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Everything you need to know before buying real estate is included in our Argentina Property Pack
Foreign buyers in Argentina need a valid passport, an Argentine tax identification number (CDI), and proof of a local address to legally purchase property—no specific visa or residency status is required just for buying real estate. Bank transactions, documentation, and fund transfers involve further paperwork and sometimes need translation, apostille, or notarization, especially for significant sums or remote purchases.
If you want to go deeper, you can check our pack of documents related to the real estate market in Argentina, based on reliable facts and data, not opinions or rumors.
Foreigners can purchase property in Argentina with a valid passport and CDI tax identification number, without needing residency status.
Most foreign documents require Spanish translation by certified Argentine public translators and apostille or consular legalization before acceptance.
| Document Type | Required | Translation/Apostille | Primary Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
| Valid Passport | Yes | None required | Identity verification |
| CDI Tax ID | Yes | None required | Legal compliance, purchase authorization |
| Proof of Argentine Address | Yes | None required | CDI application, bank setup |
| Marriage/Divorce Certificates | If applicable | Spanish translation + apostille | Title registration verification |
| Financial Statements | For large transactions | Spanish translation + apostille | Anti-money laundering compliance |
| Power of Attorney | If buying remotely | Spanish translation + apostille | Remote transaction authorization |
| Bank Statements | Sometimes required | Spanish translation + apostille | Proof of legal fund origin |
What official ID or passport do I need to show when buying property in Argentina?
You need a valid passport with at least six months of remaining validity for all property purchase procedures in Argentina.
This passport serves as your primary identification document throughout the entire buying process, from opening bank accounts to signing the final escritura (deed) with the notary. Argentine authorities require the original passport at multiple stages of the transaction.
As of September 2025, no other form of identification is accepted as a substitute for a valid passport when purchasing Argentine real estate as a foreigner. Your passport will be photocopied multiple times during the process, and notaries will verify the document's authenticity before proceeding with any legal paperwork.
Keep your passport easily accessible during your property search and purchase timeline, as you'll need to present it to real estate agents, banks, government offices, and legal professionals involved in the transaction.
Do I need a CDI tax identification number and how do I obtain it?
Yes, obtaining a CDI (Clave de Identificación) tax identification number is mandatory for all foreign property buyers in Argentina.
You must visit an AFIP (Federal Administration of Public Revenue) office in person to obtain your CDI. The process requires your valid passport, proof of a local Argentine address (such as a hotel receipt or rental agreement), and a police-issued domicile certificate confirming your temporary residence.
The Argentine police may visit your declared address to verify your presence before issuing the domicile certificate. This verification step typically takes 2-7 business days, depending on the location and police department workload.
Once you have all required documents, the AFIP office will process your CDI application, usually within 1-3 business days. The CDI number is essential for property registration, tax obligations, and legal compliance throughout your ownership period.
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Which visa or residency documents are required for a foreign buyer?
No visa or residency permit is required solely for purchasing property in Argentina as a foreigner.
Tourist visa status is completely sufficient for buying real estate, and property ownership does not automatically grant residency rights or citizenship. You can purchase, own, and sell Argentine property while maintaining tourist status or any other visa category.
If you wish to pursue Argentine residency, this is a separate process entirely from property ownership. The property purchase process and residency applications follow different legal pathways and have distinct documentation requirements.
Foreign buyers often complete their property purchases during tourist visits, then return to their home countries while maintaining ownership. Property ownership responsibilities, such as tax payments and maintenance, can be managed remotely through local representatives or property management companies.
What bank account paperwork is needed to transfer funds legally into Argentina?
Opening an Argentine bank account requires your passport, CDI tax identification number, proof of Argentine address, and proof of income or fund sources.
| Document Required | Translation Needed | Additional Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Valid Passport | No | Original document required for verification |
| CDI Tax Identification | No | Must be obtained before bank account opening |
| Argentine Address Proof | No | Utility bill or lease agreement acceptable |
| Income/Fund Source Proof | Yes, if foreign | Bank statements or payslips from home country |
| Local Reference | No | Sometimes required by specific banks |
| Initial Deposit | No | Amount varies by bank, typically $1,000-5,000 USD |
Many foreign buyers choose alternative methods such as using their attorney's escrow account or conducting transactions in USD cash, which remains common practice in the Argentine real estate market. Wire transfers are accepted but require complete documentation compliance.
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Do I need to provide proof of income or financial statements, and in what format?
Proof of income or financial statements is typically required for property transactions exceeding $100,000 USD in value.
Acceptable documents include bank statements from the past 3-6 months, tax returns from the previous 1-2 years, employment pay stubs, or business financial statements. These documents must demonstrate your ability to legally source the funds used for the property purchase.
All foreign financial documents must be translated into Spanish by an Argentine public translator (Traductor Público) and apostilled or legalized through consular services. The translation and apostille process typically costs $50-150 USD per document and takes 5-15 business days to complete.
Requirements vary depending on the transaction size, chosen bank, and specific notary handling your case. Some notaries may waive these requirements for smaller purchases or cash transactions, while others maintain strict documentation standards regardless of transaction value.
Which documents must be translated into Spanish and certified by an Argentine public translator?
All foreign documents written in languages other than Spanish must be translated and certified by an Argentine public translator.
Documents requiring certified Spanish translation include:
- Birth certificates
- Marriage certificates and divorce decrees
- Financial statements and bank records
- Powers of attorney
- Employment verification letters
- Business incorporation documents
- Educational diplomas or professional certifications (if relevant)
- Foreign property ownership records
Argentine public translators are licensed professionals who provide legally recognized translations for official proceedings. Translation costs typically range from $30-80 USD per page, depending on document complexity and translator rates in your specific city.
