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 most welcoming countries in South America for foreign property buyers, with no blanket restrictions on ownership for US citizens in urban areas.
We update this blog post regularly, so the information you find here reflects the latest rules and market conditions as of early 2026.
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.
Can a US citizen legally buy residential property in Argentina right now?
Can I buy a home in Argentina as a US citizen in 2026?
As of early 2026, US citizens can legally purchase residential real estate in Argentina, including apartments, condos, and houses, and hold full ownership title in their own name just like Argentine citizens do for standard urban properties.
The standard buying process for a US citizen involves finding a property, negotiating a price in US dollars, signing a reservation agreement (reserva), obtaining an Argentine tax identification (CDI or CUIT through ARCA), completing due diligence with a notary (escribano), and then signing the final public deed (escritura) which gets registered with the local property registry.
Argentina's legal framework, updated through DNU 70/2023 and subsequent reforms, maintains a generally open approach to foreign ownership in urban residential markets, though rural land and border zones have specific requirements that differ from city apartments.
By the way, we've written a blog article detailing all the foreigner rights regarding properties in Argentina.
Are there many Americans buying property and living in Argentina in 2026?
As of early 2026, Americans represent a visible but not dominant share of foreign property buyers in Argentina, with INDEC tourism data showing that visitors from the United States and Canada account for roughly 10% to 12% of international arrivals through Buenos Aires airports, which serves as a proxy for the broader American presence in the country.
The neighborhoods in Argentina with the highest concentration of American expats and property owners are Palermo (including Palermo Soho and Palermo Hollywood), Recoleta, Belgrano, San Telmo, and Villa Crespo in Buenos Aires, where you will find English-speaking communities, international schools, and expat-friendly services.
The top three reasons Americans are choosing to buy property and relocate to Argentina in 2026 are the favorable exchange rate that makes the cost of living attractive for those earning in US dollars, the European-style culture and high quality of life in Buenos Aires, and the relatively straightforward path to owning property without complex residency requirements.
The American expat community in Argentina is growing steadily, driven by the rise of remote work, digital nomad lifestyles, and Argentina's economic reforms that have made the country more attractive to foreign investment and long-term stays.
Do foreigners have the same buying rights as locals in Argentina?
For standard residential property in cities and towns, foreigners, including US citizens, are generally treated the same as Argentine citizens in terms of ownership rights, with no discriminatory taxes or ownership caps for typical urban apartments and houses.
The main restrictions that apply to foreign buyers in Argentina are properties located in Border Security Zones (within 50 to 150 kilometers of international borders), where prior government authorization called "Previa Conformidad" is required, and rural land, where legal uncertainty persists due to court challenges to DNU 70/2023's derogation of Law 26.737.
We cover all these things in length in our pack about the property market in Argentina.
Can I buy property in Argentina without a residence permit?
Yes, Argentina does not require a residence permit for foreigners to purchase urban residential property, and many Americans buy apartments in Buenos Aires while living abroad or visiting on a tourist visa.
The process for buying property in Argentina while living abroad involves appointing a local representative through a power of attorney (properly apostilled), obtaining your tax identification remotely through ARCA, and having your notary handle the due diligence and closing while you sign documents from your home country or during a short visit.
Buying a home in Argentina does not automatically grant any visa or residency rights to the foreign owner, as property ownership and immigration status are handled through completely separate legal frameworks, though Argentina does have other residency pathways like the rentista visa for people with passive income.
The main practical challenge non-resident buyers face when completing a property purchase remotely in Argentina is coordinating the funds transfer (banks require extensive documentation for anti-money-laundering compliance), obtaining certified translations of foreign documents, and ensuring the power of attorney is properly legalized for use in Argentina.
Can US citizens own land in Argentina?
For normal residential land purchases in urban areas, such as a house lot in a city or a condo unit, US citizens can own land outright with full title just like Argentine nationals, with no percentage caps or special permits required.
