Set up a company in Argentina.
Latin America’s third largest economy is in the middle of its most significant reform programme in 70 years. Standard CIT is 25–35% progressive, but the RIGI (Large Investment Incentive Regime) drops qualifying projects to 25%, and the May 2026 Super RIGI takes mega-projects to 15% — both with a 30-year stability guarantee. Vaca Muerta energy, lithium triangle, agribusiness, tech.
The standard structure for foreign investors is a Sociedad de Responsabilidad Limitada (SRL) or a Sociedad Anónima (SA), registered under Law 19,550 (the Argentine Companies Law) and the Civil and Commercial Code. For technology and startup activity, the SAS (Sociedad por Acciones Simplificada) is a faster digital alternative that can be registered in days. You draft the Articles of Association, notarise where required, register with the Inspección General de Justicia (IGJ) in Buenos Aires (or provincial commercial registry), obtain the CUIT tax identification from ARCA (the tax authority that replaced AFIP in late 2024), register for VAT, and complete social security registration with ANSES.
Standard formation takes 4 to 10 weeks end-to-end depending on entity type and shareholder origin. An SAS can be set up in 1–3 weeks. Corporate tax is progressive: 25% on the first ARS 7m of taxable income, 30% from ARS 7m to ARS 70m, and 35% above ARS 70m. VAT is 21% standard. For large projects (USD 200m+), the RIGI regime drops CIT to 25% with a 30-year stability guarantee. The new Super RIGI (announced May 2026) cuts it further to 15% for mega-projects.
Grant & Graham coordinates Argentine formations through our new São Paulo office working with senior Buenos Aires counsel. IGJ registration, CUIT, IVA, RIGI/Super RIGI scoping where applicable, banking, ANSES, ARCA compliance and ongoing accounting and statutory work — coordinated end-to-end.
25–35% progressive CIT. 25% under RIGI. 15% under Super RIGI.
Argentina’s corporate tax is progressive across three brackets. Most foreign-invested SRLs and SAs sit in the 30% or 35% top brackets. The transformative reform is RIGI — the Large Investment Incentive Regime established by Ley Bases (Law 27,742) in July 2024, providing 25% CIT, 3.5% dividend tax after year 7, accelerated depreciation, FX freedoms, and a 30-year stability guarantee for qualifying USD 200m+ projects in nine strategic sectors. The May 2026 Super RIGI takes this further: 15% CIT for mega-projects, zero export tariffs, and zero import duties on production-linked goods. RIMI provides an equivalent scaled-down regime for medium-sized MSME investments.
Other notable items: VAT (IVA) 21% standard; 10.5% reduced (basic goods, medical services, public transport, newspapers, construction); 27% higher rate on utilities to taxable entities; zero-rated on exports. Dividend WHT 7% standard (3.5% under RIGI after year 7). Progressive PIT 5–35% (7 brackets). Bank Debit and Credit Tax (Impuesto sobre los Débitos y Créditos Bancarios) 0.6%. Provincial Ingresos Brutos turnover tax 1–5%. ARCA (Agencia de Recaudación y Control Aduanero) replaced AFIP in late 2024. 25+ double taxation treaties.
Nine reasons businesses choose Argentina.
Argentina under Milei is in the middle of the most significant economic reform programme in seven decades. RIGI, Super RIGI, FX liberalisation, dramatic disinflation, and renewed institutional credibility have repositioned the country as a serious destination for long-term capital. For energy, mining, agribusiness, tech and infrastructure, the case is materially stronger than the legacy reputation suggests.
RIGI & Super RIGI
The Large Investment Incentive Regime offers 25% CIT, 3.5% dividend tax after year 7, FX freedoms, and a 30-year stability guarantee on tax, customs and FX rules for qualifying USD 200m+ projects. Super RIGI (May 2026) extends this to 15% CIT for mega-projects with zero export tariffs and zero import duties. Genuinely competitive with any global jurisdiction for large-scale capital.
Vaca Muerta & energy boom
Vaca Muerta is the world’s second-largest shale gas reserve and fourth-largest shale oil reserve. Major operators (Chevron, Shell, ExxonMobil, YPF, Tecpetrol, Vista) actively developing. Net energy exporter status reached in 2025. Multi-billion-dollar pipeline, LNG and infrastructure projects in pipeline under RIGI. Argentina is now a structural energy story, not a cyclical one.
