Authored by the expert who managed and guided the team behind the Argentina Property Pack
Everything you need to know before buying real estate is included in our Argentina Property Pack
Argentina is one of the few countries in Latin America where foreigners can buy residential property with the same ownership rights as local citizens, which makes it an attractive destination for international buyers.
However, the rules around rural land, border zones, and tax registration can trip up even experienced investors if they don't understand what applies where.
We constantly update this blog post to reflect the latest regulations and market conditions in Argentina.
And if you're planning to buy a property in this place, you may want to download our pack covering the real estate market in Argentina.
Insights
- Foreigners buying property in Argentina face an effective 21% withholding on rental income, calculated as 35% tax on a deemed 60% net income, which is higher than many buyers expect when budgeting rental returns in Buenos Aires.
- The rural land restrictions under Argentina's Law 26.737 remain in force as of early 2026 despite a December 2023 derogation attempt, because a court injunction restored the original limits on foreign agricultural land ownership.
- The CDI tax identification number is the single document that blocks more foreign property purchases in Argentina than any visa or residency issue, yet many buyers only learn about it days before closing.
- Total closing costs when buying property in Buenos Aires typically run 6% to 9% of the purchase price, but buyers of a primary residence may qualify for stamp tax exemptions that reduce this to 3% to 6%.
- The "boleto de compraventa" is a common early contract in Argentina, but it does not transfer ownership; only the "escritura pública" registered at the property registry gives you enforceable title.
- Properties in Argentina's border security zones require "previa conformidad" approval from the Interior Ministry before a foreigner can complete the purchase, which can add weeks or months to the timeline.
- Most Argentine banks require local residency, a DNI, and provable Argentine income before lending to foreigners, making cash purchases in USD the norm for non-residents.
- Annual property taxes in Buenos Aires (ABL plus Impuesto Inmobiliario) typically cost 0.10% to 0.30% of market value, which is lower than most North American and European cities.
- Americans own more than 2.7 million hectares of rural land in Argentina, making them the largest foreign landholders, followed by Italians with just over 2 million hectares.
Can a foreigner legally own land in Argentina right now?
Can foreigners own land in Argentina in 2026?
As of early 2026, foreigners can generally buy and own residential property in Argentina with the same full ownership rights (called "dominio") as Argentine citizens, including apartments, houses, and condos in cities like Buenos Aires, Córdoba, and Mendoza.
The main restrictions that apply to foreign buyers in Argentina are not about residential urban property but rather about rural land and border security zones, where special authorization or certificates may be required before you can complete a purchase.
If you cannot buy a specific property due to location restrictions, the closest legal alternatives in Argentina include long-term leases (up to 20 years) or registrable surface rights ("derecho de superficie"), which give you control over the property without owning the underlying land.
Argentina does not apply nationality-based restrictions that treat certain foreign nationalities differently from others; instead, the rules focus on the type and location of land rather than where the buyer comes from.
Can I own a house but not the land in Argentina in 2026?
As of early 2026, Argentina's standard property system does not routinely separate building ownership from land ownership; when you buy a standalone house with title, you normally acquire both the land and the structure together under a single "dominio" registration.
If you buy an apartment in Argentina (called "propiedad horizontal"), you own your private unit plus a proportional share of the land and common areas through the condominium regime, so you still have partial land ownership rather than just the building.
The more realistic "building-without-land" scenario in Argentina involves using a "derecho de superficie" (surface right), which is a registrable real right that gives you long-term control over a structure without owning the underlying land, and this right can last up to 70 years for residential purposes.
We created this infographic to give you a simple idea of how much it costs to buy property in different parts of Argentina. As you can see, it breaks down price ranges and property types for popular cities in the country. We hope this makes it easier to explore your options and understand the market.
Do rules differ by region or city for land ownership in Argentina right now?
Foreign ownership rules in Argentina are primarily set at the federal level, but the practical application varies significantly by region because property registries, tax rates, and administrative procedures are handled at the provincial and municipal level.
