The History of Argentina’s Citizenship Laws and Decree 524/2025 Explained

Growing Interest in Argentina’s Dual Citizenship Rules

With the introduction of Argentina’s Citizenship by Investment program under Decree 524/2025, international investors are taking a closer look at how Argentina treats dual nationality and tax residency.

For investors seeking flexibility, Argentina stands out for its liberal stance on dual citizenship and its clear distinction between citizenship and tax residency. These factors together make the country’s upcoming citizenship framework uniquely attractive for global entrepreneurs, high-net-worth individuals, and mobile investors planning for long-term global mobility.

Argentina’s Constitutional Stance on Dual Nationality

Argentina is one of the few Latin American countries whose constitution and nationality laws fully recognize dual citizenship. This means that new citizens are not required to renounce their existing nationality when obtaining an Argentine passport.

The right to hold multiple nationalities has been reinforced by both the Nationality Law and Supreme Court jurisprudence, ensuring that Argentine citizens, whether by birth, naturalization, or investment, retain their original citizenship without restriction.

This approach aligns with Argentina’s international agreements with countries such as Italy, Spain, and Chile, where dual nationality is formally recognized. Even for citizens of non-treaty states, Argentina’s domestic law remains permissive, meaning no renunciation is required during the naturalization or future Citizenship by Investment process.

Implications for Foreign Investors

For international investors, this legal clarity is significant. Dual citizenship recognition simplifies the process of integrating Argentina’s new investment route with existing passports or citizenships.

It also ensures that investors who acquire Argentine citizenship through Decree 524/2025 can enjoy:

• Uninterrupted global mobility, since they can retain their existing passports.
• Expanded access to regional markets, as Argentine citizens benefit from Mercosur freedom of movement across South America.
• Family continuity, since spouses and dependents can also be included under one family application.

Combined with the anticipated 30-business-day approval window, these features make Argentina’s framework not only competitive but exceptionally convenient for global investors.

Tax Residency and Global Income Rules

One of the most appealing aspects of Argentine citizenship for investors is the country’s taxation principle based on residency, not citizenship.

This means that Argentine citizens who do not reside in Argentina are generally not taxed on foreign-sourced income. This distinction is crucial for internationally mobile investors managing income, dividends, or capital gains abroad.

How Argentina Defines Tax Residency

An individual is considered a tax resident in Argentina if they:

• Spend more than 183 days per year in the country, or
• Have their center of vital interests (economic, professional, or familial ties) located in Argentina.

Foreigners who become Argentine citizens but continue to reside abroad will typically not be deemed tax residents, as long as their primary income and personal base remain outside Argentina.

Argentina also has an expanding network of double-taxation treaties, reducing exposure for those who do hold business interests within the country.

Expected Treatment for Citizenship by Investment Participants

While the final fiscal framework under Decree 524/2025 has not yet been issued, it is expected that taxation principles will follow Argentina’s existing legal structure. In other words, citizenship obtained through investment will not by itself trigger tax residency or create new reporting obligations for non-residents.

Once final regulations are published, they are likely to confirm that CBI participants will be treated the same as any other Argentine citizen in terms of tax and legal obligations, maintaining clarity and predictability for global investors.

Treatment of Dual Citizens Under Decree 524/2025

Decree 524/2025 formally amended Argentina’s nationality laws to allow direct acquisition of citizenship through investment without prior residency. This represents a structural innovation, yet it does not change how dual nationality is treated.

Dual citizens, whether by birth, descent, or investment, retain the same constitutional rights and responsibilities as any other Argentine national. They can:

• Vote and hold property in Argentina.
• Open local and international bank accounts as Argentine citizens.
• Enjoy consular protection from Argentina abroad.

Importantly, dual nationality does not limit rights or privileges, nor does it affect inheritance or property ownership under Argentine civil law. Investors who obtain citizenship through this new framework will therefore enjoy full constitutional parity.

Legal Considerations for Investors

While Argentina’s dual-citizenship policy is clear, investors should remain mindful of their home country’s stance on multiple citizenships. Some nations restrict or penalize the acquisition of a second nationality, while others allow it freely.

Additionally, global investors should ensure compliance with:

• International tax-reporting requirements (such as FATCA or CRS).
• Source-of-funds documentation to meet Argentina’s due-diligence standards.
• Investment verification once Argentina’s implementing regulations are finalized.

Investors preparing in advance by consolidating financial documentation and establishing compliance with global standards will be best positioned for a smooth application once the Argentina Citizenship by Investment program officially opens.

Treatment of Family Members

Dual citizenship in Argentina extends smoothly to family applications. Under Decree 524/2025, spouses and dependent children will be eligible for inclusion in a single citizenship application.

This structure ensures family unity while maintaining Argentina’s constitutional commitment to equal citizenship rights. Once naturalized or approved through investment, dependents will hold the same nationality status and legal protections as the principal investor.

Conclusion: Clarity, Flexibility, and Global Opportunity

Argentina’s approach to dual citizenship combines constitutional openness with modern investment mobility. By allowing multiple nationalities and defining taxation based on residency rather than citizenship, it provides international investors with flexibility rarely found in other jurisdictions.

Although final program-specific tax details under Decree 524/2025 are still pending, all available legal indicators suggest alignment with existing frameworks, meaning that foreign investors obtaining citizenship through the Argentina Citizenship by Investment program will enjoy the same rights and obligations as any Argentine national.

As global citizenship options narrow across Europe and the Caribbean, Argentina’s combination of legal transparency, economic reform, and global credibility positions it as one of the most promising destinations for forward-looking investors.