Lithium triangle & mining
Part of the Lithium Triangle (with Chile and Bolivia) holding ~60% of global lithium resources. Argentina holds the world’s 3rd-largest lithium reserves. Major operators including Albemarle, Ganfeng, Allkem/Arcadium, POSCO active in Jujuy, Salta and Catamarca. Copper, silver, gold also significant. Mining was one of the first sectors to receive RIGI project approvals.
Agribusiness powerhouse
Top-3 global exporter of soybeans, soybean meal/oil, corn, wheat, beef. Pampa region produces world-class grain and livestock. Major commodity trading houses (Cargill, Bunge, ADM, COFCO) operate at scale. Modern agribusiness adoption (precision agriculture, biotechnology, agtech) advanced. Agro export tariffs progressively reduced under Milei reforms.
Strong tech ecosystem
Home to LatAm tech unicorns including Mercado Libre, Globant, Despegar, Auth0 (acquired by Okta), Bitfarms. UBA, ITBA, Universidad de San Andrés produce world-class engineering talent. Cost-competitive tech salaries (50–70% below US equivalents). Buenos Aires is one of the largest tech ecosystems in Latin America by VC funding.
Reform momentum & institutional credibility
Milei’s party won the October 2025 mid-term elections with 40%+ of the vote, consolidating the reform mandate. Country risk has fallen sharply (near 500 on the Fitch index in 2026, down from 2,000+ pre-reform). FX controls largely lifted. Fiscal surplus achieved. Inflation down from 211% in 2024 to ~30% projected 2026. The reform trajectory is real and measurable.
FX liberalisation
The cepo (FX controls) largely dismantled under Milei. Free convertibility for most commercial transactions. Repatriation of dividends substantially simplified. Multiple exchange rates collapsed toward a unified market. RIGI projects receive explicit FX freedoms including unrestricted export proceeds and dividend repatriation rights. This is the single largest improvement for foreign investors in 20 years.
SAS — digital startup vehicle
Sociedad por Acciones Simplificada introduced in 2017 specifically for startups and SMEs. Online registration, single shareholder permitted, low minimum capital, simplified governance. Can be incorporated in 1–3 weeks. The vehicle of choice for early-stage tech businesses, founders, and SaaS operations. Materially faster than an SA or SRL.
Educated, Spanish-language workforce
Argentina has one of the highest tertiary education rates in Latin America. Public universities are free and produce strong engineering, medical, scientific and creative talent. Spanish-language workforce gives access to the broader LatAm market (650m+ Spanish speakers). English proficiency in Buenos Aires business community is among the highest in the region.
Eight legal structures — one usually fits.
For most foreign investors, the SRL (private limited) or SA (corporation) is the standard. The SAS is the modern fast-track vehicle for startups and tech. RIGI investors typically use a dedicated SPV (usually an SA) registered specifically to access RIGI benefits. Branches and rep offices have specific narrow use cases.
Sociedad de Responsabilidad Limitada
The most common structure for foreign-invested operating companies. Minimum 2 and maximum 50 quotaholders. Minimum capital ARS 100,000 (~USD 90, nominal). Quotas not freely transferable to third parties without consent. Simpler than an SA but more flexible than a partnership. Suited to most commercial operations, traders, services.
Sociedad Anónima
The most flexible structure for larger operations, multiple shareholders, and capital raising. Minimum capital ARS 30,000,000 (raised from ARS 100,000 in 2024). Minimum 2 shareholders, 1 director. Statutory auditor required above certain thresholds. Used for larger operations, JVs, RIGI/Super RIGI SPVs, and pre-listing entities.
Sociedad por Acciones Simplificada
Introduced in 2017 specifically for startups and SMEs. Single shareholder permitted. Minimum capital just 2x current minimum wage (effectively nominal). Online registration in 1–3 weeks. Simplified governance. Can issue different classes of shares and convertible notes. The vehicle of choice for tech startups, SaaS, fintech, edtech.
RIGI-Dedicated SA
RIGI investors typically establish a dedicated single-purpose SA (a VPU – Vehículo de Proyecto Único) to hold the qualifying project. Each VPU is a separate legal entity, with full RIGI tax / customs / FX benefits applied at the project level. Required for the 30-year stability guarantee to attach. Standard for energy, mining, infrastructure mega-projects.
Branch Office
Branch of a foreign company conducting business in Argentina. Must register with the IGJ before commencing operations. Taxed at the same progressive 25/30/35% rates on Argentine-source income. Branch profit remittance treated as a deemed dividend (7% WHT). Use cases narrow — an SRL or SA subsidiary is almost always preferable.