The regions in Argentina with notably stricter rules for foreign buyers are the designated border security zones (Zona de Seguridad de Fronteras), which cover areas near international borders including parts of Misiones, Tierra del Fuego, Neuquén, Río Negro, and Patagonia, where government authorization is required before purchase.
These regional differences in Argentina exist because border security is a federal defense concern (governed by Decree-Law 15.385/1944), while property taxation and registration have historically been delegated to provincial authorities under Argentina's federal constitution.
We cover a lot of different regions and cities in our pack about the property market in Argentina.
Can I buy land in Argentina through marriage to a local in 2026?
As of early 2026, marriage to an Argentine citizen does not automatically grant a foreigner the right to bypass restricted-zone rules or skip compliance checks when buying land in Argentina; you still need to follow the same authorization procedures that apply to any foreign buyer.
A foreign spouse purchasing property jointly with an Argentine partner in Argentina should ensure clear documentation of each party's contribution and ownership share, ideally formalized in the public deed (escritura), to protect their interest in case of future disputes or inheritance issues.
If a marriage ends in divorce in Argentina, property acquired during the marriage is generally subject to division under the matrimonial property regime (comunidad de ganancias by default), meaning a foreign spouse typically retains their share of jointly owned real estate.
There is a lot of mistakes you can make, we cover 99% of them in our list of risks and pitfalls people face when buying property in Argentina.
We have made this infographic to give you a quick and clear snapshot of the property market in Argentina. It highlights key facts like rental prices, yields, and property costs both in city centers and outside, so you can easily compare opportunities. We’ve done some research and also included useful insights about the country’s economy, like GDP, population, and interest rates, to help you understand the bigger picture.
What eligibility and status do I need to buy land in Argentina?
Do I need residency to buy land in Argentina in 2026?
As of early 2026, foreigners do not need residency to buy residential property in Argentina; many international buyers successfully purchase while visiting on a tourist visa or even a visa-free entry.
No specific visa or permit type is required to complete a property transaction in Argentina, though you will need to obtain a CDI (Clave de Identificación) tax number and satisfy anti-money-laundering checks through your notary (escribano).
It is legally possible for a foreigner to buy property in Argentina remotely without being physically present by granting a power of attorney (poder) to a trusted representative who can sign the public deed on your behalf before the escribano.
Please note that we give you all the details you need about the different pathways to get residency and citizenship in Argentina here.
Do I need a local tax number to buy lands in Argentina?
Yes, foreigners must obtain a local tax identification number before purchasing property in Argentina; the standard option for non-residents is the CDI (Clave de Identificación), which you can apply for through ARCA (formerly AFIP), the federal tax authority.
The typical process to obtain a CDI in Argentina takes one to two weeks and requires your passport, a local address certificate (certificado de domicilio), and completion of Form F 663 at the ARCA office corresponding to your declared address.
A local bank account is not strictly required to buy property in Argentina, but having one can simplify the money trail documentation and compliance checks, especially if you plan to bring funds from abroad or receive rental income later.
Is there a minimum investment to buy land in Argentina as of 2026?
As of early 2026, there is no minimum investment amount required for foreigners to purchase residential property in Argentina; you can buy an apartment or house at any price point without meeting a government-mandated threshold.
The minimum investment requirements you may see mentioned in Argentina relate to investor residency visas or the new citizenship-by-investment program (Decreto 524/2025), which are separate pathways with specific thresholds, not requirements for simply buying a home.
Are there restricted zones foreigners can't buy in Argentina?
Argentina's main restricted zones for foreign buyers are the Zonas de Seguridad de Fronteras (Border Security Zones), which can require government authorization before a foreigner can purchase property, even for transactions that appear to be standard residential sales.
The types of zones typically off-limits or requiring special approval in Argentina include areas within 50 to 150 kilometers of international borders, land near large permanent bodies of water, military installations, and certain coastal areas deemed strategically sensitive.
To verify whether a specific property in Argentina falls within a restricted zone, you should ask your escribano (notary) to check early in the process; they can confirm through the Interior Ministry's records and initiate the "Previa Conformidad" authorization if needed.
