Foreigners who want to apply for Argentine citizenship by investment must first apply for residency, and then follow the other formalities for the desired status. We recommend legal help offered by our lawyers in Argentina to be able to obtain Argentine citizenship through dedicated pathways and programs. In the following lines, you can find information about the investment programs available in Argentina for obtaining residency and then citizenship.
| Quick Facts | |
|---|---|
| Nationalities accepted |
All |
|
Business investment option |
No |
|
Real estate investment option |
No |
| Other investment options (if available) | Start a business or invest in an existing one |
| Residence or direct citizenship option |
Through naturalization |
| Direct immigration with family members |
Yes |
| Family members allowed to join the program |
– children, – parents, – grandparents |
| Timeframe for obtaining citizenship/residency by investment |
3 years/ 2 years |
| Dual citizenship permitted |
Yes |
| Reasons to choose Argentina |
– solid investment sectors, – tax regime, – young and educated workforce |
| Visa free travel to other countries (approx. number of countries) |
Around 67 |
Table of Contents
About Argentine citizenship by investment
Although the country does not have a formal citizenship by investment scheme as other famous jurisdictions and international financial centers, there are ways to use investment as an entry point to get Argentine citizenship. The system by which immigration applications were handled in this country was updated to make the whole process easier and faster, so this is the proper time to start your paperwork and obtain indirect citizenship by investment in Argentina. If you are interested in other types of services, for example, offshore company formation assistance in BVI, we can put you in contact with our partners.
This new system digitalized much of the process you must go through to become an Argentine citizen, but you will still need a law firm in Argentina to help you with the more specific procedures. The following video presentation comprises information about how to obtain Argentine citizenship by investment:
What to keep in mind before applying for citizenship by investment in Argentina in 2024
As already mentioned, no immigration package grants you citizenship automatically after making a qualifying investment in Argentina. Still, in this case, you will have to use your investment to apply for a residency, and then convert that residency into citizenship. It is a slightly longer process, but in general, it is much cheaper than paying for citizenship in another jurisdiction. However, there are a couple of considerations to keep in mind when it comes to obtaining citizenship by investment in Argentina.
In principle, if you are a foreigner and want to obtain Argentine citizenship through investment, you should bear in mind that this is a procedure that does not require you to stay in the country or work. In these cases, it is enough to carry out a temporary residence procedure. We remind you that you can solicit our help if you want to immigrate to Argentina.
The alternative to becoming an Argentine citizen by investment
Foreigners who wish to obtain citizenship by investment in Argentina in 2024 can only become citizens by naturalization. Although it may sound like a complex procedure, naturalization is the most common way for foreigners to become Argentine citizens. It is a judicial process that takes place exclusively before the Argentine federal courts. And it grants the Citizenship Certificate, a document that certifies that a foreigner is a legal citizen.
Remember that before you can initiate this judicial process, you must apply for temporary residence for business or investment purposes. For this reason, we recommend that you consult a team of immigration lawyers in Argentina who can guide you through the whole process. They can help you relocate to Argentina in a fast and reliable manner.
Residency in Argentina can be obtained in a maximum of 45 days if you plan to relocate to this country for work, studies, medical treatments, or family reunification. In this process, you must present a valid passport, clear criminal record, proof of income, and health insurance. But in order not to run into complexities or errors in this endeavor, we recommend you collaborate with one of our lawyers in Argentina.
What are the main requirements for citizenship by investment in Argentina?
When making your application you must submit an investment plan, regardless of whether it is to start a new business or to invest in an existing Argentinian company. In this plan, you must indicate the basis of a productive business related to the service industry or trade, as well as prove the legality of the investment funds originated abroad through vouchers issued by financial institutions considered valid by the Central Bank of the Argentine Republic (BCRA).
The other requirements will be the following, with the mention that we can help you move to Argentina and handle the formalities for 2024:
- Be over 18 years of age.
- Have two years of uninterrupted and documented residence in the country, certified by the National Direction of Migration, except if married to a native Argentine citizen or have a native child.
- The birth certificate must be presented, duly legalized.
- It is necessary to bring a photocopy of the national identity card and passport.
- For this procedure, the criminal record certificate will be requested.
- Another document that must be presented is the certificate of domicile.
- On the other hand, the means of livelihood must be justified: employment contract, current work certificate, or salary receipt. In case of being self-employed, a copy of proof of contributions.
Depending on the case, the court may request additional documents or information, so having the support of a law firm in Argentina is very important to help you get ahead of any unforeseen events. Let us help you relocate to Argentina.
Argentine citizenship by investment can be a quick and simple process if you collaborate with one of our lawyers. They can explain the required formalities, as well as the eligibility criteria. Citizenship by naturalization is the process by which this status can be obtained if you are married to a citizen of this country. We advise you to contact our specialists to benefit from complete legal services.
Obtaining residency by investment in Argentina
Until obtaining Argentine citizenship, foreign citizens interested in relocating to this country can make investments to obtain residency. Here are some interesting aspects in this direction:
- ARS 1.5 million is the minimum accepted for investments in Argentina. This amount of money can be directed to different businesses and services.
- With this amount you have the guarantee of an investor visa for 1 year, to then renew it for 3 years.
