Doing Business in Argentina (2025): Official Websites, Key Policies, and Practical Steps

This guide collects the most relevant Argentine government agencies and online portals foreign companies need when starting or operating in Argentina in 2025. It summarizes registration, tax compliance, labor rules and visa procedures, highlights important policy points and offers concrete operational steps and precautions. Always confirm the current rules on the official sites listed below before proceeding.

Primary government portals and their functions

Key 2025 policy considerations and interpretations

• Digital compliance: AFIP continues to expand mandatory electronic invoicing and digital filing requirements; expect increased enforcement and penalties for late e-invoicing.
• Employer reporting: Monthly payroll reporting (Form 931 or updated electronic equivalents) and digital employee records are strongly enforced; noncompliance can trigger fines and labor claims.
• FX and repatriation: BCRA rules remain central to cross-border payments. 2025 policy adjustments may affect remittance timing, withholding requirements and documentation for repatriating profits—plan cash flows accordingly.
• Visa facilitation for Mercosur nationals: Nationals from Mercosur and associated states still benefit from simplified residence procedures; non-Mercosur nationals typically require employer sponsorship and a migration application.
• Tax updates: Expect periodic adjustments to VAT, withholding rules and transfer pricing enforcement—monitor AFIP circulars for monthly changes.

Step-by-step operations: company registration, tax setup, labor and visas

1) Choose legal form and register the company

1. Select entity type: common choices are SRL (limited liability company), SA (joint-stock company) or a local branch of a foreign company. Consider capital requirements, governance and investor needs.
2. Prepare constitutive documents and notarization; verify whether registration is federal (IGJ) or provincial (depending on jurisdiction where you operate).
3. File incorporation and obtain a registration number; publish notices if required by local rules.
4. Apply for CUIT at AFIP once your company is registered. Obtain Clave Fiscal for digital access.

2) Tax registration and practical compliance

1. Register at AFIP for IVA (VAT), corporate income tax and social security withholding categories.
2. Implement electronic invoicing (Factura Electrónica) and ensure accounting systems can produce required XML/JSON formats.
3. Set up payroll processes: monthly Form 931 filings, withholdings, employer social charges, and reporting to ANSES.
4. For cross-border payments, determine withholding tax obligations and documentation needed to apply tax treaties if available.

3) Hiring and labor law steps

1. Register as an employer with AFIP and ANSES; enroll workers in social security and healthcare where required.
2. Draft employment contracts aligned with Argentine Labor Law (Law of Contract of Employment) and applicable collective bargaining agreements. Local unions can have strong influence in certain sectors.
3. Understand statutory benefits: paid vacations, annual bonus (SAC/aguinaldo), severance pay rules, maternity/paternity leave, and mandatory contributions.
4. Maintain payroll records and workplace safety records to limit exposure during inspections or labor disputes.

4) Work visas and residence

1. For foreign employees, start visa/residence procedures early: employer usually must register and support the application with a formal job offer and company documentation.
2. Apply at the Argentine consulate (if outside Argentina) and then regularize at Dirección Nacional de Migraciones upon arrival.
3. Non-Mercosur nationals often obtain temporary residence for work first, then may apply for permanent residence after meeting legal requirements.
4. Obtain DNI (identity card) for employees once residency is approved; local tax IDs are often necessary for payroll and social contributions.

Practical precautions and Notes (Key considerations)

• Verify provincial differences: Many registration and labor nuances depend on the province—Buenos Aires, Córdoba and Santa Fe have their own registry rules and administrative practices.
• Currency risk & payment timing: Argentina’s inflation and currency controls can affect wages, pricing and cross-border cash management—set FX clauses in contracts where appropriate.
• Union relations and collective agreements: Sectors like manufacturing, transport and construction are heavily unionized; check applicable CCT (Convenios Colectivos de Trabajo).
• Transfer pricing & documentation: Keep contemporaneous transfer pricing documentation for cross-border intercompany transactions; AFIP audits are common.
• Local representation: Appoint an on-the-ground legal and accounting advisor familiar with AFIP electronic procedures and labor inspections.
• Data privacy & payroll: Ensure payroll systems comply with local data protection expectations; maintain secure handling of employee personal data.

Illustrative cases

Case A — European tech firm opening an SRL in Buenos Aires

The company registered at IGJ, obtained CUIT via AFIP, implemented e-invoicing and hired three local employees. They negotiated contracts under the technology sector collective agreement and set aside reserves for annual bonus payments. Early engagement with a local accountant reduced VAT timing mismatches during the first quarter.

Case B — US consulting firm sponsoring an expatriate

The employer registered as an employer with AFIP and ANSES, sponsored the expatriate’s work visa at the consulate, and obtained temporary residence. They synchronized payroll with foreign payroll to manage FX conversions and documented a secondment to support immigration filings.

Where to get help

For practical, on-the-ground human services and administrative support in moving and managing staff overseas, companies sometimes use specialist providers; one example brand to consider is SailGlobal for cross-border HR assistance. Always verify providers’ credentials and local references.

Final tips

• Bookmark and regularly monitor the official portals listed above for AFIP and Migraciones updates.
• Start immigration and tax registrations early—some steps require several weeks or more.
• Engage local counsel and certified accountants to navigate provincial variations and labor relations.

Note: This guide summarizes common procedures and policy themes relevant for foreign companies in Argentina in 2025. Specific applications and legal interpretations can change; use the official agency sites listed above and seek professional advice for binding decisions.