Argentina primarily uses a freehold ownership structure for residential real estate, meaning buyers acquire full ownership title (dominio) that can be held indefinitely and passed to heirs, while long-term leaseholds exist but are uncommon for typical home purchases.
The specific geographic zones in Argentina where foreign land ownership is restricted or requires special authorization include Border Security Zones (areas near international borders where "Previa Conformidad" is required) and rural agricultural land, where the legal situation remains contested due to court suspensions of DNU 70/2023's derogation of Law 26.737.
Please note that we have a dedicated blog article about the land buying process in Argentina here.
What documents will I need to buy in Argentina?
The essential documents a US citizen needs to purchase property in Argentina include a valid passport, an Argentine tax identification (CDI or CUIT obtained through ARCA), proof of funds and source of funds documentation for anti-money-laundering compliance, and if signing remotely, a properly apostilled power of attorney.
Yes, a local tax identification number is required for foreign buyers in Argentina, and you can obtain it by applying for a CDI (Clave de Identificacion) through ARCA, which your notary can often arrange on your behalf with the appropriate documentation.
A local bank account is not strictly mandatory for completing a property purchase in Argentina, but it is often helpful for receiving funds, paying ongoing taxes, and handling utility transfers, and many buyers open one as part of the process.
Foreign buyers in Argentina are typically required to provide proof of funds showing the origin of money used for the purchase (bank statements, sale contracts, employment records), and while a local address is not always mandatory, you may need a local contact or representative for official notices and tax filings.
We have a whole section dedicated to all the documents you need in our Argentina property pack.
Can a foreign-owned company buy property in Argentina?
Yes, foreign-owned companies can legally purchase residential property in Argentina, though this approach typically increases complexity through corporate registration requirements, beneficial ownership disclosures, additional tax filings, and more intensive anti-money-laundering checks.
While some Americans do use corporate structures similar to LLCs (such as an Argentine SRL or SA) to hold property in Argentina, it is not the most common approach for simple residential purchases, and many buyers prefer personal ownership because it is more straightforward for a home they plan to live in or rent out.
Owning property through a company structure does not automatically lower taxes compared to personal ownership in Argentina; it changes your tax profile but whether you pay less depends on your rental plans, capital gains situation, and how you handle both Argentine and US reporting, so treat any "company saves tax" claim as a hypothesis to test with professionals.
The main drawback of using company ownership for residential property in Argentina is the increased administrative burden, including corporate maintenance fees, annual filings, stricter anti-money-laundering scrutiny, and more complex accounting that may outweigh any potential benefits for a simple residential purchase.
Thinking of buying real estate in Argentina?
Acquiring property in a different country is a complex task. Don't fall into common traps – grab our guide and make better decisions.
What taxes and fees will I pay in Argentina in 2026?
What are buyer taxes in Argentina in 2026?
As of early 2026, the main buyer tax in Argentina is stamp duty (Impuesto de Sellos), which in Buenos Aires City (CABA) is around 3.5% of the purchase price, though it is typically split between buyer and seller by negotiation, and exemptions may apply for first-time buyers purchasing a primary residence below certain thresholds, so a typical buyer might pay 1.5% to 2% as their share, which on a $200,000 property (300 million ARS, or about 170,000 euros) would be $3,000 to $4,000.
The individual tax components that make up the total buyer tax burden in Argentina include stamp duty (2% to 3.5% total, often split), transfer tax at 1.8% (though this is more commonly a seller obligation), and in Buenos Aires Province or other provinces the rates can vary, so buyers should confirm the exact percentages with their notary based on the property's location.
Buyer tax rates in Argentina do not differ for foreigners versus locals for standard purchases, and both pay the same stamp duty and registration fees, though first-home exemptions that apply to Argentine residents purchasing their primary residence may not be available to non-resident foreigners who cannot demonstrate permanent occupancy.
If you want to go into more details, we also have a page detailing all the property taxes and fees in Argentina.
What are other closing costs in Argentina in 2026?
