Argentina
Residency by Investment

Argentina residency by investment program presents a strategic gateway for international investors seeking long-term residence in South America’s second-largest country. Established under Migration Law No. 25.871, this program offers a streamlined pathway to temporary residency with the potential to transition to permanent residency and citizenship in as little as two years, making it one of the fastest citizenship routes in the Americas. Investors benefit from Argentina’s strategic location within MERCOSUR, robust agricultural and natural resource sectors, and access to a sophisticated market of approximately 46 million consumers.

Business and Productive Investment

Foreign nationals may qualify for investor residency by committing a minimum investment of ARS 1,500,000 (Argentine pesos) in a productive, commercial, or service-oriented activity deemed beneficial to the Argentine economy. Qualifying investments include:

 

– Establishing or acquiring a business enterprise in manufacturing, agriculture, technology, tourism, or services
– Investments in renewable energy projects or knowledge economy ventures
– Commercial ventures creating employment or promoting exports
– Productive real estate development projects (agricultural operations, hospitality infrastructure)

Investment Project Requirements

Applicants must present a comprehensive business plan to the National Directorate of Migration (DNM) detailing:

– Nature and scope of the investment activity
– Utilization and deployment of capital
– Economic viability and projected benefits (job creation, export potential, innovation)
– Compliance with environmental and regulatory standards

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. The Ministry of Productive Development analyzes each project and issues a non-binding advisory opinion prior to DNM approval.

Investor Eligibility Criteria for Argentina residency by investment

Financial Requirements:

– Proof of legal source of funds through bank statements, asset sale documentation, or inheritance records
– Demonstrated financial capacity to sustain the investor and immediate family members
– Compliance with anti-money laundering regulations (Law No. 25.246)

Due Diligence and Background Checks:

– Clean criminal record certificates from countries of residence for the past three years
– Certificates must be apostilled under the Hague Convention or legalized by Argentine consulates
– Background verification through national and international databases (Interpol)

Health and Insurance:

– No mandatory health insurance requirement for residency application
– Yellow fever vaccination may be required for applicants from specific countries
– Recommended to maintain international or local health insurance coverage

Required Documents

Valid passport.

Three recent biometric photos.

Birth certificate for all applicants and marriage certificate (apostilled and translated).

Clear criminal record (apostilled and translated)

Bank financial statement with proof of legal source of income.

Comprehensive investment and business plan (professionally prepared)

Proof of fund transfer through authorized Argentine financial institutions

Evidence of business background and experience (CV, references)

Argentine address documentation (rental contract or accommodation proof)

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

Benefits of Argentina residency by investment program:

1. 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 (or disabled adult children)
– Full rights to work and study for all family members
– Eligibility for permanent residency after two or three renewals

2. Efficiency and Flexibility

– Streamlined application process through online RaDEX system
– No language proficiency or integration tests required
– Direct access to productive economic sectors without partnership requirements

3. Cost-Effectiveness

– Competitive minimum investment threshold (subject to regulatory updates due to currency fluctuations)
– Transparent fee structure for government processing
– No mandatory real estate purchase for basic qualification

Advantages of Obtaining Argentine Residency

Regional Mobility
– MERCOSUR membership enabling residence and work rights in Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay, and associate member states
– Access to a market exceeding 295 million people

Path to Argentine Citizenship
– Shortest naturalization period in Latin America (two years of continuous residency)
– Acceptance of dual citizenship
– Argentine passport provides visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to over 170 countries including Schengen Area, United Kingdom, Japan, and most of Latin America

Quality of Life
– Access to Argentine universal healthcare

– Enrollment in free public education including renowned universities
– European-influenced culture, and world-class cuisine 

– Diverse landscapes from Andean mountains to Patagonian wilderness

Business Environment

– Full work authorization for residents
– Diversified economy with strong agriculture, energy, mining, manufacturing, and technology sectors
– Member of G20 and strategic position for South American market access
– Growing renewable energy and knowledge economy incentives

About Argentina

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.

South America, bordering Chile, Bolivia, Paraguay, Brazil, and Uruguay with extensive Atlantic coastline, with a total area of 2,780,085 km²

Estimated population of of 46 million people

The capital of the state is Buenos Aires

The official language is Spanish

The currency is the Argentine Peso (ARS)

THE MAIN STEPS OF GETTING Residency in Argentina

The process to obtain Argentina residency by investment may be simplified into the following steps:

1. Initial Consultation with NTL International
NTL International provides comprehensive consultation and eligibility assessment. Our team evaluates your investment profile, family situation, and objectives to determine the optimal pathway under Law 25.871.
2. Project Development and Planning
Develop a comprehensive business plan meeting DNM and Ministry of Productive Development requirements. Ensure investment aligns with Argentina’s economic priorities, particularly export-oriented or employment-generating projects.
3. Capital Preparation and Transfer
Open an Argentine bank account with a BCRA-authorized institution. Transfer investment capital through official banking channels and document the legal origin and availability of funds.
4. Application Submission
Register and complete the application through the RaDEX online platform. Submit the investment project plan to DNM for initial review and pay applicable government processing fees.
5. Project Evaluation
The Ministry of Productive Development analyzes the investment proposal and issues a non-binding advisory opinion. DNM conducts comprehensive due diligence and background verification.
6. Residency Approval and Investment Execution
Upon DNM approval, temporary residency is granted with a mandatory deadline for investment completion. Execute the investment according to the approved business plan within the specified timeframe.
7. Biometric Processing and DNI Issuance
Attend an in-person appointment at a DNM office or Argentine consulate to provide biometric data. Receive the Argentine National Identity Document (DNI) upon final approval.
8. Residency Maintenance and Renewal
Maintain the investment according to approved project parameters. Apply for renewal three months before the initial one-year permit expires. After two renewals, become eligible to apply for permanent residency.
9. Pathway to Citizenship
Complete two years of continuous legal residency in Argentina, then submit a naturalization application through the federal court system. Alternatively, qualify for the citizenship by investment program under Decree 366/2025, with investment thresholds to be determined by the Ministry of Economy.

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, due to currency depreciation, authorities expect substantially higher effective investments (typically USD 30,000 to USD 60,000) for serious project approval. Regulatory updates to the threshold are anticipated.

Can real estate investment qualify for residency?

Pure real estate acquisition for personal use does not automatically qualify. However, real estate forming integral part of a productive business project (agricultural operations, tourism infrastructure, 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 (renewable energy, technology, export industries, regional development) may receive favorable consideration during ministerial evaluation.

Can I include family members in my application?

Yes. 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.

What happens after obtaining temporary residency?

Temporary residency is renewable annually (or for longer periods as approved). After two years of continuous legal residency, residents may apply for permanent residency. After two years of permanent residency (or two years of continuous legal temporary residency under new regulations), eligibility for citizenship through naturalization is established.

Sign In Now