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Everything you need to know before buying real estate is included in our Argentina Property Pack
Argentina offers one of the most open property markets in Latin America for foreign investors.
Foreigners enjoy the same property rights as Argentine citizens, with minimal restrictions on urban properties and clear regulations for rural land ownership. As of September 2025, international buyers can purchase condos, houses, and apartments without residency requirements or minimum investment thresholds.
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 legally purchase most types of property in Argentina with the same rights as citizens, though rural land has specific restrictions including a 1,000-hectare limit per individual and prohibition within 150km of international borders.
Property purchases require a CDI tax identification number, typically involve 6-12% in transaction costs, and are commonly conducted in US dollars without residency requirements.
| Property Aspect | Restriction/Requirement | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Legal Rights | Same as Argentine citizens | Full ownership, inheritance, and resale rights |
| Urban Property | No restrictions | Condos, houses, apartments freely available |
| Rural Land Limit | 1,000 hectares maximum | Per individual in core agricultural zones |
| Border Zone Restriction | 150km from international borders | 50km from maritime borders prohibited |
| Purchase Taxes | 6-12% of property value | Transfer taxes, notary fees, stamp duty included |
| Annual Property Tax | 0.5-2% of cadastral value | Varies by province |
| Documentation Required | CDI tax ID and passport | No residency visa needed |
Can foreigners legally purchase residential property in Argentina?
Yes, foreigners can legally purchase residential property in Argentina with full ownership rights guaranteed by the Constitution.
Argentina grants foreign buyers the same civil property rights as Argentine citizens, including the right to buy, hold, sell, and inherit real estate. This constitutional guarantee means international investors enjoy complete legal protection when acquiring residential properties.
The Argentine legal system recognizes foreign property ownership without discrimination, allowing non-residents to register properties in their own names. Foreign buyers can obtain clear title deeds and have their ownership rights protected by Argentine courts just like local citizens.
No special permits or government approvals are required for foreigners to purchase residential properties in urban areas. The process follows the same legal procedures as domestic buyers, with transactions handled through licensed real estate agents and certified notaries.
It's something we develop in our Argentina property pack.
Are there any restrictions on the type of property foreigners can buy?
Foreigners face minimal restrictions on property types, with full access to urban properties and specific regulations only for rural land.
International buyers can freely purchase condominiums, apartments, single-family houses, townhouses, and commercial properties in cities and towns across Argentina. Urban properties, which include most residential real estate in Buenos Aires, Córdoba, Mendoza, and other major cities, have no ownership restrictions for foreigners.
The only significant limitations apply to rural and agricultural land, where foreign ownership is subject to caps and registration requirements. These restrictions were implemented through Law 26.737 to protect Argentina's agricultural sector from excessive foreign control.
Vacation properties, beach houses, mountain cabins, and resort properties are generally available to foreign buyers without restrictions, as long as they're not located in prohibited border zones or classified as agricultural land.
Do foreigners face limits on how much land they can own?
Yes, foreigners face specific size limits on rural land ownership, with a maximum of 1,000 hectares per individual in core agricultural zones.
Individual foreign buyers cannot own more than 1,000 hectares (approximately 2,470 acres) of rural land in Argentina's most productive agricultural regions. This limit applies to each person, not per transaction, so multiple smaller purchases still count toward the total.
Additionally, foreign ownership of rural land is capped at 15% of total rural land per province and nationwide. This means that even if individual limits aren't reached, new purchases may be blocked if foreign ownership approaches these provincial or national thresholds.
Different regions may have varying size limits depending on their classification and agricultural importance. Less productive or non-agricultural rural areas may have different restrictions, but the 1,000-hectare rule applies broadly to prime farmland.
Urban properties, including residential lots, are exempt from these size restrictions regardless of the total area owned.
