Argentina top income tax rate: 35%. Corporate tax: 35%. VAT: 21% standard (10.5% reduced; 27% utilities). Argentina introduced RIGI (Large Investment Incentive Regime) in 2024 for major investment projects seeking preferential tax treatment. Buenos Aires offers exceptional lifestyle value with a vibrant cultural scene, though the country’s high inflation (stabilizing under Milei’s 2024 reforms) and complex currency dynamics (official vs. blue-market rates) significantly impact purchasing power. Tax residents pay 35% on worldwide income—a critical factor for long-term expat planning.
Sources: OECD Tax Database 2024; Argentina National Tax Administration (AFIP); Ministry of Economy; official government sources.
Key Tax Data at a Glance
| Tax Type | Rate | Notes | Source | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Income Tax — top rate | 35% | Above ARS 6,707,000 (~$10,000 at official rate, 2024) | OECD | 2024 |
| Income Tax — lowest rate | 5% | ARS 0–419,472 | OECD | 2024 |
| Corporate Tax | 35% | Standard rate; RIGI regime offers preferential rates for major investments | OECD | 2024 |
| VAT (standard rate) | 21% | 10.5% reduced (selected items); 27% utilities | OECD | 2024 |
| Capital Gains Tax | 15% (foreign) / Varies (domestic) | Foreign asset sales: 15%. Domestic assets taxed under different regimes | OECD | 2024 |
| Social Security (employee) | ~17% | Jubilación (pension) ~11% + INSSJP ~3% + ANSSAL ~3% (complex system) | OECD | 2024 |
| Digital Nomad Visa | No | Argentina does not currently offer a dedicated digital nomad visa; visa options under review | Official | 2024 |
| Territorial Taxation | No | Residents: worldwide income. Non-residents: Argentine-source income only | OECD | 2024 |
Special Tax Regime — RIGI (Large Investment Incentive Regime)
Argentina launched RIGI in 2024 as part of major fiscal and investment reforms. The regime targets large capital investment projects (minimum thresholds vary by sector) and offers a simplified, preferential tax environment. Benefits include reduced corporate income tax rates, tariff reductions, and extended timeframes for tax holidays in targeted sectors (energy, lithium mining, technology, infrastructure). The regime is designed to attract foreign direct investment and strengthen Argentina’s economy following the 2024 Milei administration’s structural reforms. Application requires registration with Argentine authorities and compliance with investment commitments.
| Criterion | Detail |
|---|---|
| Who qualifies | Companies investing large capital in priority sectors (energy, lithium, tech, infrastructure); minimum investment thresholds apply |
| Tax rate under regime | Reduced corporate tax and income tax rates; varies by sector and investment scale |
| Duration | Up to 30 years for tax benefits; sector-dependent |
| Application process | Register with AFIP (National Tax Administration) and economic ministry; submit investment plan |
| Key restriction | Investment commitments must be met; benefits contingent on compliance with project milestones |
Income Tax Brackets
| Annual Income (ARS, 2024) | Tax Rate |
|---|---|
| ARS 0–419,472 | 5% |
| ARS 419,473–838,944 | 9% |
| ARS 838,945–1,257,417 | 12% |
| ARS 1,257,418–1,676,889 | 15% |
| ARS 1,676,890–2,516,334 | 19% |
| ARS 2,516,335–3,354,779 | 23% |
| ARS 3,354,780–5,030,668 | 27% |
| ARS 5,030,669–6,707,004 | 31% |
| Above ARS 6,707,004 | 35% |
Argentine tax residents (individuals domiciled in Argentina, with principal place of business there, or present 183+ days in a fiscal year) are taxed on worldwide income. Residents can deduct business expenses, investment losses, and social security contributions. Argentina’s fiscal system is complex due to inflation adjustments and currency dynamics (the official exchange rate differs significantly from black-market rates). Non-residents are taxed only on income sourced in Argentina. Currency controls and the Blue Market (unofficial exchange rate) significantly affect expats’ purchasing power and tax obligations.
