Argentina Offers Citizenship for $500K Investment – Full Guide

Argentina is planning a bold new step to bring in foreign investment. The government has announced a program that will allow foreign nationals to apply for Argentine citizenship if they invest at least $500,000 in the country. This move is part of Argentina’s bigger plan to grow the economy and update its immigration system.

The new investment program is part of President Javier Milei’s broader efforts to reform the Argentine economy using Austrian School economic principles. These reforms focus on free markets, private investment, and smaller government involvement in the economy.

To put the investment plan into action, the government is expected to issue two emergency decrees this week. These decrees will explain the rules, requirements, and benefits for foreign investors.

A New Agency to Manage Investment Applications

According to local media outlet TN, Argentina’s Ministry of Economy will set up a new agency that will handle everything related to this program. This agency will:

• Review applications from foreign investors
• Make sure the investment is real and productive
• Certify which investments qualify for the citizenship program
• Guide applicants through the process

This agency will be similar to SelectUSA and USCIS in the United States, which manage investment and immigration matters.

Argentina is using the U.S. EB-5 Visa as a model. The EB-5 program lets foreigners get U.S. permanent residency (green cards) if they invest in projects that create American jobs.

Similarly, Argentina wants to attract investors who will help create jobs and build up key industries like tourism, technology, or infrastructure.

However, Argentina’s program will offer something even more valuable than residency—it will offer citizenship.

Legal Checks in Progress

Before the program becomes law, it is being carefully reviewed by Argentina’s Legal and Technical Secretariat, led by María Ibarzabal. The goal is to make sure that the new law fits with Argentina’s legal system and doesn’t lead to problems or abuse.

The program also supports President Milei’s plan to bring big economic change by encouraging responsible, long-term investments instead of quick money schemes.

Focus on Productive, Not Passive, Investments

Unlike some countries that allow people to buy citizenship just by purchasing property or making a donation, Argentina wants to be more selective.

The government says it will not allow passive investments (like buying apartments or giving money to a fund) to qualify. Instead, it will only accept productive investments that grow industries and benefit the economy.

For example, projects like:

• Building hotels and resorts in tourist areas
• Opening factories or tech hubs
• Starting agriculture or food production businesses
• Creating green energy projects

These are the types of businesses that will likely be approved under the program.

Argentina does not want to run a typical “Citizenship by Investment” (CBI) program like those found in some small Caribbean countries. Those programs often allow wealthy individuals to buy passports quickly without even living in the country.

Instead, Argentina says it wants to reward serious investors who make real, long-term contributions to the country. This approach aims to protect the value of citizenship and build a stronger economy.

Which Sectors Could Benefit?

Although exact details haven’t been released yet, officials say that tourism could be one of the first areas to receive attention. Tourism is a big part of Argentina’s economy and has a lot of room to grow.

Argentina is rich in natural beauty—from the Andes Mountains to Iguazu Falls, and from wine country in Mendoza to the wildlife of Patagonia. With more investment, the country could become a major tourist hotspot.

Other possible sectors include:

• Agriculture and food production
• Technology and startups
• Renewable energy
• Healthcare and wellness tourism

This new citizenship-for-investment program could bring many benefits to Argentina:

More money flowing into the economy
Job creation for locals
Growth in key industries
Stronger international connections

At the same time, it gives foreign investors a unique chance to become citizens of a country with beautiful landscapes, rich culture, and untapped potential.

More information will be released soon, but one thing is clear—Argentina is opening its doors to the world, and it’s asking for more than just money. It’s asking for partnership, commitment, and growth.

READ MORE: Top 10 Courses to Study in Germany for International Students