Argentina’s citizenship-for-investment plan faces legal and political challenges

Argentina’s government has launched a plan offering foreigners a route to citizenship in return for a large financial contribution.

Applicants can contribute US$350,000 to the Treasury or buy an US$800,000 government bond, with additional fees for some family members.

The plan is based on an emergency decree issued in May 2025 and was presented in Paris on October 2 by Economy Minister Luis Caputo and Cabinet Chief Diego Santilli.

Constitutional lawyers argue that the Constitution allows naturalisation after two years of residence or for exceptional service, not through payment.

They also question whether the government could use an emergency decree instead of seeking approval from Congress.

The opposition has filed requests for information and bills to repeal the plan, and courts have declared the decree null in two individual cases.

The government says the scheme will attract investment and create jobs, and that applicants will face checks on their identity, criminal records and funds.

The dispute is continuing in courts and Congress, but no further steps are specified.