On July 31, 2025, Argentina formally approved its Citizenship by Investment program via Decree 524/2025, published in the official gazette. This law creates a path to Argentine citizenship for foreign nationals who make “significant” investments, replacing the rigid two-year residency rule for naturalization.
The decree operates under the Ministry of Economy and establishes the Agency for Citizenship by Investment Programs to administer the process, oversee security reviews, and advise the National Migration Directorate on applications.
How the Program Works: Key Details
Investment Qualification
The government has not set a fixed minimum amount, instead allowing the Ministry of Economy to define what qualifies as a relevant investment. Industry reports anticipate this threshold to be around US$500,000, but no official figure has been confirmed yet.
Eligible investments are expected to include:
- Direct equity in Argentine businesses
- Job-creating enterprise projects
- Technology or infrastructure ventures aligned with national priorities
Administrative Oversight
Applications are processed through a multi‑agency vetting framework that screens each candidate for security risk impacts:
- State Intelligence Secretariat (SIDE)
- Financial Intelligence Unit (UIF)
- National Registry of Persons (RENAPER)
- National Recidivism Registry
- Ministry of Security
All decisions must be delivered by the National Directorate of Migration within 30 business days after clearance, ensuring a structured, time‑bound process.
Strategic Significance: Why This Matters
Economic Rebirth Under New Leadership
Under President Javier Milei’s reform-oriented administration, Argentina is pursuing radical economic liberalization. By codifying the investment citizenship route, the government aims to attract capital that supports job creation, industrial innovation, and sectoral development.
Visa Waiver Aspirations
Argentina recently filed an application to rejoin the U.S. Visa Waiver Program. If approved, this could grant Argentine passport holders visa-free access to the United States, significantly enhancing the appeal of its citizenship framework.
Latest Developments and Timing
- The CBI decree is already in force but lacks full operational details
- The Agency for Citizenship by Investment Programs must be staffed and rules published
- Integration of systems such as tax IDs (CUIT) via ARCA remains pending
- As a result, the program is expected to commence late 2025 or early 2026 once infrastructure and procedures are in place
Who Might Qualify and What It Could Mean
- Wealthy investors, entrepreneurs, and family offices seeking Latin American base
- Those attracted to Argentina’s passport strength, including Mercosur access, and potential future U.S. visa-free mobility
- Strategic planners who value legal resilience and economic diversification outside traditional hubs
Turning Citizenship Into Investment Strategy
Argentina’s formal adoption of a Citizenship by Investment framework marks a pivotal moment in global investment migration. The program offers a fresh narrative, not a transactional exchange, but a productive partnership with genuine economic value.
By promising structured vetting, cooperative agency oversight, and clear timelines, Argentina signals a high-integrity model aligned with global best practices. When fully operational, this framework may compete alongside existing CBI programs, especially for investors seeking South American residency with global mobility.
For more on this topic, read our related article: Argentina Opens a New Chapter in Global Mobility
