Argentina has announced the launch of a citizenship by investment (CBI) program with a minimum threshold of $500,000, and is also actively working on changing migration legislation. Learn about the features of the new immigration policy, the benefits of the Argentine passport and changes to permanent residency rules in 2025

Argentina is launching a new Citizenship by Investment (CBI) program, offering foreign investors the opportunity to obtain the country’s citizenship by investing at least USD 500,000. The program is expected to be rolled out by the end of 2025 or early 2026 and aims to stimulate key sectors of the national economy.

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Investment Options to Obtain Argentine Citizenship

Unlike traditional CBI programs that often involve passive investments such as real estate, Argentina’s program focuses on projects that will support the country's economic growth.

 To qualify for a passport, investors will be required to invest in sectors such as agriculture, renewable energy, technology, and tourism — industries that can generate jobs and support long-term development.

 A newly created agency within the Ministry of Economy will oversee and approve the projects, ensuring that all investments align with Argentina’s economic objectives.

What Makes Argentina’s Citizenship by Investment Program Unique?

Argentina’s approach stands out from other CBI programs, particularly in Europe, where many face tighter regulations.

 Rather than simply offering a passport in exchange for a financial contribution, Argentina’s program is designed to direct investment into projects that can genuinely change the country’s future.

 This makes it comparable to the U.S. EB-5 visa program, which encourages investors to contribute to the national economy through job-creating projects.

Benefits of an Argentine Passport for Investors

In return for their investment, successful applicants will receive Argentine citizenship, which comes with a number of significant advantages:

- Visa-free travel

Argentine citizens can travel to over 170 countries without a visa, including major destinations in Europe, Asia, and Latin America, such as the Schengen Area, the United Kingdom, Japan, and South Korea.

- MERCOSUR membership

Investors will be able to live and work freely in Argentina and other MERCOSUR countries like Brazil and Uruguay.

- Faster path to citizenship

The Argentine program is expected to offer a quicker route to citizenship compared to other programs, such as the U.S. EB-5 visa, which can take several years.

- Right to residency in Spain

Thanks to agreements between Ibero-American countries, Argentine citizens may obtain Spanish residency after living in Spain for just two years.

- Access to public healthcare and education

Argentine citizens can benefit from the country’s public healthcare and education systems.

Argentina’s CBI program is considered a competitive option, especially since the minimum investment of USD 500,000 is lower than many programs in North America.

When Will Argentina’s Citizenship by Investment Program Become Available?

Although the program is still under legal review, Argentina plans to launch it in phases, starting at the end of 2025.

The government is currently finalizing details such as which sectors will qualify for investment and how long applicants must wait to obtain citizenship.

With its focus on sustainable, productive investments, Argentina’s CBI program may attract investors who want to contribute to the country's development while benefiting from global mobility and access to the MERCOSUR region.

Argentina’s New Immigration Policy in 2025

It’s worth noting that Argentina has long been one of the most open countries in South America when it comes to immigration.

High levels of urbanization, well-developed infrastructure, and relatively simple legalization procedures made it attractive to foreigners from all over the world.

 However, in 2025, the situation changed – the government revised its immigration laws, significantly tightening requirements for permanent residency and naturalization.

Here are the most important changes to consider for those planning to move to Argentina or who already live there.

1. Parents of Children Born in Argentina No Longer Qualify for Permanent Residency

One of the most controversial changes was the cancellation of automatic permanent residency rights for parents of children born in Argentina. Previously, this mechanism was one of the most common paths for immigrants. Now it no longer applies: even if your child receives Argentine citizenship by birth, you will not automatically be able to legalize your status in the country.

Important: The child still receives Argentine citizenship by birth, but this no longer guarantees legal status for the parents.

2. Stricter Requirements for Permanent Residency

As of 2025, to obtain permanent residency in Argentina, a foreigner must:

- Provide proof of stable income — this can include official employment, a pension, entrepreneurial activity, or passive income;

- Submit a police clearance certificate from both their country of origin and other countries where they have resided over the past five years.

- These requirements aim to enhance immigration control and prevent abuse of the system.

3. Loss of Residency Due to Absence from the Country

Argentina has also introduced new rules for the cancellation of residency:

- Permanent residency will be revoked after one year of continuous absence from the country;

- Temporary residency will be canceled after six months abroad.

This significantly limits the ability to spend extended periods outside Argentina, especially for those hoping to split their time between countries.

4. Continuous Residence Required for Citizenship

Another key change: to obtain Argentine citizenship through naturalization, a person must now reside continuously in the country for two years.

 Any departure from Argentina — even a short one — resets the clock, and the process must start over.

This rule does not apply to children born in Argentina, who will continue to automatically receive citizenship at birth.

Argentina’s Citizenship by Investment program, launching at the end of 2025, opens new opportunities for foreigners seeking a second passport while contributing to the real economy.

 However, at the same time, Argentina has tightened its immigration rules, making traditional paths to legalization – such as giving birth in the country or temporary residency — more difficult.

 As a result, careful planning and legal guidance are now crucial for anyone looking to legally immigrate to or invest in Argentina.

Planning to Move or Invest in Argentina? Argentina’s new immigration policies and upcoming Citizenship by Investment program require thorough preparation. Book a consultation with an immigration lawyer to avoid mistakes and navigate the entire process with confidence – from making an investment to obtaining citizenship.

Reminder! To legally work in Argentina, foreign nationals must obtain a work visa. We’ve already covered which types of work visas are available in Argentina in 2025, how to find a job, the most common roles for foreigners, and much more useful information about employment in the country.

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