Want to be Argentine citizen? There are 2 routes: ₹3.37 crore payment or ₹7.71 crore bond | ‘Golden Passport’ Explained

Under the new programme, foreign applicants will have two investment routes to obtain Argentine citizenship.

Argentina has introduced a citizenship-by-investment programme, popularly known as a “golden passport”, as President Javier Milei’s government seeks to bring more foreign capital into the country.

The programme was unveiled in Paris on Friday and is expected to come into effect in the fourth quarter. Argentina will become the first South American country to offer citizenship through an investment programme and, by population and size, the largest country in the world to introduce such a scheme.

Under the new programme, foreign applicants will have two investment routes to obtain Argentine citizenship.

Two investment options for applicants

The first option requires the main applicant to make a non-refundable payment of $350,000 ( ₹3.37 crore) to Argentina’s national treasury.

Applicants can include their families by paying an additional $100,000 ( ₹96.33 lakh) for a spouse and $25,000 ( ₹24.08 lakh) for each child below the age of 18. This means a family of four would need to invest a total of $500,000 ( ₹4.82 crore), according to a statement issued by Argentina’s Economy Ministry on Friday.

The second route involves purchasing an $800,000 ( ₹7.71 crore) government bond that will be specially issued for the citizenship programme.

According to the government, money raised through either option will be used “to continue strengthening the fiscal and financial position of the Argentine Republic.”

Citizenship applications to undergo security checks

Applicants will not automatically receive citizenship after making the investment.

The government said every application will go through a “rigorous evaluation process designed to preserve national security, the integrity of the financial system and the international prestige of Argentine citizenship”.

The authorities have not yet said how long the approval process will take. The programme will also include safeguards aimed at preventing money laundering.

Milei could face political opposition

The new citizenship scheme could face criticism from Milei’s political opponents, particularly with Argentina’s presidential election due next year and nationalist sentiment growing in the country.

The government recently faced resistance over a proposal aimed at making it easier for foreigners to buy farmland in Argentina. The bill had to be significantly diluted before it was passed by lawmakers.

The arrival of billionaire tech investor Peter Thiel has also triggered protests and speculation. Thiel, who bought a home in Buenos Aires, has faced questions over whether wealthy foreign residents could gain influence over the president’s policy agenda.

Part of wider push to attract investors

The citizenship programme is the latest step in Milei’s broader effort to make Argentina more attractive to foreign businesses and investors.

His government has introduced corporate tax incentives and legal protections for large companies, while also passing major labour reforms and moving towards greater trade and deregulation.

However, capital controls and political uncertainty remain concerns for businesses considering investment in the country, particularly ahead of next year’s elections.

(With inputs from news agency Bloomberg)

About the Author

Kanishka Singharia is a Senior Content Producer at Mint with a passion for news, trends, and the stories shaping the digital world. She specialises in spotting viral narratives by constantly tracking social media platforms and turning them into engaging, reader-friendly stories. Her work ranges from fast-paced breaking updates to sensitive human-interest features, blending speed with clarity. <br><br> With over four years of experience in news and trend reporting, Kanishka has worked with leading organisations such as Hindustan Times and Times Now. She moves seamlessly between profiling business leaders and telling the stories of everyday people, covering national developments just as effortlessly as the memes and conversations that dominate online culture. <br><br> She also reports on real estate developments and civic challenges in major urban hubs like Bengaluru, Delhi, and Gurugram. Her coverage frequently explores the struggles of startup founders, inspiring journeys of CEOs, and the experiences of candidates dealing with the complexities of visa processes. <br><br> Kanishka holds an undergraduate degree in Journalism from Delhi University and a diploma from the Indian Institute of Mass Communication. Rarely offline, she spends much of her time scrolling through X, LinkedIn, Reddit, Instagram, and Facebook in search of the next big story. When she finally logs off, she enjoys binge-watching shows and exploring cafes in pursuit of good food and better conversations.

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