The government of Argentina has announced a new Citizenship by Investment Program, which offers foreigners a chance to obtain an Argentine passport by investing at least $350,000 in the country. This move aims to attract more foreign direct investment to Argentina, which had the lowest level of foreign direct investment among major Latin American economies in 2025, according to the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). The program proposes two mechanisms for obtaining citizenship.
To be eligible for citizenship, investors can either make a direct, non-refundable contribution of $350,000 to the National Treasury or subscribe to an $800,000 government bond created specifically for this purpose. The spouses and children of applicants can also secure citizenship by making a contribution of $100,000 to the Treasury or $25,000 if they are under 18 years of age. This program is expected to strengthen the fiscal and financial position of Argentina.
The resources obtained from this program will be used to continue strengthening the fiscal and financial position of the Argentine Republic, according to the government. The investments will be subject to a rigorous evaluation process to guarantee the traceability of funds, prevent money laundering, and ensure national security. This move comes days after the Supreme Court abolished limits on the purchase of rural land by foreigners.
The Supreme Court recently upheld a 2023 decree by President Javier Milei, repealing a 15-percent cap on foreign ownership of rural land in place since 2011. This decision was opposed by veterans of Argentina's 1982 war with Britain over the Falkland Islands, who accused Milei of "putting the Republic of Argentina up for sale." A demonstration has been called for next week to condemn the change in the land ownership law.
The opposition plans to block the change in the land ownership law in Parliament. According to the OECD, Argentina received $3.134 billion in foreign direct investment last year, a fraction of the $76.877 billion attracted by Brazil and the $40.871 billion secured by Mexico. This significant gap highlights the need for Argentina to attract more foreign investment.
The new citizenship program aims to address Argentina's low foreign direct investment. By offering citizenship to foreigners who invest in the country, the government hopes to boost economic growth and development. The program's success will depend on various factors, including the evaluation process for investments and the country's overall economic stability.
The announcement of the citizenship program has sparked mixed reactions, with some supporting the move as a way to boost the economy and others opposing it as a threat to national sovereignty. As the program is implemented, its impact on Argentina's economy and society will be closely monitored. The government's commitment to transparency and accountability will be crucial in ensuring the program's success.
Key points
- Argentina's new citizenship program requires a minimum investment of $350,000.
- The program aims to attract foreign direct investment to Argentina.
- The Supreme Court recently abolished limits on foreign ownership of rural land in Argentina.