Representative Office
Foreign company representation only. Cannot generate revenue or sign binding commercial contracts. Limited to market research, parent company liaison, networking, promotional activities. Lower setup cost than branch or SA. Used by groups wanting to explore the Argentine market before committing to a full subsidiary.
General / Limited Partnerships
Rarely used by foreign investors. General partners face unlimited personal liability. Limited partnership (SCS) permits silent investors with capped exposure. Suited only to specific professional services or family-business contexts. Not recommended as a primary FDI vehicle.
Talk to us first
SRL for most operating companies. SA for larger structures. SAS for tech startups (fast and digital). RIGI SPV (SA) for mega-projects with 30-year stability needs. Branch only where parent-level booking is structurally necessary. Rep office for market exploration.
Book a call →From decision to live entity.
The end-to-end registration sequence for a standard Argentine SRL in Buenos Aires, coordinated by Grant & Graham and senior local counsel. SRL typically 6–10 weeks; SAS 1–3 weeks; SA 8–12 weeks; RIGI/Super RIGI structures longer due to additional regulatory layers.
Structure & location
SRL, SA, SAS, branch or RIGI VPU. Operating city — Buenos Aires (commercial centre, finance, government), Córdoba (industrial, agritech, automotive), Rosario (agribusiness commodity hub), Mendoza (wine, mining, tourism), Neuquén (Vaca Muerta energy hub). RIGI/Super RIGI qualification scoping if project is USD 200m+ in a covered sector.
Name reservation
Reserve the company name with the IGJ (in CABA) or the relevant provincial commercial registry (Dirección Provincial de Personas Jurídicas in each province). The name must comply with the Companies Law and not be confusingly similar to existing entities. Reservation typically resolved within 3–5 business days.
Articles of Association & notarisation
Draft the Estatuto / Contrato Social in Spanish (Articles of Association). Define purpose, share/quota structure, directors, registered office, governance, dividend policy. For SAs and SRLs above certain thresholds, articles must be executed before a public notary (Escribano Público). For SAS, simplified online process via the IGJ TAD platform. Foreign shareholder/director documents must be apostilled in country of origin and translated by a public translator.
Capital deposit
Deposit at least 25% of the subscribed share capital into a Banco Nación account (for SAs) or transferred to the company under the founder declaration (for SRLs/SAS). Remaining 75% payable within 2 years. The bank deposit certificate is required documentation for the IGJ filing. SAS uses simplified capital regime.
IGJ (or provincial) registration
File the incorporation package with the Inspección General de Justicia in Buenos Aires (CABA), or with the relevant provincial Dirección de Personas Jurídicas for entities outside CABA. Articles, founder declarations, director acceptances, capital deposit certificate, registered office proof, payment of registration fees. Certificate of Registration typically issued in 3–6 weeks for SRL/SA, 1–2 weeks for SAS.
IGJ →CUIT & tax registrations (ARCA)
Apply for the Clave Única de Identificación Tributaria (CUIT) at ARCA (Agencia de Recaudación y Control Aduanero, which replaced AFIP in late 2024). Register for Ganancias (income tax) and IVA (VAT) where applicable. Register for the Bank Debit and Credit Tax and provincial Ingresos Brutos turnover tax. Set up Clave Fiscal (the digital tax credentials).
ARCA →Bank account opening
Open the company’s permanent corporate bank account at an Argentine bank (Banco Galicia, BBVA, Santander, HSBC, Banco Nación, Macro). KYC including beneficial ownership disclosure, foreign shareholder identification documents (apostilled and translated), Articles, IGJ Certificate, CUIT. Peso and USD accounts opened simultaneously. FX procedures meaningfully simpler since the 2024 reforms.
RIGI / Super RIGI application (if applicable)
For qualifying USD 200m+ projects (RIGI) or mega-projects (Super RIGI), submit the project application to the relevant approval authority. Documentation: business plan, investment schedule, sector classification, environmental and social commitments. Approval unlocks the 25%/15% CIT rate, 30-year stability, FX freedoms, customs/VAT benefits. Typically a 3–6 month additional process.
ANSES & labour registration
Register with ANSES (Administración Nacional de la Seguridad Social) for social security as employer. Employer social charges range 24–26% of gross salary (with reductions available under specific incentive schemes). Register with the Superintendencia de Riesgos del Trabajo for occupational accident insurance. Set up Sueldos en Línea or equivalent payroll system.
