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Everything you need to know before buying real estate is included in our Argentina Property Pack
Foreigners enjoy largely the same property rights as Argentine citizens when buying real estate in Argentina. You can purchase most types of property directly without special government approvals, though some restrictions apply to rural land and border areas. The registration process, taxes, and fees are nearly identical for foreigners and locals, making Argentina one of the more accessible South American markets for international property investors.
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 buy most Argentine property directly with similar rights to citizens, requiring only a tax ID (CDI) and passport.
Key restrictions apply to rural land (1,000 hectare limit per owner) and border zones within 150km of international boundaries.
| Property Type | Foreigner Restrictions | Special Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Urban Apartments/Houses | No restrictions | CDI tax ID only |
| Rural/Agricultural Land | 1,000 hectare limit per owner | Provincial 15% foreign ownership cap |
| Border Areas (150km) | Prohibited without approval | Federal government authorization required |
| Coastal Areas (50km) | Prohibited without approval | Presidential-level approval needed |
| Protected Zones | Generally prohibited | Extensive federal review process |
Can foreigners buy property directly in Argentina, or do they need special approvals?
Foreigners can buy most property directly in Argentina without needing special government approvals.
You only need a valid passport and an Argentine tax ID number called CDI (Clave de Identificación) to purchase urban properties, apartments, and houses in cities like Buenos Aires, Córdoba, or Mendoza.
Special approvals are required only for properties in restricted areas such as land within 150 kilometers of international borders, within 50 kilometers of the coast, or in protected zones like national parks. These approvals involve federal agencies and can take 6 to 18 months to process, with approval rates being very low.
The direct purchase process for most properties makes Argentina one of the most accessible South American markets for foreign real estate investment.
It's something we develop in our Argentina property pack.
Are there restrictions on the type of property foreigners can buy?
Urban properties and apartments have virtually no restrictions for foreign buyers in Argentina.
You can purchase residential apartments, houses, and commercial properties in cities with the same ease as Argentine citizens. This includes condominiums, single-family homes, and urban land for development.
Rural and agricultural land faces specific limitations. Foreign individuals can own up to 1,000 hectares of rural land in core agricultural provinces, and collectively, foreigners cannot own more than 15% of rural land in any single province.
Border and coastal zones are heavily restricted. Properties within 150 kilometers of international borders or 50 kilometers of maritime borders require federal approval, which is rarely granted and involves extensive bureaucratic processes.
Protected areas including national parks, strategic water bodies, and national security zones are generally off-limits to foreign ownership without presidential-level authorization.
Is there a limit on how many hectares of land a foreigner can own?
Yes, foreigners face a 1,000 hectare limit per individual or legal entity for rural land ownership in Argentina's core agricultural provinces.
This limit applies to productive agricultural and livestock land, not urban properties or small residential plots outside city limits.
Additionally, there's a provincial cap where foreigners collectively cannot own more than 15% of rural land in any single province. This means that even if you want to buy less than 1,000 hectares, you might be blocked if other foreigners have already reached the 15% threshold in that province.
These restrictions were implemented through Law 26,737 in 2011 to prevent excessive foreign control over Argentina's agricultural resources.
Urban properties, apartments, and residential land have no size limits for foreign ownership.
Are there specific regions where foreigners cannot buy property?
Foreigners are prohibited from buying property in border zones and coastal areas without special federal approval.
| Restricted Zone | Distance Limitation | Approval Required |
|---|---|---|
| International Borders | 150 kilometers from any border | Federal government authorization |
| Maritime Borders/Coast | 50 kilometers from coastline | Presidential-level approval |
| National Parks | Within park boundaries | Environmental agency approval |
| Strategic Water Bodies | Major rivers and lakes | National security review |
| Military Zones | Near military installations | Defense ministry approval |
| Indigenous Territories | Protected indigenous lands | Special indigenous rights review |
| Mining Concession Areas | Active mining zones | Mining authority clearance |
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Do foreigners pay the same taxes and fees as Argentine citizens?
Foreigners pay essentially the same taxes and fees as Argentine citizens when buying property.
The standard property transfer tax rate is 1.5% of the property value, stamp duties range from 2% to 4% depending on the province, notary fees are typically 1% to 2%, and registration fees are 0.5% to 1% of the property value.
Real estate agent commissions are usually 3% to 4% split between buyer and seller, and legal fees range from 1% to 2% of the purchase price. These rates apply equally to foreign and domestic buyers.
The main difference is that foreign property owners are subject to the Tax on Personal Assets (TPA) with rates ranging from 0.5% to 1.75% for domestic assets, and they must designate a local Argentine resident as their tax representative for filing purposes.
No additional taxes apply exclusively to foreigners, making Argentina's tax treatment quite favorable compared to other countries that impose foreign buyer taxes.
What additional requirements apply only to foreigners?
The main additional requirement for foreigners is obtaining a CDI (Clave de Identificación) tax number before making any property purchase.
Foreign property owners must designate a local Argentine resident as their tax representative for Tax on Personal Assets filings and other tax-related communications with AFIP, the federal tax authority.
An address certificate from local police is required, which can be obtained by presenting your passport and temporary address documentation.
