A New Era of Opportunity: The Argentina Citizenship by Investment Explained
Argentina has officially entered the global investment immigration landscape with the launch of its Citizenship by Investment (CBI) program under Decree 524/2025.
For the first time, qualified investors can obtain Argentine citizenship without the traditional multi-year residency period, through a direct investment pathway.
Below, you’ll find the most up-to-date verified details on how the program is being structured, and why Argentina’s new CBI (also referred to as the Argentina Golden Visa) could quickly become one of the most sought-after options in the global citizenship market.
Why Argentina Introduced Its Citizenship by Investment Program
Argentina launched its Citizenship by Investment (CBI) program under Presidential Decree 524/2025 to attract qualified investors capable of driving national growth and innovation.
While final regulations are still pending, the program is expected to prioritize strategic investments in renewable energy, agribusiness, technology, tourism, and infrastructure development, key sectors essential to the country’s long-term modernization and job creation.
In return, approved investors and their families will gain direct access to Argentine citizenship, bypassing the traditional residency route entirely.
Legal Basis & Program Overview
The Argentina Citizenship by Investment Program was formally established through Presidential Decree No. 524/2025, signed by President Javier Milei in July 2025. This decree amends the Nationality Law, enabling foreign investors to acquire citizenship through approved economic contributions without first establishing residency.
The program will be managed by the newly created Agency for Citizenship by Investment Programs within the Ministry of Economy, working in coordination with the National Migration Authority, Financial Crimes Unit, and Intelligence Secretariat to ensure compliance, transparency, and international due diligence standards.
Applications are expected to open in late 2025 or early 2026, once all technical and procedural regulations are finalized.
Investment & Eligibility Requirements
While the final structure is still being finalized, early details indicate that Argentina’s investment immigration program will include the following framework:
✓ Minimum Investment
Expected to be around USD 500,000, directed toward government-approved Argentina Golden Visa projects that contribute to economic development.
✓ Residency Requirement
No prior or ongoing residency in Argentina is required for applicants.
✓ Qualifying Sectors
Investments should create jobs, promote innovation, and align with national economic priorities.
✓ Due Diligence
Applicants must provide verified proof of legal funds, demonstrate a clean criminal record, and undergo multi-agency background checks.
✓ Processing Time
Once submitted, applications must be processed within 30 business days, making this one of the fastest Citizenship by Investment programs globally.
Key Benefits of Argentine Citizenship
Visa-Free Travel
The Argentine passport provides visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to over 172 countries, including the Schengen Area, United Kingdom, Ireland, Japan, and much of Asia. Argentina is also seeking to rejoin the U.S. Visa Waiver Program, which would allow citizens to enter the United States for up to 90 days without a visa.
For a detailed breakdown of destinations and recent updates, see our guide on Argentina Passport by Investment: Global Mobility & Visa-Free Access (2026 Update)
Mercosur Freedom of Movement
Argentine citizens enjoy full freedom of movement and work across Mercosur member states, including Brazil, Uruguay, Paraguay, and associated nations, giving regional mobility and business opportunities.
U.S. E-2 Visa Eligibility
Argentine citizens are eligible for the U.S. E-2 Investor Visa, a highly sought-after option among entrepreneurs and investors who wish to live and operate businesses in the United States.
Dual Citizenship Permitted
Investors are not required to renounce their original nationality. Argentina fully recognizes dual citizenship, ensuring flexibility for global citizens.
Tax Considerations
Argentina applies taxation based on residency, not citizenship, meaning that citizens living abroad are generally not taxed on foreign-sourced income.
Fast Citizenship Pathway
Through this new Argentina Passport by Investment route, investors and their families can secure full citizenship within 6-12 months, eliminating years of traditional residency requirements.
Why Argentina Could Be the Next Big CBI Destination
Argentina’s Golden Visa program is emerging as a top-tier alternative for investors seeking both global mobility and economic value.
If the program maintains its no-residency structure, includes family eligibility, and confirms a competitive minimum investment of around USD 500,000, Argentina could rival existing programs like Turkey’s and fill the global demand left after Malta’s program closure.
Combined with a passport offering visa-free access to 170+ destinations and a mandated 30-day processing time, Argentina presents one of the most strategically priced and fastest “Plan B” citizenship options in the world.
If Argentina successfully rejoins the U.S. Visa Waiver Program, it will further elevate its standing as a global leader in citizenship by investment.
Discover the broader global trends driving Argentina’s rise in our report, Top 10 Reasons Argentina Could Become the World’s Next Citizenship Hub.
Program Comparison Table
To better understand how Argentina’s program stacks up against Caribbean options, read our in-depth comparison: Argentina vs Caribbean Citizenship by Investment: Which Program Is Better for You?
Application Process
Although final administrative guidelines are pending, Argentina’s Citizenship by Investment process is expected to be streamlined and transparent:
✓ Pre-Application Assessment
Preliminary review confirming eligibility under investment and background criteria.
✓ Investment Commitment
Capital directed into a government-approved project supporting Argentina’s economic priorities.
✓ Citizenship Submission
Formal application submitted to the Agency for Citizenship by Investment Programs, including investment proof and identity documents.
✓ Due Diligence Review
Multi-agency background verification by the National Migration Authority, Financial Crimes Unit, and Intelligence Secretariat.
✓ Approval & Passport Issuance
Under Decree 524/2025, applications must be decided within 30 business days, after which successful applicants can obtain full citizenship and an Argentine passport.
Frequently Asked Questions
The minimum investment is expected to be around USD 500,000, directed toward approved productive sectors. Final confirmation will be published once the technical regulations are issued.
No. The program is specifically designed to offer citizenship without residency, making it ideal for global investors seeking a second passport through Argentina investment immigration.
Under Decree 524/2025, authorities must issue a decision within 30 business days after submission, which makes it among the fastest timelines globally.
Yes. Spouses and dependent children are expected to qualify under a single family application.
Applications are expected to open in late 2025 or early 2026, once final guidelines and eligible investment sectors are published.
Yes. Argentina recognizes and allows dual nationality, enabling applicants to keep their original passport.
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