Argentina has long been one of South America’s most influential nations, known for its cultural depth, thriving cities, and regional leadership. In 2025, it entered a new chapter by launching a Citizenship by Investment (CBI) program.
Through this framework, foreign investors can qualify for citizenship by making a “relevant investment” without the need for prior residency. While the government is still finalizing details such as minimum investment amounts and eligible sectors, the program is already attracting global attention.
Argentina’s Citizenship by Investment program combines one of Latin America’s most respected passports with the advantages of regional integration and global mobility.
Read on to learn about the proposed program’s details and CBI frameworks.
Overview of Argentina’s New CBI Framework
Enacted through Decree 524/2025, Argentina’s new program creates a direct route to citizenship for foreign investors who make a “relevant investment.”
Unlike traditional paths, there is no residency requirement. Applications focus on capital contribution and due diligence.
Oversight sits with the newly formed Agency for Citizenship by Investment Programs, under the Ministry of Economy. The Agency reviews applications, coordinates background checks with national security and financial bodies, and submits recommendations to the National Directorate of Migration (DNM), which must issue a decision within 30 business days.
Investment thresholds and eligible sectors are still pending, but the structure already places Argentina among the most interesting new entrants in the global citizenship by investment market.
Global Mobility and Passport Benefits
One of the biggest attractions of Argentina’s new CBI program is the strength of its passport. Ranked among the top 20 globally, it provides visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 172 destinations, including:
- All 29 Schengen Area countries
- The United Kingdom
- Japan and South Korea
- A wide network of countries across the Americas and Asia
Argentina has also applied to rejoin the U.S. Visa Waiver Program (VWP). If approved, citizens could travel visa-free to the United States for tourism or business, a privilege that would give the program a powerful edge.
Together, these mobility benefits make Argentine citizenship a valuable asset for investors and families seeking broader international access and flexibility.
Regional Advantages: Mercosur and South American Integration
Argentina’s recovery continues to strengthen, with GDP expected to grow 5.5% in 2025, supported by rising private investment, renewed momentum in mining and energy, and higher real wages as inflation declines.
Argentina is also regarded as one of the safest countries in Latin America for expats and international residents, and the best in South America on the 2025 Global Peace Index.
Beyond the numbers, Argentine citizenship delivers strong regional benefits through its membership in Mercosur. Argentine nationals can:
- Live, work, and study in fellow Mercosur countries like Brazil, Uruguay, and Paraguay with minimal bureaucracy.
- Use their national ID instead of a passport for many regional crossings.
- Benefit from mutual recognition of academic degrees, which makes professional mobility easier.
- Set up and operate businesses with fewer legal and regulatory hurdles compared to non-Mercosur nationals.
How Argentina’s CBI Process Is Designed to Work
Argentina’s framework already sets out a clear application process:
- Application submission – Investors apply through the newly created Agency for Citizenship by Investment Programs, operating under the Ministry of Economy, something which we can help you get up and running with at High Net Worth Immigration.
- Review – The Agency checks if the capital qualifies as a “relevant investment” (criteria pending).
- Due diligence – Security and financial checks by agencies such as the Ministry of Security, UIF, and RENAPER.
- Decision – The Agency recommends approval or rejection to the National Directorate of Migration (DNM), which must decide within 30 business days.
- Post-approval – Successful applicants receive a CUIT (tax ID) from ARCA and identity documents from RENAPER.
This system promises both speed and rigorous oversight, rare in the CBI market.
Argentina’s Place in the Global Citizenship Market
Argentina’s 2025 reforms have turned it into one of the most intriguing new entrants in the citizenship by investment market.
Its biggest distinction is the lack of a residency requirement. While many CBI programs demand years of presence, Argentina allows investors to qualify directly through their capital. Combined with a strong passport, potential U.S. visa-free access, and Mercosur integration, the country is positioned as a compelling alternative to more expensive or crowded markets.
The only missing piece is clarity on what qualifies as a “relevant investment.” Until the Ministry of Economy defines thresholds and sectors, investors will need to wait for the fine print, but interest is already strong.
What’s Still Missing
Although the legal framework is active, several details are still pending before applications can be processed:
- Investment thresholds and sectors – The Ministry of Economy has yet to define what qualifies as a “relevant investment.” Observers expect focus on areas like agribusiness, renewable energy, technology, and tourism.
- Fees and escrow rules – Application costs and how funds will be held are still to be set.
- Documentation – The full list of required filings is not yet published.
Until these details are released, Argentina’s CBI remains legally open but not yet operational.
Argentina’s CBI Is Quickly Becoming a Strategic Opportunity
With its fast-track process, strong passport, and Mercosur advantages, Argentina’s Citizenship by Investment framework already stands out. If the U.S. Visa Waiver bid succeeds, the program could quickly become one of the world’s most attractive options.
If you’re seeking broader mobility and a foothold in South America, Argentina offers a pathway worth close attention.
👉 Ready to be among the first to access Argentina’s brand-new Citizenship by Investment program? Fill out our contact form here to join a waiting list, and our team at High Net Worth Immigration will inform you about the latest developments and the missing program details as soon as they become available.
FAQs About Argentina’s Citizenship by Investment Program
1. Is Argentina’s CBI program active right now?
Yes and no. The legal framework is already in force through Decree 524/2025, but the Ministry of Economy still needs to publish the final details, such as minimum investment amounts and qualifying sectors. Until then, applications cannot be fully processed.
2. Do I need to live in Argentina to qualify?
No. One of the biggest advantages of Argentina’s CBI program is that it does not require prior residency. You can apply directly through your investment.
3. How long does the application take?
Once your file is complete and has cleared all security and financial checks, the National Directorate of Migration (DNM) must issue a decision within 30 business days.
4. Can I keep my current citizenship if I apply?
Yes. Argentina recognizes and permits dual nationality, so you won’t have to give up your existing passport.
5. Will the Argentine passport include access to the U.S.?
Currently, Argentines require a visa for the U.S. However, Argentina has formally applied to rejoin the U.S. Visa Waiver Program (VWP). If approved, citizens will be able to travel visa-free to the U.S. for short stays, an upgrade that would make the new CBI program especially attractive.
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