Argentina has taken a major step toward creating its first-ever Citizenship by Investment (CBI) program — something no other Latin American country currently offers.
In late 2025, the government published an international tender to appoint a master agent, the firm that will design, implement, and operate the new CBI system.
For investors, expats, and anyone considering long-term relocation to Argentina, this marks the beginning of a completely new pathway to citizenship.
Here’s what the announcement means, why it matters, and what to expect in the coming months.
What exactly did the government publish?
Contents
The Ministry of Economy opened a formal tender to select a “master agent” — a global consulting group responsible for:
- Designing the full CBI framework
- Establishing investment routes
- Creating operational systems, manuals, and due diligence processes
- Coordinating international promotion and certified agents
- Managing applications alongside the newly created APCI (Agencia de Programas de Ciudadanía por Inversión)
The contract is expected to last four years, and the tender closes on January 20, 2026.
This is the first concrete administrative action signaling that Argentina truly intends to move forward with a CBI program.
Why is this important? A historic first for Latin America
No Latin American country currently has a direct citizenship-by-investment model.
Several offer residency-by-investment (Panama, Uruguay, Costa Rica, Mexico), but none offer citizenship without first completing multi-year residency requirements.
If Argentina launches its CBI program, it would become:
⭐ The first country in Latin America to grant citizenship directly through investment.
This positions Argentina uniquely in the global market, similar to Caribbean programs and Malta, but with cultural, economic, and geographic advantages.
What about investment thresholds? Are they defined yet?
No — and that’s intentional.
The tender states that the master agent will help design the investment routes, meaning:
- Minimum investment amounts
- Eligible sectors (real estate, productive investment, bonds, innovation, etc.)
- Due diligence standards
- Timeframes for approval
- Government fees
Nothing is official until the program design is completed later in 2026.
When could the program actually start?
Based on international CBI development timelines and the government’s tender schedule, the earliest realistic projection is:
➝ Late 2026 or early 2027
First the government will appoint the master agent, then the program structure will be built, approved, and tested before applications open.
What does this mean for someone wanting residency or citizenship in Argentina today?
Today, Argentina offers:
- Temporary Residency (1 year)
- Transitory Residency (90–365 days) through student programs
- Temporary Residency options for investors, digital nomads, employees, entrepreneurs, rentistas
- Citizenship by naturalization after 2 years of residency
A CBI program would be an entirely separate system.
It will not replace existing visas — it will add a new, premium pathway for high-net-worth applicants.
If you need residency now, the programs currently available (including student visa options) remain the fastest route.
Will the CBI program be accessible, or extremely expensive?
Impossible to know before the master agent completes the design.
However, experts expect something competitive because Argentina wants to attract:
- foreign capital,
- productive investment,
- real estate development,
- and international talent.
Therefore, thresholds may be significantly lower than European CBI programs, but higher than Caribbean programs.
Why is Argentina creating a CBI program now?
Three main reasons:
- To attract international investment quickly
- To strengthen the country’s financial position
- To position Argentina as a major immigration hub in Latin America
The creation of the APCI in 2025 already indicated long-term strategic planning.
The new tender confirms the program is moving forward.
Final thoughts: a major shift for immigration in Argentina
The publication of this tender does not mean the CBI program is active yet — but it marks the real beginning.
For the first time, Argentina is building a structured pathway to citizenship through investment, something that could reshape the country’s economic and immigration landscape.
We’ll continue to follow the development closely and update as soon as investment routes, timelines, and requirements become official.