Can foreigners buy agricultural, coastal or border land in Argentina right now?
The legal status for foreigners seeking to purchase agricultural, coastal, or border land in Argentina is significantly more restrictive than for urban residential property, with each category having its own set of rules and approval requirements.
Agricultural (rural) land in Argentina is governed by Law 26.737, which limits total foreign ownership to 15% of rural land nationwide and caps individual foreigners at 1,000 hectares in prime farming regions like Buenos Aires Province, Córdoba, and Santa Fe.
Coastal land in Argentina faces restrictions when it borders significant permanent bodies of water, which can trigger the prohibition under Article 10 of the rural lands law or require additional authorization depending on the specific location.
Land near national borders in Argentina requires "Previa Conformidad" authorization from the Interior Ministry before any transfer to a foreigner can proceed, and this applies regardless of whether the property is classified as rural or urban.
Get fresh and reliable information about the market in Argentina
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What are the safest legal structures to control land in Argentina?
Is a long-term lease equivalent to ownership in Argentina right now?
A long-term lease in Argentina provides contractual control over property but is not equivalent to ownership; you cannot sell, mortgage, or pass it on as freely as you could with a registered title deed.
The maximum lease length available to foreigners in Argentina is 20 years under the Civil and Commercial Code, and while leases can be renewed by mutual agreement, you face renegotiation risk and no guarantee of extension at the same terms.
Lease rights in Argentina can sometimes be transferred or assigned if your contract explicitly allows it, but many residential leases restrict this, and informal transfers create legal complications that surface during disputes or when the original landlord sells.
Can I buy land in Argentina via a local company?
Foreigners can legally purchase property in Argentina through a locally registered company (such as an SA or SRL), and this structure is commonly used for investment properties or when multiple parties want to share ownership.
There is no specific ownership percentage requirement for a foreign-owned company to hold land in Argentina for urban property; however, if the property is rural land or in a restricted zone, corporate-share transfers can also be captured by the authorization regime, so the company structure does not automatically bypass restrictions.
What "grey-area" ownership setups get foreigners in trouble in Argentina?
Grey-area ownership arrangements are more common in Argentina than official statistics suggest, often used by foreigners attempting to work around rural land limits, border zone restrictions, or simply to keep their name off the public registry.
The most common grey-area structures foreigners use in Argentina include nominee ("prestanombre") arrangements where a local holds title with a private side agreement, undocumented side payments outside the official transaction price, and corporate structures designed to obscure the true beneficial owner.
If Argentine authorities or a notary discover a grey-area structure, the consequences can include refusal to register the transfer, nullification of the transaction, tax penalties, and potential criminal exposure under anti-money-laundering laws enforced by the UIF (Unidad de Información Financiera).
By the way, you can avoid most of these bad surprises if you go through our pack covering the property buying process in Argentina.
We did some research and made this infographic to help you quickly compare rental yields of the major cities in Argentina versus those in neighboring countries. It provides a clear view of how this country positions itself as a real estate investment destination, which might interest you if you’re planning to invest there.
How does the land purchase process work in Argentina, step-by-step?
What are the exact steps to buy land in Argentina right now?
The typical step-by-step process for a foreigner buying property in Argentina includes: agreeing on price with the seller, hiring your escribano (notary), obtaining your CDI tax number, conducting due diligence on title and liens, signing a reservation or boleto de compraventa, arranging funds and compliance documents, signing the public deed (escritura pública) before the escribano, and finally registering the deed at the property registry.
The entire land purchase process in Argentina typically takes four to eight weeks from accepted offer to final registration for a straightforward city apartment, but transactions involving border zone approvals, complex title issues, or inheritance situations can take several months longer.
The key documents a buyer must sign during the purchase process in Argentina include the reservation agreement or boleto de compraventa (preliminary contract with deposit) and the escritura pública (public deed), which is the formal instrument that actually transfers ownership and must be registered to be enforceable against third parties.
