Investment Visa (Residencia Temporaria por Inversión)
Argentina's Investment Visa is designed for foreign nationals who invest significant capital in the Argentine economy. This category covers both active business investments (starting or buying a company) and passive real estate investments. The visa provides full work authorization and is widely considered the fastest path to permanent residency among traditional visa categories. Investors can form a Sociedad por Acciones Simplificada (SAS) — Argentina's streamlined business entity similar to a US LLC — in as little as 24 hours through the online registration portal. With the introduction of Decreto 524/2025, Argentina has also created a separate Citizenship by Investment program requiring $500,000 minimum investment with a 30-day processing path, positioning Argentina as the first South American country to offer fast-track citizenship through investment. The traditional investment visa remains the more accessible option, with a $150,000 minimum threshold and a clear path to permanent residency after 2 years.
Quick Summary
$500 USD
1 year (renewable annually, fast-track to permanent residency)
60-90 days
Legal Basis
Establishes temporary residency category for investors ('inversionista') who make productive investments in Argentina
View official text →Defines investment residency requirements, minimum capital thresholds, business plan standards, and proof-of-funds documentation
View official text →Applied 2-year continuous residence requirement for permanent residency and expanded deportation grounds, affecting investment visa holders pursuing citizenship path
View official text →Created the Citizenship by Investment program — $500,000 minimum in qualifying economic sectors with 30-day processing and no prior residency requirement. Expected to fully launch second half of 2026.
View official text →Established the SAS (Sociedad por Acciones Simplificada) entity type — 24-hour registration, 100% foreign ownership allowed, ideal for investment visa applicants starting new businesses
View official text →Requirements
- Minimum investment of $150,000 USD
The investment must be in a productive activity that creates employment or contributes to Argentine economic development. Qualifying investments include: starting a business, purchasing an existing business, real estate (commercial or residential for rental), agricultural land, technology ventures, or equity stakes in Argentine companies. The $150,000 is the traditional threshold; the new Decreto 524/2025 Citizenship by Investment program requires $500,000.
Common mistake: Counting personal expenses (rent, car, living costs) as part of the investment. The investment must be in a business or productive asset, not personal consumption. Also, buying a single residential property for personal use alone may not qualify — it must be framed as a rental investment or part of a broader business plan.Decreto 616/2010, Art. 18 - qualifying investment thresholds
- Proof of funds origin (lícita procedencia)
All investment funds must have a documented, legal origin. This means providing: tax returns from home country (2-3 years), bank statements showing accumulation of funds, sale documents if from asset sales, inheritance documentation if applicable. Argentine UIF (Unidad de Información Financiera) reviews for anti-money-laundering compliance.
Common mistake: Transferring a large lump sum without paper trail. Migration and UIF will flag unexplained large deposits. Build a clear documentary chain showing how the funds were earned and accumulated over time.Ley 25.246 - Anti-money laundering requirements
- Business plan (for new business investments)
A formal business plan reviewed by Migraciones and/or the Secretaría de Comercio. Must include: executive summary, market analysis, financial projections (3 years), employment plan showing job creation for Argentine workers, investment timeline, and sector justification. Plans should be presented in Spanish.
Common mistake: Submitting a vague or overly optimistic business plan. Migraciones wants realistic projections showing the investment will create local jobs and economic activity. Hire an Argentine contador (accountant) to review your financials — they know what reviewers look for.Decreto 616/2010, Art. 20 - business plan requirements
- Company formation documents (if starting a business)
Register your company entity in Argentina before or during the visa application. Options: SAS (Sociedad por Acciones Simplificada) — fastest, 24-hour online registration, ideal for startups; SRL (Sociedad de Responsabilidad Limitada) — traditional LLC equivalent, takes 30-60 days; SA (Sociedad Anónima) — for larger operations, takes 60-90 days. All allow 100% foreign ownership.
Common mistake: Choosing SA when SAS would suffice. The SAS was created by Ley 27.349 specifically to simplify business formation. It can be registered entirely online through DPPJ (or IGJ in Buenos Aires) in 24 hours, making it the preferred entity for investment visa applicants.Ley 27.349 - SAS formation requirements
- Valid passport with 18+ months remaining
Given the longer processing time for investment visas (60-90 days) and the 1-year validity, your passport should have at least 18 months remaining.
