Argentina will be making its grand entrance into the global investment migration arena with its first-ever Citizenship by Investment (CBI) program.
It is set to launch in late 2025 or early 2026, and this initiative offers foreign investors a pathway to Argentine citizenship through a minimum investment of $500,000 in qualifying economic projects.
This CBI program is being introduced through an emergency decree, which is part of a broader economic reform package. It is currently under legal review by the Legal and Technical Secretariat prior to implementation.
Highlights of the Argentina Citizenship by Investment Program
Unlike traditional citizenship by investment models that often focus on real estate or passive holdings, Argentina is redirecting funds into the lifeblood of its economy relating to projects that create jobs, stimulate innovation, and support national growth.
A newly designated agency under the Ministry of Economy will oversee the evaluation and approval of qualifying investments. This agency will coordinate with the Ministry of the Interior, the Foreign Ministry, and the National Directorate of Migration to ensure that each application meets regulatory standards and contributes meaningfully to the program’s broader goals.
While the final list of eligible sectors has yet to be confirmed, it is expected to include high-impact industries such as agriculture, renewable energy, technology, and tourism infrastructure.
By taking this development-driven approach, Argentina is setting a new standard in the region. Panama has also been retooling its investor visa to better channel foreign direct investment into sectors with long-term value.
As a result of all this, investor visa programs across Latin America have been given a new lease on life to not just attract capital, but also ensure money is funneled to areas where it will be most impactful.
What differentiates the proposed Argentina Citizenship by Investment program from others?
This announcement comes at a time when other prominent CBI programs are facing increased scrutiny and restrictions, especially in the European Union (EU).
Notably, the European Court of Justice’s ruling against Malta’s CBI program has increased pressure since it found these schemes could undermine the EU’s common values and integrity. This highlights a growing shift toward tighter regulation and transparency in the investment migration realm.
However, what sets the Argentinian offering apart from more established programs is its fresh, more strategic approach. It is focusing on more productive economic investments and long-term business potential instead of passive options like real estate purchases.
This program has been modeled after the U.S. EB-5 program instead of traditional golden passport schemes, reflecting a shift towards a sustainable, development-driven migration policy.
“What also sets it apart is the creation of a dedicated government agency to oversee and certify these investments, modeled on structures like SelectUSA and USCIS, which signals a serious commitment to transparency and long-term impact,” says Laura Madrid, Global Intelligence Unit’s Research Lead and expert migration lawyer.
What do investors get in return?
Argentine citizenship grants investors access to over 170 visa-free destinations, regional freedom with a MERCOSUR membership, and the flexibility of dual citizenship.
“From an investor’s standpoint, the $500,000 minimum is competitive, especially when compared to North American options, like the U.S. EB-5 and E-2 visas,” Laura expands.
She continues further, “What’s attractive is that this isn’t just a donation but capital that goes into productive sectors like tech, energy, or agriculture. Applicants also acquire citizenship in a large, diverse country with global visa access and mobility within MERCOSUR.”
What’s next?
While Argentina has officially announced its intention to launch this new investment migration program, a precise implementation timeline has not yet been confirmed. This is because key aspects are still under development.
These aspects include the exact types of investments that will qualify, whether the program will immediately lead to permanent residency, the citizenship eligibility timeline, tax implications, whether foreign investors will be offered any fiscal incentives, and more.
Initial signals suggest the government may roll out full program details in a phased launch by late 2025, pending legislative approvals and the finalization of regulations.
Laura predicts, “The program’s hybrid model of linking investment with a two-year residency period before granting citizenship will ultimately appeal to investors seeking more than just a passport. It speaks to those who want to actively engage with the country, not just acquire a document.”
Stay Updated with Global Citizen Solutions
As one of the leading advisory firms in global residency and citizenship solutions, we are closely monitoring Argentina’s policy developments.
Once official guidelines are released, we will provide expert insights and step-by-step guidance for those considering applying.
