Want an Argentine passport? Soon, there could be a price for that.

Argentina has announced plans to launch South America’s first citizenship-by-investment program, allowing wealthy foreigners to obtain Argentine citizenship in exchange for a major financial contribution.

Applications are expected to open before the end of 2026.

And the starting price?

US$350,000.

Two Ways to Qualify

Under the new program, foreigners will have two main options:

Make a US$350,000 non-refundable contribution directly to Argentina’s Treasury.

Or invest US$800,000 in Argentine government bonds, which must be held for seven years.

The program is being introduced by President Javier Milei’s government as part of a broader push to attract foreign money and investment into Argentina.

Family members can also be included — for an additional price.

A spouse and unmarried children between 18 and 25 can apply by contributing another US$100,000 each, while children under 18 can be included for US$25,000 each.

Officials say a family of four could pay around US$500,000 through the contribution option.

Why Would Someone Pay $350,000 for an Argentine Passport?

Argentina’s passport is surprisingly powerful.

Argentine citizens can travel to more than 140 countries without obtaining a visa in advance, including much of Europe and Latin America.

Citizens also have freedom of movement advantages throughout the Mercosur region.

For wealthy people from countries with more restrictive passports, Argentine citizenship could therefore offer significantly greater international mobility.

And unlike many so-called “golden visa” programs that simply provide residency, Argentina’s proposal would offer actual citizenship.

Argentina Wants the Dollars

There’s another reason Argentina is doing this: money.

The country faces nearly US$25 billion in foreign-currency debt payments in 2027, and Milei’s government has been searching for ways to attract more dollars into the economy.

Advisers involved with the program estimate it could eventually generate as much as US$2.5 billion if enough people apply.

The program isn’t without controversy.

Citizenship-for-investment schemes around the world have faced criticism over potential money laundering, corruption and whether citizenship should essentially be available for purchase.

Argentina says applicants will undergo background checks, including reviews of their criminal histories and the source of their money.

Still, the idea represents a pretty dramatic shift.

Argentina — a country built by generations of immigrants — is preparing to open a completely different path to becoming Argentine.

No years of residency. No waiting decades. Just a very, very expensive application. 🇦🇷💰