As of early 2026, buyers in Argentina should budget an additional 4% to 6% of the purchase price for closing costs beyond taxes, which on a $200,000 property (300 million ARS, or about 170,000 euros) translates to $8,000 to $12,000 (12 to 18 million ARS) covering notary fees, legal fees, and registration charges.
The main closing cost categories in Argentina include notary (escribano) fees at 1% to 2% of the purchase price ($2,000 to $4,000 on a $200,000 property), real estate agent commissions at 3% to 4% if the buyer pays their own agent ($6,000 to $8,000), registry and certificate fees at 0.5% to 1.5% ($1,000 to $3,000), and optional independent legal counsel at 0.5% to 1% ($1,000 to $2,000) if you want representation beyond the notary.
The closing costs that are negotiable or optional for buyers in Argentina include real estate agent commissions (you can negotiate the rate or buy directly from a seller), independent legal fees (the notary handles the mandatory legal work, so extra counsel is optional), and some certificate fees can vary by provider.
The single closing cost item that tends to surprise foreign buyers the most in Argentina is the real estate agent commission structure, where the buyer often pays their own agent's fee (around 3% to 4% plus 21% VAT) on top of the seller paying their agent, which can add more than $7,000 to a $200,000 purchase if not negotiated in advance.
Are there hidden fees foreigners miss in Argentina right now?
The estimated total amount of commonly overlooked fees that foreign buyers encounter in Argentina can add 1% to 3% to the expected closing costs, which on a $200,000 property (300 million ARS, or about 170,000 euros) means an extra $2,000 to $6,000 (3 to 9 million ARS) that catches many buyers off guard.
The top three hidden or unexpected fees that foreign buyers most often fail to budget for in Argentina are power-of-attorney and apostille costs if signing remotely (typically $500 to $1,500 or 750,000 to 2.25 million ARS depending on complexity), document translation and certification fees ($300 to $800 or 450,000 to 1.2 million ARS per document), and bank wire transfer fees plus currency conversion costs that can run $200 to $1,000 (300,000 to 1.5 million ARS) depending on your bank and transfer amount.
The ongoing annual costs that foreign property owners often underestimate after purchase in Argentina include ABL (municipal services tax) at roughly 0.1% to 0.4% of market value per year ($200 to $800 annually on a $200,000 property), building maintenance fees (expensas) that can run $100 to $400 per month (150,000 to 600,000 ARS) depending on the building's amenities, and annual property tax (Impuesto Inmobiliario) that varies by province but typically adds another few hundred dollars per year.
Getting surprised by hidden fees is one of the pitfalls people face when buying real estate 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.
Can I get a mortgage as a US citizen in Argentina in 2026?
Do banks lend to US citizens in Argentina in 2026?
As of early 2026, mortgages are technically available to foreigners in Argentina, but most banks require local residency, a DNI (national ID), and verifiable Argentine income, which means the vast majority of non-resident US citizens end up buying with cash rather than local financing.
US citizens do not receive better or worse treatment than other foreign nationals when applying for mortgages in Argentina; all foreigners face the same residency and income verification requirements, though Americans specifically may encounter additional paperwork related to FATCA compliance.
The main reason some banks in Argentina are hesitant to lend to American borrowers specifically is FATCA (Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act), which requires banks to report US account holders to the IRS and creates extra compliance burdens that some smaller banks prefer to avoid.
The typical approval rate for US citizens applying for property loans in Argentina is very low for non-residents, with industry estimates suggesting that 88% to 92% of foreign buyer transactions are completed with cash, and only those with Argentine residency, local income, and an established banking relationship have realistic chances of mortgage approval.
There is a full document dedicated to mortgage for foreigners in our pack covering the property buying process in Argentina.
What down payment do American people need in Argentina in 2026?
As of early 2026, the minimum down payment for a US citizen who manages to qualify for a mortgage in Argentina is typically 20% to 30% if they have residency and local income, which on a typical $200,000 property (300 million ARS, or about 170,000 euros) means $40,000 to $60,000 upfront (60 to 90 million ARS).
