Americans will soon have the opportunity to obtain Argentine citizenship without residing in the country in exchange for a large payment or government investment, under a new program.
President Javier Milley’s government announced the Citizenship by Investment Program on October 2, describing it as an effort to attract foreign investment and strengthen the debt-burdened country’s finances.
Under the proposed plan, which has attracted growing attention, foreign applicants would have two options:
1. Pay a non-refundable contribution of US$350,000 to the Argentine Treasury, or
2. Invest $800,000 in a specially issued government bond that the investor must hold for seven years.
The principal applicant may include family members for additional fees: $100,000 for a spouse or qualifying adult child (18 to 25 years old) and $25,000 for each child under 18 years of age.
When can Americans apply?
Although the program has been announced, Americans cannot yet submit applications.
Argentina’s Ministry of Economy said the program will begin accepting applications in the fourth quarter of 2026 and will end on December 31, but an exact launch date has not yet been announced.
Pursuant to Decree 524/2025, which clearly states how applications are evaluated and processed, the Argentine Citizenship by Investment Program will first assess whether the applicant’s investment is qualified before seeking inspections from multiple government agencies, including the Financial Information Unit (UIF), the Ministry of National Security and the Secretariat of State Intelligence (SIDE). The agency will then recommend to the National Migration Service whether to approve or deny the application, and the National Service for Migration will make the final decision.
According to the announcement, applicants will face national security checks including identity, criminal record and source of funds, and all payments must comply with anti-money laundering and terrorist financing rules.
Several key details have yet to be released
The government has not yet provided a complete list of required documents, application processing timelines or any details on how applicants can invest.
Details of the bond also remain unclear, including how much interest will be paid, how investors will be repaid, and whether they will have access to funds before the end of the seven-year holding period.
The official announcement only describes it as an “$800,000 public bond created specifically for this program,” so it’s unclear whether interest will be paid, whether it can be sold on the secondary market, or what impact it would have on the applicant’s citizenship if the investment is withdrawn early.
What will Americans get?
The most obvious benefit that citizenship brings to Americans is the right to live and work in Argentina indefinitely, rather than just holding a temporary residence permit.
Decree 524/2025 provides that under Argentina’s citizenship law, foreigners who can prove they have made a qualifying investment can obtain citizenship regardless of the length of time they have lived in the country, suggesting that they may not need to complete the usual period of residence (i.e. two years) to obtain citizenship.
The more practical appeal may be long-term flexibility: unconditional right to reside in Argentina, second citizenship for qualifying relatives, and access to another passport if travel rules change in the future.
However, a second passport does not end an American’s tax obligations in the United States. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) says U.S. citizens are generally taxed on worldwide income regardless of where they live and may also have to report foreign financial accounts and assets.
How does Argentina’s program compare to others?
Argentina’s proposal differs significantly from Portugal’s Golden Visa, a program that allows foreigners to gain residency through qualified investments. Portugal’s scheme, known as the Residence Permit for Investment Activity, grants temporary residency rather than direct citizenship.
Portugal’s qualifying route includes contributions of at least €250,000 ($280,000) to certain cultural or heritage projects, as well as other qualifying investment options. Its scheme provides investors with a foothold within the EU, but citizenship is a later and separate process rather than a direct result of the investment.
Caribbean programs are Argentina’s closest competitors as they offer citizenship directly.
Donation routes for projects operated by Dominica, Antigua and Barbuda, Grenada, and St. Kitts and Nevis start at approximately $200,000 to $250,000, not including additional due diligence and processing fees.
That makes them much cheaper than Argentina’s $350,000 non-refundable option.
Argentina’s offer may be more attractive to Americans seeking a true second home in a larger country rather than a travel document. But until officials release the application portal and the full terms of the bonds, potential investors won’t be able to apply or fully assess the financial risks involved.
newsweek Argentina’s Ministry of Economy has been contacted for comment and a response is awaited.
Newsweek reporters and editors used our artificial intelligence assistant Martyn to produce this story. Learn more about Martin here.
Contact Newsweek editors Ben Kelly and Tony Phillips.