Are there prohibited zones for foreign buyers?
| Prohibited Zone Type | Distance Restriction | Rationale |
|---|---|---|
| International Land Borders | 150 kilometers | National security and border control |
| Maritime Borders/Coastline | 50 kilometers | Coastal security and sovereignty |
| Strategic Water Sources | Varies by location | Protection of water resources |
| Protected Natural Areas | Varies by designation | Environmental conservation |
| Military Installations | Varies by facility | National defense security |
| Indigenous Territories | Complete prohibition | Protection of indigenous rights |
| National Parks | Complete prohibition | Environmental protection |
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What taxes do foreigners need to pay at the time of purchase?
Foreigners typically pay 6-12% of the property value in total transaction costs, including transfer taxes, stamp duty, and professional fees.
The transfer tax (impuesto a la transferencia) ranges from 1.5% to 3.5% of the property value, depending on the province where the property is located. Buenos Aires Province charges 3.5%, while some provinces have lower rates.
Stamp duty (impuesto de sellos) adds another 1-2% to the total cost, calculated on the higher of the declared value or official valuation. Notary fees typically range from 0.5% to 1.5% of the property value, depending on the complexity of the transaction.
Real estate agent commissions, usually paid by the seller, can be 3-6% of the sale price. Registration fees at the property registry add approximately 0.5-1% to the total cost. Legal fees for due diligence and contract review typically cost 1-2% of the property value.
It's something we develop in our Argentina property pack.
Is there an annual property tax for foreign owners?
Yes, foreign property owners pay annual property tax ranging from 0.5% to 2% of the cadastral value, plus additional wealth tax obligations.
The annual property tax (Impuesto Inmobiliario) is calculated based on the property's cadastral or fiscal value, which is typically 60-80% of current market value. Tax rates vary by province, with urban properties generally taxed at higher rates than rural properties.
Foreign owners also face a wealth tax (impuesto sobre los bienes personales) of 0.5% to 1.75% on the value of Argentine properties they own. This tax applies specifically to foreign residents and non-residents on their Argentine assets.
If the property generates rental income, foreign owners must pay income tax at rates of 25-29% on net rental income, depending on the total amount earned. Non-resident owners are taxed only on Argentine-sourced income.
Property tax bills are typically issued annually and can be paid in monthly installments throughout the year to reduce the financial burden.
Do foreigners need to establish residency to buy property?
No, foreigners do not need to establish residency or obtain a special visa to purchase property in Argentina.
Tourist visa holders can legally buy real estate during their stay in Argentina, making it one of the most accessible property markets in Latin America for international buyers. The standard 90-day tourist visa provides sufficient time to complete most property transactions.
Temporary or permanent residency can provide some advantages, such as access to local financing options and potentially lower tax rates, but these are not requirements for property ownership. Many foreign investors maintain their properties while living abroad without any legal complications.
The only residency-related requirement is maintaining a valid CDI (tax identification number) for tax purposes, but this can be obtained and maintained without establishing formal residency in Argentina.
Is there a minimum investment amount required for foreigners?
No, Argentina does not impose any minimum investment amount for foreign property purchases.
International buyers can purchase properties at any price point, from modest apartments to luxury estates, without meeting investment thresholds. This policy makes Argentina accessible to a wide range of foreign investors, including those seeking affordable vacation homes or retirement properties.
Unlike some countries that require substantial investments for property ownership rights, Argentina treats foreign buyers equally regardless of their purchase amount. Even properties worth less than $50,000 USD can be freely purchased by foreigners.
The absence of minimum investment requirements extends to all property types, including rural land (subject to size restrictions) and commercial properties. This flexibility allows foreign investors to enter the market at their preferred investment level.
Do property purchases require transactions in pesos or US dollars?
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.
Most property transactions in Argentina are conducted in US dollars, though peso payments are legally acceptable.
The Argentine real estate market has historically operated in US dollars, particularly for mid-range and luxury properties. Sellers typically quote prices in dollars and expect payment in the same currency, making it easier for international buyers to understand true property values.
