Argentina Investment Visa
Obtain Argentine residency by investing in the country's economy. Whether you are starting a business, acquiring an existing company, or investing in a development project, the investment visa provides a pathway to residency for entrepreneurs and investors ready to contribute to Argentina's growth.
Overview
Argentina's investment visa, formally known as the residencia temporaria por inversiones or residencia por actividades economicas, is designed for foreign nationals who intend to make a productive investment in the Argentine economy. Unlike golden visa programs in some European countries that primarily involve passive real estate purchases, Argentina's program emphasizes active economic participation and genuine business activity.
This visa category is well suited for entrepreneurs, business owners, and investors who want to establish or expand operations in Latin America's third-largest economy. Argentina offers a compelling combination of a large domestic market, a highly educated workforce, abundant natural resources, and strategic access to the broader Mercosur trading bloc. The cost of establishing and operating a business is significantly lower than in comparable markets.
The investment visa grants temporary residency for one to three years, renewable upon demonstrating ongoing business activity. Like all temporary residency categories in Argentina, it leads to permanent residency and eventually citizenship. The entire pathway from initial investment to Argentine passport can be completed in approximately five years, and Argentina permits dual citizenship with most countries. This makes it an attractive option for investors seeking not only business opportunities but also a second passport and global mobility.
Investment Options
Establishing a new company in Argentina is the most common investment route. This can range from a restaurant or retail business to a technology startup or consulting firm. You will need to formally register the company with the Argentine authorities (IGJ or equivalent provincial registry), obtain a CUIT (tax identification number), and demonstrate that the business is operational and generating economic activity.
Acquiring an established Argentine business qualifies as an investment. This route can be faster than starting from scratch because the business already has operational history, employees, and revenue. Due diligence is critical: verify the business's legal standing, tax compliance, employment obligations, and any outstanding liabilities before completing the purchase.
Investment in real estate development projects (not simply purchasing a home for personal use) can qualify for the investment visa. This typically means investing in construction projects, commercial properties, or developments that create economic activity and employment. Simply buying an apartment to live in generally does not qualify, though investing in a building project or rental business may.
Making a significant financial investment in an existing Argentine company, either through equity participation or other investment instruments, may qualify. You will need to demonstrate the investment amount, the nature of the business, and your ongoing involvement or interest in the venture.
Requirements
A verifiable investment in an Argentine business, real estate development, or productive venture. While there is no single fixed minimum, investments of $100,000 USD or more are generally expected to demonstrate seriousness and viability.
A detailed business plan outlining the nature of your investment, expected economic impact, job creation potential, and timeline. The plan must demonstrate that your venture will contribute to the Argentine economy.
Documentation proving the legitimate origin of your investment funds. This includes bank statements, tax returns, business financial statements, and any other documents establishing a clean financial history.
Police clearance certificates from your home country and any country of residence in the past five years. All certificates must be apostilled and translated into Spanish by a certified public translator.
Step-by-Step Process
Define Your Investment Strategy
Before beginning the visa process, determine the nature and scale of your investment. Research the Argentine market, identify your business sector, and develop a preliminary plan. Consult with an Argentine business attorney and accountant to understand the legal and tax implications of your chosen investment structure.
Prepare Your Business Plan
Develop a comprehensive business plan in Spanish that details your investment, including the amount of capital you will invest, the economic activity you will undertake, projected job creation, and your qualifications for managing the venture. The plan should be professional and realistic. Immigration authorities review these documents to assess the legitimacy and viability of your proposal.
Gather and Apostille Documents
Collect your passport, birth certificate, police clearances, financial statements, and any corporate documents from your home country. All documents must be apostilled under the Hague Convention and translated into Spanish by a certified public translator in Argentina. Financial documents should cover at least the past 12 months.
Establish Your Investment in Argentina
Begin the process of establishing your investment. This may involve registering a company, opening a corporate bank account, signing a commercial lease, or completing an investment transaction. Having concrete evidence of your investment activity strengthens your residency application significantly.
Submit Your Residency Application
File your application at the Direccion Nacional de Migraciones with your complete documentation package. This includes your personal documents, business plan, proof of investment, and evidence of your investment activity in Argentina. Pay all applicable government fees.