Common mistake: Passport with less than 12 months validity. Investment visa processing takes the longest of any category — plan accordingly.Ley 25.871, Art. 8 - valid travel document requirement
- Criminal background check (apostilled and translated)
From your home country and all countries where you've lived for 1+ years in the past 5 years. Must be less than 90 days old, apostilled, and translated by an Argentine traductor público. Investment visa applicants face additional scrutiny due to AML requirements.
Common mistake: Omitting background checks from countries of prior residence. Investment applications are reviewed by UIF (financial intelligence unit) in addition to Migraciones — incomplete background disclosure can result in rejection.Decreto 616/2010, Art. 12 + Ley 25.246 - enhanced due diligence for investors
- Health insurance with comprehensive coverage
Under Decreto 366/2025, temporary residents (including investors) no longer have access to free public healthcare. Private health insurance with minimum $50,000 coverage recommended for investment visa holders (higher than the $20,000 tourist minimum due to the longer stay and higher-risk profile).
Common mistake: Purchasing only the minimum $20,000 coverage. Investment visa holders are typically establishing long-term presence — comprehensive private insurance is both practically necessary and strengthens the application.Decreto 366/2025 - health coverage for temporary residents
- Real estate documentation (if property investment)
For real estate investments: purchase agreement (boleto de compraventa), property title (escritura), proof of transfer to Argentine bank account, and property tax registration. Real estate investments must be professionally appraised to confirm the $150,000 minimum threshold.
Common mistake: Using a foreign bank wire transfer without routing through an Argentine bank account. Investment funds must be received through the Argentine banking system to create the paper trail that Migraciones and UIF require.Decreto 616/2010 - real estate investment documentation
Application Process
Develop investment strategy and engage professionals
Decide on your investment type: new business (SAS/SRL), existing business acquisition, real estate, or equity investment. Hire an Argentine immigration attorney (abogado de migraciones) and a certified public accountant (contador público). These professionals are essential for navigating the business plan review and AML compliance.
2-4 weeks
Decreto 616/2010 - investment visa professional requirements
Form your Argentine business entity (if applicable)
Register a SAS (fastest option — 24 hours online) or SRL through DPPJ/IGJ. For SAS: register at tramitesadistancia.gob.ar with your passport, designate a legal representative (apoderado), and deposit minimum capital ($2 salarios mínimos, approximately $400 USD). For SRL: requires a notary (escribano) and takes 30-60 days.
24 hours (SAS) / 30-60 days (SRL)
Ley 27.349 - SAS formation through digital platform
Transfer investment funds to Argentina
Wire investment funds to your Argentine bank account (or your company's account). The transfer must come from a documented account in your name and go through the Argentine banking system. Keep all transfer receipts and SWIFT confirmation documents. For real estate, funds typically go through an escribano's trust account.
1-2 weeks for wire transfer + processing
Ley 25.246 - AML fund transfer requirements
Prepare and submit business plan
Draft a comprehensive business plan in Spanish covering: investment description, market analysis, 3-year financial projections, employment creation plan, and investment timeline. Your contador should prepare the financial sections. Submit for review as part of your visa application package.
2-4 weeks to prepare
Decreto 616/2010, Art. 20 - business plan submission standards
Gather personal documents
Collect passport, criminal background checks (all countries of residence in past 5 years), proof of funds origin (tax returns, bank statements), health insurance, and academic credentials if relevant. Apostille and translate everything.
2-6 weeks (parallel with steps 2-4)
Decreto 616/2010 - investment visa documentation
Submit visa application via RADEX or consulate
File your complete application including: personal documents, business plan, company formation documents, proof of investment, fund origin documentation, and health insurance. Pay the $500 USD application fee.
Appointment scheduling: 1-4 weeks
Disposición DNM 2809/2016 - investment visa submission procedures
Respond to additional information requests
Investment visa applications almost always trigger requests for additional documentation. Common requests: additional proof of fund origin, updated financial projections, evidence of job creation, or clarification of investment structure.
Ongoing during 60-90 day review
Ley 25.871 - administrative review process
Receive approval and begin operations
Once approved, you receive temporary residency. Apply immediately for DNI and CUIL. You can now operate your business, manage your investments, and work without restrictions in Argentina. Begin your 2-year path to permanent residency.
