Q: What are the main benefits of obtaining Argentine citizenship by investment?
A: There are numerous advantages. You will gain a powerful passport with visa-free access to 170+ countries worldwide, including Europe’s Schengen Area, the UK, Singapore, Hong Kong and more. You and your family can live or work in any Mercosur country (Brazil, Uruguay, etc.) thanks to Argentina’s regional agreements. You’ll enjoy a high quality of life in Argentina with access to excellent education and healthcare, and you can pass this citizenship to future generations. There’s no requirement to live in Argentina, no language exam, and Argentina allows dual citizenship, so you keep your current nationality. The $500,000 bond investment is also fully refundable after 2 years, making it a safer option than donation-based programs. In short, Argentine citizenship offers global mobility, economic opportunities, family security, and a Plan B in one of the world’s great countries.
Q: Are there any residency obligations or travel requirements?
A: No, you are not required to reside in Argentina before or after obtaining citizenship. The program has no residency requirement at all. This is a key feature that sets it apart from traditional immigration – you can obtain the passport without ever having lived in Argentina. You also do not need to travel to Argentina during the application process. All steps up to approval can be handled remotely via our team and the Argentine consulate network. Even the oath ceremony (if needed) can typically be done at an Argentine Embassy or Consulate in your home country. Of course, you are welcome to visit or relocate to Argentina at any time – as a citizen, you would have the right to live in Argentina forever – but it’s entirely optional and not a program requirement. This flexibility makes the process convenient for busy investors.
Q: How long does it take to get citizenship and a passport?
A: The estimated timeframe is about 6–12 months from the time you submit a complete application to the time you receive your Argentine passport. Initial processing (due diligence and approval-in-principle) is often completed in as fast as 3-6 months, after which you make the investment and are granted citizenship. Getting the passport printed and delivered might add a few weeks. Overall, it’s a relatively fast process – especially considering Argentina is a large G20 country (for comparison, many other major countries require 5+ years of residency). The exact timeline can vary depending on government processing speeds and how quickly you provide documents. Our team’s efficient preparation and follow-up help ensure there are no unnecessary delays. We will give you a more personalized timeline during our consultation, but generally you can expect to be a proud Argentine passport holder in under a year from your application submission.
Q: Do I have to invest the $500,000 before my application is approved?
A: No. The program is designed to protect investors. You submit your application first, accompanied by due diligence fees, but you only transfer the $500,000 investment after you receive an approval-in-principle from the Argentine government. This means you won’t commit your funds until you know your application is basically approved. Once you get the green light, you will be instructed to make the investment in the government bonds and provide proof of that investment. If, for any reason, your application were not approved (for example, failing background checks), you would simply not proceed with the investment, and thus your capital is never at risk of being trapped in the process. After investing, the final citizenship documents are issued. Remember, the $500,000 goes into government bonds for 2 years, and after that period you get your money back in full (plus interest). This refundable nature makes Argentina’s program extremely attractive – you essentially loan money to the government and are rewarded with a second citizenship.
Q: Can my spouse and children also get citizenship under my application?
A: Yes. One of the great advantages of this program is that it extends to your immediate family. You can include your spouse, children, and even dependent elderly parents in a single application. There is no additional investment required beyond the main $500,000; however, there are government processing fees per family member (common to all such programs). Children under 18 are eligible, as are older children up to 25 years old if they are financially dependent (such as university students). In many cases, parents or parents-in-law above a certain age (e.g. 65) who are financially dependent on you can also be included. All included family members must meet the good conduct requirements (e.g., no serious criminal record, and dependents over 16 will undergo due diligence checks). Including family is a cost-effective way to obtain full family second citizenship and ensure your loved ones enjoy the same freedoms and security. We will help structure your application to maximize family inclusion.
Q: Does Argentina allow dual citizenship?
A: Absolutely. Argentina permits dual and even multiple citizenship. You will not be required to renounce your original citizenship when you become Argentine. In fact, many Argentine citizens hold dual nationality (for example, through heritage or marriage) – it’s a common and accepted practice. Keep in mind that when you are in Argentina you will be treated solely as an Argentine citizen (as per local law), but this has no impact on holding other passports. Likewise, Argentina does not inform other countries about your new citizenship. That said, you should always check your home country’s rules on dual citizenship; Argentina is fine with it, but if your original country restricts dual citizenship, you may need to consult a legal adviser. For the vast majority of countries, dual citizenship with Argentina is allowed. In summary, obtaining Argentine citizenship will not affect your current citizenship status, and you can enjoy the benefits of both.
Q: Will I have to pay taxes in Argentina on my worldwide income if I become a citizen?
A: Simply becoming an Argentine citizen does not automatically make you subject to Argentine taxes on worldwide income. Argentina’s tax system, like most countries, is primarily based on residency, not citizenship. If you do not move to Argentina and do not become a tax resident (which generally means spending more than 6 months per year in Argentina or establishing primary residence there), you will not be taxed by Argentina on income earned abroad. For example, if you continue to live in Dubai or London, your foreign income remains outside Argentina’s tax scope. Even if you do become a resident, Argentina offers some favorable tax policies: there are no federal inheritance or gift taxes, and certain assets like Argentine government bonds are exempt from wealth taxes. New residents may also qualify for tax holidays on foreign income for a limited period. Moreover, Argentina does not tax income that non-residents earn outside Argentina. In short, holding an Argentine passport by itself has no tax consequences. You can enjoy the benefits of citizenship without any new tax liabilities unless you actually relocate and generate income within Argentina. We always recommend consulting a tax advisor for personalized advice, but for most investor-citizens who remain abroad, Argentine citizenship is tax-neutral.
Q: On what grounds could my citizenship application be refused?
A: Argentina will approve applications for candidates who meet all the requirements, but there are a few grounds for refusal to be aware of. The most common reasons for rejection would be background check issues – for instance, if an applicant has a serious criminal history, security concerns, or has provided false information or forged documents. The due diligence process is strict: any indication of involvement in terrorism, money laundering, or other illicit activities will lead to denial. Additionally, if you have ever been denied a visa by a country that has a visa-free agreement with Argentina (for example, a Schengen country or the UK), you might need to obtain that visa later to clear your record before applying, as many CBI programs (Argentina included) want to ensure applicants haven’t been blacklisted elsewhere. Another possible ground is if the source of your investment funds cannot be satisfactorily explained; the government will not accept money of dubious origin. Lastly, Argentina may introduce restrictions on nationals of certain countries for security or diplomatic reasons (for instance, some CBI programs restrict applicants from sanctioned countries). We will evaluate any such factors with you in advance. It’s important to note that the granting of citizenship is always at the discretion of the Argentine government, but our role is to pre-screen and ensure you are a suitable candidate before we submit your file. By adhering to our guidance and being truthful in your application, the risk of refusal is very low. In the unlikely event an application is refused, we can advise on potential remedies or alternative options.
If you have any other questions about the Argentina Citizenship by Investment program, please reach out to us. We are happy to provide more details and personalized answers. This is a significant decision, and we want you to be completely comfortable and informed at every stage.