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Yes, the analysis of Buenos Aires' property market is included in our pack
Foreign buyers need only a valid passport and tourist visa to purchase property in Buenos Aires.
The essential documents include a CDI tax identification number, proof of income for large transfers, and all property documents reviewed by a notary. International fund transfers are permitted without requiring a local bank account.
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.
Buenos Aires requires foreign property buyers to obtain a CDI tax identification number and provide valid passport documentation.
International fund transfers are standard, with proof of income needed for transactions above $100,000 USD.
| Document Type | Requirement Level | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|
| Valid Passport | Mandatory | Immediate |
| CDI Number | Mandatory | 1-7 days |
| Proof of Income | For transfers >$100k USD | Varies by country |
| Marriage Certificate | If buying jointly | Apostille required |
| Birth Certificate | Rarely required | N/A |
| Power of Attorney | If remote closing | 7-14 days |
| Local Bank Account | Not required | N/A |
Do I need a valid passport with a tourist or temporary visa to start the buying process in Buenos Aires?
Yes, you need a valid passport with at least 6 months of remaining validity to purchase property in Buenos Aires.
A tourist visa is sufficient to begin and complete the property purchase process. Foreign buyers do not need permanent residency or any long-term visa status to buy real estate in Buenos Aires. The standard 90-day tourist visa stamp you receive upon arrival is adequate for completing the entire transaction.
Your passport must remain valid throughout the entire purchase process, which typically takes 30-60 days from offer acceptance to closing. The escribano (notary) will require your original passport during the final signing of the escritura (deed).
If your passport expires during the purchase process, you must renew it at your country's consulate in Buenos Aires before proceeding. Extensions of tourist visas are possible through Argentina's immigration office if needed for the transaction timeline.
What kind of Argentine tax identification number (CUIT or CUIL) must a foreign buyer obtain before purchasing property?
Foreign buyers must obtain a CDI (Clave de Identificación) number, not a CUIT or CUIL.
The CDI is specifically designed for foreign nationals involved in property transactions and other tax-related activities in Argentina. CUIT and CUIL numbers are reserved for Argentine residents and workers who pay regular taxes in the country.
The CDI serves as your tax identification for the property purchase and any future tax obligations related to the property, such as annual property taxes or rental income reporting. Without a CDI, you cannot legally complete a property purchase in Buenos Aires.
This number becomes essential for all interactions with AFIP (Argentina's tax authority) and will be referenced in your property deed and all related tax documentation.
How can I apply for and receive a CDI (Clave de Identificación) number from AFIP, and how long does it usually take?
You must visit your local AFIP office in person to obtain a CDI number.
The required documents include your valid passport, proof of Argentine address (hotel booking or rental agreement), and you must be accompanied by a local tax representative who is an Argentine citizen or permanent resident. Many real estate attorneys or accountants can serve as your tax representative for this process.
The CDI application is free of charge and typically takes 1-2 business days to process during normal periods. During busy seasons or in high-demand areas like Buenos Aires city center, processing can extend to up to one week.
As of September 2025, most AFIP offices can issue the CDI immediately if all documentation is complete and your tax representative is present. You'll receive a certificate with your CDI number that must be presented during the property closing.
Do I need to open an Argentine bank account to transfer the purchase funds, or can I use an international bank account?
Opening an Argentine bank account is not mandatory for property purchases in Buenos Aires.
Most property transactions are completed through international wire transfers directly from your foreign bank account to the seller's account or to the escribano's escrow account. These transfers are typically made in US dollars, which is the preferred currency for real estate transactions in Buenos Aires.
Some notaries and sellers may prefer that funds be cleared through a local Argentine bank for transparency and to comply with anti-money laundering regulations. However, this is not a legal requirement and depends on the specific transaction arrangements.
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Cash transactions are also common in Buenos Aires, particularly for purchases under $200,000 USD, where buyers bring physical US dollars to the closing.
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What official proof of income or financial capacity is required by Argentine authorities or notaries?
Proof of income is primarily required for international fund transfers exceeding $100,000 USD.
The specific documentation includes apostilled bank statements from your home country covering the past 3-6 months, tax returns or income declarations from your country of residence, and proof of employment or business ownership if the funds come from salary or business income.
These documents must be translated into Spanish by a certified translator if they are in any other language. The translation must be legalized or apostilled according to Argentine requirements for foreign documents.
Some banks may request additional documentation for anti-money laundering compliance, particularly if you're transferring funds from countries with strict banking regulations or if the transaction involves multiple international transfers.
For cash purchases or smaller transactions under $100,000 USD, proof of income requirements are less stringent and often waived entirely.
Do I need to provide a marriage certificate or proof of marital status if I am buying property jointly with a spouse or partner?
Yes, a marriage certificate is required when purchasing property jointly with a spouse in Buenos Aires.
The marriage certificate must be apostilled or legalized in your home country and translated into Spanish by a certified translator in Argentina. This document establishes the legal relationship between the buyers and determines property ownership rights.
For unmarried couples purchasing together, you'll need to specify the ownership percentages in the purchase contract and may need to provide additional legal documentation establishing your relationship status.
The marriage certificate is also necessary for certain tax benefits and inheritance rights that married couples enjoy in Argentine property ownership. Without proper marital documentation, each spouse may need to complete separate CDI applications and tax filings.
