Can foreigners buy land in Argentina?

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

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THELATINVESTOR

A team specialized in real estate investing in Latin American countries (Argentina, Chile, Brazil, Mexico, etc.).

We are a team of financial experts, legal professionals, developers, and local real estate specialists dedicated to helping people like you avoid mistakes when investing in real estate in a foreign place, particularly in Argentina. If you'd like to learn more about us, you can check our presentation page.

How this content was created 🔎📝

At TheLatinInvestor, we explore the Argentine real estate market every day. Our team doesn't just analyze data from a distance—we're actively engaging with local realtors, investors, and property managers in cities like Buenos Aires, Córdoba, and Mendoza. This hands-on approach allows us to gain a deep understanding of the market from the inside out.

These observations are originally based on what we've learned through these conversations and our observations. But it was not enough. To back them up, we also needed to rely on trusted resources

We prioritize accuracy and authority. Trends lacking solid data or expert validation were excluded.

Trustworthiness is central to our work. Every source and citation is clearly listed, ensuring transparency. A writing AI-powered tool was used solely to refine readability and engagement.

To make the information accessible, our team designed custom infographics that clarify key points. We hope you will like them! All illustrations and media were created in-house and added manually.

Can foreigners legally buy land in Argentina or are there restrictions depending on their residency status?

Yes, foreigners can legally buy land in Argentina with the same property rights as Argentine citizens.

Residency status is not required for most property purchases. Foreign nationals can acquire urban property, residential land, and commercial real estate without establishing legal residence in Argentina. This policy makes Argentina one of the more accessible South American countries for international property investment.

However, specific restrictions apply to certain types of land purchases. Rural and agricultural land purchases face limitations under Ley 26.737 (the Rural Land Law), which caps foreign ownership at 15% of rural land per province and 30% of that limit for any single nationality. Additionally, properties in security zones near borders or coastal areas require special government authorization.

The Argentine government treats foreign buyers equally to domestic purchasers in terms of property rights, including the right to sell, rent, or transfer ownership. Foreign ownership does not expire and can be passed to heirs through inheritance.

It's something we develop in our Argentina property pack.

What types of land are foreigners allowed to purchase and what types are off-limits?

Foreigners face different rules depending on the specific type and location of land they wish to purchase.

Land Category	Foreign Purchase Status	Specific Limitations
Urban Residential	Fully Allowed	No restrictions on size or location
Commercial Urban	Fully Allowed	Subject to local business regulations
Rural Farmland	Restricted	Maximum 1,000 hectares in core agricultural zones
Coastal Property	Prohibited	Within 50km of maritime borders without authorization
Border Land	Prohibited	Within 150km of international land borders
Water Adjacent	Prohibited	Land containing or adjacent to large permanent water bodies
Mining Areas	Special Rules	Requires specific permits and government approval

Is there a step-by-step process foreigners must follow to legally buy land in Argentina?

Yes, foreigners must follow a specific legal process to purchase land in Argentina, which involves several mandatory steps and documentation requirements.

1. **Obtain a Tax ID (CDI)** - Register with AFIP (Argentine tax authority) to receive your Clave de Identificación, which is mandatory for all property transactions2. **Establish Temporary Address** - Obtain a "certificado de domicilio" from local police, required for the CDI application process3. **Property Search and Selection** - Work with licensed real estate agents and conduct thorough market research4. **Legal Due Diligence** - Hire an Argentine lawyer to verify property title, outstanding debts, zoning regulations, and legal ownership status5. **Sign Purchase Agreement** - Execute a "boleto de compraventa" with typically 20-30% deposit payment6. **Obtain Special Certificates** - For rural land purchases, secure certification from the National Rural Land Registry7. **Final Contract Execution** - Sign the final deed before a notary public with full payment8. **Property Registration** - Register the property transfer with the local Land Registry Office to complete legal ownership transfer

The entire process typically takes 45-90 days depending on property type and documentation complexity. Legal representation is strongly recommended throughout all stages to ensure compliance with Argentine property law.

Can you buy land in Argentina as a foreigner without physically being in the country?

Yes, foreigners can purchase land in Argentina without being physically present by granting power of attorney to a representative.

