Travellers eyeing Argentine passport: USD 350,000 route planned, details pending

Argentina has announced plans for a new citizenship by investment programme that would let foreign nationals obtain Argentine citizenship through a financial contribution rather than the usual residence route. Applications may open before the end of 2026, though the detailed legal and operational framework has not been finalised and depends on further government guidance and implementation.

Key facts

• USD 350,000 non-refundable government contribution, or a USD 800,000 government bond subscription
• Additional contributions apply to eligible family members
• The route is expected to bypass the standard two-year residence period for naturalisation
• Applications may open before the end of 2026, subject to further government guidance
• Eligibility criteria, evidence requirements and processing times are not yet confirmed

What is being proposed?

Under the proposed framework, foreign nationals could pursue Argentine citizenship through one of two investment routes. The first is a USD 350,000 non-refundable government contribution; the second is a USD 800,000 government bond subscription. Extra contributions would be payable in respect of eligible family members included in an application.

The programme is expected to provide a path to citizenship without the two-year residence period that normally applies to naturalisation in Argentina.

When will it start?

Applications may open before the end of 2026, but that timing remains subject to further government guidance and implementation. No fixed launch date has been confirmed. The programme itself, its investment thresholds, eligibility requirements, benefits and launch timetable all remain subject to implementing legislation, official guidance and change.

What is still unclear?

The eligibility criteria, evidence requirements, application process, processing times and precise legal effect of the new route have not yet been confirmed. Argentina has not published final rules, so the announced figures and benefits could still change.

Why would travellers consider Argentine citizenship?

The Argentine passport provides access to more than 140 destinations without obtaining a traditional visa in advance, depending on each destination's entry requirements. Argentine citizens can travel visa-free for short stays to Europe's Schengen Area, generally for up to 90 days in any 180-day period.

Argentine passport holders also have visa-free short-stay access to destinations including the United Kingdom and Japan, subject to applicable electronic travel authorisations and entry conditions.

As a member of MERCOSUR, Argentina is part of a regional framework that facilitates movement and residence among participating South American countries. Argentine nationals can benefit from facilitated residence arrangements in countries such as Brazil, Uruguay and Paraguay, subject to each country's national immigration procedures.

What this means for travellers

Anyone weighing this route should note that the programme is not yet open and its rules are not final. Eligibility, required evidence and application procedures have yet to be published, so the announced thresholds and benefits should be treated as proposals rather than confirmed requirements.

Further details are expected as the government issues implementing legislation and official guidance. No date has been set for publication of the final rules.