Buenos Aires, Oct 04 (V7N)- Argentina has announced a new citizenship-by-investment program aimed at attracting foreign capital and wealthy international investors as President Javier Milei’s government seeks to strengthen the country’s finances and investment climate.

Economy Minister Luis Caputo and Chief of Cabinet Diego Santilli unveiled the program in Paris on Friday during Argentina Week. Applications are expected to open in the fourth quarter of 2026.

The initiative, officially called the Citizenship by Investment Program and widely described as a “golden passport” scheme, offers two routes for foreign applicants. The first requires a non-refundable contribution of $350,000 to Argentina’s National Treasury. The second involves purchasing an $800,000 government bond created specifically for the program.

Family members can also apply under the scheme. A spouse and children aged 18 to 25 who are single and have no children of their own must make a $100,000 contribution, while children under 18 can apply with a $25,000 contribution. A family consisting of an applicant, a spouse and two minor children would therefore pay $500,000 through the contribution route.

The government said all applications will undergo rigorous checks covering national security, financial integrity and transparency. Funds must pass through the formal financial system and comply with measures against money laundering and terrorist financing.

Officials said the initiative forms part of Argentina’s broader effort to open its economy to international investment and improve the investment climate. The government has also promoted large-scale investment incentives through its RIGI program.

The program comes as Argentina seeks additional foreign currency and faces substantial future foreign-currency debt obligations. The government hopes the citizenship initiative will bring new capital into the economy while supporting its broader fiscal and financial strategy.

Argentina is the first country in South America to announce a citizenship-by-investment program of this kind. The initiative is expected to attract international interest, although concerns over financial transparency, security screening and the risks associated with citizenship-for-investment programs could generate political debate.

The program is scheduled to begin accepting applications in the fourth quarter of 2026, with further implementation details expected before the application process opens.

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