Fastest Residency-Registering a Company and Obtaining Work Permit in Argentina

Are you planning to move to Argentina? With its vibrant culture, diverse landscapes, and economic opportunities, Argentina is a top choice for digital nomads, entrepreneurs, and professionals alike. But how can you make this move legally and establish a working life in Argentina? One approach is to register a company remotely and use this entity to sponsor your own work permit. This pathway may also serve as a foundation for long-term residency or a switch to citizenship through investment, commonly referred to as CBI Argentina.

Steps to Moving to Argentina under Work Permit

We assisted many clients in navigating Argentina’s migrant worker residency processes, particularly for those interested in registering companies and securing their own work authorization. Here’s an overview of how this approach works and how we can support you:

Argentina Passport Through Investment

1. Registering a Company Remotely in Argentina

One of the first steps to moving to Argentina through this method is to establish a legitimate business entity in Argentina. Here’s how it typically works:

– Choose the Right Business Structure: Common options include Sociedad de Responsabilidad Limitada (SRL) or Sociedad Anónima (SAS). These structures provide flexibility and legal recognition.

– Proxy Registration: In most cases, in-person presence is obligatory; however, with the power of attorney, you can register your company remotely, but certain requirements, such as appointing a local legal representative, may apply.

– Comply with Local Laws: You’ll need to comply with all Argentine corporate regulations, including taxes, employment standards, and periodic reporting requirements.

We can guide you through this process, from selecting the right business structure to ensuring legal compliance.

Process includes:
a) Drafting and signing of the LLC contract (must be signed in person before a notary in Buenos Aires)
, b) Payment of administrative forms
, c) Registration with the Public Registry of Commerce of CABA – IGJ, issuance of CUIT (tax ID), and certification of mandatory corporate books. Ownership is represented by equity shares; any changes must be registered with IGJ.

Can a Foreign Person Be a Director in an Argentine Company?

A commercial company may have foreign directors, but local residency requirements must be met, especially if the director is a sole director or if a majority of directors are residents. Argentine nationality is not required to be a Legal Representative, but legal residency in Argentina is required.

Managers (gerentes) are appointed and may be partners or not.

Required Information: Full details of each partner: name, age, marital status, nationality, profession, address, ID number, and CUIT (or CDI).

 

What Else is Required for the Company Registration?

       Desired company name.

       Corporate purpose (specific and clearly defined).

       Capital contribution per partner.

       Duration of the company.

       Manager(s) details.

Argentina visa-free

2. Issuing a Self-Sponsored Work Invitation Letter

Once your company is registered, it has to be registered at the Migration Department to be eligible to hire foreigners. This process will be processed at the Renure division, under the Migration Department. Once your Argentine business is designated to hire foreigners, it can issue a job offer/invitation letter to yourself. This letter is essential in applying for a migrant worker temporary residency and should include:

– Job Description: Clearly describe your role, responsibilities, and any specific expertise.

– Proof of Company Operations: This can include your business registration and any financial projections, demonstrating that the business will sustain itself.

– Employment Terms: Define your expected working hours, salary, and employment benefits.

With the proper documentation issued by the Argentine Entity and submitted before Migraciones, your Argentine company acts as the host entity to sponsor and request a migrant worker residency for yourself and for your family members. 

Entry Authorization (Permiso de Ingreso) for Argentine Work Residency

For applicants who require a visa labeled in their passport at an Argentine consulate, we can assist with obtaining an entry authorization processed by the Immigration Department headquarters in Buenos Aires, known as the Permiso de Ingreso. This document serves as an official invitation from the government to enter Argentina under an approved work visa category, rather than as a tourist.

While holders of a Permiso de Ingreso must still attend an Argentine consulate in their home country or country of residence to have the visa stamped in their passport, this authorization significantly increases the chances of approval. More information about the Permiso de Ingreso can be found in this article.

Argentina Permanent Residency

3. Applying for a Work Residency in Argentina

To finalize the process of your move to Argentina, the next step is to apply for a work permit through the Argentine immigration authorities. This process includes:

– Gathering Required Documents: Alongside your invitation letter, you’ll need your passport, proof of company registration, and any other supporting documents.

Submitting Your Application: Applications can typically be filed at an Argentine consulate in your home country or within Argentina if you are a visa-free country passport holder. Visa-free country nationals can enter Argentina without a visa and switch to any suitable residency. However, passport holders of visa-required nationalities must enter with the same visa category they intend to reside in Argentina after arrival. 