- After 3 years with an investor visa, you can apply for permanent residency, and after 2 years with the new status, you are a suitable candidate for citizenship through naturalization.
It is important to mention that in order to gain permanent residence and qualify for Argentine citizenship, you must maintain your investments in this country. We invite you to discuss all these aspects with one of our immigration lawyers in Argentina.
Relocating a business in Argentina
Argentina is an interesting and beneficial destination for smart investors who want to generate consistent profits in this country. If you are interested in relocating to Argentina, investments of at least ARS 1.5 million are the way to citizenship by naturalization. Also, there are other reasons why it is worth opening a company in Argentina:
- The economy is in continuous development.
- Educated and experienced workforce.
- Access for the exploitation of natural deposits that Argentina benefits from.
- Support for foreign investors interested in startups and green projects.
Ukrainians moving for business purposes to Argentina
Ukrainians can enter Argentina without a visa, due to the current social context. The Argentine authorities allow Ukrainian citizens to enter the country freely, but after that, it is necessary to apply for a visa. The passport of the Ukrainian citizen interested in residency in Argentina, where the visa will be placed, with the expiration date, is accepted.
As for opening a business in Argentina as a Ukrainian citizen, this is allowed, either with the help of investments in an already existing company or with the establishment of a new one. Business relocation is also accepted, but the formalities may be a bit complex. However, with specialized help from our specialists, you can immigrate to Argentina under optimal conditions from a legal point of view.
Argentina visa requirements – What you need to know
When moving to other countries for making investments, such as Argentina, it is best to talk to an experienced lawyer in Argentina and find out more about visa requirements and conditions. Here are a few details to pay attention to when it comes to visas for Argentina:
- The passport must be valid for at least another 6 months from the date you wish to visit Argentina;
- The Argentina Visa Application Form must be completed with personal information;
- Proof of accommodation in Argentina is required;
- One must present proof of the return flight tickets;
- Some bank statements showing you have sufficient funds for the entire stay in Argentina.
In the case of minors traveling to Argentina, the parents, the guardians, or the legal tutors will have to sign a travel authorization, legalized by the Argentinian Embassy or Consulate of the country of origin. Please feel free to talk to one of our lawyers in Argentina and solicit immediate legal advice and assistance for obtaining the needed visa. Argentina visa requirements can be entirely explained by one of our attorneys. Do you want to apply for Argentinian passport by investment? Let us help you from a legal point of view.
Applying for Argentine citizenship by descent
One of the ways to obtain citizenship in Argentina is by descent. As investment programs do not currently exist, this option can be a great choice for those who prove that they have relatives of Argentine origin. In this case, birth/marriage/death certificates are requested. Moreover, the applicant’s birth certificate must be apostilled. It is worth mentioning that citizenship by descent in Argentina can also be obtained by those who have not reached the age of 18 and who can be represented in this situation by parents or tutors.
Facts about Argentine citizenship by naturalization
Those interested in Argentinian citizenship by naturalization can apply after 2 years of residence in this country. Citizens over 18 years of age can apply without the obligation to know the language or take any specific test.
Even if naturalization is a simple and fast process, considered the best in the world, there is a waiting period of approximately 18 months until you receive an Argentinian passport by investment. But in order to ensure a fair trial from a legal point of view, we invite you to talk to our immigration lawyers in Argentina.
Dual citizenship in Argentina
Dual citizenship in Argentina is allowed. Those who wish to obtain Argentine citizenship without renouncing the current one must consider the applicable laws and procedures. It is good to know that those who obtain dual citizenship in Argentina are recognized as citizens of this country if they use the Argentinian passport when leaving and entering this country. We invite you to discover our services if you are interested in dual citizenship in Argentina.
Data on immigration to Argentina
For years, the interest in obtaining Argentine citizenship has been quite common among foreigners since this country is one of the main cultural and business centers in Latin America.
Figures on residency applications and applications for residency in Argentina prove it:
- Before the travel restrictions caused by the pandemic, some 270,000 foreigners settled in Argentina over a 10-year period.
- The national foreign population is more than 1,800,000 people while around 750,000 are living without legal papers, according to recent data.
- 0.078 per 1000 population is the current net migration rate for Argentina.
- The largest immigrant community is that of Paraguayan citizens. There are more than 522,000 Paraguayans living in Argentina.
- Around 8.4% of foreigners living in Argentina are represented by citizens of Venezuela.
About Argentina in a few lines
Argentina offers multiple possibilities to those who want to relocate to this country. Some prefer the business climate in Argentina, while others come to study and/or work. In any of the options, it is good to know the formalities related to immigration to Argentina and obtaining residency. Here are some interesting facts about Argentina:
- The capital of Argentina is Buenos Aires, where more than 13 million citizens live.
- Argentina has the 12th most powerful passport in the world. It allows the entry of restrictions in 163 countries, the US included.
- Citizenship through naturalization can be obtained after 2 years of residence in Argentina.
- Foreigners can obtain a pensionado visa in Argentina if they have a monthly minimum of ARS 30,000.
If you want to start your plan to become a citizen by investment in Argentina, do not hesitate to contact our team of Argentine lawyers. We can help you through every step of the process, from applying for residency and advising you regarding your investment to applying for citizenship at a later date. We are here to help you move to Argentina.