Remote purchase requires establishing a legal power of attorney (poder) through an Argentine consulate in your home country. The power of attorney document must be notarized, apostilled, and officially translated into Spanish. Your representative will need authorization to sign contracts, make payments, and complete all legal procedures on your behalf.

However, certain requirements make remote purchase challenging. You still need to obtain a Tax ID (CDI) and establish a legal address in Argentina, which typically requires some form of local presence or additional legal arrangements. Banking procedures for large property purchases often require in-person verification or additional documentation.

Many foreign buyers choose to visit Argentina at least once during the process to personally oversee due diligence, view properties, and establish banking relationships. While legally possible to complete entirely remotely, the practical challenges and risks make partial in-country presence advisable.

Remote purchase costs are typically 15-25% higher due to additional legal fees, power of attorney expenses, and document processing requirements.

What documents are mandatory for foreigners to purchase land and are any additional permits required?

Foreign land purchases in Argentina require specific mandatory documents plus additional permits depending on property type and location.

**Essential Documents for All Purchases:**- Valid passport with minimum 6-month validity- Tax ID (CDI) from AFIP- Proof of legal address ("certificado de domicilio")- Signed purchase agreement ("boleto de compraventa")- Clean title deed verification- Property tax payment certificates- Municipal permits and cadastral documents**Additional Requirements for Specific Property Types:**- **Rural Land:** Special certificate from National Rural Land Registry, environmental impact assessments for large properties- **Coastal/Border Areas:** Government authorization from Ministry of Interior (rarely granted to foreigners)- **Investment Properties:** Business registration documents if purchasing for commercial purposes- **Financed Purchases:** Bank pre-approval letters, income verification, credit history reports

All foreign documents must be apostilled in your home country and officially translated into Spanish by a certified translator in Argentina. Document preparation typically adds 2-4 weeks to the purchase timeline and costs $2,000-$5,000 depending on complexity.

Are there any taxes, fees, or hidden costs involved in land purchases for foreigners?

Foreign land purchases in Argentina involve multiple taxes and fees that typically total 8-15% of the property purchase price.

Cost Category	Rate/Amount	When Paid
Property Transfer Tax	1.5% of purchase price	At closing
Stamp Duty	2-4% (varies by province)	At contract signing
Notary Fees	1-2% of purchase price	At closing
Registration Fees	0.5-1% of purchase price	After closing
Real Estate Agent	3-4% (split buyer/seller)	At closing
Legal Fees	1-2% of purchase price	Throughout process
Currency Conversion	0.8-2% of transaction	When transferring funds

**Ongoing Annual Costs:**

- Property taxes: 0.25-1.5% of assessed property value- Municipal services fees: $200-$800 annually- Building maintenance (condos): $50-$300 monthly- Insurance: 0.1-0.3% of property value annually

**Hidden Costs to Consider:**

Currency controls may require using unofficial exchange rates, adding 0.8-2% to transaction costs. Rural land purchases require special certificates costing 0.1% of land value. Document translation and apostille services cost $2,000-$5,000 for comprehensive transactions.

Is it possible for foreigners to buy land in cash or is financing available?

Both cash and financing options are available to foreign buyers, though cash transactions dominate the Argentine real estate market.

**Cash Purchases:** Approximately 80% of high-end and rural property transactions are completed in cash, typically using US dollars. Cash buyers benefit from stronger negotiating positions and faster closing times. Currency conversion through official channels incurs 0.8-1.5% fees, while parallel market rates may offer better exchange rates but carry legal risks.

**Financing Options:** Local banks including BBVA Argentina, Banco Galicia, and Santander Argentina offer mortgages to qualified foreign buyers. Typical requirements include 30-50% down payment, proof of income, and Argentine tax ID. Current mortgage rates range from 35-45% annually due to high inflation, making financing expensive compared to cash purchases.

**Mortgage Terms for Foreigners:**

- Maximum loan term: 15-20 years- Maximum loan-to-value ratio: 50-70%- Required down payment: 30-50%- Income verification: 2-3 years of statements- Debt-to-income ratio: Maximum 30%

Most foreign buyers choose cash purchases to avoid high interest rates and complex financing requirements. Developer financing may be available for new construction projects with more favorable terms than traditional bank mortgages.

