Argentina Citizenship by Investment Program

Argentina has officially launched its Citizenship by Investment (CBI) program, becoming the first country in South America to offer direct citizenship in exchange for an economic investment. This development is attracting significant global attention from investors, entrepreneurs, and families seeking a powerful second passport.

As agents for the program, we have prepared this detailed guide to help you understand how Argentina’s new CBI works, what it requires, and why it may be one of the most attractive citizenship options currently available.

Legal Basis and Launch

The program was created through Decree 524/2025, signed by President Javier Milei in July 2025. This decree amended Argentina’s Nationality Law and formally established a pathway for foreign investors to obtain citizenship without prior residence.

To administer the program, the government created the Agency for Citizenship by Investment Programs, under the Ministry of Economy. The Agency works with multiple departments including the intelligence service, financial crimes unit, and national migration authority to vet applicants and approve investments.

The program is expected to formally accept applications by late 2025 or early 2026, once all regulations are finalized.

Key Requirements

• Minimum Investment: USD 500,000 (final confirmation pending)

• Qualifying Sectors: Investments must be in productive and strategic areas of Argentina’s economy, such as agribusiness, renewable energy, technology, and tourism infrastructure. Passive real estate purchases do not qualify.

• Residency Requirement: None. Investors are not required to live in Argentina prior to applying.

• Due Diligence: Applicants must provide proof of clean criminal records, demonstrate the legal source of funds, and undergo multi-agency background checks.

• Processing Time: Once submitted, applications must be processed within 30 business days, making this one of the fastest CBI programs globally.

Application Process

1. Investment Proposal – Applicants present their proposed investment for certification by the CBI Agency.

2. Due Diligence – Security, financial, and background checks are conducted by at least seven government bodies.

3. Final Decision – The National Directorate of Migration must issue a decision within 30 business days.

4. Citizenship Granted – Approved applicants receive Argentine nationality and may immediately apply for a national ID and passport.

Benefits of Argentine Citizenship

• Visa-Free Travel: The Argentine passport offers visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to over 170 countries, including the Schengen Area, UK, Ireland, Japan, and much of Asia. The United States has also announced plans to reinstate Argentina in the Visa Waiver Program, which would allow 90-day visa-free entry.

• Mercosur Rights: Argentine citizens may live and work freely in Brazil, Uruguay, Paraguay, and other Mercosur states.

• Dual Citizenship: Fully permitted. There is no need to renounce your current nationality.

• U.S. E-2 Visa Eligibility: Argentine citizens can apply for the U.S. E-2 investor visa.

• Tax Considerations: Argentina taxes on a residency basis, not worldwide. Citizens living abroad are generally not taxed on foreign income.

• Healthcare and Education: Access to Argentina’s universal healthcare system and public education.

Comparison with Other Programs

• Caribbean CBI Programs: Cheaper (from 200,000 USD) but passports are weaker, with fewer visa-free destinations.

• Turkey: Offers citizenship from 400,000 USD in real estate, but its passport lacks Schengen access.

• Argentina: At 500,000 USD, it offers a globally respected passport, strong travel rights, and fast processing with no residency obligation.

Risks and Considerations

As the program was introduced by executive decree, its implementation could face legal or political scrutiny. However, the government has embedded it directly into Argentina’s nationality law and designed it with transparency and due diligence to withstand challenges.

Investors should wait until final regulations are published before making any financial commitments.

Why Work With Us

Applying for citizenship under this new program requires expert guidance to ensure compliance with Argentine law and to select a qualifying investment that meets both government approval and your personal objectives.

We provide:

• Legal and procedural guidance throughout the application

• Assistance with investment certification

• Coordination of due diligence and documentation

• Liaison with Argentine authorities

Conclusion

Argentina’s new Citizenship by Investment program is set to become one of the world’s most attractive options for global investors: a respected G20 passport, rapid processing, no residency requirements, and a mid-range investment threshold.

If you are considering applying, now is the time to prepare.

Contact us today to learn how we can assist you in securing Argentine citizenship through investment.