Argentina’s Golden Passport: $350,000 Entry Fee for Citizenship

Argentina unveiled a citizenship-by-investment program on October 2, becoming South America’s first nation to offer passports for cash. Economy Minister Luis Caputo announced the scheme in Paris, with applications opening in the fourth quarter of 2026. A single applicant pays $350,000 nonrefundable to the Treasury, while a family of four pays $500,000. The government expects the program to raise up to $2.5 billion to address nearly $25 billion in foreign-currency debt payments due in 2027.

How the program works

Applicants choose between two routes. The first is a direct $350,000 contribution to Argentina’s National Treasury. The second is an $800,000 investment in a government bond created specifically for the program, held for seven years. Spouses and children under 25 can join applications at lower costs: $100,000 per spouse or adult child aged 18 to 25, and $25,000 per child under 18. A typical family of four (principal, spouse, two minors) totals $500,000.

Why Argentina needs the cash

President Javier Milei is racing to secure dollars before seeking reelection next year. Argentina faces $25 billion in foreign-currency debt payments in 2027 and has narrowed its financing options by delaying a return to international bond markets. The government says funds will strengthen the nation’s fiscal and financial position. A consortium of investment firms advising the government estimates the program could raise $2.5 billion if it attracts the expected number of applicants.

The Argentine passport advantage

The Argentine passport ranks highly in global mobility, granting visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to more than 140 countries, including China, Russia, and Europe’s Schengen area. Only about a dozen nations worldwide offer citizenship-by-investment programs, mostly small Caribbean island states. Nuri Katz, founder of Apex Capital Partners and designer of the program, predicted wealthy Americans will view an Argentine passport as a status symbol. Argentina, a G-20 nation of 46 million people, is the first South American country to launch such a scheme.

Vetting and timeline

The Agency for Citizenship by Investment Programs will assess applications alongside the State Intelligence Secretariat, Financial Information Unit, and Ministry of Security. Checks cover identity, source of funds, criminal records, and immigration history. Funds must flow through the formal financial system. The National Directorate of Migration makes the final decision. Applications open in the fourth quarter of 2026.

Final Thoughts

Argentina’s citizenship program targets wealthy foreigners seeking global mobility and tax planning options. The scheme reflects Milei’s pro-business stance but also his urgent need to plug a $25 billion debt hole. For high-net-worth individuals, the $350,000 entry fee buys access to a G-20 nation’s passport and 140+ visa-free destinations.

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