In a groundbreaking move, Argentina is set to introduce a Citizenship by Investment (CBI) program, allowing foreign nationals to obtain Argentine citizenship through a minimum investment of $500,000. This initiative marks the first of its kind in South America and aims to attract substantial foreign capital to bolster the nation’s economy.
How the Program Is Being Shaped
Under the leadership of President Javier Milei, the government is carefully designing the program’s framework to ensure it aligns with national interests, legal structures, and global best practices. A specialised agency is being established under the Ministry of Economy to oversee the evaluation and certification of eligible investments. This agency will coordinate with the Ministry of the Interior, the Foreign Ministry, and the National Directorate of Migration, and will be modelled in part on successful initiatives like the U.S. EB-5 program.
The goal is to develop a credible and effective mechanism that encourages meaningful economic participation while maintaining Argentina’s institutional standards. By formalising this investment route to citizenship, the government signals a clear ambition to reposition Argentina on the global investment migration map.
As final details are refined, the country moves toward becoming a regional pioneer in this space—potentially offering high-net-worth individuals both a new gateway to global mobility and a long-term stake in Argentina’s future.
The program draws inspiration from the United States’ EB-5 visa, which grants permanent residency to individuals who make significant investments that create jobs.
Eligibility Criteria
As of now, the Argentine government is in the process of finalizing the framework for its proposed Citizenship by Investment (CBI) program. While the official eligibility criteria have not yet been published, current reports suggest the following preliminary requirements:
- Minimum Investment: A contribution of at least USD 500,000 into projects that promote economic development and job creation in Argentina.
- Clean Criminal Record: Applicants are expected to provide evidence of no criminal history, both in their home country and in Argentina.
- Health Insurance: Proof of valid health insurance coverage is likely to be required.
- Investment Plan: Submission of a detailed proposal outlining the nature of the investment and its anticipated impact may also be part of the process.
These criteria are based on the latest available reporting and may be subject to change once the government releases the final framework.
Benefits of Argentine Citizenship
- Global Mobility: Argentine passport holders enjoy visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to over 170 countries, including the EU and UK.
- Dual Citizenship: Argentina permits dual citizenship, allowing investors to retain their original nationality.
- Economic Opportunities: As a member of Mercosur, Argentina offers access to a regional market of over 295 million people.
- MERCOSUR Membership: As a founding member of MERCOSUR, Argentine citizens benefit from the bloc’s agreements, including the right to reside and work in member countries without additional visas. This facilitates seamless movement and economic opportunities across South America.
- Quality of Life: Argentina boasts a rich cultural heritage, diverse landscapes, and a relatively low cost of living.
Argentina’s Proposal vs. Latin America’s Migration Models
Argentina’s upcoming $500,000 citizenship proposal introduces a rare model in Latin America: a direct economic route to full citizenship. This places it in sharp contrast to other countries in the region, where investment often leads only to permanent residency—and eventually, citizenship through naturalisation, after meeting physical presence and integration requirements.
Here’s how Argentina’s proposed approach measures up against three key Latin American neighbours,
Paraguay
Paraguay offers a low-barrier route to permanent residency, particularly attractive to global entrepreneurs and digital nomads. Through the SUACE program, an investor can gain residency by investing approximately $70,000 in a local business. However, citizenship requires three years of permanent residency with at least 183 days of physical presence per year, plus language proficiency (Spanish or Guarani) and a basic civic knowledge exam. While cost-effective, the pathway is gradual and depends heavily on social integration.
Uruguay
Uruguay provides a stable legal and economic environment with relatively flexible residency requirements—no fixed investment threshold, but proof of income or local business operations is required. Citizenship can be pursued after three years of residency for married individuals or five for single applicants, assuming substantial physical presence (about six months per year) and clear evidence of local integration. Uruguay’s pathway is respected but slow, with naturalisation timelines subject to interpretation by the civil court.
Brazil
Brazil offers a residency-based pathway to citizenship through its Investor Visa (VIPER), requiring a minimum investment of BRL 500,000 (around USD 100,000) in a Brazilian company or BRL 1 million in real estate. Residency is granted immediately, and after four years, applicants can apply for citizenship—shortened to one year if married to a Brazilian. While not a direct citizenship-by-investment program, it provides a flexible, long-term option for investors in Latin America. Global Citizen Solutions
What Sets Argentina Apart?
Argentina is poised to become the first country in South America to introduce a formal Citizenship by Investment program, creating a clear link between substantial economic contribution and full citizenship. Unlike other Latin American countries that offer residency with the potential for future naturalisation, Argentina’s proposal signals a more direct route—tying citizenship eligibility to a $500,000 investment in sectors aligned with national development goals. This move distinguishes Argentina as a regional pioneer, offering global investors not only access to a strategically located economy, but also the benefits of MERCOSUR citizenship, including the right to live and work across multiple South American nations. If implemented as proposed, Argentina’s program could redefine the competitive landscape in Latin America’s investment migration space.
A New Chapter in Latin American Investment Migration
Argentina’s proposed Citizenship by Investment program is more than just a new entry in the global migration landscape—it marks a turning point for South America. In a region where most countries rely on long-term residency pathways, Argentina is poised to introduce a direct, structured route to citizenship tied to meaningful financial participation.
For global investors, this could offer a rare combination: access to a major Latin American economy, enhanced mobility through MERCOSUR membership, and a second citizenship from a G20 nation—all through a transparent and potentially fast-track investment mechanism.
While the final contours of the program remain under development, the message is clear: Argentina is stepping into a space long dominated by Caribbean and European players, and doing so on its own terms. If implemented thoughtfully, this program could not only set a new benchmark for Latin America, but also widen the scope of strategic options for high-net-worth individuals worldwide.
