, documentation preparation, liaison with government authorities, and post-approval compliance guidance.

Our Services Include:

  • Initial consultation and eligibility assessment
  • Investment project structuring and business plan development
  • Documentation preparation and legalization coordination
  • Application submission and government liaison
  • Post-approval support and residency maintenance guidance