Argentine Citizenship by Investment 2026: Conditions, Cost, Risks

Argentina launches citizenship by investment program with a non-refundable deposit of $500,000. Find out what the government is offering, how much a passport costs, and how this scheme differs from its counterparts in Europe and New Zealand

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Argentina is preparing to become one of the world's largest countries with a citizenship-by-investment program. The government of President Javier Milley expects that the new scheme will help raise funds to repay the national debt, and wealthy foreigners will gain access to a passport with one of the most extensive visa-free regimes on the planet.

According to preliminary data, the official launch of the program could take place in the second half of 2026, and the first decisions on granting citizenship could potentially be made as early as 2027, we tell you.

The fastest countries for obtaining citizenship in 2026 in this article.

Whether you plan to invest abroad, relocate a business or apply for a new citizenship - in each of these cases, legal nuances can significantly affect the result. Errors in documents, the wrong form of taxation or ignorance of local legislation can cost time, money and nerves.

A personal business lawyer from Visit World will help you understand all the stages - from company registration to relocation support. Contact us today to avoid common mistakes at the start.

How much will Argentine citizenship cost?

According to preliminary data, the program is expected to launch this year. Candidates will be offered two options for participation:

1. A non-refundable charitable contribution of approximately $ 500,000.

2. Purchase of government zero-coupon bonds worth about $ 1 million.

The exact parameters are still being specified - the Argentine authorities are finalizing the details of the program, so the numbers may change before the official launch.

An important detail for future applicants! The program will probably not require permanent residence in the country. This means that you can get a passport without moving, and therefore without additional tax obligations related to residency.

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Why should you choose Argentina as a country to apply for a second passport?

There has never been such an offer on the citizenship-by-investment market. Argentina is a G20 country with a population of 46 million people, which provides visa-free access to almost 170 countries around the world. The advantages also include:

- a capital with developed infrastructure and cultural life;

- a powerful wine industry;

- a large tourism sector;

- geographical distance from the main areas of geopolitical tension.

Immigration consultants note that Americans and Europeans are already showing interest in the program, who are looking for an alternative amid political instability in their own countries. For comparison: a similar investment visa in New Zealand costs about $3 million - significantly more expensive than the Argentine offer.

Compare the investment conditions and costs of the Golden Visa of Portugal and Italy here.

Legal complexities of the Argentine citizenship by investment program

Last year, the Argentine government revised the rules for acquiring citizenship precisely in order to lay the legal foundation for the future program. This move has already caused legal disputes: critics emphasize that the issue of citizenship in Argentina constitutionally falls within the competence of Congress, not the executive branch.

It is also worth remembering the global context: such schemes are not going through the best of times. Last year, the Court of Justice of the EU declared the Maltese citizenship by investment program illegal, essentially equating it to a commercial agreement. This closed the last "golden" path to the European Union - Cyprus and Bulgaria had previously refused similar schemes. The United Kingdom rolled back its own residency by investment program in 2022 as part of the fight against money laundering.

Therefore, immigration law experts warn: before investing, it is worth carefully studying the legal risks and reputational consequences of participating in such programs, especially considering that the final regulatory framework in Argentina is still being formed.

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Alternative Citizenship by Investment Programs

If the Argentine program seems too new or legally uncertain, neighboring Paraguay has been offering a residence permit in exchange for investments of $70,000 since April 2026 – a much more affordable entry threshold.

The United States, for its part, launched an accelerated program for obtaining a residence permit for $1 million last year, although demand for it is still restrained.

Investment citizenship programs similar to the Argentine one look attractive, but they hide many legal subtleties: from the issue of double taxation to the uncertainty of the regulatory framework that is still being formed at the time of launch. Before investing significant funds in a passport program or business abroad, it is worth getting professional advice – a personal business lawyer will analyze tax risks, help with document management and notarial support, and also tell you whether it is worth applying for a work visa separately from the investment path.

If you are considering business relocation or personal immigration through investment, book a consultation with a personal lawyer now – and protect yourself from risks at the start.

Reminder! Latvia offers one of the most affordable ways to become an EU resident through investment - with a minimum threshold of 50,000 euros. The Golden Visa program gives the investor and his family the right to reside, work and travel freely within the Schengen area. We have already talked about investment options, the cost of registration, the required documents and the path to Latvian citizenship.

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