Foreign Buyer Disclosure
Effective date: [INSERT DATE] · Last updated: April 2026
Who This Applies To
This disclosure applies to any non-Argentine person or entity (including US citizens and residents, corporations, and trusts) considering the purchase of land in Argentina.
Ley de Tierras — Law 26.737
Argentina's Ley de Tierras (Ley 26.737), enacted in 2011 and regulated by Decree 274/2012, restricts foreign ownership of "rural lands" in Argentina.
Individual limit
A foreign person or entity may not own more than 1,000 hectares of rural land in the most productive areas (equivalent areas apply in Patagonia).
National cap
Total foreign ownership of rural land in Argentina may not exceed 15% of the total in any given municipality, province, or nationally.
Same-nationality cap
No single foreign nationality may own more than 30% of the allowed 15% cap in a given jurisdiction.
Border zone restriction
Properties within 50 km of an international border require additional review and approval by the Argentine Ministry of Interior. San Martín de los Andes and surrounding areas in Neuquén may include border zone parcels.
The Secretaría de Agricultura determines which parcels qualify as "rural land" under the law. Urban parcels within municipal limits of SMA may not qualify. This must be confirmed by a licensed attorney for each property.
Foreign Investment Registration
Foreign buyers may be required to register with:
- —RENTRE (Registro Nacional de Tierras Rurales) — the national rural land registry
- —AFIP (Argentine tax authority) — for obtaining a CUIT (Argentine tax ID)
An Argentine CUIT is required to enter into notarial real estate transactions.
Currency and Payment Rules
- —Real estate transactions in Argentina are typically denominated in USD
- —Funds must be transferred through regulated banking channels
- —Argentine currency controls (cepo cambiario) may affect the ability to repatriate sale proceeds in the future
- —Consult a financial advisor before transferring funds
Recommended Due Diligence Steps
- —Engage an Argentine attorney before signing any purchase agreement
- —Obtain an Argentine CUIT (tax ID) — required for all real estate transactions
- —Commission an independent title search (Informe de Dominio) through a licensed notary
- —Verify RENTRE eligibility — confirm the property and your purchase would not exceed applicable limits
- —Confirm border zone status — for properties near the Chilean border
- —Consult a US/Argentine tax attorney regarding reporting obligations (FBAR, Form 8938 for US persons)
What The Ark Does Not Do
- —The Ark does not verify whether a specific buyer is eligible to purchase a specific property under Ley de Tierras
- —The Ark does not provide legal, tax, or immigration advice
- —The Ark does not act as a legal representative in any transaction
Contact
Legal inquiries: legal@theark.ink