What scams are common when it comes to buying land in Argentina right now?
What scams target foreign land buyers in Argentina right now?
Property scams targeting foreign buyers in Argentina are not as widespread as in some other emerging markets, but they do occur regularly, especially when buyers skip due diligence steps or rely on verbal assurances without proper documentation.
The most common scams in Argentina include the "boleto trap" (paying most of the price on a preliminary contract that never converts to a registered title), fake seller or forged power-of-attorney schemes, properties sold with undisclosed liens or embargoes, and the "inheritance surprise" where not all legal heirs have agreed to sell.
The top three warning signs of a fraudulent land deal in Argentina are: pressure to pay large sums before the escribano has completed title verification, a seller who resists using an independent escribano chosen by the buyer, and pricing significantly below market that seems too good to be true.
Foreigners who fall victim to property scams in Argentina have limited legal recourse; civil lawsuits are possible but can take years, and criminal complaints require clear evidence of fraud, making prevention through proper due diligence far more effective than trying to recover losses afterward.
We cover all these things in length in our pack about the property market in Argentina.
How do I verify the seller is legit in Argentina right now?
The best method for a foreign buyer to verify that a land seller is legitimate in Argentina is to have your escribano (notary) obtain official registry documents, including the certificado de dominio (ownership certificate) and certificado de inhibiciones (which shows if the seller is legally barred from selling).
To confirm that a land title is clean and free of disputes in Argentina, your escribano should request an informe de dominio y gravámenes from the property registry, which lists the current owner, any liens, mortgages, embargoes, or other encumbrances on the property.
Checking for existing liens, mortgages, or debts on land in Argentina is done through the same registry certificates, plus you should request proof of paid property taxes (ABL receipts), building expenses (expensas) for apartments, and any municipal fees from the seller.
The most essential professional for verifying seller legitimacy in Argentina is the escribano (notary public), who is legally required for property transfers and has the authority to request official registry information that confirms ownership and encumbrances.
How do I confirm land boundaries in Argentina right now?
The standard procedure for confirming land boundaries before purchase in Argentina is to review the cadastral records (catastro) and any existing survey plan (plano de mensura), which should match the physical property and the description in the title deed.
The official documents to verify land boundaries in Argentina include the plano de mensura (survey plan) registered with the provincial cadastre office, the title deed description, and the catastral certificate that identifies the property's location, dimensions, and boundaries.
Hiring a licensed surveyor (agrimensor) is not legally required for all property purchases in Argentina, but it is strongly recommended for standalone houses, land lots, or any property where boundaries are unclear or where the last survey is more than a few years old.
Common boundary-related problems foreign buyers encounter after purchasing land in Argentina include discovering that fences or walls encroach on neighboring property, finding that the actual plot is smaller than documented, or learning that access easements were not disclosed before closing.
Buying real estate in Argentina can be risky
An increasing number of foreign investors are showing interest. However, 90% of them will make mistakes. Avoid the pitfalls with our comprehensive guide.
What will it cost me, all-in, to buy and hold land in Argentina?
What purchase taxes and fees apply in Argentina as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the total purchase taxes and fees for buying property in Argentina typically range from 6% to 9% of the purchase price, or approximately 6,000 to 9,000 USD (5,500 to 8,300 EUR) on a 100,000 USD property, with stamp tax being the largest single component.
The typical closing cost range for land purchases in Argentina is 5% to 10% of the property value, with the variation driven primarily by whether you qualify for stamp tax exemptions and how the escribano and registration fees scale with your purchase price.
The main individual taxes and fees in Argentina include: stamp tax (impuesto de sellos) at 2.5% to 3.5% in Buenos Aires depending on property value, escribano fees at 1% to 2% plus 21% VAT, registry filing and certificates at 0.5% to 1%, and real estate agent commission at 3% to 4% plus 21% VAT (though the buyer's share can be negotiated).
These taxes and fees in Argentina are generally the same for foreign and local buyers, with no additional foreigner surcharge, though non-residents may face extra compliance documentation costs and should budget for CDI application fees.
