On August 5, 2025, the Argentine government introduced a major amendment to Nationality Law No. 346 through Decree DNU 366/2025. This reform created a new pathway to obtain Argentine citizenship by investment without any prior residency requirement. The initiative aims to attract foreign capital, boost the national economy, and position Argentina as a competitive destination for global investors. Some operational details are still pending and will be defined by the Ministry of Economy in upcoming resolutions.
Legal Framework for Argentine Citizenship by Investment
Decree DNU 366/2025 added a special track for citizenship through a “significant investment” and established the Agency for Citizenship by Investment Programs under the Ministry of Economy.
Decreto 524/2025 defined the main application steps, including:
- Submitting an application to the agency with proof of investment.
- Undergoing security and financial background checks from various government agencies.
- Sending a detailed report to the National Directorate of Migration (DNM).
- The DNM issues its decision within 30 business days of receiving the report.
Official Source: Boletín Oficial – DNU 366/2025 and Decreto 524/2025
Investment Amount and Eligible Sectors
As of now, the official investment amount and the eligible economic sectors have not been defined in the legal text. The Ministry of Economy will publish these details in a separate resolution in the Boletín Oficial.
For reference, under the older Investor Residency in Argentina program, the minimum required investment was ARS 1,500,000 (approximately $1,700 at the current exchange rate). It is expected that the citizenship pathway will require a significantly higher amount, likely in the hundreds of thousands of dollars, targeting strategic sectors such as technology, renewable energy, and agriculture.
Difference Between Argentine Citizenship by Investment and Investor Residency
- Investor Residency in Argentina: Grants temporary residency after an approved investment by the DNM, with a historical minimum of ARS 1,500,000 (around $1,700).
- Argentine Citizenship by Investment: Grants citizenship directly without prior residency, once the investment amount and eligible sectors (to be defined) are met.
More information: DNM – Residencia por Inversiones
Current Situation and Recommendations for Foreign Investors
For those interested in obtaining Argentine citizenship by investment, here are some strategic recommendations:
- Monitor the release of the ministerial resolution that will define the official investment amount and eligible sectors.
- Prepare an investment plan aligned with Argentina’s economic priorities.
- Work with legal advisors experienced in Argentine immigration and nationality law to ensure full compliance.
The citizenship by investment program offers a rare opportunity to obtain an Argentine passport quickly, especially since the residency requirement has been removed. However, practical implementation will depend on the forthcoming ministerial guidelines.
Comparison Table: Investor Residency vs. Argentine Citizenship by Investment
Item |
Investor Residency in Argentina |
Argentine Citizenship by Investment |
Type of Status |
Temporary residency |
Full citizenship with Argentine passport |
Governing Law |
Argentine Immigration Law |
Argentine Nationality Law (DNU 366/2025) |
Investment Amount |
ARS 1,500,000 (approx. $1,700) |
Not yet defined; expected to be significantly higher |
Eligible Sectors |
Determined by the National Directorate of Migration (DNM) |
To be defined by the Ministry of Economy in an official resolution |
Processing Time |
Varies by application (usually several months) |
30 business days from receipt of DNM report |
Prior Residency Requirement |
Yes, requires a period of prior residency |
No prior residency required |
Rights Granted |
Temporary right to live and work |
Full rights of an Argentine citizen, including the passport |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Has the investment amount for Argentine citizenship by investment been defined?
No, the official amount has not yet been set. The Ministry of Economy will determine the figure and eligible sectors in an official resolution.
- Can I apply for Argentine citizenship by investment right now?
You can prepare your documents and investment plan, but applications will only be accepted after the official resolution is published.
- What is the difference between citizenship by investment and investor residency?
Investor residency grants temporary stay rights, while citizenship provides full rights including the Argentine passport, without the need for prior residency.
- How much was required for investor residency in the past?
The historical requirement was around ARS 1,500,000 (approximately $1,700), but the citizenship program is expected to require a much larger investment.
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