How to move to Argentina and buy a property?

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

Who is the author of this content?

THELATINVESTOR

A team specialized in real estate investing in Latin American countries (Argentina, Brazil, Mexico, Colombia, 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 TheLatinvestor, 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.

How easy is it really for a foreigner to move to Argentina and buy a property compared to countries like the US or France?

Argentina offers one of the most foreigner-friendly property markets in the world, significantly easier than purchasing real estate in the US or France.

The Argentine Constitution guarantees equal property rights to foreigners and locals, meaning you face no additional bureaucratic hurdles or residency requirements that plague other countries. Unlike France, where strict zoning laws and complex approval processes can delay purchases for months, Argentina's urban property market is completely open to international buyers.

Compared to the US, where state-level regulations vary dramatically and financing requirements can be restrictive for non-residents, Argentina's process is remarkably straightforward. You only need a passport and a Tax ID (CDI) to purchase urban properties, with no minimum investment thresholds or complicated visa requirements.

The primary advantage Argentina holds over both the US and France is the absence of residency requirements for property purchase. While rural land purchases do face some restrictions—including a 15% foreign ownership cap and 1,000-hectare individual limits—urban real estate transactions are completely unrestricted for foreigners.

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

What are the exact legal steps and timeline for buying a property in Argentina from start to finish?

The complete property purchase process in Argentina typically takes 4-6 weeks and follows four distinct legal steps.

Step	Process	Timeline
1. Obtain Tax ID (CDI)	Apply at AFIP office with passport, proof of address, domicile certificate	1-2 weeks
2. Property Search & Reservation	Submit reserva (reservation) with deposit of $1,000-$10,000 USD	1-2 weeks
3. Purchase Agreement	Sign Boleto (optional 30% down) or proceed directly to Escritura	1-2 weeks
4. Title Transfer & Registration	Final payment and deed transfer before notary, property registration	1-2 weeks

The process begins with obtaining your CDI (Tax ID) from AFIP, Argentina's tax office. This requires your passport, proof of Argentine address (even a hotel receipt works initially), and a domicile certificate. Most buyers complete this step within 1-2 weeks.

Once you've identified a property, you'll submit a reserva (reservation) with a deposit ranging from $1,000 to $10,000 USD, depending on the property value. This removes the property from the market while you complete due diligence.

The purchase agreement phase involves either signing a Boleto (private contract requiring 30% down payment) or proceeding directly to the Escritura (final deed transfer). The Escritura must occur before a notary public (escribano) and requires full payment of the remaining balance.

Finally, the notary registers the property with the Public Registry, completing the legal transfer of ownership. This entire timeline can be compressed to 3-4 weeks for motivated buyers with pre-arranged financing.

Do I need to be physically in Argentina to complete a property purchase or can I do it remotely?

You can complete an entire property purchase in Argentina remotely through a properly executed power of attorney (POA).

Remote purchases are fully legal and commonly used by international buyers. The key requirement is establishing a valid power of attorney through either an Argentine consulate in your home country or a local notary whose signature is then authenticated by Argentine diplomatic services.

Your power of attorney must be specific to real estate transactions and include authority to sign contracts, make payments, and complete title transfers. The document requires apostille certification or consular legalization depending on your country's relationship with Argentina.

Many buyers choose to visit Argentina initially to obtain their CDI (Tax ID) and view properties in person, then return home and complete the actual purchase remotely. This approach allows for thorough property inspection while avoiding multiple international trips.

However, cash payment logistics can complicate remote purchases since Argentina's real estate market relies heavily on physical USD transactions. Many remote buyers work with trusted local representatives or use specialized money transfer services to handle payment delivery.

What documents are required to buy property in Argentina as a foreigner, and how do I get them?

Foreign property buyers in Argentina need only three essential documents: a valid passport, CDI (Tax ID), and proof of Argentine address.

Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your planned purchase date. No additional visa or residency documentation is required for property ownership, making Argentina uniquely accessible compared to other Latin American countries.

The CDI (Clave de Identificación) serves as your Argentine tax identification number and is mandatory for all real estate transactions. You can obtain this directly at any AFIP office by presenting your passport, proof of address in Argentina (utility bill, hotel receipt, or rental agreement), and completing a simple application form.

Proof of Argentine address can be established through a hotel stay, short-term rental agreement, or utility bill from any temporary accommodation. This requirement is purely administrative—you don't need permanent residency or long-term housing arrangements.

Additional documentation may include apostilled financial statements if you're making a large cash purchase, particularly for amounts exceeding $100,000 USD. Some sellers or notaries may request proof of funds origin to comply with anti-money laundering regulations.

Are there any restrictions on what foreigners can or can't buy in Argentina, like land near borders or agricultural plots?

Argentina imposes specific restrictions on foreign ownership of rural and border properties, while urban real estate remains completely unrestricted for international buyers.