The typical down payment range from minimum to recommended for foreign buyers in Argentina is 20% to 30% for residents with local income, but 40% to 100% for non-residents, since most non-resident foreigners cannot access mortgage financing at all and must purchase entirely with cash.
Yes, a larger down payment improves mortgage terms for US citizens in Argentina, as banks view larger equity positions as lower risk, which can translate to slightly better interest rate margins on UVA-indexed loans and smoother approval processes for borderline applicants.
You can also read our latest update about mortgage and interest rates in Argentina.
What interest rates do US citizens get in Argentina in 2026?
As of early 2026, the typical mortgage interest rate range for US citizens who qualify for financing in Argentina is a UVA-indexed loan with a real spread of 6% to 10% per year on top of inflation adjustment, which effectively means total nominal rates can exceed 40% annually when you factor in Argentina's inflation.
Interest rates for foreign buyers who qualify for mortgages in Argentina are generally the same as rates offered to local residents, since banks apply the same UVA-indexed product structure; the difference is not the rate but the difficulty of qualifying in the first place.
Most mortgages available to buyers in Argentina in 2026 are UVA-indexed (inflation-adjusted) products rather than traditional fixed-rate loans, with typical terms of 15 to 30 years and the principal and payments adjusting monthly based on the CER inflation index, making them effectively variable in real-peso terms.
The single factor that has the biggest impact on the interest rate a US citizen will be offered in Argentina is their banking relationship, as clients who have their salary deposited with the bank and maintain significant account balances typically qualify for the lowest spreads (closer to 6%) while new customers face higher margins (closer to 10%).
Can I use US income to qualify in Argentina right now?
US-sourced income is sometimes accepted for mortgage qualification in Argentina, but it is not the default, and most banks strongly prefer income that is paid locally into an Argentine bank account because it is easier to verify and easier to collect against if payments are missed.
If a bank does accept US income documentation, they typically require recent US tax returns (Form 1040), W-2s or 1099s, bank statements showing regular deposits, and sometimes employment verification letters, all of which may need to be translated and apostilled for use in Argentina.
For US citizens whose standard income documentation is insufficient, some banks may accept alternative verification methods such as a larger down payment (reducing the loan-to-value ratio to compensate for income uncertainty), a local co-signer with Argentine income, or evidence of substantial liquid assets in Argentine accounts that can serve as collateral.
Get fresh and reliable information about the market in Argentina
Don't base significant investment decisions on outdated data. Get updated and accurate information with our guide.
How do US taxes interact with owning property in Argentina?
Do I have to declare the property to the IRS from Argentina?
Owning foreign real estate in Argentina does not by itself trigger a special IRS form the way a foreign bank account does, but you may have US reporting obligations if you earn rental income from the property, sell it for a capital gain, or hold Argentine bank accounts used in the transaction.
There is no specific IRS form required just for owning foreign real estate, but if you rent the property you must report the income on Schedule E, if you sell at a profit you report capital gains on Schedule D, and if you have Argentine bank accounts exceeding thresholds you may need to file FBAR (FinCEN 114) and Form 8938.
Simply owning a property in Argentina without renting it or selling it does not trigger annual IRS reporting beyond your normal tax return, but once you generate rental income or realize a capital gain, those events must be reported and may create US tax liability.
Will I pay tax twice in the US and Argentina in 2026?
As of early 2026, there is a risk of double taxation for US citizens owning property in Argentina because you may owe taxes to both countries on rental income and capital gains, though US tax mechanisms can reduce this burden.
There is no comprehensive income tax treaty between the US and Argentina currently in force (the IRS treaty list does not include Argentina), which means you cannot rely on treaty provisions to eliminate double taxation and must instead use domestic US tax rules like the Foreign Tax Credit.
