Citizenship by Investment (Decreto 524/2025)
Argentina's Citizenship by Investment (CBI) program, established by Decreto 524/2025, makes Argentina the first South American country to offer fast-track citizenship through capital investment. With a minimum investment of $500,000 USD in qualifying economic sectors, applicants can obtain Argentine citizenship — including passport — without any prior residency requirement. The program is designed to attract foreign capital into priority sectors like agribusiness, renewable energy, technology, and tourism infrastructure.
Quick Summary
$500,000+ USD investment
Direct citizenship (no residency required)
30 business days (target)
Legal Basis
Establishes Citizenship by Investment program with $500,000 minimum investment
View official text →Framework immigration law under which the CBI program operates
View official text →Immigration reform that introduced the investment-based citizenship pathway as an alternative to 2-year residence
View official text →Requirements
- Minimum $500,000 USD investment in qualifying sectors
Investment must be in productive economic activities in Argentina. Qualifying sectors include: agribusiness, renewable energy (solar, wind, lithium), technology and innovation, tourism infrastructure, and real estate development projects approved by the program.
Common mistake: Assuming any real estate purchase qualifies. The investment must be in approved sectors and projects — a personal apartment in Palermo does NOT qualify. The funds must be channeled through approved investment vehicles.Decreto 524/2025 - qualifying investment criteria
- Clean criminal record worldwide
Background checks from all countries of residence in the past 10 years. Given the fast-track nature and high value, expect thorough due diligence including anti-money laundering (AML) and counter-terrorism financing (CTF) checks.
Common mistake: Underestimating the due diligence process. This isn't just a background check — expect bank reference letters, source of funds documentation, and potentially interviews.Decreto 524/2025 - due diligence requirements
- Proof of source of funds
Comprehensive documentation showing the legitimate origin of investment funds. Tax returns, business records, sale proceeds, inheritance documentation — whatever demonstrates the money was legally earned.
Common mistake: Crypto wealth without clear fiat on-ramp documentation. Argentina's UIF (financial intelligence unit) will scrutinize fund sources carefully.Ley 25.246 - Anti-Money Laundering requirements
- Valid passport
Current passport from any country. No specific minimum validity period announced yet, but 2+ years recommended.
Decreto 524/2025 - identity documentation
- Application fee (amount TBD)
The program fee structure is still being finalized. Based on comparable programs globally, expect a non-refundable application fee of $10,000-50,000 USD in addition to the investment amount.
Common mistake: Confusing the investment amount with the total cost. Budget for application fees, legal fees, due diligence costs, and investment structuring on top of the $500,000.Decreto 524/2025 - fee schedule (pending)
Application Process
Engage an authorized immigration firm
Given the investment amounts involved, work with an immigration law firm authorized to process CBI applications. They'll guide you through the qualifying investment options and structure.
1-2 weeks
Decreto 524/2025
Select qualifying investment
Choose from approved investment sectors and specific projects. Your legal team will present options that meet program criteria.
2-4 weeks for due diligence on investment options
Decreto 524/2025 - approved sectors
Submit application with investment proof
File the citizenship application with documentation of the qualifying investment, source of funds, background checks, and personal documents.
1-2 weeks to compile
Decreto 524/2025
Due diligence and review
Argentine authorities conduct background checks, verify investment, and review application. This includes AML/CTF screening.
15-30 business days (target)
Decreto 524/2025 - processing timeline
Execute investment
Once approved in principle, execute the investment through approved channels. Funds must be transferred via formal banking system.
1-2 weeks
Decreto 524/2025
Receive citizenship and passport
Upon investment verification, citizenship is granted. Apply for Argentine passport and DNI.
2-4 weeks after investment verification
Decreto 524/2025 - citizenship grant
Real Experiences
“Argentina's CBI is the most interesting new program in years. $500K for a passport that gets you into the EU without even living there. The question is whether the implementation will match the promise.”
“I'm watching this closely. If they actually launch with 30-day processing and the investments are reasonable, this could be bigger than Portugal's old Golden Visa. Argentina's passport is seriously underrated.”
“The Argentine CBI checks a lot of boxes — no residency requirement, EU passport access, no renunciation needed. But it's Argentina, so expect surprises in the implementation.”
Common Problems & Solutions
Program not yet fully launched — when can I apply?
How do I find qualifying investment projects?
What happens to my investment if I want to divest later?
Can I include my family?
2025/2026 Updates
- •Decreto 524/2025 signed July 2025 — Argentina becomes the first South American country to offer citizenship by investment
- •Minimum investment set at $500,000 USD in qualifying productive sectors
- •No prior residency requirement — a major differentiator from most citizenship programs worldwide
- •Target processing time: 30 business days from complete application submission
- •Qualifying sectors: agribusiness, renewable energy, technology/innovation, tourism infrastructure, approved real estate development
- •Full program launch expected H2 2026 — implementing regulations being drafted as of early 2026
- •Argentine passport provides visa-free/visa-on-arrival access to 170+ countries including EU/Schengen area
- •Dual citizenship explicitly permitted — no renunciation of existing nationality required
Pros
- No residency requirement — obtain citizenship without living in Argentina
- Fast processing — 30 business days target (compared to 2+ years through naturalization)
- Argentine passport provides visa-free access to 170+ countries including EU/Schengen
- Argentina allows dual/multiple citizenship — no need to renounce existing nationality
- Investment in real, productive sectors — not just government bonds or donations
- Family members can be included (spouse, dependent children expected)
- First South American CBI program — potential for strong appreciation as program matures
Cons
- Very high investment threshold ($500,000 USD) compared to some Caribbean programs ($100-200K)
- Program is brand new (Decreto 524/2025) — implementation details still being finalized in 2026
- Qualifying investments are restricted to specific sectors — no simple bank deposits or personal real estate
- Argentine economic and currency instability creates investment risk
- Source of funds scrutiny is expected to be rigorous
- Investment may be illiquid — exit strategy depends on the specific investment vehicle
- Program longevity uncertain — future governments could modify or eliminate it
Frequently Asked Questions
This guide covers the basics, but every case is different. For complex situations, Lucero Legal specializes in expat immigration in Argentina.
Best for:
- High-net-worth individuals seeking a powerful second passport with EU access
- Investors already interested in Argentine sectors (agribusiness, lithium, renewable energy, tech)
- Business owners wanting citizenship without relocating or spending 2 years in Argentina
- Families seeking a Plan B citizenship with no residency obligation
- Crypto/tech entrepreneurs looking for a tax-favorable base with strong passport
Reality check: Processing times are estimates based on recent experience. Actual times vary by office and season.