Argentina Introduces Citizenship‑by‑Investment Program

Argentina plans a $500,000 citizenship‑by‑investment program by late 2025. A new agency under the Economy Ministry will administer it, targeting strategic sectors, and offering full citizenship and MERCOSUR mobility. Readers can access visa-free travel to 170+ countries.

What’s Changing:

New CBI Program: Argentina plans to launch its first Citizenship‑by‑Investment (CBI) initiative by end‑2025 or early 2026, with a minimum investment threshold of US $500,000 in strategic sectors such as agriculture, energy, technology, and tourism infrastructure.

New Oversight Agency: Administered by a dedicated body under the Ministry of Economy, coordinating with the Interior, Foreign Affairs, and Migration agencies. Modeled on the US’s SelectUSA framework.

Focused on Economic Impact: Investments must drive job creation and sustainability—real estate and passive donations are excluded.

Direct Path to Citizenship: Applicants may obtain full citizenship without adhering to the traditional two-year residency requirement.

Strategic Context

Economic Stimulus: Argentina seeks to secure foreign capital amid reform-driven economic goals, including IMF cooperation and fiscal stabilization.

Migration Policy Overhaul: Coinciding with President Milei’s decree enhancing immigration restrictions (e.g., 2-year residency, health insurance mandates, and rejection of applicants with criminal records).

Latin America First: Argentina will be the first South American nation to introduce a formal CBI program, offering MERCOSUR residency and broad travel.

What Does It Mean for Investors?

Passport & Mobility: Citizenship offers visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 170+ countries and free movement in MERCOSUR.

Economic Stake, Not Just Papers: Program channels investment into key economic drivers, promising both ROI and social impact.

Competitive & Unique Offer: With investment set at mid-tier global standards and bypassing long-term residency, it stands out from tougher European and Caribbean options.

Timeline & Next Steps

May–June 2025: Decree and legislative framing are being finalized
Late 2025–Early 2026: Official launch expected once the new agency starts work.
Ahead: Detailed investment criteria, geographic preferences, and procedural timelines will be released officially.

Takeaway

Argentina is pivoting toward investor-friendly immigration policy, balancing broader migration restrictions with a high-impact CBI program. For high-net-worth individuals seeking a second passport that offers travel freedom and economic participation in Latin America’s refreshing growth story, the Argentina CBI is a unique opportunity.