The Foreign Tax Credit (Form 1116) allows you to offset taxes paid to Argentina against your US tax liability on the same income, which in practice often eliminates or reduces double taxation on rental income and capital gains, though the mechanics can be complex and limits apply.
Property taxes paid in Argentina are generally not deductible on US federal tax returns for investment properties unless you itemize and meet specific criteria, and the 2017 tax reform limited state and local tax deductions including foreign property taxes, so consult a CPA to understand your specific situation.
Do I need FATCA reporting when buying in Argentina?
FATCA reporting is not triggered by owning real estate itself, but it does apply to the Argentine bank accounts you may open to facilitate the purchase, and because the US and Argentina have a FATCA agreement, Argentine banks will request US tax documentation and may report your accounts to the IRS.
The specific FATCA thresholds that trigger Form 8938 reporting for foreign financial accounts are $50,000 at year-end or $75,000 at any point during the year for single filers living in the US, with higher thresholds for married filers and those living abroad, so if your Argentine accounts exceed these amounts you must report them.
FATCA reporting (Form 8938) and FBAR (FinCEN 114) have different thresholds and filing requirements: FBAR is required if your foreign accounts exceed $10,000 at any point during the year and is filed separately from your tax return, while Form 8938 has higher thresholds and is filed with your return, and you may need to file both if you meet both criteria.
Yes, consulting a US CPA before buying property in Argentina is strongly recommended, and the specific questions to ask include how to structure the purchase to minimize double taxation, what documentation you need to retain for Foreign Tax Credit claims, how FATCA and FBAR apply to your Argentine accounts, and whether a corporate structure offers any real tax advantages for your situation.
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.
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 | Why It's Authoritative | How We Used It |
|---|---|---|
| Argentina.gob.ar (DNU 70/2023) | Official publication of Argentine federal decrees. | We used it to confirm the legal framework for foreign property ownership. We relied on it to explain why rural land rules remain legally contested. |
| InfoLeg (Law 26.737) | Argentina's official legislative database. | We used it to verify the formal status of rural land ownership rules. We referenced the observations showing the law was derogated but courts intervened. |
| Argentina.gob.ar (Border Security Zone) | Official government procedure page for border zones. | We used it to explain the "Previa Conformidad" authorization requirement. We clarified when this applies to urban and rural properties near borders. |
| Argentina.gob.ar (CDI Procedure) | Official how-to for foreigner tax identification. | We used it to explain the tax ID process foreigners need for property purchases. We noted that ARCA reforms may change procedures in 2026. |
| AGIP (Buenos Aires City Tax Authority) | Official tax authority for Buenos Aires City. | We used it to anchor stamp duty rates and local tax information. We verified buyer tax obligations and exemption thresholds for CABA. |
| Colegio de Escribanos de Buenos Aires | Professional body governing notaries in Buenos Aires. | We used it to ground notary and registry fee estimates. We ensured our closing cost ranges reflect official fee frameworks. |
| BCRA (Central Bank Statistics) | Argentina's central bank and top authority on credit data. | We used it to verify mortgage market conditions and interest rate trends. We avoided relying on single-bank marketing claims for rate estimates. |
| Banco Santander Argentina | Primary source from a major bank offering mortgages. | We used it to confirm UVA mortgage structure and eligibility requirements. We inferred how difficult it is for non-residents to qualify. |
| IRS (US Tax Treaties List) | Official IRS list of US income tax treaties. | We used it to verify there is no US-Argentina income tax treaty. We explained why buyers must rely on Foreign Tax Credit instead. |
| US State Department (FATCA Agreement) | Official text of the bilateral FATCA agreement. | We used it to explain why Argentine banks request US tax forms. We made FATCA reporting requirements specific to Argentina. |
| INDEC (Tourism Statistics) | Argentina's official national statistics institute. | We used it to estimate American visitor presence as a proxy for buyer interest. We supported claims about US expat numbers with real data. |
Get to know the market before buying a property in Argentina
Better information leads to better decisions. Get all the data you need before investing a large amount of money. Download our guide.