Argentina is preparing to launch what would be South America’s first citizenship-by-investment program, allowing foreign nationals to apply for citizenship through naturalization in exchange for significant investment, according to media reports.
The initiative is part of the government’s effort to attract foreign capital for strategic economic projects. Similar programs already operate globally.
What are the requirements for the new Argentina visa?
The minimum investment required to qualify has not been confirmed. Several reports suggest the threshold could fall in the region of $500,000 to $1 million, though the amount cannot be confirmed until the official announcement.
The program would be open to non-citizens who can meet the investment threshold and pass due diligence checks. The government has said that specific eligibility criteria will be detailed in the final program guidelines.
A key appeal for applicants is the strength of the Argentine passport, which currently offers visa-free access to 183 countries worldwide and ranks as the second-strongest passport in South America. The passport also lists 12th globally, according to the Passport Index. Other benefits include its settlement rights in nine Mercosur countries, dual citizenship, and access to Argentina’s investment opportunities and quality of life.
Interest in the proposal comes amid media reports that PayPal co-founder Peter Thiel has considered Argentina as an alternative residence.
However, there is concern in the industry about limited public information on the initiative, including details of the public tender launched in late 2025 and the government’s broader objectives.
