Argentina is back in the headlines, and my inbox has been flooded with questions about the country. With President Javier Milei shaking things up, the country is undergoing rapid change, and people are taking notice. Recently, on July 31, 2025, Argentina officially launched its Citizenship by Investment program, a significant move that could make Argentina one of the most sought-after passport options globally.
At the same time, Argentina applied to rejoin the U.S. Visa Waiver Program. If that goes through, Argentine passport holders could once again enjoy visa-free travel to the United States. Put those two developments together, and you can see why freedom-minded people are buzzing with excitement, and why I have been receiving so many emails asking for my take on it.
In this article, I will cut through the hype and answer the real question I keep being asked: Should you actually move to Argentina?
Colón Theatre in Argentina
Based on the government’s statements, the investment threshold to obtain Argentine citizenship by investment is expected to be $500,000 USD, with no requirement to spend years living in the country. That alone makes it highly competitive.
The Argentine passport already provides visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to more than 170 countries. If the U.S. Visa Waiver application is approved, it will join the ranks of the few Latin American passports offering visa-free entry into the United States.
Put that into perspective:
Turkey requires a $400,000 USD real estate purchase for a passport that grants visa-free travel to 114 countries.
St. Kitts & Nevis asks for a $250,000 USD donation in exchange for access to 154 countries.
El Salvador’s new program requires a $1,000,000 USD investment for a passport that grants access to 135 countries.
Measured against these, Argentina’s offer looks extremely strong. For anyone shopping for citizenship, this could quickly become one of the top-tier programs on the global market.
Now for the flip side of the story. Living in Argentina full-time, and worse, becoming a tax resident, is a significantly different matter than simply obtaining citizenship and a passport.
Argentina has a progressive income tax rate of up to 35%, a complex capital gains tax, multiple layers of business-related taxes, and a residency regime that taxes residents on their worldwide income. Inflation remains high, and much of the bureaucracy is still heavy-handed.
Contrast this with Panama and Paraguay, where expats can take advantage of a territorial tax system that exempts foreign-earned income. In Argentina, the government will come after your global income the moment you become a resident.
While the new CBI program makes Argentina’s passport highly appealing, the country itself is not where I would recommend basing your life or business today.
Related content: What Is Citizenship By Investment: All You Need To Know
Some people will look at Argentina’s new CBI program and think, “Maybe I should hold off on Panama or Paraguay until we see how this plays out.” That is a dangerous mindset.
Residency programs can change overnight. Opportunities disappear without warning. Waiting has cost countless people their chance to secure a Plan-B in a stable jurisdiction.
If Argentina rolls out its CBI smoothly, you can always add it later as a second passport play. However, delaying action on proven residency options, such as Panama or Paraguay, is a recipe for regret. Secure what works today, then build on it.
Related content: Paraguay Residency: A No-Brainer Plan-B Option For 2025
Argentina is an amazing country to visit, but not to become a tax resident
The short answer is no, not at the moment. Argentina’s CBI is promising and could potentially become one of the strongest passports available, especially if the U.S. visa waiver is approved. However, from my perspective, as someone who has spent decades helping people build offshore strategies, Argentina is not yet a place I’d recommend for living full-time. It simply does not stack up.
What really worries me is how many people fall into the trap of waiting. I’ve seen it countless times: they put their plans on hold, hoping for a shiny new opportunity, and in the meantime, they miss out on the jurisdictions that already work. Panama, Paraguay, and a handful of others are tried, tested, and delivering real results today. These are the foundations you can rely on, and delaying for a promise is a mistake I would never advise.
The smarter play is to view Argentina as a potential passport add-on, if and when the program proves itself, rather than as the backbone of your Plan-B. Secure the structures that work now, then build from there. If Argentina delivers, it will be a powerful upgrade to your strategy. But you don’t wait for “maybe” to protect your family’s future. If you’re serious about taking the next step, subscribe to our newsletter and download your free special report: Plan-B Residencies & Instant Citizenships.