Argentina Launches Citizenship-by-Investment Program Starting at $350,000

Argentina announced a citizenship-by-investment program on Friday, allowing wealthy foreigners to obtain a passport through a $350,000 non-refundable contribution to the Treasury or an $800,000 investment in a new government bond held for seven years. Economy Minister Luis Caputo unveiled the "golden passport" plan at an investor event in Paris, with applications expected to open before year-end.

Family members can be included for additional fees: $100,000 for spouses and children aged 18-25, and $25,000 for minors under 18. A family of four would pay approximately $500,000 total. Officials estimate the program could raise up to $2.5 billion.

“The Argentine passport is highly valued, accepted in more than 140 countries.”

The initiative comes as President Javier Milei seeks new dollar inflows ahead of a 2027 debt wall of nearly $25 billion in foreign-currency payments. Argentina has held off returning to international bond markets, limiting financing options.

Advisors note most applicants will likely choose the donation route over bonds due to Argentina's history of sovereign defaults. The Argentine passport offers visa-free access to over 140 countries, including China, Russia, and the Schengen area.

All applications will undergo rigorous security vetting, including identity verification, source-of-funds tracing, and financial risk analysis to protect the citizenship's international standing.