Cash payments in US dollars are common and widely accepted, though proper documentation is essential for amounts over $10,000 USD. Wire transfers in dollars are also accepted if properly documented through Argentine banks and exchange control authorities.
Peso transactions are possible but less common due to Argentina's history of currency volatility. When peso payments are used, prices may be adjusted to reflect exchange rate fluctuations between contract signing and closing.
Financing options, when available to foreigners, typically involve peso-denominated loans, which can introduce currency risk for dollar-earning investors.
Are there restrictions on repatriating money when selling property?
There are no inherent legal restrictions on repatriating sale proceeds, but Argentina's periodic foreign exchange controls can affect the practical process.
Foreign property owners have the legal right to repatriate funds from property sales, as this is considered a legitimate capital transaction. However, Argentina periodically implements exchange controls that can affect the timing and process of moving money abroad.
As of September 2025, property sellers must work with authorized banks and exchange houses to convert pesos to foreign currency and transfer funds abroad. Proper documentation of the original property purchase and sale is essential for these transactions.
The process typically requires proving the legal source of funds, providing property sale documentation, and following Central Bank regulations for foreign exchange transactions. Professional legal and banking advice is crucial to ensure compliance with current regulations.
It's something we develop in our Argentina property pack.
What legal documents must foreigners obtain before buying property?
Foreigners must obtain a CDI (tax identification number) and provide valid passport and proof of address to purchase property in Argentina.
The CDI (Clave de Identificación) is Argentina's tax identification number, required for all property transactions and ongoing tax obligations. This number can be obtained from AFIP (Argentina's tax authority) offices or through authorized accountants, typically taking 1-2 weeks to process.
A valid passport with at least six months of remaining validity is required for all legal procedures. Some provinces may also require an apostilled birth certificate or other identity documents, depending on the property type and location.
Proof of address, either from the buyer's home country or Argentine temporary address, is needed for the CDI application and property registration process. Bank references or proof of funds may be required, especially for larger transactions or when financing is involved.
For rural land purchases, additional certification from the National Rural Land Registry is required, along with environmental and agricultural land use permits in some provinces.
Do foreigners have the same property rights as Argentine citizens?
Yes, foreigners enjoy identical property rights to Argentine citizens, including full ownership, inheritance, and resale rights.
The Argentine Constitution guarantees equal property rights to foreigners, ensuring international buyers have the same legal protections as domestic owners. This includes the right to use, modify, lease, sell, and bequeath properties without restrictions.
Foreign property owners can register their properties in their own names and receive full title deeds with the same legal validity as citizen-owned properties. These rights are enforceable in Argentine courts, providing legal recourse in case of disputes.
Inheritance rights are particularly strong, allowing foreign owners to pass properties to their heirs regardless of the heirs' nationality or residency status. Properties can be inherited through wills or intestate succession according to Argentine law.
Resale rights are unrestricted, meaning foreign owners can sell their properties to any qualified buyer, whether Argentine or foreign, without preferences for local buyers or government approval requirements.
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.
Argentina presents an exceptionally open property market for foreign investors, with constitutional guarantees protecting international buyers' rights and minimal restrictions on urban properties.
While rural land ownership has specific limitations and border zones are prohibited, the straightforward purchase process and absence of residency requirements make Argentina an attractive destination for international real estate investment.
Sources
- Argentina Real Estate for Foreigners - The LatinVestor
- Moving to Argentina: Buying Property Guide - The LatinVestor
- Can Foreigners Buy Land in Argentina - The LatinVestor
- Argentina Real Estate Guide - Multilaw
- Argentina Foreign Farmland Ownership Update - Gateway to South America
- Argentina Property Taxes Guide - The LatinVestor
- Argentina Property Taxes - Buenos Aires Habitat
- Argentina Taxes and Costs - Global Property Guide
- Argentina Buying Guide - Global Property Guide
- Real Estate in Argentina - Live and Invest Overseas