For properties in restricted zones, foreigners need extensive documentation including background checks, financial statements, and detailed investment plans that Argentine citizens don't typically need to provide.
Banking procedures for fund transfers may require additional documentation proving the legal source of funds when bringing money from abroad for property purchases.
Is the property registration process the same for foreigners and locals?
The property registration process is largely identical for foreigners and Argentine citizens.
Both follow the same steps: obtaining a CDI tax number, conducting due diligence on the property title, signing purchase contracts, finalizing the transaction with a public notary (escribano público), and registering ownership with the Land Registry Office (Registro de la Propiedad Inmueble).
The timeline is the same for both groups, typically taking 30 to 60 days from initial offer to final registration, depending on the complexity of the transaction and the efficiency of local offices.
All parties use the same notary system, where the escribano público acts as both legal advisor and government official to ensure proper documentation and tax compliance.
It's something we develop in our Argentina property pack.
Do foreigners need residency permits to purchase property?
No residency permit is required for foreigners to purchase property in Argentina.
You only need a valid passport from your home country and an Argentine tax ID number (CDI) to complete most property transactions.
Tourist status is sufficient for buying urban properties, apartments, and houses. You don't need to be a temporary resident, permanent resident, or citizen to own real estate.
However, having Argentine residency can simplify banking procedures and make it easier to obtain financing if you need a mortgage, though most foreign buyers pay cash anyway.
Some restricted area purchases may require demonstrating stronger ties to Argentina, but this is property-location specific, not a general residency requirement.
Are mortgages available to foreigners in Argentina?
Mortgages for foreigners are extremely rare in Argentina, and most property purchases are made with cash.
Argentine banks typically don't offer mortgages to non-residents due to currency volatility, inflation risks, and difficulties in enforcing international collections.
Some limited financing might be available for long-term residents with established credit histories and stable local income, but terms are usually unfavorable with high interest rates and short repayment periods.
Developer financing is occasionally available for new construction projects, where the developer acts as the lender, but these arrangements are uncommon and usually require substantial down payments of 50% to 70%.
The cash-dominant market actually benefits foreign buyers who can access international financing or use existing assets, as they can often negotiate better purchase prices for quick cash transactions.
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.
Can foreigners inherit property the same way as Argentine citizens?
Foreigners can inherit property in Argentina under the same legal framework as Argentine citizens.
Argentine inheritance law applies to all real estate located in Argentina regardless of the nationality of the deceased or the heirs, following the principle of lex rei sitae (law of the location of the property).
The inheritance process involves probate proceedings in Argentine courts, payment of inheritance taxes that typically range from 0% to 8% depending on the relationship to the deceased and the value of the estate.
Foreign heirs must obtain Argentine tax ID numbers (CDI) and may need to designate local legal representatives to handle the inheritance process, but these are procedural requirements, not restrictions on their inheritance rights.
Property inherited by foreigners is subject to the same ongoing ownership rules, including rural land limitations if applicable, but the inheritance itself is not blocked due to foreign nationality.
Are there restrictions on selling property or transferring proceeds abroad?
Foreigners can freely sell their Argentine property and transfer the proceeds abroad, though some reporting and banking procedures apply.
There are no restrictions on the sale itself - you can sell to Argentine citizens or other foreigners at market prices without special approvals.
Currency transfer procedures require documentation proving the legal source of the sale proceeds and compliance with central bank reporting requirements for transactions over certain thresholds, currently around USD 10,000.
Banks may require additional documentation including the original property purchase records, tax payment receipts, and sale contracts to process international wire transfers.
Some buyers prefer using alternative transfer methods like cryptocurrency or offshore banking to avoid bureaucratic delays, though these must still comply with Argentine tax reporting requirements.
It's something we develop in our Argentina property pack.
What government agencies handle foreign property ownership?
Several key government agencies are involved in foreign property ownership in Argentina.
AFIP (Administración Federal de Ingresos Públicos) is the federal tax authority that issues CDI tax numbers, processes tax payments, and handles all tax-related aspects of property ownership.
The Land Registry Office (Registro de la Propiedad Inmueble) operates at the provincial level and is responsible for registering property ownership transfers, maintaining title records, and issuing ownership certificates.
Local police departments provide address certificates that are required documentation for property purchases, verifying the buyer's temporary residence in Argentina.
Notary Public offices (Escribano Público) are government-licensed legal professionals who finalize property transactions, notarize deeds, ensure proper documentation, and verify tax compliance before registration.
For restricted areas, additional agencies may be involved including the Ministry of Interior for border zone approvals, Ministry of Defense for military zone clearances, and environmental agencies for properties near protected areas.
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.
Foreigners enjoy substantial property rights in Argentina that are nearly equivalent to those of Argentine citizens.
The main limitations apply to rural land ownership and properties in sensitive border or coastal areas, while urban real estate markets remain fully accessible to international buyers.
Sources
- Armenian Lawyer - Argentina Investment Guide
- The LatinVestor - Foreigners Buy Land Argentina
- The LatinVestor - Can Americans Buy Property Argentina
- WSC Legal - Argentina Rural Land Law
- Life Abroad Hero - Property Guide Argentina
- Multilaw - Real Estate Guide Argentina
- The LatinVestor - Argentina Buy Property
- Garantin - Argentina Legalization Guide