Is a translated and apostilled birth certificate required for foreigners completing a purchase in Buenos Aires?
A birth certificate is rarely required for standard property purchases by adult foreign buyers in Buenos Aires.
Birth certificates may be requested in specific circumstances such as when verifying family relationships for inheritance purposes, establishing legal guardianship for minor children involved in the transaction, or when specific legal complications arise during the due diligence process.
If required, the birth certificate must be apostilled in your country of origin and translated into Spanish by a certified translator in Argentina. The translation must be legalized by the appropriate Argentine authorities.
Most standard residential property purchases involving adult buyers proceed without birth certificate requirements, relying instead on passport identification and CDI documentation.
Which property-related documents must I review with the escribano (notary), such as the title deed, land registry certificate, or tax clearance?
The escribano will review several critical property documents to ensure clear title transfer.
| Document | Purpose | Validity Period |
|---|---|---|
| Escritura (Title Deed) | Proves current ownership | Permanent |
| Certificado de Dominio | Registry ownership verification | 30 days |
| Certificado de Inhibiciones | Confirms no legal restrictions | 30 days |
| Tax Clearance Certificate | Verifies no outstanding taxes | 30 days |
| Municipal Building Permits | Confirms legal construction | Varies |
| Utility Bills | Shows current service status | Recent 3 months |
| Condominium Documents | Building rules and fees | Current year |
The escribano will verify that all documents are current, properly executed, and show no liens, debts, or legal issues that could affect the property transfer.
What identification documents must be shown at the escribano's office on the day of signing the escritura (deed)?
You must bring your original valid passport and CDI certificate to the escritura signing.
Additional required documents include any power of attorney if you're being represented by a third party, proof of your Argentine address (hotel or rental documentation), and copies of all previously submitted documentation for the notary's final verification.
The escribano will verify your identity against the documents provided during the preliminary stages and ensure all signatures match your passport. Original documents are required; photocopies alone are not acceptable for the final signing.
If you're married and purchasing jointly, both spouses must present their passports and the marriage certificate (translated and apostilled) must be available for final verification.
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Do I need to obtain a certificate of good standing from AFIP to prove I have no outstanding tax obligations in Argentina?
A certificate of good standing from AFIP is not required for first-time foreign property buyers in Buenos Aires.
Since the CDI is issued specifically for the property transaction and you have no prior tax history in Argentina, AFIP does not require proof of tax compliance for initial purchases. This certificate is only relevant for buyers who have conducted previous business or property transactions in Argentina.
However, this certificate may be requested if you're making multiple property purchases within a short timeframe or if you've previously owned property in Argentina and sold it. In such cases, AFIP wants to verify that all previous tax obligations have been met.
For ongoing property ownership, you'll need to maintain tax compliance for annual property taxes and any rental income, which could require future certificates of good standing for additional transactions.
What documents are required to legally transfer funds into Argentina for the property payment under local currency controls?
International fund transfers for property purchases require specific documentation to comply with Argentine currency controls.
The required documents include bank statements showing the source of funds for the past 6 months, a letter from your bank confirming the account ownership and transfer authorization, and proof of income or tax returns if the funds exceed $100,000 USD.
You must also provide the property purchase contract and CDI documentation to justify the purpose of the transfer. The Argentine receiving bank will require a declaration form stating the funds are for legitimate property purchase purposes.
Some banks may request additional documentation such as employment letters, business registration certificates, or investment account statements depending on the source of your funds. All foreign documents must be translated into Spanish and may require apostille certification.
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Do I need to prepare a power of attorney if I cannot be physically present at the closing, and what documents are needed for that to be valid?
Yes, a power of attorney is mandatory if you cannot attend the escritura signing in person.
The power of attorney must be prepared by an Argentine notary or legalized at the Argentine consulate in your home country. Required documents for creating a valid power of attorney include your original passport, CDI certificate, proof of Argentine address, and identification of your appointed representative.
The power of attorney document itself must be apostilled in your home country and translated into Spanish by a certified translator in Argentina. The appointed representative must be present in Buenos Aires and have proper identification to act on your behalf.
Processing time for a power of attorney ranges from 7-14 days depending on whether it's prepared in Argentina or through a consulate abroad. The document must specifically authorize the representative to sign property purchase documents and cannot be a general power of attorney.
All associated documents (passport copies, CDI, translations) must also be apostilled and legalized according to Argentine legal requirements for foreign documents.
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.
Purchasing property in Buenos Aires as a foreigner requires careful documentation but remains accessible with proper preparation.
The key is obtaining your CDI number early in the process and ensuring all international documents are properly apostilled and translated.
Sources
- The LatinVestor - Moving to Argentina to Buy Property
- The LatinVestor - Can Foreigners Buy Property in Buenos Aires
- 4Rent Argentina - Procedures for Foreign Property Buyers
- The LatinVestor - Can Foreigners Buy Property in Argentina
- The LatinVestor - Buenos Aires Legal Requirements for Buying Property
- Buenos Aires Habitat - Foreign Ownership Property Argentina
- The LatinVestor - Argentina Real Estate Tips for Foreigners
- Life Abroad Hero - Guide to Buying Property in Argentina as Foreigner