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Argentina
Argentina, located in South America, is known for its vast landscapes, from the Andes mountains to the Pampas grasslands. Culturally, it's a fusion of European, especially Italian and Spanish, and Indigenous influences, which is evident in its tango music, literature by figures like Jorge Luis Borges, and cuisine like asado (barbecue). Spanish is the official language, with a distinctive accent.
Economically, Argentina has faced numerous ups and downs, with a history of economic crises, inflation, and debt restructuring. It's famous for its beef production, agriculture, and more recently, its burgeoning tech sector in cities like Buenos Aires. Despite economic challenges, Argentina boasts a high literacy rate and a strong educational system.
Politically, it has oscillated between Peronist and more conservative governments, with debates often centering around economic policy, social welfare, and regional disparities. Its natural attractions include Patagonia, Iguazu Falls, and the vibrant city life of Buenos Aires.
last updated on Jan 02, 2025
Taxes
Individual tax rate: Low to Moderate
Argentina employs a progressive tax system for individuals, with rates ranging from 5% to 35% depending on income levels. For fiscal year 2024, a "cedular regime" was introduced for high-income earners, where salaries above a certain threshold are taxed at rates between 27% and 35%. Residents are taxed on their worldwide income, while non-residents are only taxed on Argentine-source income. The system is complex, with numerous deductions available, but the frequent changes in tax legislation and the need for detailed income reporting can be challenging. Inflation and economic instability also complicate tax planning.
Challenges: Moderate to High, due to the complexity of the tax system, frequent legislative changes, and the impact of economic conditions.
Source: Argentine Federal Administration of Public Revenues (AFIP)
Corporate tax rate: Low to Moderate
Corporations in Argentina face a Corporate Income Tax (CIT) with rates varying based on income levels: 25% for the first tier, then increasing to 30% and 35% for higher brackets. There are also numerous local taxes, like the Minimum Presumed Income Tax, which companies must navigate. Tax incentives exist for certain sectors or in specific regions, but the overall tax burden, combined with a complex regulatory environment, can be daunting. Compliance with multiple tax obligations and understanding how to leverage tax benefits or treaties requires specialized knowledge.
Challenges: High, primarily because of the intricate nature of tax laws, the burden of multiple taxes, and the need for expert tax advice.
Source: Argentine Federal Administration of Public Revenues (AFIP)
Crypto friendly: Moderate
Argentina has shown a relatively welcoming stance towards cryptocurrencies, with no specific prohibition but also no clear regulatory framework. Profits from crypto are subject to capital gains tax at a 15% rate. The Central Bank has taken steps to regulate crypto exchanges to prevent money laundering, but there's a lack of comprehensive legislation that could provide investor clarity. This regulatory ambiguity makes the environment somewhat volatile, with potential for sudden policy shifts. The use of crypto for transactions is increasing, particularly as a hedge against inflation, but the lack of legal tender status and banking integration poses challenges.
Challenges: Moderate to High, due to the regulatory uncertainty, potential for abrupt policy changes, and the need for crypto users to navigate tax implications.
Bank account friendly: Moderate
Opening a bank account in Argentina for foreigners can be challenging, requiring a DNI (National Identity Document) for residents or a passport for non-residents. Banks often demand proof of address, employment, or income, and for non-residents, the process might involve more paperwork or restrictions on account types. With Argentina's history of economic volatility, there's also caution from banks regarding foreign accounts due to currency controls and anti-money laundering regulations. The process can be bureaucratic, and language barriers might affect non-Spanish speakers.
Challenges: Moderate, due to documentation requirements, economic regulations, and potential language issues.
Source: Argentine Banking Association
Visas
Investor Visa: Easy to Moderate
The Investor Visa in Argentina requires a minimum investment of ARS 1,500,000 in any lawful business activity. It grants temporary residency for one year, renewable for up to three years, with the possibility of permanent residency after two years of holding the visa. Applicants must present a business plan, prove the legality and source of funds, and show that the investment will benefit Argentina's economy. Challenges include navigating Argentine bureaucracy, ensuring the investment is viable and legally compliant, and dealing with economic instability which might affect investment value.
Challenges: Moderate, due to regulatory compliance and economic unpredictability.