The translation process usually takes 3-7 business days for standard documents. More complex financial or legal documents may require additional time for accurate translation and certification.
Is an apostille or legalization required for my foreign documents, and if so, which ones?
Yes, all foreign public documents must have an apostille (for Hague Convention countries) or consular legalization (for non-Hague Convention countries) before recognition in Argentina.
Documents requiring apostille or legalization include birth certificates, marriage certificates, divorce decrees, powers of attorney, and financial statements issued by foreign governments or institutions. The apostille confirms the authenticity of the issuing authority's signature and seal.
Citizens from Hague Convention member countries can obtain apostilles from their home country's designated authorities, typically secretary of state offices or foreign affairs ministries. The process costs $10-50 USD per document and takes 1-10 business days depending on the issuing country.
Non-Hague Convention country citizens must obtain consular legalization through Argentine consulates in their home countries. This process is more complex, expensive ($50-200 USD per document), and time-consuming (2-6 weeks).
What notary-related paperwork will I be asked to sign during the escritura process?
During the escritura (final deed signing), you will sign the purchase agreement, transfer deed, and relevant tax forms with the notary public.
| Document Type | Purpose | Copies Required |
|---|---|---|
| Purchase Agreement (Boleto) | Confirms sale terms and conditions | 3-4 copies |
| Transfer Deed (Escritura) | Legal property ownership transfer | 3-4 copies |
| Tax Declaration Forms | Property transfer tax compliance | 2-3 copies |
| Property Registration Forms | Official ownership registration | 2-3 copies |
| Identity Verification Forms | Buyer identification confirmation | 2 copies |
The notary (escribano público) will verify all your original documents including passport, CDI, and any translated/apostilled supporting paperwork before proceeding with the signature process. Each signature must be witnessed and notarized according to Argentine legal requirements.
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Do I need to provide marriage certificates, divorce decrees, or proof of marital status for the transaction?
Marriage certificates, divorce decrees, or proof of marital status are required when the property will be registered in joint names or when marital property laws affect the transaction.
Single buyers typically need to provide a certificate of single status or declaration of unmarried status from their home country. Married buyers must provide marriage certificates, while divorced individuals need divorce decrees showing the dissolution of previous marriages.
These documents establish your legal capacity to enter into property ownership agreements and ensure compliance with Argentine family law regarding property ownership rights. They also protect both buyer and seller by clarifying ownership structure and potential claims.
All marital status documents must be translated into Spanish by certified Argentine public translators and apostilled or legalized through proper consular channels before acceptance by notaries or registration authorities.
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What documentation is needed to prove the legal origin of the funds I am using?
Anti-money laundering regulations require documentation proving the legal origin of your purchase funds, particularly for high-value or international wire transactions.
Acceptable proof of legal fund origin includes:
- Bank statements showing fund accumulation over 3-12 months
- Employment pay stubs or salary statements
- Business revenue records or profit/loss statements
- Investment account statements or portfolio records
- Property sale agreements from previous real estate transactions
- Insurance claim settlements or legal settlement agreements
- Inheritance documentation or estate settlement records
- Loan agreements or financing documentation
Banks and notaries may require additional documentation depending on transaction complexity, fund sources, and individual risk assessments. Cryptocurrency-derived funds typically require more extensive documentation and verification processes.
All foreign documentation must be translated into Spanish and apostilled before submission. The verification process adds 1-3 weeks to your purchase timeline, so prepare these documents early in your property search process.
Will I be required to present a utility bill or proof of address from my home country or in Argentina?
Yes, you need proof of address both for CDI tax identification application and for banking or notary documentation requirements.
Argentine address proof can include hotel receipts, short-term rental agreements, utility bills, or lease agreements from temporary accommodations. This address serves as your legal domicile for tax and legal purposes during the property purchase process.
Some banks or notaries may also request proof of address from your home country to verify your international residence and establish your background. Home country address proof typically includes utility bills, bank statements, or government correspondence dated within the past 3 months.
The Argentine police department will verify your declared local address before issuing the required domicile certificate for your CDI application. Ensure someone is available at the address during business hours to facilitate this verification visit.
Which insurance or property tax registration documents must be filed right after purchase?
Property ownership registration and tax enrollment are automatically handled by the notary as part of the escritura process in Argentina.
The notary files ownership registration with the Property Registry (Registro de la Propiedad Inmueble) and ensures your property tax obligations are properly recorded with local municipal authorities. You become responsible for ongoing property taxes immediately upon ownership transfer.
Home insurance or title insurance policies are recommended but not legally required for property ownership in Argentina. Many foreign buyers choose comprehensive property insurance to protect their investment against theft, damage, or natural disasters.
Property tax bills are typically issued quarterly and sent to the registered property address. You can arrange automatic payment through Argentine banks or appoint a local representative to manage tax payments if you reside outside the country.
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Conclusion
This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Readers are advised to consult with a qualified professional before making any investment decisions. We do not assume any liability for actions taken based on the information provided.
Foreign buyers can successfully purchase Argentine real estate with proper documentation and preparation.
The key to a smooth transaction is ensuring all foreign documents are properly translated, apostilled, and prepared well in advance of your planned purchase date.
Sources
- Moving to Argentina - Buy Property
- Can Foreigners Buy Property in Argentina
- How Foreigners Can Buy in Rosario
- Buy Land in Argentina
- Lawyers Argentina - Buy House Guide
- Buy Sell BA - Real Estate Guide
- Buenos Aires Habitat - Property Taxes
- Immi Legal - Investment Residency
- How Foreigners Buy in Argentina
- Golden Harbors - Bank Account Guide