Corporate Tax
Argentina’s standard corporate income tax rate is 35%. The country offers various incentives for specific sectors and regions, particularly through RIGI for large investments. Special economic zones and promoted regions may qualify for reduced rates. Losses can be carried forward to offset future profits. The corporate tax system applies to domestic corporations and foreign corporations with Argentine-source income. Dividend distributions to residents face additional taxation depending on whether the distributing corporation already paid corporate tax.
VAT & Consumption Taxes
Argentina’s standard VAT rate is 21%, applied to most goods and services. Reduced rates include 10.5% for certain food items, medications, and basic necessities. Utilities are taxed at 27%. Exemptions apply to certain financial services, education, and healthcare. Businesses must register for VAT and file monthly declarations with AFIP (Administración Federal de Ingresos Públicos).
Capital Gains & Investment Income
Capital gains on the sale of foreign assets are taxed at 15%, separate from ordinary income tax. Domestic capital gains are taxed under different regimes depending on the asset type and holding period. Dividends from domestic corporations are taxed at rates ranging from 7% to 35% depending on the shareholder’s residence status and the corporation’s tax situation. Investment income from interest, rental property, and other sources is subject to progressive taxation integrated into the ordinary income tax brackets.
Social Security
Argentine employees and self-employed individuals contribute approximately 17% to social security: ~11% for jubilación (national pension fund), ~3% for INSSJP (healthcare fund), and ~3% for ANSSAL (occupational accident insurance). Employers contribute approximately 10.5%. International bilateral agreements exist with several countries to coordinate contributions for workers with multi-country employment history. The system is complex and frequently reformed; expats should verify current rates with AFIP.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much tax do expats pay in Argentina?
Expats who become Argentine tax residents (domiciled in Argentina, principal business located there, or present 183+ days in a fiscal year) pay progressive tax from 5% to 35% on worldwide income. Non-residents pay tax only on Argentine-source income. Argentina’s high inflation and currency dynamics (official vs. blue-market rates) significantly impact purchasing power and tax obligations in real terms.
Does Argentina tax foreign income?
Yes, Argentine tax residents are taxed on worldwide income, including foreign-source earnings. Non-residents are taxed only on income derived from Argentine sources (employment, business, rental property). The requirement to declare worldwide income applies to residents even if payments are made abroad.
Is Argentina a tax haven?
Argentina is not classified as a tax haven; it has standard OECD-aligned tax rates and participates in the BEPS inclusive framework. However, the 2024 RIGI regime and preferential rates for major investments make Argentina attractive for large capital projects. The low cost of living (in dollar terms) combined with Buenos Aires’ cultural appeal makes it attractive for expats, though currency volatility and inflation remain challenges.
What taxes do freelancers pay in Argentina?
Freelancers and independent contractors pay progressive income tax (5–35% on net income) and contribute approximately 17% to social security. They must register as monotributistas (simplified regime) or contribuyentes (full regime) with AFIP, issue invoices, and file monthly/quarterly tax declarations. The monotributo regime is available for small independent workers with lower contribution rates but capped income limits.
How does Argentina compare to Uruguay for taxes?
Uruguay has a lower top income tax rate (36% vs. Argentina 35%, marginal difference) but higher VAT (27% vs. Argentina 21%). Uruguay offers territorial taxation for foreign-source income (more favorable for expats earning abroad), while Argentina taxes residents on worldwide income. Uruguay has lower inflation and currency stability (the peso), but higher cost of living than Argentina. Both are popular among Latin American expats, but Uruguay is considered more politically and economically stable.
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Cost of Living
Sources: OECD Tax Database 2024; Argentina National Tax Administration (AFIP — Administración Federal de Ingresos Públicos); Ministry of Economy; Argentina government official sources. Rates verified April 2026. Not financial advice — consult a qualified tax professional for individual situations.