What hidden fees surprise foreigners in Argentina most often?
Hidden or unexpected fees that surprise foreign buyers in Argentina typically add 1% to 3% to the expected budget, ranging from 1,000 to 5,000 USD (900 to 4,600 EUR) on a typical 150,000 USD purchase, depending on the complexity of the transaction.
The top hidden fees foreigners overlook when buying property in Argentina include: unpaid building expenses (expensas) that transfer to the new owner, delayed Previa Conformidad authorization costs in border zones, currency exchange friction when moving funds into the country, and extra escribano charges for complex title situations.
These hidden fees in Argentina typically appear at different stages: unpaid expensas surface during due diligence, border zone authorization delays emerge after the boleto is signed, and exchange costs hit when you actually transfer money, sometimes weeks before closing.
The best way to protect yourself from unexpected fees in Argentina is to have your escribano provide a detailed cost estimate before signing the boleto, request proof of paid building expenses and taxes, and plan your money transfer well in advance with a clear understanding of the exchange mechanism you will use.
We made this infographic to show you how property prices in Argentina compare to other big cities across the region. It breaks down the average price per square meter in city centers, so you can see how cities stack up. It’s an easy way to spot where you might get the best value for your money. We hope you like it.
What sources have we used to write this blog article?
Whether it's in our blog articles or the market analyses included in our property pack about Argentina, we always rely on the strongest methodology we can … and we don't throw out numbers at random.
We also aim to be fully transparent, so below we've listed the authoritative sources we used, and explained how we used them and the methods behind our estimates.
| Source Name | Why It's Authoritative | How We Used It |
|---|---|---|
| Argentina.gob.ar - Law 26.737 (Rural Lands) | Official government record showing the current legal status of the Rural Lands Law. | We used it to confirm the legal framework for foreign rural land ownership. We also cross-checked whether the repeal is actually in force or suspended by court action. |
| SAIJ (Argentine Legal Information System) | Argentina's official legal database that reliably tracks rulings and measures. | We used it to verify the court injunction suspending DNU 70/2023's repeal of rural land restrictions. We then treated rural land as a "check current status" category. |
| Interior Ministry - Previa Conformidad | Official government process page for border security zone authorizations. | We used it to explain the prior authorization requirement for properties in restricted zones. We also mapped where these approvals apply for sales, leases, and corporate changes. |
| DNRPI (CABA Property Registry) | Official fee schedule for registry certificates and filings in Buenos Aires City. | We used it to show specific registry checks and their official costs. We also used it in the verification section to turn "do checks" into specific documents. |
| AGIP (CABA Tax Authority) | Official page for stamp tax rules and procedures in Buenos Aires City. | We used it to anchor the closing costs discussion in actual administered rates. We also used it to explain that your escribano usually handles calculation and payment. |
| ARBA (Buenos Aires Province Tax Authority) | Official provincial explanation of what stamp tax applies to. | We used it to explain that stamp tax attaches to contracts executed in the province. We also used it to remind readers that property location matters as much as where you sign. |
| Colegio de Escribanos CABA | Professional body that publishes practical updates on taxes and implementation. | We used it to confirm 2026 tax changes at transaction level. We also used it as a triangulation source when media summaries differed on thresholds. |
| ARCA Portal (Federal Tax Authority) | Official portal of Argentina's federal tax and customs authority. | We used it to point readers to the correct authority for CDI and fiscal compliance. We also used it to keep guidance aligned with current procedures. |
| UIF (Anti-Money Laundering Regulator) | Official site where Argentina's AML regulator publishes binding resolutions. | We used it to explain why notarized purchases involve source-of-funds checks. We also used it to frame grey-area structures as compliance risks, not shortcuts. |
| Boletín Oficial - ARCA RG 5803/2025 | Official publication of binding federal regulations in Argentina. | We used it to reflect the early 2026 changes to tax ID registration for foreigners. We also used it to avoid relying on outdated CDI-only guidance. |
Get the full checklist for your due diligence in Argentina
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