Simplified Joint Stock Company (SAS)
Sociedad por Acciones Simplificada (SAS)
Constitución de empresa en Argentina
The SAS is best suited for: Tech startups and digital businesses entering Argentina, Foreign companies hiring Argentine tech talent, Small and medium businesses seeking the simplest Argentine corporate structure, Solo founders — SAS allows single-shareholder formation. Argentina applies progressive corporate income tax rates: 25% on taxable income up to ARS 50 million, 30% on income between ARS 50–150 million, and 35% on income above ARS 150 million. Dividends distributed to non-residents are subject to an additional 7% withholding tax (on profits taxed at 25%) or 13% (on profits taxed at 30–35%), creating a combined corporate-plus-dividend effective rate of approximately 35–40%. VAT (IVA) is 21% standard, with reduced rates of 10.5% on certain goods and services. Withholding tax on royalty payments to non-residents is 28% (effective rate after gross-up). Argentina has 22 double tax treaties. The BCRA (Central Bank) imposes exchange controls that restrict the purchase of foreign currency and the remittance of dividends — compliance with these controls is essential for profit repatriation.
- Tech startups and digital businesses entering Argentina
- Foreign companies hiring Argentine tech talent
- Small and medium businesses seeking the simplest Argentine corporate structure
- Solo founders — SAS allows single-shareholder formation
Datos clave
Proceso de constitución paso a paso
Verify the company name and register digitally
The SAS was created by Law 27,349 (2017) specifically to simplify startup incorporation. Check name availability and initiate registration through the Inspección General de Justicia (IGJ) online portal in Buenos Aires, or the equivalent provincial registry for companies outside the capital. The SAS can be formed entirely online in Buenos Aires.
Draft the articles of association (instrumento constitutivo)
The SAS articles can be drafted as a private instrument (without notarisation) and digitally signed. Include the company name (must end in "SAS"), registered address, business purpose, share capital structure, and governance rules. Single-shareholder formation is permitted. The articles can be highly flexible — fewer mandatory governance requirements than an SA.
Register with the IGJ or provincial registry
Submit the articles of association, identification documents, and proof of capital deposit (25% of the minimum capital must be deposited in a bank) to the Inspección General de Justicia. The IGJ processes SAS applications faster than traditional SA or SRL registrations. Upon approval, the company is assigned a CUIT (tax identification number) automatically.
Register for taxes and obtain fiscal credentials
Register with AFIP (Federal Administration of Public Revenue) for income tax, VAT (IVA), and employer contributions. Obtain the Clave Fiscal (digital tax credential) for online filings. Register with IIBB (Ingresos Brutos — gross income tax) in the relevant province. If hiring employees, register with the social security system (ANSES) and workers' compensation insurer (ART).
Open a corporate bank account
Open a corporate bank account at an Argentine bank (Banco Galicia, Santander, BBVA, ICBC, Banco Macro). Banks require the registered articles, CUIT, proof of registered address, and director identification. In-person visits are typically required. Opening a USD account is possible but subject to BCRA (Central Bank) foreign exchange regulations.
Documentos requeridos
- Passport copies or DNI (national identity) for all shareholders and directors
- Articles of association (instrumento constitutivo) — can be digitally signed for SAS
- Proof of registered office address in Argentina
- Bank deposit receipt for 25% of minimum capital
- CUIT application (typically processed automatically with IGJ registration)
- Power of attorney (if incorporating from abroad)
Resumen de costos
Tratamiento fiscal
Argentina applies progressive corporate income tax rates: 25% on taxable income up to ARS 50 million, 30% on income between ARS 50–150 million, and 35% on income above ARS 150 million. Dividends distributed to non-residents are subject to an additional 7% withholding tax (on profits taxed at 25%) or 13% (on profits taxed at 30–35%), creating a combined corporate-plus-dividend effective rate of approximately 35–40%. VAT (IVA) is 21% standard, with reduced rates of 10.5% on certain goods and services. Withholding tax on royalty payments to non-residents is 28% (effective rate after gross-up). Argentina has 22 double tax treaties. The BCRA (Central Bank) imposes exchange controls that restrict the purchase of foreign currency and the remittance of dividends — compliance with these controls is essential for profit repatriation.
Ventajas y desventajas
- Simplest Argentine corporate structure — created specifically for startups and SMEs under Law 27,349 (2017)
- Single-shareholder formation permitted — no need for a second partner or nominee
- Can be formed entirely online in Buenos Aires with digital signatures
- Extremely low minimum capital requirement (ARS 100,000 ~$100)
- Flexible governance — fewer mandatory board meetings and reporting requirements than an SA
- Access to Argentina's world-class tech talent at competitive USD-denominated rates
- Mercosur membership provides tariff-free access to Brazil, Uruguay, Paraguay, and associate members
- Cannot be used for regulated financial services, insurance, or large-scale industrial activities
- Exchange controls (cepo cambiario) restrict USD purchases and international transfers — this is a major operational constraint
- Chronic inflation requires constant pricing adjustments and peso management
- Progressive corporate tax rate reaches 35% for profits above ARS 150 million
- 21% VAT rate is among the highest in Latin America
- Provincial gross income taxes (IIBB) of 1–8% add to the effective tax burden
- Political and macroeconomic instability creates ongoing policy uncertainty
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ComenzarThis 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.