Are there legal or financial pitfalls that foreigners often encounter when buying land?

Foreign buyers commonly face several legal and financial pitfalls that can result in significant losses or legal complications.

**Currency and Economic Risks:**- High inflation (currently 20-25% annually) erodes purchasing power and complicates long-term planning- Currency controls and peso devaluation affect property values and exit strategies- Official vs. parallel exchange rates create pricing confusion and potential losses**Title and Legal Issues:**- Incomplete or disputed property titles affecting legal ownership- Hidden debts, liens, or tax obligations attached to properties- Zoning violations or unpermitted construction requiring costly corrections- Inheritance disputes or unclear ownership chains**Regulatory Compliance Failures:**- Purchasing restricted land without proper authorization leading to forced sales- Tax non-compliance resulting in penalties and transfer restrictions- Failure to register with tax authorities causing ongoing legal problems**Transaction Pitfalls:**- Underreporting purchase prices (common but illegal practice)- Inadequate due diligence on property condition and legal status- Working with unlicensed agents or unqualified legal representation- Insufficient insurance coverage for property and transaction risks

Professional legal representation and comprehensive due diligence are essential to avoid these common pitfalls. Budget 2-3% of purchase price for quality legal services to protect your investment.

What are the most popular regions where foreigners are currently buying land and why?

Foreign buyers concentrate their investments in specific regions offering strategic advantages, lifestyle benefits, or investment potential.

**Buenos Aires Metropolitan Area** attracts 40% of foreign investment due to urban amenities, established infrastructure, and rental income potential. Popular neighborhoods include Recoleta, Palermo, and Puerto Madero, where property values range from $1,250-$1,600 per square meter.

**Mendoza Province** leads rural investment with its established wine industry and tourism infrastructure. Foreign buyers purchase vineyard properties and eco-tourism developments, with land prices ranging $12,000-$18,000 per hectare for premium agricultural land.

**Córdoba** attracts buyers seeking lifestyle properties and vacation homes due to natural beauty and lower costs compared to Buenos Aires. The region offers diverse landscapes from mountains to plains with investment opportunities in tourism and agriculture.

**Patagonia Regions** including Bariloche and El Calafate appeal to buyers seeking pristine natural environments and tourism-related investments. Land prices are lower but infrastructure development costs are higher.

**Northern Provinces** like Salta and Jujuy attract buyers interested in mining-related investments and agricultural development, though infrastructure limitations affect accessibility and development costs.

Investment patterns show preference for regions with established infrastructure, tourism potential, and proximity to major cities or natural attractions.

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.

Do foreigners who buy land in Argentina get any benefits toward residency or citizenship?

Property ownership in Argentina does not automatically grant residency or citizenship benefits to foreign buyers.

**Investment Visa Options:** Foreigners can apply for temporary residency through investment programs requiring minimum investments around $1,800-$2,000 (ARS 1,500,000). This investment visa is separate from property purchase and requires demonstrating ongoing business activity or investment in productive sectors.

**Residency Pathways:** After obtaining legal temporary residency, foreigners can apply for permanent residency after two years. Marriage to an Argentine citizen or having Argentine children may expedite the residency process. Property ownership can support residency applications by demonstrating ties to Argentina but is not sufficient alone.

**Citizenship Process:** Argentine citizenship requires two years of legal residency, basic Spanish proficiency, and clean criminal background. Property ownership supports citizenship applications by showing commitment to the country but does not reduce residency requirements.

**New Citizenship by Investment Program:** Argentina plans to launch a citizenship by investment program in late 2025 requiring minimum $500,000 investment in approved sectors. This program will focus on productive investments rather than real estate purchases.

Foreign buyers should view property purchases as separate from immigration goals and consult immigration lawyers for residency and citizenship strategies.

What is the current average cost of land per square meter or hectare in different parts of Argentina?

Land prices in Argentina vary significantly by region, property type, and location characteristics as of June 2025.