60-90 days from submission to approval
Ley 25.871, Art. 15 - path to permanent residency
Real Experiences
“I formed a SAS in 24 hours — literally. Registered online, got my CUIT the next day. The visa application itself took 75 days because they questioned my fund source (stock sales from the US). Had to provide 3 years of brokerage statements. Total cost including attorney and contador: about $4,000 on top of the $150K investment.”
“Bought two apartments in Palermo for $180,000 total. Used them as rental investments. My immigration attorney framed it as a 'rental business' with job creation through property management. Visa approved in 65 days. The apartments now generate $1,200/month in rental income and have appreciated 15% in dollar terms since purchase.”
“The business plan review was the most stressful part. My first submission was rejected because the financial projections were 'overly optimistic.' My contador rewrote the numbers more conservatively and it passed on the second attempt. Lesson: be realistic in your projections — they want to see viability, not hockey sticks.”
Common Problems & Solutions
Fund origin documentation insufficient — UIF flags application
Business plan rejected for 'lack of viability'
Peso devaluation eroding investment value
SAS/SRL formation delayed by bureaucratic issues
Investment visa renewal requires proof of ongoing investment
2025/2026 Updates
- •Decreto 524/2025 created the Citizenship by Investment program — $500,000 minimum in qualifying sectors (agribusiness, renewable energy, technology, tourism infrastructure) with 30-day processing and no residency requirement. Expected to fully launch second half of 2026.
- •Decreto 366/2025 applied 2-year continuous residence requirement for permanent residency — investors must remain in Argentina without departures during this period or the clock resets
- •SAS formation continues to be processed in 24 hours through tramitesadistancia.gob.ar — Argentina's most investor-friendly business entity
- •New Agencia Nacional de Migraciones (Nov 2025) under Security Ministry has increased AML scrutiny of investment visa applications — expect more documentation requests for fund origin
- •Real estate investment visa applications processing faster than business plans — approximately 60 days vs 90 days for new businesses
- •Argentine tech sector receiving government incentives — Ley de Economía del Conocimiento provides tax benefits for tech investments that can strengthen visa applications
- •Buenos Aires real estate market has stabilized after 2023-2024 correction — dollar-denominated property prices in desirable neighborhoods (Palermo, Belgrano, Recoleta) showing 10-15% appreciation
- •Mandatory health insurance ($20,000 minimum) required — investment visa applicants recommended to get $50,000+ coverage given longer stay and higher financial profile
Pros
- Fastest path to permanent residency among traditional visa categories — 2 years of continuous residence (Ley 25.871, Art. 15)
- Full work authorization — no restrictions on employment or business activities
- Can bring spouse and dependents, who also receive residency (Ley 25.871, Art. 12)
- SAS company formation in 24 hours with 100% foreign ownership — one of the easiest business environments in Latin America
- New Citizenship by Investment pathway (Decreto 524/2025) offers 30-day processing for $500,000 investment with no residency requirement
- Real estate investments serve dual purpose — residency qualification plus asset appreciation in a recovering market
- No requirement to create a specific number of jobs (unlike some countries' investment visa programs)
- Argentine market offers significant opportunities — undervalued assets, growing tech sector, agricultural export strength
Cons
- Highest financial barrier — $150,000 minimum (traditional) or $500,000 (citizenship fast-track)
- Longest processing time (60-90 days) with intensive documentation requirements
- Anti-money-laundering scrutiny can feel invasive — must document every dollar's origin
- Business plan review is subjective — success depends on reviewer's assessment of viability
- Argentine economic volatility — peso devaluation, inflation, and capital controls affect investment value
- Professional fees (attorney + contador) add $2,000-5,000 to the cost
- Under Decreto 366/2025, any criminal conviction can trigger deportation — higher stakes given investment at risk
- Must maintain the investment for the residency to remain valid — selling too early can jeopardize status
- Argentine tax obligations are complex — residents are taxed on worldwide income after 12 months
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:
- Entrepreneurs wanting to start a business in Argentina (tech, gastronomy, tourism, agriculture)
- Real estate investors attracted by undervalued Buenos Aires property market
- High-net-worth individuals seeking residency through the Citizenship by Investment program ($500K)
- Small business owners wanting to expand to the Latin American market through Argentina
- Retirees with significant savings who want an active residency pathway rather than passive Rentista
- Tech founders establishing a Latin American presence (Argentina's tech ecosystem is the strongest in the region)
- Agricultural investors interested in Argentina's export-oriented farming sector
Reality check: Processing times are estimates based on recent experience. Actual times vary by office and season.