Review, Approval, and DNI
Migraciones will review your application, which may include requests for additional documentation or clarification about your investment. Processing typically takes 3-6 months. Once approved, you will receive temporary residency and can apply for your DNI at RENAPER, giving you full access to banking, contracts, and daily life in Argentina.
Document Checklist
- Valid passport (minimum 6 months remaining validity)
- Passport-sized photos (4x4 cm, white background)
- Apostilled birth certificate
- Police clearance certificates from home country and countries of residence (apostilled)
- Comprehensive business plan in Spanish
- Proof of investment funds (bank statements, portfolio statements, financial records)
- Documentation of funds' legitimate origin (tax returns, business financials, sale proceeds)
- Company registration documents (if business already established in Argentina)
- Commercial lease agreement or property documentation
- CUIT (Argentine tax ID) registration confirmation
- Evidence of investment activity (contracts, invoices, bank transfers)
- Certified Spanish translations of all foreign-language documents
- Completed application form (Radex platform or in-person)
- Payment receipts for government filing fees
Expected Timeline
Months 1-2: Planning and Preparation
Develop your business plan, consult with Argentine legal and tax professionals, begin gathering documents from your home country, and start the apostille process. This preparatory phase is critical for a smooth application.
Month 2-3: Establish Investment
Register your company or complete your investment transaction in Argentina. Open corporate bank accounts, sign commercial leases, and begin business operations. Concrete evidence of activity strengthens your application.
Month 3-4: Application Submission
Submit your complete residency application to Migraciones with all personal and business documentation. Pay government fees and receive your precaria (temporary authorization).
Months 4-9: Processing and Approval
Migraciones reviews your application. Investment visa processing tends to take longer than other categories due to the additional business documentation review. Expect 3-6 months. You may receive requests for additional information. Once approved, proceed to obtain your DNI.
Benefits of Investing in Argentina
Argentina has Latin America's third-largest economy with a well-educated workforce, rich natural resources, and significant market potential. Sectors like technology, agriculture, renewable energy, tourism, and gastronomy offer compelling opportunities for foreign investors.
Argentina provides access to the broader Mercosur market (including Brazil, Uruguay, and Paraguay) with a combined population of over 260 million. Buenos Aires is a major business hub with excellent international connectivity.
Operating costs in Argentina, including labor, office space, and services, are significantly lower than in North America or Europe. This cost advantage allows investors to stretch their capital further and achieve profitability more quickly.
Investment residency leads to the same path as other temporary residency categories: after two to three years, you can apply for permanent residency, and Argentine citizenship is available after two additional years. An Argentine passport provides visa-free access to much of the world.
Argentina has tax treaties with numerous countries that may provide advantages for foreign investors. The tax system, while complex, offers certain incentives for productive investment. Professional tax planning is essential to optimize your structure.
Investors enjoy Argentina's exceptional quality of life: world-class dining, rich culture, beautiful landscapes from Patagonia to the wine country of Mendoza, and a lifestyle that balances work and personal enjoyment in a way that few countries can match.
Reality Check
- Economic volatility is part of the landscape. Argentina has a history of economic instability, inflation, and currency controls. While this creates opportunities for those with foreign capital, it also introduces risks that do not exist in more stable economies. Any investment in Argentina should account for currency risk and macroeconomic uncertainty.
- Bureaucracy is significant. Establishing and operating a business in Argentina involves substantial bureaucracy. Company registration, tax compliance, labor regulations, and ongoing reporting requirements are more complex than in many other countries. Budget for professional legal and accounting support from day one.
- Labor laws strongly favor employees. Argentine labor law is among the most employee-protective in the world. Dismissal costs are high, mandatory benefits are extensive, and union relationships are important in many sectors. Understand these obligations before hiring your first employee.
- Due diligence is non-negotiable. If acquiring an existing business, thorough due diligence is essential. Tax liabilities, employee obligations, and undisclosed debts can transfer to the new owner. Never complete an acquisition without comprehensive legal and financial review.
- Professional advisors are essential. Do not attempt to navigate Argentine business and immigration law without qualified professionals. You need an immigration attorney, a business lawyer, and a certified public accountant (contador publico) who have specific experience with foreign investors.
Frequently Asked Questions
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This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or investment advice. Visa requirements, fees, investment thresholds, and processing times change frequently. Always verify current requirements on the official Argentine Immigration website and consult with qualified immigration and business attorneys before making any investment decisions. Last updated: 2025.