Argentine LLC (SRL) Incorporation and Work Permit in Argentina

Are you seeking global mobility; an affordable cost of living; a family-friendly country with a vibrant culture, diverse landscapes, and economic opportunities; and access to MERCOSUR (Uruguay, Brazil, Paraguay, and Bolivia)? Argentina is a top choice for digital nomads, entrepreneurs, and professionals alike, with premier healthcare and educational opportunities for your family. Our team is excited to help you make this fast pathway to citizenship legal and establish a family legacy in Argentina. One approach is to register a company remotely with domestic Argentinian partners and, being sponsored by this entity, get a work permit. This pathway may also serve as a foundation for a long-term path leading to citizenship or a switch to citizenship through investment, commonly referred to as CBI Argentina.

We provide corporate consultancy services to large and medium-sized companies, specializing in real estate investment vehicles, small-scale startups on new projects (as provided in the table below), and various investment opportunities in Argentina. Strong local connections and favorable entry pricing support these projects. We source these projects directly through trusted local contacts, ensuring smoother acquisition and development processes.

Argentine Mini Projects We Offer

Project Name Location Investment Description Images Videos
Campo Investment Municipal Area US$75K–105K total investment. Based on US$2.5K–3K per hectare, minimum 30–35 ha purchase. show more Agricultural land via municipality. Suitable for farming, land banking, or long-term investment. show more View
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AI Company Setup Buenos Aires US$25K–30K depending on structure and setup. show more Full AI company setup. Includes incorporation, tax registration, compliance. show more Link Email
Tourism Investment El Calafate US$50K+ depending on project size. show more Tourism project in Patagonia. Hospitality and eco-tourism opportunity. show more Details Watch
Pharma Export (Rodinac B12) Argentina → Global USD 7.6 / box strong margin potential. show more Pharmaceutical export opportunity. Minimum batch 80,000 ampoules. show more View
ACC-000050
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Sunflower Expeller Export Argentina → Global USD 260–280 / MT FOB Argentina. 500 MT available immediately. show more Non-GMO sunflower expeller. High-protein feed ingredient with strong export demand. show more View
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How to Get Argentina Residency

The following provides a general overview of this approach, together with the support that may be provided at each stage, subject to applicable legal and regulatory requirements.

Setting Up a Company in Argentina Steps

Steps Description Requirements Timeline
1. Company Incorporation Establish an Argentine entity (S.R.L. or S.A.). Includes IGJ registration, CUIT issuance, bylaws drafting, and corporate books. Processing depends on registry workload and document quality. show more Company name and shareholder details. Passport copies, business activity, and registered address required. show more 1 month
2. Appointment of Legal Representative Appoint a local Director / Manager. Required for legal representation before authorities. show more Argentine resident required. Must hold DNI + CUIT. show more Parallel
3. Operational Setup Activate company operations. Real activity is required to avoid migration rejection, such as having a business address, real operations, and opening a corporate bank account. show more Business activity proof. Contracts, invoices, or operational footprint. show more Parallel
4. Bookkeeping & Accounting Accounting & tax compliance setup. VAT, payroll, and reporting obligations. show more Local accountant. AFIP registration required. show more Parallel / ongoing
5. RENURE Registration Register the company for immigration sponsorship. Required to legally hire foreign employees. show more Active company. CUIT + operational proof. show more 0.5 month
6. Work Permit & Entry Authorization Start the residency process. Entry permit and consular visa coordination (for visa-required nationals). show more Passport & personal data. Employment and migration forms. show more 1 month
7. Arrival & Appointment Enter Argentina and book an appointment. Depends on Migraciones availability. show more Valid entry permit. Local address needed. show more ~0.25 month
8. Migraciones Interview Submit documents and biometrics. Verification and compliance checks. show more Apostilled documents. Criminal record, etc. show more ~0.25 month
9. Precaria Issuance Temporary residence granted. Allows legal stay and work. show more Completed file. Will be available online. show more Same day
10. Residency Approval Application approved. Inspection may be scheduled by Migraciones. show more No pending issues. ~0.25 month
11. DNI Issuance Receive national ID. Required for full control. show more Approved residency. 2 months
12. Transition of Control Take over the company fully. Replace nominee and update records. show more Valid DNI. 1 month
Total Timeline (Realistic, A–Z):