Region/Type	Price Range	Market Characteristics
Buenos Aires Urban	$1,250-$1,600/m²	Premium neighborhoods, high demand
Córdoba Urban	$800-$1,200/m²	Growing market, lifestyle appeal
Mendoza Urban	$900-$1,400/m²	Wine tourism, international buyers
Agricultural Core Zones	$10,000-$20,000/hectare	Prime farmland, high productivity
General Rural Land	$8,000-$13,000/hectare	Varies by productivity and access
Patagonia Rural	$5,000-$10,000/hectare	Tourism potential, limited infrastructure
Northern Provinces	$3,000-$8,000/hectare	Development opportunities, lower costs

**Price Influencing Factors:**

Infrastructure access significantly impacts values, with properties near highways, utilities, and urban centers commanding premium prices. Soil quality and water access are crucial for agricultural land pricing. Tourism potential and natural amenities drive recreational property values higher.

Currency volatility affects pricing, with many properties quoted in US dollars to maintain value stability. Location within provinces creates substantial price variations, with properties near major cities or tourist destinations costing 2-3 times more than remote areas.

What are foreigners typically using the land for and what zoning or usage rules should they know about?

Foreign buyers pursue diverse land uses in Argentina, each subject to specific zoning regulations and usage restrictions.

**Primary Land Uses by Foreigners:**1. **Investment and Speculation** - Property appreciation and portfolio diversification2. **Agricultural Operations** - Crop production, cattle ranching, vineyard development 3. **Tourism Development** - Eco-lodges, vacation rentals, hospitality projects4. **Residential Development** - Personal homes, vacation properties, retirement communities5. **Commercial Projects** - Retail developments, industrial facilities, mixed-use projects

**Zoning Compliance Requirements:**

Municipal governments control zoning designations including residential, commercial, agricultural, and industrial uses. Property use changes require permits and may trigger additional taxes or infrastructure requirements. Environmental regulations apply to developments near water bodies, protected areas, or ecologically sensitive zones.

**Agricultural Land Restrictions:**

Foreign-owned agricultural land must maintain productive use to avoid penalties under rural land laws. Conversion from agricultural to other uses requires special permits and may face restrictions. Large properties may require environmental impact assessments for development projects.

**Construction and Development Rules:**

Building permits require compliance with local construction codes, setback requirements, and utility connections. Height restrictions, density limits, and architectural guidelines vary by municipality. Professional architects and contractors must be licensed in Argentina for major construction projects.

It's something we develop in our Argentina property pack.

What's the long-term forecast for the Argentine land market and what trends should foreign buyers be aware of?

The Argentine land market faces mixed signals as of mid-2025, with both opportunities and challenges shaping the investment landscape.

**Economic Factors:** High inflation (20-25% annually) continues affecting property values and investment calculations. Currency instability creates uncertainty but may offer opportunities for foreign buyers with stable currencies. Government economic policies aimed at stabilizing the peso and reducing inflation may impact property market dynamics through 2025-2026.

**Market Trends:** Increased supply in urban markets may lead to stable or slightly decreasing prices in 2025. Rural and agricultural land maintains stronger demand due to global food price trends and Argentina's agricultural export potential. Growing interest in sustainable and eco-friendly developments reflects changing buyer preferences.

**Investment Opportunities:** Favorable currency conversion rates for foreign buyers create advantageous entry points. Government development subsidies and tax incentives may boost certain regional markets. Tourism sector recovery post-pandemic drives demand for hospitality and vacation property investments.

**Risk Factors:** Administrative barriers and transaction costs remain high compared to other regional markets. Political uncertainty and policy changes could affect foreign investment regulations. Infrastructure development limitations in rural areas may constrain property values and development potential.

**Future Outlook:** The market is expected to stabilize gradually through 2025-2026 as economic policies take effect. Foreign buyers should focus on properties with intrinsic value, established infrastructure, and multiple exit strategies to navigate market volatility successfully.

It's something we develop in our Argentina property pack.

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.

Sources

1. Global Property Guide - Argentina Buying Guide
2. LV Studio Web - Argentina Real Estate Law Essentials
3. Arab MLS - Foreign Property Ownership in Argentina
4. The Latin Investor - US Citizen Property Ownership
5. Lawyers Argentina - Buy Land in Argentina
6. Lawyers Argentina - Buy House in Argentina
7. WSC Legal - Buying Rural Land in Argentina
8. Library of Congress - Argentina Legal Guide
9. The Latin Investor - Buying Process Property Argentina
10. Multilaw - Real Estate Guide Argentina