Property Type	Restrictions	Approval Process
Urban Properties	No restrictions	Standard purchase process
Rural Land	15% foreign ownership cap nationwide, 1,000 hectare individual limit	Registry verification required
Border/Security Zones	Government approval mandatory	Prior authorization needed
Agricultural Land	Subject to rural land caps	Production project may be required
Coastal Properties	Public access restrictions apply	Environmental clearance needed

The most significant restriction affects rural land purchases, where foreign individuals and entities are limited to owning maximum 1,000 hectares each. Additionally, total foreign ownership of rural land cannot exceed 15% of Argentina's agricultural territory nationwide.

Border and security zones require prior government approval before any foreign purchase. These areas typically extend 50 kilometers inland from international borders and include strategic regions near military installations or critical infrastructure.

Agricultural land purchases often require demonstrating a legitimate production project and may involve additional environmental or agricultural ministry approvals. Recreational or investment-only rural purchases face more scrutiny than working agricultural operations.

Coastal properties, while not restricted by nationality, must comply with public access laws that limit construction within certain distances of the waterline. These regulations apply equally to domestic and foreign buyers but can complicate development plans.

What are the full taxes, fees, and hidden costs involved in buying property in Argentina, including registration, notary, real estate agent, and maintenance costs?

Total property purchase costs in Argentina range from 5.6% to 9% of the purchase price, significantly higher than many buyers initially expect.

Fee Type	Who Pays	Cost (% of Purchase Price)
Real Estate Agent Commission	Buyer	4% + 21% VAT (4.84% total)
Notary Fees (Escribano)	Buyer	1-1.5%
Transfer Tax	Buyer and Seller	1.8% each party
Registration Fee	Buyer	0.5-1%
Legal Fees (optional)	Buyer	0.5-1%
Property Inspection	Buyer	$200-500 USD
Annual Property Tax	Owner	Varies by province (0.5-2%)

The largest single cost is real estate agent commission at 4% plus 21% VAT, totaling 4.84% of the purchase price. This fee structure differs from many countries where sellers typically pay agent commissions.

Notary fees (escribano) are mandatory and range from 1-1.5% of purchase price. These professionals handle title verification, contract preparation, and legal transfer completion. Their fees are regulated by provincial bar associations.

Transfer taxes of 1.8% apply to both buyer and seller, though in practice, buyers often negotiate to cover both portions. Registration fees with the Public Registry add another 0.5-1% to complete the ownership transfer.

Annual ongoing costs include property taxes that vary significantly by province, ranging from 0.5% to 2% of assessed value. Properties valued above certain thresholds may also trigger wealth taxes of 0.5-2.25% annually for non-resident owners.

Hidden costs often include currency exchange fees when converting USD to pesos for tax payments, building administration fees for condominiums, and potential legal fees if you hire independent counsel beyond the notary.

Can I pay cash for a property in Argentina, and is it common or advisable to do so?

Cash payments in USD are not only common but dominant in Argentina's real estate market, representing over 90% of all property transactions.

Physical cash transactions occur due to Argentina's limited mortgage availability and historical currency instability that makes USD the preferred store of value. Most sellers explicitly require USD cash payment, and many properties are listed exclusively in dollars.

Cash purchases offer significant advantages including faster closing times, stronger negotiating position, and elimination of financing contingencies that can complicate deals. Many sellers offer 5-10% discounts for immediate cash payment versus financed purchases.

However, cash transactions carry inherent risks including theft during transport, counterfeit bill concerns, and money laundering law compliance. Banks typically limit USD withdrawals, requiring buyers to plan cash acquisition well in advance of closing dates.

Safety protocols for cash transactions include using armored transport services, conducting exchanges in bank facilities or notary offices, and employing professional cash counting services. Many buyers arrange for sellers to accept payment directly from secure bank facilities rather than transporting large amounts personally.

Anti-money laundering laws require documentation of fund sources for purchases exceeding $100,000 USD. Buyers should maintain clear paper trails showing legitimate fund origins through bank statements, investment account records, or business sale documentation.

Is it possible to get a mortgage in Argentina as a foreigner, and if so, what are the usual interest rates, down payment requirements, and tips for approval?

Mortgage availability for foreigners in Argentina is extremely limited, with most banks requiring at least one year of local residency and employment history.

The few banks that do offer foreign buyer mortgages typically require 30-50% down payments and charge interest rates between 25-35% annually, making financing economically unfeasible for most international buyers. These rates reflect Argentina's high inflation environment and currency risk concerns.

Alternative financing options include seller financing arrangements where property owners accept installment payments directly, bypassing traditional banking systems. These deals typically involve 20-30% down payments with 2-3 year payment terms at negotiated interest rates.

International lenders sometimes provide USD-denominated loans secured by Argentine property, though these arrangements require significant assets and income verification in the borrower's home country. Interest rates for international financing range from 6-12% but involve complex cross-border legal structures.

For buyers requiring financing, the most practical approach involves securing loans against assets in their home country and using proceeds for cash purchase in Argentina. This strategy avoids local banking complications while maintaining more favorable interest rates.

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

Are real estate agents generally reliable in Argentina, and how do I choose one that protects my interests?

Real estate agent reliability in Argentina varies dramatically, with unresponsive communication and hidden fee structures representing common challenges for foreign buyers.

