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Argentina

Americas

25–35% (progressive: 25% up to ARS 50M, 30% to ARS 150M, 35% above)

Corporate Tax

2–6 weeks

Setup Time

ARS 100,000 (~$100) for SAS; ARS 30,000 (~$30) for SRL

Min. Capital

100% (no restrictions in most sectors)

Foreign Ownership

#126

Ease of Business

Best Answer

Argentina is South America's second-largest economy with extraordinary natural resources, world-class agricultural production, and a remarkably talented tech workforce — Mercado Libre, Globant, OLX, and dozens of unicorns were founded here. The challenge is the macroeconomic environment: chronic inflation, recurring currency crises, exchange controls (cepo cambiario), and policy volatility have made Argentina one of the world's most challenging business environments for international companies. The SAS (Sociedad por Acciones Simplificada) is the simplest corporate structure, allowing single-shareholder formation with minimal capital. Progressive corporate tax rates of 25–35% apply. President Milei's reforms (from 2024) have begun to stabilise the economy, but significant uncertainty remains. For tech talent acquisition and agricultural business, Argentina can make strong economic sense despite the macro volatility.

Who this is for
  • Tech companies hiring Argentine developers — among the best in Latin America, available at competitive USD-denominated rates after peso devaluation
  • Agricultural investors accessing Argentina's world-leading soy, beef, wine, and grain production
  • Companies with specific Argentina market relationships and local demand
  • Startups leveraging the SAS structure for fast, low-cost incorporation in South America's second-largest economy
  • Companies seeking Mercosur market access to Brazil, Uruguay, and Paraguay through an Argentine entity
Key Caution

Exchange controls (cepo cambiario) are the dominant constraint for foreign businesses. The BCRA restricts USD purchases, dividend repatriation, and international transfers — compliance is complex and the rules change frequently. Inflation management is a daily operational consideration: pricing, contracts, and salary structures must be designed for peso volatility. Provincial gross income taxes (IIBB) of 1–8% on revenue add to the federal tax burden. The Milei government's economic reforms are significant but their long-term durability is uncertain. Monitor the reform trajectory closely and maintain operational flexibility.

At a Glance

CurrencyARS ($)
Official LanguagesSpanish
Legal SystemCivil law (influenced by European continental law)
Fiscal YearCompany chooses (calendar year common)
Double Tax Treaties22
MembershipsWTO, UN, Mercosur, G20, OAS

Available Business Structures

Cost Snapshot

Cost Breakdown (USD)
Formation Cost
ARS 500,000 – 3,000,000 ($500 – $3,000)
Annual Compliance
ARS 2,000,000 – 15,000,000 ($2,000 – $15,000)
Office Space
ARS 300,000 – 2,000,000/month ($300 – $2,000)

Tax Overview

Tax Snapshot
Corporate Tax
25–35% (progressive: 25% up to ARS 50M, 30% to ARS 150M, 35% above)
VAT / GST
21%

Banking Reality Check

Ease of opening:

Timeline: 2–4 weeks after incorporation

Argentina's banking sector operates under significant Central Bank (BCRA) regulations, particularly foreign exchange controls (cepo cambiario). Major banks include Banco Galicia, Santander Argentina, BBVA Argentina, HSBC Argentina, and Banco Macro. Corporate account opening requires in-person visits, registered company documents, CUIT, and director identification. USD accounts are available but heavily regulated — access to foreign currency for imports, dividends, and debt service requires BCRA authorisation. Fintech alternatives (Ualá Business, Mercado Pago) offer peso-denominated business accounts but with limited forex capabilities. International wire transfers are subject to BCRA reporting and approval requirements.

Visa & Immigration

Entrepreneur Visa
Digital Nomad Visa
Golden Visa

Argentina offers a Digital Nomad Visa (Visa de Nómada Digital) launched in 2022, providing a 6-month stay (renewable for another 6 months) for remote workers earning income from foreign sources. Argentina also has relatively easy temporary residency for foreign investors and business owners through the Dirección Nacional de Migraciones. The Rentista visa allows residency for individuals with provable foreign income. Argentina does not have a formal golden visa or investor visa programme, but residency pathways for company directors are available through standard immigration procedures.

Free Zones & SEZs

10 free zones available

Zona Franca La Plata (Buenos Aires)
Zona Franca Córdoba
Zona Franca Mendoza
Tierra del Fuego Special Customs Area

Common Mistakes

Not planning for exchange controls when structuring cross-border payments

Fix: Argentina's cepo cambiario restricts the purchase of foreign currency and dividend remittance. Before incorporating, map out how your company will receive foreign investment, pay for imports, service debt, and repatriate profits under current BCRA regulations. Work with an Argentine tax lawyer and a bank experienced in forex compliance. The rules change frequently — subscribe to BCRA bulletins.

Ignoring provincial gross income taxes (IIBB) in financial projections

Fix: In addition to federal corporate income tax and VAT, Argentine provinces levy Ingresos Brutos (IIBB) at 1–8% on gross revenue (not profit). This is a cascading tax that applies at each stage of the value chain. For companies with slim margins, IIBB can significantly impact profitability. Model your effective tax burden including IIBB for each province where you operate.

Pricing contracts in pesos without inflation adjustment clauses

Fix: Argentina has experienced annual inflation rates exceeding 100% in recent years. Any peso-denominated contract without a UVA (inflation adjustment unit) clause or periodic repricing mechanism will erode your margins rapidly. For B2B contracts, negotiate USD-linked pricing or monthly CPI adjustment clauses. For employment contracts, budget for frequent salary reviews (quarterly at minimum).

Frequently Asked Questions

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This content is educational and does not constitute legal or tax advice. Always consult a qualified professional for your specific situation. Data last verified March 2026.