Archive · 5 Oct 2026
Argentina Unveils Golden Passport Scheme with Two Investment Routes
Argentina has announced a plan that lets people apply for citizenship by investing money.
The plan is expected to start in the fourth quarter, though the articles do not say which year.
Applicants can pay $350,000 that will not be returned, or buy an $800,000 government bond.
They can pay extra to include a spouse or children.
Making an investment does not guarantee citizenship.
Officials say they will check applicants and where their money comes from.
The government says the programme can help bring money into Argentina.
Critics worry that such schemes could be misused or give wealthy people advantages others do not have.
Argentina unveiled a citizenship-by-investment programme in Paris on Friday, with launch expected in the fourth quarter; no year was specified.
Applicants can make a non-refundable $350,000 payment to the national treasury or buy an $800,000 government bond.
A spouse can be added for $100,000 and each child under 18 for $25,000; a family of four would pay $500,000 through the payment route.
Citizenship is not automatic: applications will undergo checks, including reviews of security, funding sources, and criminal and reputational backgrounds.
The government says the scheme is intended to attract capital, while critics raise concerns about money laundering, unequal access, and foreign influence.
- Who
- Argentina’s government, led by President Javier Milei, announced the programme for foreign applicants.
- What
- A citizenship-by-investment programme offering a $350,000 payment route or an $800,000 government-bond route.
- When
- Unveiled on Friday and expected to take effect in the fourth quarter; the year was not specified.
- Where
- Argentina; the programme was unveiled in Paris.
- Why
- The government says the funds will strengthen Argentina’s fiscal and financial position and the programme is part of a broader effort to attract foreign capital.
Government and supporters
Critics and concerns
Attracting investment
Government and supporters
The government presents the scheme as a way to bring foreign capital into Argentina and strengthen its fiscal and financial position.
Critics and concerns
Critics may object to citizenship being offered in exchange for investment and question whether wealthy applicants should receive rights unavailable to poorer migrants.
Screening and misuse
Government and supporters
The government says applicants will face rigorous checks, including reviews of funding sources and criminal and reputational backgrounds, with safeguards against money laundering.
Critics and concerns
Experts cited in the article warn that golden passport programmes can attract tax evaders, criminals, fugitives, or other applicants who may exploit them.
Foreign influence
Government and supporters
The programme is presented as part of President Javier Milei’s wider effort to make Argentina more attractive to investors.
Critics and concerns
The article reports concerns among political opponents about foreign influence, alongside broader nationalist sentiment and questions raised after Peter Thiel established a foothold in Argentina.
- Payment route
- $350,000 non-refundable payment to Argentina’s national treasury.
- Bond route
- Purchase of an $800,000 government bond specially issued for the programme.
- Family fees
- $100,000 for a spouse and $25,000 for each child under 18.
- Family of four
- The payment route would total $500,000, according to Argentina’s Economy Ministry.
- Application checks
- The government says applications will be reviewed for national security, financial-system integrity, source of funds, and criminal and reputational background.
- Approval timing
- Authorities have not said how long the approval process will take.
- Passport access
- The article says an Argentine passport offers visa-free access to more than 140 countries.
- Political context
- The programme could face criticism amid growing nationalist sentiment and an election due next year, according to the article.
