Argentina is reportedly moving closer to introducing a “golden passport” programme, which experts say could become one of the most influential schemes of its kind globally.
The initiative would be the first of its type in South America and is expected to provide significant advantages, including easier access to the United States, entry into a G20 economy, and visa-free travel to numerous countries worldwide.
Golden passport programmes are immigration systems that allow individuals to obtain citizenship in return for making significant investments in specific sectors of a country’s economy. Investment migration specialists, including Arton Capital, describe Argentina’s proposed scheme as potentially “unlike anything else on the market.”
Experts involved in the sector suggest the initiative may be structured to be more accessible than competing programmes, with expectations that it could feature quicker processing times and provisions allowing investors to include family members without extra charges.
The foundation for Argentina’s citizenship-by-investment initiative was laid in July 2025, when President Javier Milei approved Decree 524/2025. The regulation opens a pathway for foreign investors to seek Argentine citizenship without first fulfilling residency requirements.
Arton Capital says the scheme is now approaching its final rollout stage. However, key policy decisions are still being finalised, including the minimum investment amount, eligible sectors, and the overall application process.
In April 2026, President Javier Milei appointed an executive director tasked with overseeing the development and rollout of the programme’s structure.
Following this appointment, experts have projected that the citizenship-by-investment scheme could officially be launched in the latter half of 2026.
Argentina’s citizenship-by-investment programme is expected to come with several advantages for global travellers, including easier entry to a range of major international destinations.
The Argentine passport is currently ranked 16th worldwide and provides visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 114 countries, according to the Passport Index.
This is expected to be a major attraction for investors and internationally mobile individuals. Armand Arton, CEO of Arton Capital and founder of the Passport Index, noted that Argentina’s location and mobility advantages make the programme particularly appealing.
“Given its proximity to the United States, and suspected visa-free access to the United Kingdom, Uruguay, and Japan, Argentina’s program will be a very appealing option for those wanting optionality without having to entirely relocate their lives,” he said.
He also pointed out that holders of an Argentine passport enjoy broad regional mobility within South America through the Mercosur agreement, which allows open or simplified travel to countries such as Uruguay, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Paraguay, and Peru.
Another notable advantage of the programme is its relatively fast processing period. According to Argentina’s Ministry of Economy, applications are expected to be reviewed within 30 business days.
Arton says this quick turnaround could make Argentina’s citizenship-by-investment offer “very competitive within the industry,” especially when compared to similar programmes globally.
“It could distinguish itself with projected 30-day processing times, rivaling the current market-leading processing times of Caribbean programs, including Saint Lucia, Grenada, and Antigua and Barbuda,” he says.
But, it is worth noting that these details remain proposals for now. Prospective applicants will have to wait for the official rollout of the programme before the final structure, requirements, and benefits are confirmed.
One of the key elements still to be determined in the citizenship-by-investment programme is the level and form of investment that applicants will need to make in order to qualify.
Typically, golden passport programmes require applicants to commit a minimum investment that can run into the hundreds of thousands of dollars. Governments also often prioritise specific sectors they aim to strengthen or develop through foreign investment.
“It depends on the country’s own individual needs, with programs worldwide tailored to benefit the lives of the host citizens—as well as the investor,” Arton says.
Based on this trend, analysts can reasonably infer the areas where Argentine authorities may encourage or prioritise foreign investment.
“Recent country-wide activity suggests that Argentina is looking for investment specifically within the technology, tourism, and renewable energy industries, and it’s possible that the government chooses to strategically funnel capital toward these high-priority sectors,” Arton says. “Alternatively, applicants could be encouraged to invest in a local business, contribute to a state-sponsored bond program, or purchase real estate.”
According to Buenos Aires-based immigration law firm MH Legal Hub, the government is reportedly evaluating seven possible investment categories. Alongside this, officials are also said to be considering a pre-approval registry that would enable Argentine companies to signal their interest in attracting foreign capital through the citizenship-by-investment programme.