Source: National Directorate of Migration, Argentina
Digital Nomad Visa: n/a
Argentina does not have a specific digital nomad visa but offers a "Rentista Visa" for those who can prove a regular income from abroad, typically around ARS 30,000 monthly. This visa provides temporary residency for one year, renewable. The challenge is the lack of a dedicated digital nomad program, meaning applicants must fit into existing visa categories, which might not perfectly suit their lifestyle or work situation. Proof of income and understanding the visa's renewal requirements are key hurdles.
Challenges: Moderate, as there's no tailored visa, requiring adaptation to existing options with their own set of conditions.
Source: National Directorate of Migration, Argentina
Marriage Visa: Easy to Moderate
This visa is for foreigners married to an Argentine citizen or permanent resident. Documentation includes a marriage certificate, proof of cohabitation, and sometimes a criminal record check. It grants temporary residency, which can be converted to permanent after two years of marriage. The challenge lies in ensuring the marriage is legally recognized in Argentina, dealing with potential scrutiny for marriages of convenience, and navigating the paperwork.
Challenges: Easy to Moderate, with the primary challenges being legal recognition and documentation.
Source: National Directorate of Migration, Argentina
Visitor Visa: Easy to Moderate
For tourism, a visitor visa isn't required for many nationalities for stays up to 90 days. For others, a visa must be obtained in advance, requiring a valid passport, proof of sufficient funds, and travel itinerary. Extending the stay beyond 90 days involves additional bureaucracy. Challenges include understanding visa-exempt countries, managing the application process for those requiring visas, and dealing with potential extensions.
Challenges: Easy, for visa-exempt countries; Moderate for others due to the application process and extension complexities.
Source: Argentine Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Student Visa: Easy to Moderate
Issued to those accepted into Argentine educational institutions, this visa requires proof of admission, financial support, and sometimes health checks. It's valid for the study period with options for part-time work under certain conditions. Challenges include securing admission, proving financial solvency, and navigating the application process, which can be bureaucratic, especially for non-Spanish speakers.
Challenges: Moderate, due to the need for institutional acceptance, financial proof, and language barriers.
Source: National Directorate of Migration, Argentina
Work Visa: Moderate to Hard
Requires a job offer from an Argentine employer who must justify hiring a foreigner. The visa's duration aligns with the employment contract, with possibilities for renewal. Documentation includes a work contract, proof of qualifications, and sometimes a police certificate. Challenges involve employer sponsorship, ensuring compliance with labor laws, and the application process, which can be lengthy and unpredictable due to economic and political factors.
Challenges: Moderate to Hard, because of the need for employer support, legal compliance, and administrative delays.
Source: National Directorate of Migration, Argentina
Economy and Business
Property Ownership: Moderate to Hard
Argentina scores moderately in global property rights indices like the International Property Rights Index, reflecting a legal framework that supports property ownership, though with complexities. Foreigners can own property with few restrictions, but near borders or in rural areas, there are more stringent regulations. The property market has been affected by economic volatility, including high inflation rates, which can impact property values and mortgage availability. Legal title issues can also occur, requiring careful due diligence.
Challenges: Moderate to Hard, due to economic instability affecting property values, legal complexities, and bureaucratic processes in property registration.
Source: International Property Rights Index
Payment friendly: Moderate
Argentina has seen an increase in digital payment solutions, with platforms like MercadoPago becoming popular, especially amidst economic fluctuations. However, cash remains significant due to distrust in the banking system following past economic crises. The Global Findex indicates improving financial inclusion, but challenges include high inflation rates leading to rapid devaluation of currency, which affects trust in digital transactions. The country also faces issues with international payment systems due to currency controls.
Challenges: Moderate, as while digital payments are growing, economic conditions and public trust in financial systems remain significant hurdles.
Source: World Bank's Global Findex Database
Economy: Bad
Argentina's economy is ranked variably in global indices like the Global Competitiveness Index, with strengths in education and market size but weaknesses in macroeconomic stability, notably due to hyperinflation, debt issues, and frequent economic crises. The country's economic performance is often influenced by commodity prices, particularly soy and beef exports. Challenges include managing inflation, reducing economic volatility, and fostering sustainable growth amidst political changes and policy shifts.
Challenges: Hard, due to the complexity of economic reforms, ongoing inflation issues, and the need for stable governance.
Source: World Economic Forum's Global Competitiveness Index
Business friendly: Moderate
Argentina faces challenges in being business-friendly, as reflected in the World Bank's Doing Business report. The business environment is hampered by bureaucratic red tape, complex tax systems, and frequent policy changes. While there are incentives in specific sectors, the overall climate is affected by economic instability, which impacts investor confidence. The process of starting and operating a business can be lengthy and requires navigating through a maze of regulations.
Challenges: Hard, primarily because of bureaucratic complexity, economic unpredictability, and the need for navigating a challenging regulatory environment.
Source: World Bank's Doing Business Report
Affordability: Moderate
Despite economic challenges, Argentina can be relatively affordable in terms of daily living costs, particularly outside major cities like Buenos Aires. However, the high inflation rate significantly affects affordability, especially for goods and services that are not locally produced. According to indices like Mercer's Cost of Living Survey, while basic services might be cheaper, the cost of living can fluctuate wildly with economic conditions. Disparities exist between urban and rural areas, and the value of income can diminish rapidly due to inflation.
Challenges: Moderate, with affordability highly dependent on economic stability, regional differences, and the rapid change in purchasing power due to inflation.
Source: Mercer's Cost of Living Survey
Communications and Technology
Internet: Improving
Argentina has experienced improvements in internet infrastructure, but its speeds vary significantly by region. According to the Speedtest Global Index, Argentina ranks moderately for both fixed broadband and mobile internet speeds within Latin America. Urban centers like Buenos Aires can access high-speed internet, with some providers offering fiber-optic connections, but rural areas often lag behind with slower speeds or less reliable service. Economic factors can affect the affordability and quality of internet services, leading to disparities. The challenge includes bridging the digital divide between urban and rural areas and managing the impact of economic conditions on infrastructure investment.
Challenges: Moderate, due to regional disparities and economic influences on service quality and affordability.
Source: Speedtest Global Index
Communication: Moderate
Spanish is the official language in Argentina, characterized by its distinctive Rioplatense accent, particularly in Buenos Aires, with unique slang like "lunfardo." For non-Spanish speakers, this can pose a challenge, as English is not widely spoken outside business, tourism, or educated circles. There are also indigenous languages like Mapudungun and Quechua, but these are not commonly used in daily life. The difficulty lies in adapting to local Spanish variations and the limited use of English, which can affect social integration and business dealings.
Challenges: Moderate to Hard, due to the need to learn Spanish, particularly the local dialect, and the limited prevalence of English.
Source: Ethnologue: Languages of the World
Phone friendly: Moderate
Argentina's mobile network coverage is extensive, with operators like Claro, Movistar, and Personal providing 4G services and beginning to deploy 5G in urban areas. Acquiring a SIM card is relatively straightforward for visitors, requiring just a passport for prepaid plans. However, understanding service plans, dealing with customer service in Spanish, and managing international roaming costs can be challenging. Rural areas might face connectivity issues, and the economic situation influences the cost and reliability of services.
Challenges: Easy to Moderate, as while getting a phone line is simple, language barriers, understanding local telecom practices, and coverage disparities present some challenges.
Source: GSMA Intelligence
Social, Safety and Politics
Progressive: Moderate
Argentina has been at the forefront of cultural progressiveness in Latin America, with early adoption of laws supporting same-sex marriage, gender identity, and progressive abortion rights. There's a strong cultural scene in Buenos Aires, known for its theater, literature, and art, which often reflects these progressive values. However, outside urban centers, traditional values can be more prevalent, creating a cultural dichotomy. Challenges include reconciling urban progressiveness with rural conservatism, addressing indigenous rights, and ensuring that progressive policies are not just urban-centric but reach all segments of society.
Challenges: Moderate to High, due to cultural divides and the need for broader implementation of progressive policies.
Source: World Values Survey
Religions: Less than 5
Roman Catholicism is the predominant religion, with about 66% of the population identifying as Catholic, though this number has been decreasing. Protestantism, especially Evangelical Christianity, has seen growth. There's also a notable secular movement, with a significant portion of the population identifying as non-religious. Indigenous spiritual practices exist but are less visible. Religion influences social policies and cultural practices, but there's a growing tension between secularism and traditional religious values, particularly in debates around social issues like abortion and marriage equality.
Challenges: Easy to Moderate, as while Catholicism is dominant, the shift towards secularism and the religious diversity require understanding and dialogue.
Source: Pew Research Center
Safety: Moderate
Argentina generally ranks better than many Latin American countries in global safety indices like the Global Peace Index, but it still faces issues with crime, particularly in urban areas like Buenos Aires where petty theft and muggings occur. Economic crises can exacerbate crime. Safety varies by region, with Patagonia considered safer than the northern provinces. Challenges include reducing urban crime, addressing economic factors that contribute to crime, and ensuring consistent law enforcement across the country.
Challenges: Moderate, with regional disparities and economic influences on crime rates.
Source: Global Peace Index
Political Stability: Moderate
Argentina's political stability is challenged by frequent economic crises, high inflation, and policy swings between Peronist and non-Peronist governments. The political landscape is often polarized, with significant public protests reflecting dissatisfaction with economic management and governance. However, the country maintains democratic processes, with regular elections. The challenge lies in achieving economic stability, reducing political polarization, and ensuring governance that can address long-term issues rather than just immediate crises.
Challenges: Moderate to High, due to economic volatility, political polarization, and the need for sustained policy implementation.
Source: The Economist Intelligence Unit's Democracy Index
Corruption: Moderate
Argentina scores moderately on Transparency International's Corruption Perceptions Index, indicating a perception of significant corruption, especially in politics and public administration. High-profile corruption cases have often dominated headlines, and there's a public demand for reform. Challenges include implementing effective anti-corruption measures, increasing transparency, and building trust in institutions amidst economic and political instability.
Challenges: High, as corruption is a systemic issue requiring deep reforms and consistent enforcement.
Source: Transparency International's Corruption Perceptions Index
Friendliness: High
Argentines are known for their hospitality and warmth, particularly in social settings and during cultural events like tango festivals. This friendliness is reflected in Argentina's scores in the InterNations Expat Insider Survey. However, like any country, experiences can vary; urban life can be less personal due to the pace, and language barriers might initially hinder friendliness for foreigners. Cultural norms around social interaction, such as the importance of personal space or directness in communication, can also influence perceptions of friendliness.
Challenges: Easy to Moderate, as while Argentines are generally welcoming, cultural and language differences might present initial challenges.
Source: InterNations Expat Insider Survey
Education
Average education: High literacy
Argentina boasts a high literacy rate, around 99%, which is among the highest in Latin America, according to UNESCO data. The country has a strong tradition of valuing education, with education being free and compulsory through secondary school. However, there are disparities in educational quality between public and private sectors, and regional differences are significant. Argentina performs around the OECD average in international tests like PISA, but challenges include improving educational outcomes in science and math, reducing dropout rates, particularly in secondary education, and addressing the impact of economic crises on educational funding and quality.
Challenges: Moderate to High, due to quality disparities, economic impacts, and the need for educational reform.
Source: UNESCO Institute for Statistics
International Schools: Moderate
Argentina has several international schools, mainly in Buenos Aires, offering curricula like the International Baccalaureate, American, or British systems. These schools cater to expatriate families and affluent locals, providing high-quality education but at a high cost, which limits broader access. Challenges include ensuring consistent educational standards, the concentration of these schools in urban areas, and the affordability for middle and lower-income families. There's also the task of integrating international curricula with local cultural contexts while maintaining global educational standards.
Challenges: Moderate to High, due to financial barriers, geographical concentration, and the need for cultural integration in education.
Source: International Schools Database
Technological expertise: Developing
Argentina has a growing tech sector, particularly in software development, biotechnology, and IT services, with cities like Buenos Aires becoming tech hubs. The Global Innovation Index recognizes Argentina's efforts in innovation, especially in human capital and research. However, challenges include fostering a broader innovation culture outside major urban centers, dealing with economic instability affecting R&D investment, and ensuring that technological advances benefit all sectors of society. There's also the need to increase collaboration between academia and industry to translate research into practical applications.
Challenges: Moderate, as while there's a notable tech scene, there's work to be done in spreading technological advancements and ensuring sustained investment in innovation amidst economic fluctuations.
Source: World Intellectual Property Organization's Global Innovation Index
Health
Seasons: 4 seasons
Argentina's seasons are reversed compared to the Northern Hemisphere, with summer occurring from December to February, autumn from March to May, winter from June to August, and spring from September to November. The climate varies significantly across the country; the north experiences hot, humid summers and mild winters, while the central Pampas region has temperate weather with distinct seasons. Patagonia in the south has cooler summers and cold, windy winters. Buenos Aires, the capital, is known for its hot, humid summers and cool, wet winters. Challenges include managing seasonal weather extremes, particularly in agriculture, and coping with the impact of climate change, which can alter traditional seasonal patterns.
Challenges: Moderate, due to regional weather variations and increasing climatic unpredictability.
Source: National Meteorological Service of Argentina
Fitness: Moderate
Argentina has a culture that values sports, particularly football, which is part of the national identity. However, the country faces significant challenges with obesity, with rates on the rise, as noted by the Global Obesity Observatory. Socioeconomic disparities influence fitness levels, with urban centers offering more facilities for physical activity than rural areas. The diet, rich in meat and increasing in processed foods, contributes to health issues. Public health campaigns aim to promote fitness and healthier eating habits, but cultural dietary preferences and economic constraints pose hurdles.
Challenges: Moderate to High, due to the increasing obesity rates, socio-economic barriers to fitness, and cultural dietary habits.
Source: Global Obesity Observatory
Pollution: High
Argentina's performance in global pollution indices like the Environmental Performance Index shows mixed results. Air quality in cities like Buenos Aires can be a concern due to traffic and industrial emissions, though not as severe as in some other major Latin American cities. Water pollution is significant in areas with industrial activity or poor sewage treatment. The challenge is in balancing economic development with environmental protection, addressing deforestation, particularly in sensitive ecosystems, and improving waste management. There's also the issue of agricultural impact on water quality and soil degradation.
Challenges: High, as managing pollution involves complex issues like urban growth, industrial regulation, and sustainable agricultural practices.
Source: Environmental Performance Index
Healthcare: Moderate
Argentina's healthcare system, with both public and private sectors, ranks moderately in global health indices like the Bloomberg Health-Efficiency Index. Public healthcare through the National Health System provides broad coverage, but it often struggles with funding and resources, leading to disparities in care quality. Private healthcare exists but is costly, limiting access for many. Challenges include improving the efficiency and quality of public healthcare, reducing regional disparities, managing chronic diseases amidst an aging population, and dealing with economic impacts on healthcare funding.
Challenges: Moderate to High, due to the dual system issues, economic constraints affecting public health, and the need for equitable healthcare distribution.
Source: Bloomberg Health-Efficiency Index
Diversity
Food diversity: Highly diverse
Argentina's culinary landscape is incredibly diverse, influenced by its Indigenous heritage, European immigration (particularly from Italy and Spain), and more recent global influences. The country is famous for its "asado" or barbecue, showcasing its beef-centric culture, but there's much more to Argentine cuisine. Regional specialties include dishes like empanadas, locro (a hearty stew), and milanesa. There's also a growing appreciation for Indigenous ingredients and cooking techniques, alongside a vibrant scene for international cuisines in urban centers like Buenos Aires. The challenge lies in preserving traditional cooking methods and ingredients amidst a globalized food culture, ensuring sustainable agricultural practices, and addressing dietary health issues, particularly with the rise of processed foods.
Challenges: Moderate, due to the balance between maintaining culinary traditions and adapting to modern dietary trends, alongside environmental and health considerations.
Source: World Food Travel Association
Ethnics diversity: Moderate
Argentina's ethnic composition has been shaped by waves of immigration, predominantly from Europe in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, leading to a predominantly White population of European descent. Indigenous groups like the Mapuche, Guarani, and others continue to exist, though their numbers have significantly reduced due to historical assimilation policies. There are also smaller communities of African, Asian, and Middle Eastern descent. However, the recognition and integration of Indigenous peoples remain challenging, with issues of marginalization, cultural preservation, and rights acknowledgment. The narrative of Argentina as a "melting pot" often overshadows the need for multicultural policies that respect and include all ethnic groups, particularly in terms of representation and cultural preservation.
Challenges: Moderate to High, due to the historical marginalization of Indigenous peoples, the need for cultural recognition, and ensuring equity across diverse ethnic groups in a society that has long emphasized European heritage.
Source: Argentine National Institute of Statistics and Censuses (INDEC)