Milei’s immigration reform allows any foreign national to become a citizen if they make a ‘significant’ investment, although there is no minimum value. Foreign nationals making substantial investments in Argentina will qualify to apply for Argentine citizenship. On Thursday, the government promulgated a decree detailing the regulations for the newly established program, a component of President Javier Milei’s migration reform initiated in May.
The investment pathway to citizenship was implemented on Thursday following its publication in the Official Gazette. The decree specifies its applicability to foreigners who have engaged in a “significant investment.” The Economy Ministry will be responsible for determining which investments satisfy this criteria and will possess the authority to establish “specific investment projects” designed to draw in those foreign investments. The regulation does not specify the amount that foreign nationals must invest to qualify for citizenship via this pathway.
In May, Milei introduced an amendment to the 1869 Citizenship Law permitting foreigners who engage in substantial investments to seek citizenship. The procedure typically necessitates that the individual has resided in Argentina legally for a minimum of two years. Applicants for citizenship through investment will be eligible regardless of their duration of residence in Argentina, provided they can demonstrate a “significant” investment that has received acknowledgment from the Economy Ministry. Milei’s approach to foreign investment includes a streamlined pathway to citizenship; however, his migration reform has facilitated deportations, limited migrants’ access to essential services such as health and education, and imposed additional criteria for foreigners seeking Argentine citizenship or permanent residency.
Applying for Argentine citizenship through investment involves several steps and requirements that must be meticulously followed. Prospective applicants should first identify the appropriate investment options available, which typically include real estate purchases or contributions to local businesses. Once the investment is made, individuals must gather the necessary documentation, including proof of investment, identification, and any other required legal paperwork. It is advisable to consult with legal experts familiar with Argentine immigration laws to ensure compliance and streamline the application process. After submitting the application, applicants will need to wait for the review and approval from the Argentine authorities, which
Decree 524/2025 mandates that investors seeking Argentine citizenship must submit their applications to the newly established Investment Citizenship Programs Agency, which operates under the auspices of the Economy Ministry.
The agency will assess whether the applicant’s investment meets the ministry’s criteria to be classified as “significant.” The agency will subsequently seek technical reports regarding the individual from state offices and private entities to assess whether “granting citizenship to the applicant could potentially pose a risk to national security or national interests.” Entities that may be approached for information regarding the applicant encompass the Security Ministry, the Financial Information Unit (UIF, by its Spanish initials), the National Recidivism Registry, the National People’s Registry (RENAPER), and the State Intelligence Secretary (SIDE).
Upon receipt of the reports, the agency will inform the National Migration Directorate regarding its recommendation for or against the approval of the individual’s application. Migration will subsequently have 30 working days to determine the granting of citizenship. After an approval of the application, the individual will be assigned a Unique Tax Identification Number (CUIT), a prerequisite for engaging in economic activities within the country.