Argentina will launch South America’s first citizenship‑by‑investment programme in the fourth quarter of 2026. The scheme, announced by Economy Minister Luis Caputo, allows foreign nationals to obtain Argentine citizenship through a qualifying investment without any prior residence requirement. The minimum contribution starts at USD 350,000.
Programme development
- May 2025 – Decree 366/2025 amended the Citizenship Law (No. 346) to permit naturalisation via a “relevant investment,” removing the residence prerequisite.
- July 2025 – Decree 524/2025 created the Agency for Citizenship by Investment Programs under the Ministry of Economy and defined the procedural framework.
- April 2026 – Decree 285/2026 appointed the agency’s Executive Director.
- May 2026 – The agency signed a non‑onerous technical collaboration agreement with AMIGO Ltd, an international consortium that will advise on programme design, due diligence and compliance.
- October 2026 – Minister Caputo confirmed the Q4 2026 opening and published the investment thresholds.
All eligibility decisions, due‑diligence assessments and citizenship grants remain the sole responsibility of the Argentine government.
Investment routes and costs
| Route | Main applicant | Spouse | Child 18‑25 (unmarried, no children) | Child < 18 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Treasury contribution (non‑refundable) | USD 350,000 | USD 100,000 | USD 100,000 | USD 25,000 |
| Example: family of four (couple + two children < 18) | — | — | — | USD 500,000 |
- Adult children up to 25 years are not required to prove financial dependency, a more generous provision than many Caribbean programmes.
- A second route – investment in Argentine sovereign bonds – has been announced, but the minimum amount, holding period and currency terms have not yet been disclosed.
- Government fees, due‑diligence fees and professional fees will be added to the amounts above and are still to be confirmed.
Key benefits of Argentine citizenship
- No residence requirement – citizenship is granted solely on the basis of the qualifying investment.
- Passport strength – the 2026 Passport Index ranks Argentina 16th globally, offering visa‑free or visa‑on‑arrival access to 169 destinations, including the Schengen Area, the United Kingdom and Japan.
- Potential U.S. Visa Waiver – Argentina applied in July 2025 to re‑enter the U.S. Visa Waiver Program; approval would allow Argentine citizens to travel to the United States without a visa, though no timeline is set.
- Regional mobility – MERCOSUR agreements provide relatively straightforward residence, work, study and business rights in participating South American countries.
- G20 status – as a G20 economy with a diversified market and natural resources, Argentine citizenship may carry more weight in banking and international business than passports from smaller jurisdictions.
- Family inclusion – a single application can cover the spouse, children under 18 and unmarried children up to 25.
- Dual citizenship – Argentina permits dual nationality; applicants should verify that their current citizenship also allows it.
Due‑diligence framework
The Agency for Citizenship by Investment Programs will conduct vetting in line with OECD and FATF standards, collaborating with:
- State Intelligence Secretariat
- Financial Information Unit
- Ministry of Security
- Ministry of the Interior
Checks will include identity verification, source‑of‑funds validation, jurisdictional risk, criminal and reputational records, and immigration history. International due‑diligence firms will also be engaged. The agency’s recommendation is submitted to the National Directorate of Migration, which makes the final approval decision. All funds must flow through the formal financial system, making a comprehensive source‑of‑wealth file essential from the outset.
Considerations before applying
- Programme not yet open – final regulations, application procedures and the exact launch date are pending; announced figures may change.
- Tax residency – citizenship alone does not confer tax residency. Tax obligations depend on actual residence, so professional advice is needed for those planning extended stays in Argentina.
- First‑generation risk – as a new programme, processing times, practical requirements and ancillary fees may evolve after launch. Early applicants should be prepared for procedural adjustments.
- Bond route specifics – prospective investors should await details on minimum investment, currency, maturity and exit options before committing to the sovereign bond option.
Image: Argentina Citizenship by Investment
Source article: knightsbridge.ae