ANSES →Ongoing tax & statutory compliance
Monthly IVA returns. Monthly Ingresos Brutos returns. Annual Ganancias (income tax) return within 5 months of fiscal year-end. Quarterly anticipos (advance income tax payments). Annual financial statements filed with IGJ. Annual ARCA disclosures including Beneficial Ownership Register. Mandatory external audit for SAs above specific thresholds and most listed entities. Transfer pricing documentation for cross-border related-party transactions.
What it costs to incorporate & run.
All figures are indicative for a standard SRL in Buenos Aires (CABA) with one foreign corporate shareholder. Argentina is mid-complexity by LatAm standards. SA structures cost more (higher minimum capital, statutory auditor, more onerous IGJ filings). SAS is materially faster and cheaper. Notary, public translator and apostille costs are real and need budgeting.
One-time setup
SAS materially cheaper at €2,500–4,500 and faster (1–3 weeks). SA setup €5,500–9,500 (higher minimum capital and statutory complexity). RIGI VPU structures add €8,000–15,000 for application support and project approval coordination, but unlock the 25%/15% CIT regime and 30-year stability.
Ongoing monthly / annual
External audit mandatory for all SAs above ARS thresholds and listed entities. Transfer pricing documentation required for cross-border related-party transactions above thresholds. Beneficial Ownership Register annual disclosure (introduced 2022).
Get an estimate in 30 seconds.
Three quick questions. We will give you a realistic cost range and timeline for your situation, and route the answers straight into a fixed-price quote request.
Which company structure are you considering?
How is the shareholding structured?
What do you need from us?
The legal framework to know.
A summary of the core legislation governing companies in Argentina. Substantive work delivered through Grant & Graham and senior Argentine legal, tax and accounting counsel in Buenos Aires.
Corporate Law
- Companies Law (Ley General de Sociedades) Ley 19,550
- Civil and Commercial Code (Código Civil y Comercial)
- SAS Law Ley 27,349 (2017)
- Ley Bases & RIGI Ley 27,742 (2024)
Tax Law
- Income Tax Law (Ley de Impuesto a las Ganancias)
- VAT Law (Ley de IVA) Ley 23,349
- Tax Procedure Law Ley 11,683
- RIGI & Super RIGI regulations
Employment Law
- Employment Contract Law Ley 20,744
- Labour Reform under Ley Bases (2024)
- Social Security Law
- Occupational Health & Safety Law Ley 19,587
Data Protection
- Personal Data Protection Law Ley 25,326
- EU adequacy decision since 2003
- AAIP (Agencia de Acceso a la Información Pública)
Foreign Exchange & FDI
- BCRA Communications (FX regulation)
- Foreign Investment Law Ley 21,382
- RIGI FX freedoms (Ley Bases)
- Capital Markets Law Ley 26,831
Intellectual Property
- Trademark Law Ley 22,362
- Patent Law Ley 24,481
- Copyright Law Ley 11,723
- INPI (Instituto Nacional de la Propiedad Industrial)
Argentina, answered.
Four steps from enquiry to live entity.
Discovery call
30-minute conversation to understand your business, sector, RIGI/Super RIGI eligibility, structure preference (SRL/SA/SAS/VPU), city, foreign investment threshold and tax position. Honest assessment of fit.
Recommendation
Senior advisory on the right structure, city, registered capital, resident director arrangements, RIGI strategy where applicable, banking partner. Fixed quote in EUR or USD.
End-to-end formation
IGJ or provincial registration, notarisation, capital deposit, CUIT/ARCA, IVA, ANSES, banking, RIGI application where applicable. São Paulo-coordinated, executed through senior counsel in Buenos Aires.
Ongoing support
Retained accounting, monthly IVA, monthly Ingresos Brutos, payroll, ANSES, quarterly anticipos, annual Ganancias return, IGJ financial statements, statutory audit if applicable, transfer pricing, beneficial ownership.
Ready to incorporate in Argentina?
Tell us in 25 minutes what you need. We will tell you honestly whether Argentina is the right fit, whether RIGI or Super RIGI unlocks meaningful economics for your project, which structure makes sense (SRL, SA, SAS, RIGI VPU), and which city — then handle the setup end-to-end through senior Buenos Aires counsel coordinated from our São Paulo office.