Argentina launches $350,000 citizenship-by-investment plan

Argentina will let foreigners apply for citizenship in exchange for money. Applicants can make a non-refundable contribution of US$350,000 to the national Treasury or buy a US$800,000 government bond created for the program. Cabinet Chief Diego Santilli and Economy Minister Luis Caputo announced the plan on Friday, October 2, 2026, at the Argentine Embassy in Paris during Argentina Week Paris, an event held to attract investment. The government says it will start taking applications in the fourth quarter of 2026.noticiasargentinas+2

The program is part of President Javier Milei's push to open Argentina's economy and bring in foreign money. According to the official statement, the money raised will go toward strengthening Argentina's fiscal and financial position.laopinionaustral+1

Costs for families

Family members can also apply if they prove their relationship to the main applicant and pay their own fee. Spouses, and unmarried children aged 18 to 25 who have no children of their own, must each contribute US$100,000 to the Treasury. The fee for children under 18 is US$25,000. That means a main applicant, a spouse and two minor children could apply for a total of US$500,000.clarin+2

In a post on X, Caputo said the announcement "is part of the process of opening up and international integration that Argentina is driving, accompanied by reforms aimed at strengthening the investment climate and promoting the arrival of capital," Clarín reported. Santilli said Argentina "opens its arms" to people who want to invest and build projects in the country, and called the program "another step on this path". Clarín also quoted him saying the country "is becoming a beacon of freedom".elesquiu+1

Screening and approval

Officials said every application will go through "a rigorous evaluation process" meant to protect national security, the integrity of the financial system and "the international prestige of Argentine citizenship". All money must come through the formal financial system and meet rules against money laundering and terrorist financing. The government says its due-diligence and risk-management standards will follow recommendations from the OECD and the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), an international anti-money-laundering body.laopinionaustral+2

A new body, the Citizenship by Investment Programs Agency, will handle the reviews with help from several government offices. These include the state intelligence agency (SIDE), the Financial Information Unit (UIF), Argentina's financial-crimes unit, and the security and interior ministries. The reviews will verify applicants' identity and check where their money came from and whether it was obtained legally. They will also look at applicants' assets and finances, the risk tied to their home country, their criminal and reputational records, and their immigration history.noticiasargentinas+2

After a review, the agency will send a recommendation to the National Migration Directorate, which will approve or reject each application. Officials did not say when they will issue the bond for the US$800,000 option or what its terms will be.elesquiu+1