Golden Visa for Foreign Investors in Argentina

The new measure allows foreigners to apply for Argentine citizenship without prior residence in exchange for making strategic investments in the country. It sends a clear signal of Argentina’s commitment to attracting foreign capital and boosting the economy.

Through the new Decree 524/2025, published in the Official Gazette, the Milei Administration has implemented a new regulatory framework which allows foreigners to apply for Argentine citizenship in exchange for making significant financial investments in the country. Under this program, investors would not need to satisfy the two-year continuous residence requirement established under the country’s Citizenship Law (No. 346/1869).

The measure complements Decree 366/2025, which amended the Citizenship Law to include an alternative naturalization pathway aimed at attracting foreign investment in strategic sectors.

This initiative brings Argentina in line with various countries around the world that provide citizenship opportunities to investors who make significant national investments, including the U.S. EB-5 program, Portugal’s Golden Visa, Malta’s Individual Investor Program, and the United Arab Emirates’ Investor Visa.

The decree established the Agency for Citizenship through Investment Programs, an entity within the Ministry of Economy. The Agency is responsible for evaluating investment-based citizenship applications and issuing recommendations to determine whether the investments meet the “strategic relevance” standard under the amended Citizenship Law.  Such relevance will be defined through Ministry of Economy regulations based on factors such as job creation, technology transfer, local production, and regional impact.

In making its recommendation, the Agency will engage relevant government departments to conduct reviews of criminal history, immigration records, tax filings, and other relevant information to ensure that providing citizenship does not present a risk to security or national interests. The National Office of Migration will serve as the competent authority for the final decision. It is required to submit its decision within 30 business days after receiving the Agency’s final report.

To apply for the golden visa, interested investors must demonstrate:

• Traceability and legal origin of the invested funds.
• Effective investment of capital within Argentina.
• Lack of a criminal record or other legal impediments.
• Compliance with immigration, tax, and commercial regulations.

As part of the process, the Agency will request reports from various government entities like the Financial Intelligence Unit (UIF), the National Criminal Records Registry, the National Registry of Persons (RENAPER), the State Intelligence Secretariat (SIDE), and the Ministry of Security. The aim is to ensure that the citizenship application does not present national security concerns, and that there is no evidence that the individual has a criminal record, has used a false identity, or has otherwise engaged in illicit activities.

These safeguards aim to protect the integrity of the program and avoid the types of abuse that have drawn international criticism in other countries with similar “golden visa” initiatives.

Once the citizenship is granted, the applicant will be eligible to automatically obtain a Unique Tax Identification Code (CUIT) through a special system implemented by the Federal Tax Authority (ARCA).

This grants the new citizen access to Argentina’s formal economy, allowing them to open bank accounts, establish companies, hire employees, import capital goods, and participate in public procurement, among other benefits tied to Argentine nationality.

The option to obtain Argentine citizenship without prior residence—golden visa—marks a significant shift in naturalization policy, which has historically centered on social integration, local ties, and length of residence.

This initiative is part of a broader migration reform led by the Executive Branch, which has tightened entry requirements for certain groups, implemented different healthcare and education fees for non-residents, and updated deportation criteria for individuals with criminal records.

The broader strategy is meant to align immigration policy with Argentina’s economic objectives—such as attracting long-term investments—particularly in sectors where the country has a competitive edge, including energy (Vaca Muerta), lithium mining, agricultural technology, and financial services.

Broadly speaking, Argentina’s golden visa program presents a new and evolving opportunity. Yet, its scope and success will ultimately depend on how it is implemented. Key details—such as minimum investment thresholds, the criteria for determining an investment’s “relevance,” and required documentation—still await clarification through regulations from the Ministry of Economy.

For foreign investors, this program offers a valuable opportunity to participate in Argentina’s economic ecosystem while gaining the benefits of citizenship. At the same time, it presents important challenges: from navigating immigration and tax regulations to effectively structuring operations within the country.

In this context, specialized legal assistance will be crucial—not only to navigate the citizenship process, but also to develop a safe and efficient strategy aligned with Argentina’s regulatory framework.