Argentine Investor Visa for UK Citizens: SAS Company Formation and Residency

The Argentine investor visa (radicación por inversiones) suits British citizens who plan to deploy capital in Argentina through business formation, property development, or other economic activity. It is distinct from the Rentista visa (passive income) and the Digital Nomad visa (remote work). The investor route requires demonstrating a genuine economic activity in Argentina, but unlike many countries, Argentina does not set a fixed minimum investment threshold.

SAS company formation

For related context, see Getting a CUIL or CDI as a UK Citizen: ANSES in Practice.

The SAS (Sociedad por Acciones Simplificada) is Argentina's simplified stock company — the entity most commonly used by foreign investors and entrepreneurs. Key features:

• Registration time: 24-48 hours online through the TAD (Trámites a Distancia) platform
• Minimum capital: ARS 2 salarios mínimos (approximately USD 600 — a formality, not a real barrier)
• Shareholders: 1 or more. You can be the sole shareholder as a British citizen.
• Director requirements: at least 1 director must have an Argentine address
• CUIT: the company receives its own CUIT, separate from your personal CUIT

Your Argentine accountant (contador) handles the SAS registration and CUIT application. Total cost for company formation: USD 500-1,500 in legal and accounting fees.

The investor visa process

1. Form your SAS. 24-48 hours

2. Obtain CUIT for both the company and yourself. 3-7 days

3. Deploy capital. transfer funds from the UK into the SAS bank account via formal banking channels. Document the transfer.

4. Gather personal documents — ACRO certificate, birth certificate, passport (all apostilled)

5. Book Migraciones appointment via RADEX

6. Submit application with: company formation documents, proof of capital deployment, personal documents

7. Receive precaria. temporary legal status from submission day

8. Wait for approval. typically 3-6 months

9. Receive DNI. investor temporary residency

Capital requirements

Argentina does not have a fixed minimum investment like Portugal's Golden Visa (EUR 500,000) or the UK's former Tier 1 Investor (£2 million). Instead, the investment must be:

• Genuine — a real business activity, not just a bank deposit
• Documented — formal transfer through banking channels with clear paper trail
• Economically productive — generating employment, providing services, or developing property

Practical minimum: most immigration lawyers suggest USD 30,000-50,000 as a credible starting investment for a small service business. Larger investments (USD 100,000+) strengthen the application.

What counts as an "investment"

• Starting a company (SAS or SRL) and operating it
• Buying property for development or rental
• Acquiring an existing Argentine business
• Investing in agriculture, hospitality, or manufacturing

What does NOT count:

• Passive bank deposits (that is Rentista territory)
• Cryptocurrency holdings
• Property bought purely as a personal residence

Tax implications

As an investor with an Argentine company:

• Your SAS pays Argentine corporate tax (25-35% on profits)
• You pay personal income tax as a resident on salary or dividends drawn from the company
• UK-Argentina DTA prevents double taxation on dividends and business profits
• You need an Argentine accountant on retainer (USD 200-500/month)

The tax structure is complex but well-understood by cross-border accountants. Get professional advice before deploying capital.

Timeline summary

Not legal or business advice. Argentine company law and investment immigration are specialised areas. Work with an Argentine immigration lawyer and a cross-border accountant.

Worth reading next

• Getting a CUIL or CDI as a UK Citizen: ANSES in Practice
• Overstaying on a UK Tourist Stamp in Argentina: Consequences and Fixes
• Argentine Student Visa for UK Citizens: How to Study at UBA or Any Argentine University