Approval and Residence Permit: Upon approval, your work visa at the consulate will allow you to enter, live, and work in Argentina, often with the potential for permanent residency after three years of consecutive stay under Temporary Residence

Timeline for Corporate Trámite and Residency Approval

The timeline from company registration to migrant worker residency approval depends on the applicant’s nationality. Visa-free nationals usually receive approval within two to three months, while applicants who require a visa need an extra processing time to obtain entry authorization from Buenos Aires ( approx.1 month) and visa processing at the consulate (approx.1 – 1.5 months). The corporate trámite is one of the fastest residency options, as it is sponsored by an Argentine company, resulting in smoother processing and quicker approval once the application is submitted and the tramite corporativo priority appointment paid.

Setting Up a Company in Argentina Steps

StepsDescription
1. Company IncorporationEstablish an Argentine company compliant with local regulations (Entity Certificate, IGJ registration, CUIT issuance).
Minimum suggested capital: No statutory minimum capital is required, but a reasonable amount must be contributed (we suggest ARS 3,000,000 +
Estimated processing time: 3–4 weeks.
2. Appointment of Local DirectorAppoint an Argentine resident as Director and legal representative.
3. Start OperationsBegin genuine business operations and generate real economic activity.
The company must be a real, active business (not a shell entity).
4. BookkeepingMaintain accurate and compliant financial records for the company.
5. Accounting ComplianceConduct accounting and bookkeeping activities.
6. RENURE RegistrationSubmit the required documentation to RENURE to obtain authorization to hire foreign workers.
Processing time: approximately 1–2 weeks.
7. Work Permit Invitation & Entry AuthorizationThe Company Director issues the work permit invitation letter and processes the Entry Authorization with the National Immigration Department (DNM) in Buenos Aires. Once the Entry Permit is approved, the applicant must contact the Argentine Consulate directly.
Consulates generally don’t like discuss cases with third parties and prefer direct communication with the applicants.
8. Migraciones Appointment After Arrival in BASchedule an appointment with Migraciones to initiate the residency process.
Timeline: approximately 1–2 weeks.
9. Migraciones InterviewAttend the interview, submit all required documents (apostilled or legalized), and complete fingerprints and photographs at Migraciones in Buenos Aires
10. Precaria IssuanceReceive the precaria (temporary work authorization).
Timeline: 1–2 days.
11. Document EvaluationMigraciones evaluates the temporary residency application file and processes the Temporary Residency approval.
Timeline: approximately 1–2 weeks.
14. Approval, DNI (ID) & Temporary ResidencyOnce your migrant worker residency is approved, obtain the Argentine DNI (National Identity Document for Foreigners) through RENAPER.
15. Legal Representation DecisionsDecide whether to take over legal representation personally in your name or continue with the Argentine Director.

 

 

Post-Incorporation Processes

After incorporation, the company must complete VAT, payroll, and provincial tax registrations and comply with Argentine accounting requirements, including IFRS-based financial reporting.

Accounting fees depend on the type of business. We will recommend a CPA, who can estimate the fees depending on multiple factors (number of employees, revenue expected, jurisdiction where the business will be located, etc).

IMMI Legal handles the various of the residency processes, ensuring that your application is complete and accurately represents your intentions.

Why Choose Us to Help You Move to Argentina?

Navigating the legal and bureaucratic hurdles to move to Argentina can be challenging. With our expertise, we simplify this process, offering support in:

– Company Registration: Our team helps you select and set up the best company structure for your needs.

– Work Residency Assistance: From document preparation to filing, we handle the intricacies of your work permit application.

Comprehensive Support: Beyond immigration, we also assist with non-immigration matters, including investment structuring, corporate compliance, and ongoing legal support in Argentina.

Start Your Journey to Argentina Today

Argentina is the most ideal country to live in. In fact, its motto is “En unión y libertad”, which translates to “In Unity and Freedom”. 

If you’re ready to make the move to Argentina, reach out to us today! We specialize in assisting entrepreneurs, freelancers, remote workers, and families with establishing a legal foundation in Argentina, including CBI Argentina pathways for those interested in long-term citizenship through investment. Contact us at [email protected] with any questions, or reach out through our WhatsApp or Telegram.