The Argentine real estate industry lacks unified licensing standards, meaning agent qualifications range from licensed professionals to unlicensed intermediaries working on commission-only arrangements. This creates significant quality variation within the market.

Reliable agent selection requires verifying licensure with the Professional Council of Real Estate Brokers (Colegio Profesional de Corredores Inmobiliarios) in the relevant province. Licensed agents must maintain professional insurance and follow established ethical guidelines.

Foreign buyers should prioritize agents with demonstrated experience in international transactions, language capabilities matching their communication needs, and transparent fee structures disclosed upfront. Many experienced agents specialize in specific neighborhoods or property types.

Red flags include agents demanding upfront fees before showing properties, unwillingness to provide written agreements, or pressure tactics encouraging quick decisions without adequate due diligence time. Professional agents welcome buyer questions and provide detailed market analysis.

The most successful foreign buyers often work with agent referrals from previous international clients, seek recommendations from local expatriate communities, or engage buyers' agents who represent purchaser interests rather than sellers.

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.

Does the legal system in Argentina offer strong protections for property buyers, especially foreigners, or are there risks I should be aware of?

Argentina's legal system provides solid property protections through mandatory notary (escribano) oversight, though specific risks require careful mitigation strategies.

The escribano system offers strong buyer protection by requiring comprehensive title verification, legal compliance checking, and public registry confirmation before any transaction completion. These licensed professionals carry professional liability insurance covering transaction errors.

However, significant risks include title fraud schemes where sellers misrepresent ownership, squatter situations on abandoned properties, and forged documentation in private transaction attempts. These risks particularly affect buyers who bypass proper legal channels seeking to save money.

Property title verification through the Public Registry provides definitive ownership confirmation, but buyers must ensure searches cover all relevant time periods and potential claims. Some properties carry undisclosed liens, tax obligations, or inheritance disputes.

Legal remedies for foreign buyers mirror those available to Argentine citizens, including civil courts for contract disputes and criminal courts for fraud cases. However, legal proceedings can extend 2-3 years, making prevention preferable to post-purchase litigation.

Risk mitigation strategies include hiring independent legal counsel beyond the notary, conducting thorough due diligence including neighborhood research, and purchasing title insurance when available for high-value properties.

What are the most common mistakes or scams foreigners fall into when buying property in Argentina, and how can I avoid them?

The most frequent mistakes involve skipping proper title verification, underestimating total costs, and falling victim to fake ownership scams targeting foreign buyers.

1. **Title verification shortcuts**: Many foreigners accept seller-provided documentation without independent verification through the Public Registry, leading to purchases of properties with liens, disputes, or fraudulent ownership claims.2. **Cash payment security failures**: Inadequate security during large cash transactions results in theft, with some buyers carrying significant amounts without proper protection or secure transfer arrangements.3. **Incomplete cost budgeting**: Underestimating total purchase costs by 3-5% leads to insufficient funds at closing, forcing rushed financing decisions or contract cancellations with deposit forfeitures.4. **Fake agent relationships**: Working with unlicensed intermediaries who disappear after collecting deposits, particularly common in high-tourist areas where scammers target foreign buyers.5. **Wealth tax ignorance**: Failing to understand annual tax obligations for non-resident property owners, leading to penalties and legal complications years after purchase.

Prevention strategies include always using licensed escribanos for title verification, arranging secure payment methods through established financial institutions, budgeting 9% above purchase price for all fees, and verifying agent credentials with professional associations.

The most successful foreign buyers invest time in due diligence, seek multiple professional opinions on high-value purchases, and maintain realistic timelines that allow thorough investigation rather than rushed decisions.

If I buy property, does it open a path to residency or citizenship in Argentina, and what are the conditions and timelines?

Property ownership in Argentina does not provide any direct path to residency or citizenship, requiring separate visa applications through immigration authorities.

Argentina discontinued its investor visa program in recent years, meaning real estate investment alone cannot qualify foreigners for residency status. Property owners must pursue residency through other available visa categories including work permits, family reunification, or retirement visas.

Available visa options for property owners include the Digital Nomad Visa offering 180-day renewable stays for remote workers, temporary residency for retirees with pension income, or permanent residency after maintaining temporary status for two consecutive years.

Citizenship pathways require minimum two years of legal residency, basic Spanish language proficiency, and demonstration of integration into Argentine society. Property ownership may serve as supporting evidence of community ties but carries no special weight in citizenship applications.

Many property owners maintain tourist status with 90-day entries, renewable by brief exits to neighboring countries. This approach works for vacation home owners but provides no long-term legal stability for permanent residents.

For buyers seeking residency, the most practical approach involves consulting immigration attorneys before property purchase to establish realistic timelines and requirements for their specific situation and nationality.

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. HG Legal Resources - Real Estate Purchase Process Buenos Aires
2. Kurby - Can Foreigners Buy Property in Argentina
3. Multilaw - Real Estate Guide Argentina
4. Global Property Guide - Argentina Buying Guide
5. Argentina Expat - Buying Property Guide
6. Property Wire - Argentina Limits Foreign Buyers
7. The Wandering Investor - Buenos Aires Real Estate Market
8. The Latin Investor - Property Buying Process Argentina