• Core process (with overlap): 4 to 6 months
• Fast-track scenario: ~3.5 months
• Conservative scenario: ~6–7 months

Key Notes:
• Company setup, operations, and RENURE timelines overlap significantly
• Main bottlenecks: Consular Visa Coordination
• Precaria allows working early; no need to wait for the DNI

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 trámite corporativo priority appointment is paid.

Company Formation 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.

The 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; and 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).

Argentina Residency Requirements

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 migrant worker category of 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.

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

Additional note for visa-required nationals:
If you are from a visa-required country, Migraciones may request an on-site inspection of the sponsor’s premises by the Intelligence Service. Even if the inspection is successful, the Consular Officer retains discretionary authority to approve or deny the application.

Turbulences to Expect When Incorporating Company

Incorporation of an Argentine entity comes with both advantages and disadvantages. You will be fully responsible for running genuine business operations to demonstrate your contribution to the local economy, including hiring local staff, maintaining a legitimate local office, paying corporate tax, etc. If you do not intend to operate a genuine business in Argentina, this option is not suitable. Establishing a new company in a foreign country requires a significant financial investment, and you should be confident in your ability to manage the company and return your investment over the coming years. While we will support you through the initial challenges and setup, you will remain the primary person responsible for all company operations and compliance requirements.

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.).

Modification to Corporate Directors and Registered Address

Any modification to a company’s corporate authorities or directors, or any change to its registered address, must be carried out through a licensed attorney. Such procedures require the filing of the corresponding documentation before the Inspección General de Justicia (IGJ) (General Inspection of Justice), as well as the publication of the legally required notices (edictos) to formally register and communicate the corporate amendments.

Holding Company vs. Operating Company for Residency

Holding company does not qualify for residency purposes because it is limited to owning shares and cannot carry out real business activities or hire employees. An employment-based residency requires an active operating company that can employ the applicant, pay a salary, and demonstrate genuine local activity, including being available for immigration inspections. For this reason, an operating company (such as an SRL with a broad business purpose like IT services) is necessary, while a pure holding company structure cannot support a work visa or residency application.

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.

Argentina Passport Through Investment

FAQ

A: An Alta Temprana (literally “early registration”) is an administrative procedure in Argentina when Argentine domestic company officially hires any employees, you need to register the employment contract with the Argentine tax agency (ARCA, formerly AFIP) before the first day of work.

The system will issue an official certificate (Constancia de Alta Temprana). This document is the legal proof that the worker is fully registered in the national system (“en blanco”) which activates their mandatory labor insurance (ART) and health benefits. For international entrepreneurs and remote workers getting an initial residency or work visa, a valid Alta Temprana is a key piece of proof that your local employment or corporate setup is compliant with Argentine labor law.

It’s a special social security classification used for managing partners (gerentes of an S.R.L. or directors of an S.A.). Under this category, the individual receives a legal salary receipt (recibo de sueldo) and maintains a formal employment relationship with the company but is exempt from making mandatory contributions to the state pension system (SIPA)

The local Argentine employer is required to cover roughly 25% of the monthly gross salary for the following mandatory benefits and legally required fees:

  • Social Security & Healthcare Contributions (18% for standard PyMEs (S.R.L.s or S.A.s registered as small/medium companies) or 20.4% for large service/commerce entities)

          • Mandatory Labor Risk Insurance (ART) & Life Insurance 

         • The 13th-Month Salary (Aguinaldo) (The total equivalent of 1 full gross monthly salary per year (split into 0.5 salary in June and 0.5 salary in December))

         • Social Security Contributions on the 13th-Month Salary 

Important Notes: These numbers are approximate, and calculations will only be 100% accurate when processed for each pay period, based on the gross earnings for that period and the employee’s tax status. These amounts may change if there are additional amounts to be paid.