Key Facts for Foreign Buyers

Who can buy? Any foreign individual or company, regardless of residency or visa status

Where can you buy? Most urban and suburban areas; some restrictions apply in certain ‘core’ rural zones or security zones

Is residency required? No—ownership is allowed without living in Argentina

Currency used? Most real estate deals are done in U.S. dollars, and often in cash. Wire Transfers are more common on larger property sales

Can you own land? Yes, but limits apply to rural and agricultural land (see below)

Can foreigners inherit, sell, or rent? Yes, with the same rights as locals

Restrictions to Be Aware Of

Foreigners can buy urban property freely, but there are a few restrictions in rural or strategic areas:

1. Rural Land Ownership Law (Law 26.737):

   • Foreign individuals or entities can own no more than 1,000 hectares (2,470 acres) in some "core agricultural" areas.

   • Applies only to rural or agricultural zones.

2. Border and Security Zones:

   • There are some restrictions near land or maritime borders that may require special government approval (security zones).

Buying Process Overview

1. Get a CDI (Tax ID): Apply for a Clave de Identificación (CDI) with your passport at Argentina’s tax office ARCA, formally called AFIP

   https://www.afip.gob.ar/landing/default.asp

2. Hire a notary: An escribano (notary) is essential to check property titles and handle paperwork & for costs related to transaction, Our team can recommend a trusted escribano for your purchase.

3. Sign Purchase Agreement: “boleto de compraventa” is a written contract, typically 5-6 pages in Spanish that the escribano will prepare

4. The Reserve “Reserva” - This is due at time of purchase & works like an earnest Money/Good Faith Deposit with some notable differences. Typically it would be 5-10% of the purchase price & paid in USD to the seller. It is typically refundable if issues arise due to unclear title, liens or if certain other contingencies are not met. In most cases it is non-refundable if buyer backs out without ‘valid reason’ due to seller taking property off-market. If seller defaults without ‘valid reason’, typically twice the reserva amount is due to the buyer.

5. Close with final deed: The “escritura” transfers ownership; this is registered with the Property Registry.

6. Pay in USD: Most deals are cash-only & in USD. Financing is rare, Wire transfers are more common on larger property sales

Costs to Expect

1. Notary Fees (Escribano)

Cost: 1% - 3% of the property price

A notary public (Escribano) is required to authenticate the property transaction. The notary drafts the purchase agreement and ensures everything is legally compliant. The fees can be negotiated, but they usually range from 1% to 3% of the purchase price.

2. Registration Fees

Cost: Around 1% - 1.5% of the purchase price

After the transaction is signed, the title must be registered with the Property Registry. This can cost around 1% to 1.5% of the property value. This fee is typically split between the buyer and the seller, but in many cases, the buyer is responsible for it.

3. Real Estate Agent Fees

Cost: Typically commissions are 3-4% of purchase price. Buyer & seller will typically pay their own real estate agent. For most transactions, our team would charge 3% with no other fees.

4. Transfer Tax (Impuesto de Transferencia de Inmuebles)

Cost: 1.5% of the purchase price

This tax is a one-time fee when transferring ownership of the property. It’s calculated based on the sale price and is typically paid by the buyer, but in some cases, it may be shared with the seller. The rate is typically around 1.5%.

5. Stamp Duty (Impuesto de Sellos)

Cost: 1% of the purchase price (varies by province)

This is a stamp duty tax on the sale and is due to the provincial government. It is typically 1%, but some provinces may charge more or less, This is typically spit 50/50 between buyer & seller. The escribano would be able to check current rates.

6 . Property Appraisal Fees

Completed by an appraiser (Tasador)

Cost Varies: A property appraisal is not required but often recommended to confirm the market value of the property. Appraisal fees can range from $100 to $500 USD depending on the property. Larger land plots & commercial property operations may cost more.

7. Property Survey Fees

Completed by a a surveyor (Agrimensor)

Cost varies: A survey is often required if one hasn’t been completed in last 1-2 years. Buyer or seller could pay or split cost between the two.

Urban residential properties & most small farms: $200-$600 USD

Rural or large land plots: $500-$2,000USD

High-end or commercial projects: $2,000 USD+

8. Currency Exchange and Transfer Fees

Cost Varies: You will want to check with Western Union or for larger transactions ($5,000+) you may need consult with a money changer. Western Union will give current fees on their website. A money changer typically will exchange via bank transfer, crypto or cash exchange. Crypto transactions would typically be in USDT. Money Changer Exchange fees are typically 3-5% & change regularly. Note - bringing $10,000 USD cash or more per person/per entry requires additional paperwork with customs, so often bank transfer or USDT crypto exchange methods are favored on larger property purchases.

Summary of Potential Closing Costs:

Notary Fees: 1% - 3%

Registration Fees: 1% - 1.5%

Real Estate Agent Fees: Typically 3% for buyer

Transfer Tax: 1.5%

Stamp Duty: Typically 1%

Appraisal Fees: Typically $100 - $500 USD

Property Survey Fees: Typically $200-$600

Currency Exchange Fees: Varies but typically 3-5%

Other Misc. Fees: There are smaller fees incurred to obtain the CDI at the ARCA tax office for your tax identification #, notarizing documents & to the department of rural lands (Tierras Rurales) if purchasing rural property

Capital Gains tax of 15% applies on resale. An exemption may apply if later the property is homesteaded.

The Standard VAT Tax is 21% but is often reduced to 10.5% for new home residential construction. This does not apply to existing/used properties.

It’s always a good idea to consult with our team who can recommend an escribano familiar with foreign purchases to make sure you understand the specific costs involved in your purchase. It is important to note that in Argentina closing costs change regularly & can vary by location.

Summary

Can foreigners buy property in Argentina? Yes ✅

Do you Need to live there? No❌

What’s restricted? Rural land, border/coastal zones

Can foreigners inherit, rent, or sell? Yes ✅I

Is financing available? Rarely - most deals are cash & in USD. Wire Transfers are more common on larger property purchases

Is it legal and common to own property in Argentina Yes ✅ —many foreigners own homes, apartments, and land in Argentina

*Note the information provided here is deemed accurate as of 07/18/2025 but not guaranteed, No warranty is made, expressed or implied, regarding the accuracy, completeness or usefulness of information presented. Users of this information assume all liability for its fitness for a particular use.