Historically, acquiring Argentine citizenship required establishing residence in Argentina. Ordinary naturalization requires two years of continuous residence, and extended absences from the country may interrupt that period. For business owners and families whose professional and personal lives are based elsewhere, this requirement has been a significant obstacle. That framework has now changed.
Background
On October 2, 2026, during Argentina Week in Paris, the Argentine Government formally presented its Citizenship by Investment Program, established by executive decree. For the first time, Argentine citizenship may be obtained on the basis of a qualifying investment, without a prior residence requirement.
Key Features of the Program
- Eligibility: Open to nationals of all countries.
- Quotas: No annual quotas have been established.
- Qualifying investment: Applicants may elect one of two options:
- A non-refundable contribution of USD 350,000 to the National Treasury; or
- A USD 800,000 subscription to a seven-year government bond issued specifically for the Program.
- Family inclusion: An additional USD 100,000 for a spouse and for each unmarried, childless child aged 18 to 25, and USD 25,000 for each child under 18.
- Tax treatment: Under Law 27.802, acquiring Argentine citizenship through the Program does not, by itself, give rise to Argentine tax residency. Accordingly, an investor's worldwide income remains outside the scope of Argentine taxation unless the investor subsequently establishes tax residence in Argentina.
By way of example, a family of four with two minor children would require a total contribution of USD 500,000 under the Treasury contribution option.
The Government has indicated that it expects to begin accepting applications on November 20, 2026.
Principal Benefits
- Global mobility. Argentina ranks 14th in the Global Passport Power Rank 2026, with visa-free access to 170 destinations. In addition, Argentina is pursuing re-admission to the U.S. Visa Waiver Program, with visa-free travel to the United States anticipated in 2027.
- No physical presence requirement. Investors are not required to reside in Argentina, either before or after naturalization.
- Dual nationality. Argentina permits dual citizenship and generally does not require applicants to renounce their nationality of origin.
- Permanence. Argentine citizenship does not expire and is not forfeited by residence abroad.
- Regional access. As Mercosur nationals, Argentine citizens may obtain residence to live and work in Brazil, Chile, Uruguay, Paraguay, Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador and Peru.
- Lifestyle optionality. For those who elect to relocate, Argentina offers major urban centers, Patagonia, internationally recognized wine regions, and a time zone compatible with both the United States and Europe.
How VGV Corporate Can Assist
Our Argentina CBI Practice Unit advises investors and their families throughout the process:
- Eligibility assessment. A preliminary review of the applicant's profile and a calculation of the total family investment.
- Source-of-funds analysis. A thorough review and documentation of the lawful origin and traceability of the investment funds prior to filing.
- Application preparation. Collection, review, and verification of all required documentation for the principal applicant and family members.
- Filing and representation. Submission of the application and representation before the competent authorities through final adjudication.
Recommendation
Applications are expected to be processed in order of submission. Investors considering the Program are advised to begin preparing their documentation, particularly source-of-funds evidence, in advance of the opening of the application period.
Learn more about Argentina’s Citizenship by Investment Program:
