Best Residence by Investment Lawyers in Córdoba

About Residence by Investment Law in Córdoba, Argentina

Argentina does not operate a single national "golden visa" program with fixed monetary thresholds like some countries. Instead, residency in Argentina - including in the province of Córdoba - is governed by national immigration rules administered by the Dirección Nacional de Migraciones and by administrative and fiscal requirements that vary by province. Foreigners who make a bona fide investment in Argentina can seek temporary or permanent residency by demonstrating economic activity, business creation, capital transfer, property acquisition, or other investments that show ties to the country and lawful source of funds.

In practice this means an investor may apply for residency after establishing a business, buying property, or otherwise investing funds in Argentina and providing the documentation required by migration authorities. Provincial authorities in Córdoba will also have registration, tax and regulatory requirements for businesses, property transactions and permits. Because requirements and procedures involve both national immigration law and local administrative rules, many investors work with local lawyers and advisors to prepare a compliant application and to structure the investment in the most advantageous way.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

Residency-by-investment matters typically touch immigration, corporate, tax, real-estate and administrative law. A lawyer can help in several common situations:

- Determining the best residency path for your circumstances - temporary residency, permanent residency, investor or business categories, or family reunification options.

- Structuring the investment to meet legal and tax goals - creating an Argentine company, choosing the right corporate form, drafting shareholder agreements, or establishing a branch or subsidiary.

- Preparing and verifying documentation - ensuring passports, criminal background certificates, translations into Spanish, apostilles and proof of funds meet migration and notarial standards.

- Handling property transactions - review of purchase contracts, due diligence on titles, coordinating with an escribano publico (notary) and local property registry.

- Navigating tax and social security consequences - explaining when you become a tax resident, tax obligations in Argentina and interactions with your home country, and advising on double taxation treaties if applicable.

- Managing administrative filings and compliance - registering with AFIP for tax IDs, registering a company with the provincial registry, handling permits and municipal requirements.

- Representing you before migration authorities and courts if there are delays, denials or appeals.

Local Laws Overview

Key legal elements to understand for residency-by-investment in Córdoba include:

- National immigration framework - The Dirección Nacional de Migraciones administers temporary and permanent residency permits. Applications typically require proof of identity, clean criminal records, proof of lawful source of funds and documentation evidencing the investment or economic activity.

- Residency categories - Common categories are residencia temporaria (temporary residency) and residencia permanente (permanent residency). Economic activity, investment and business creation can support applications in either category - depending on specific facts and timing.

- Provincial corporate and commercial rules - If you form a company or invest in a business in Córdoba you must comply with the provincial public registries and regulations. Companies typically register with the relevant provincial registry - for Córdoba this includes the Inspección General de Personas Jurídicas or the Registro Público competente.

- Property law and notary practice - Property purchases in Córdoba require due diligence, a contract and formal deed executed by an escribano publico and registration in the Registro de la Propiedad Inmueble de la Provincia de Córdoba.

- Tax residency and obligations - Argentina treats individuals as tax residents when they spend more than 183 days in a calendar year in Argentina or when their center of vital interests is in Argentina. Tax residents are generally taxed on worldwide income. You will need a local tax identification number (CUIT or CUIL) and to register with AFIP for business or personal tax obligations.

- Reporting and anti-money-laundering - Authorities expect clear documentation of the source of funds and compliance with AML rules. Bank account openings, large transfers and property purchases require transparent documentation.

- Labor and employment law - If your investment involves hiring employees in Córdoba, Argentine labor law and social security rules apply and are strongly protective of employees. Employment contracts, payroll, registrations and benefits must be handled correctly.

Frequently Asked Questions

What kinds of investments can support a residency application in Córdoba?

There is no single list of accepted investments, but common routes include creating or investing in an Argentinian company that produces economic activity in Córdoba, purchasing real estate, or transferring capital to be used in a local business. The key factors are that the investment is lawful, well-documented, shows economic ties to Argentina and that you can evidence the legal source of funds.

Is there a minimum investment amount required?

Argentina does not publish a uniform national minimum amount for residency-by-investment. Authorities will evaluate the size and substance of the investment relative to the business plan and local economic standards. A larger, documented investment with clear economic impact is more likely to support a strong application. A local lawyer or adviser can help assess what level of investment is realistic for Córdoba.

Does buying property in Córdoba automatically grant residency?

No. Purchasing property alone does not automatically confer residency. Property ownership can strengthen an application by showing ties and legitimate investment, but you still must meet migration requirements and show proof of lawful funds and other mandatory documents.

How long does the residency process usually take?

Processing times vary widely depending on the type of residency requested, completeness of the file, whether applications are made from abroad or inside Argentina, and current workloads at migration offices. It can take a few weeks to several months. If appeals or additional checks are required the process can take longer. Working with local counsel helps avoid avoidable delays.

Can my family get residency too?

Yes. Family members such as spouse and minor children can often be included in or linked to a principal applicant's residency application. Each family member will need their own documentation and to meet migration requirements. A lawyer can help assemble a family application and explain which relatives qualify.

What documents are typically required for the application?

Typical documentation includes a valid passport, birth and marriage certificates when applicable, police or criminal background checks from your country of origin (often apostilled and translated into Spanish), bank statements and proof of source of funds, documentation proving the investment or business activity, a local address, and sometimes a health insurance certificate. Documents usually must be translated into Spanish by an official translator and may require apostilles.

Will I become a tax resident when I get residency?

Not automatically. Tax residency is determined under tax rules - commonly by spending more than 183 days in Argentina in a calendar year or by having your center of vital interests in Argentina. If you become a tax resident you may be taxed on worldwide income. It is important to get tax advice early to understand personal and corporate tax consequences and any planning alternatives.

Do I need to set up a company to get residency?

Not always, but many investors choose to form an Argentine legal entity when their investment involves operating a business. A company can make the investment and hire staff, and its existence can help demonstrate economic ties. Forming a company also has tax and compliance implications - discuss structure options with a lawyer and accountant.

Can I apply from my home country or must I be in Argentina?

Some residency applications can begin at Argentine consulates abroad; others may be filed at migration offices inside Argentina. Rules change and can depend on your nationality and the residency category chosen. A lawyer will advise whether to apply from a consulate abroad or inside Argentina and will help prepare the application accordingly.

How much does a lawyer cost and what should I expect in terms of fees?

Legal fees vary by firm, complexity of the matter and the services required - from document preparation and filing to corporate formation, tax planning and representation before authorities. Expect an initial consultation fee or flat fee quote for defined services and an hourly rate or retainer for ongoing work. Ask for an engagement letter that details services, timelines and billing arrangements before you proceed.

Additional Resources

Dirección Nacional de Migraciones - the national authority that processes residency applications and provides guidance on immigration requirements.

Administración Federal de Ingresos Públicos (AFIP) - Argentina's national tax authority for tax ID registration and tax compliance.

Inspección General de Personas Jurídicas de la Provincia de Córdoba - provincial registry and corporate oversight body for company registrations in Córdoba.

Registro de la Propiedad Inmueble de la Provincia de Córdoba - provincial land registry for property title searches and registrations.

Escribanos Publicos (Notary Publics) in Córdoba - notaries handle deed preparation and formalization of property transactions.

Agencia ProCórdoba - provincial agency that promotes investment and can provide information about local economic conditions and incentives.

Colegio de Abogados de Córdoba - the local bar association that can help you find qualified lawyers and check professional standing.

Argentine Consulates and Embassies - for initial consular procedures, information on document legalization and visa-related inquiries abroad.

Next Steps

1. Clarify your goals - decide whether your priority is residency, business operations, property acquisition, tax planning or a combination.

2. Gather preliminary documents - valid passport, basic personal documents, evidence of funds and any business plans or purchase contracts you already have.

3. Consult a local lawyer - look for an attorney with experience in immigration, corporate and real-estate law in Córdoba. Confirm credentials with the Colegio de Abogados de Córdoba and request references or sample engagement letters.

4. Conduct due diligence - with your lawyer perform due diligence on the proposed investment, title checks for property, company checks for partners and AML/source-of-funds review.

5. Choose legal and tax structure - based on advice, set up the appropriate corporate vehicle, register with AFIP, and prepare migration filings.

6. Prepare and legalize documents - obtain apostilles, official Spanish translations and any required certificates from home country authorities.

7. File your residency application - either at an Argentine consulate abroad or at the Dirección Nacional de Migraciones in Argentina, following your lawyer's guidance.

8. Maintain compliance - after residency is granted, keep business, tax and immigration obligations current - payroll, tax returns, municipal registrations and renewals as required.

If you are ready to proceed, contact an experienced Córdoba lawyer who will explain fees, timelines and will prepare a tailored checklist for your specific situation. Working with local counsel from the start reduces risk, prevents avoidable delays and helps ensure your investment and residency plans meet both national and provincial requirements.