How to Legally Start a Company in Argentina: Step-by-Step Guide

Starting a business in Argentina is increasingly attractive for foreign investors thanks to recent pro-market reforms, regulatory simplification, and a renewed focus on economic growth. When the legal steps are followed correctly, the incorporation process is clear and efficient. Below is a practical and up-to-date guide to legally setting up a company in Argentina while complying with local regulations.

1. Choose the Right Legal Structure

The first step is selecting the legal entity that best fits your business model. The most common company types in Argentina are:

• • SAS (Simplified Stock Company): the most flexible and popular structure for startups and SMEs. It allows a single shareholder, limited liability, and simplified management.

• • SA (Corporation): suitable for larger companies or those planning to raise capital from multiple shareholders.

• • SRL (Limited Liability Company): commonly used for closely held businesses, with liability limited to each partner’s contribution.

• • Branch or subsidiary of a foreign company: an option for international companies expanding directly into Argentina.

In most cases, the SAS is recommended due to its speed of incorporation and lower administrative burden.

2. Reserve the Company Name and Check Trademark Availability

Before incorporating, the company name must be available. This is verified through the Public Registry / IGJ.

If you want to protect your brand nationwide, it is advisable to register your trademark with the Argentine intellectual property office. This ensures exclusive use of your brand in Argentina and reduces future legal risks.

3. Draft the Incorporation Documents

Once the legal structure and company name are defined, the articles of incorporation must be drafted. These documents include:

 

• • Corporate purpose and main activities.

• • Share capital and contribution details.

• • Shareholder rights and obligations.

• • Management structure and legal representation.

Foreign shareholders or directors can participate through a Power of Attorney, allowing a local representative to sign documents on their behalf.

4. Register the Company with the Public Registry

The incorporation documents are submitted to the corresponding Public Registry or the IGJ. Once approved, the registry will:

 

• • Register the company as a legal entity.

• • Issue the incorporation certificate.

• • Enable the company to operate legally in Argentina.

5. Obtain the Tax ID with ARCA

After registration, the company must obtain its tax identification number (CUIT) from ARCA, Argentina’s federal tax authority.

During this process, the company’s tax obligations are defined, including corporate income tax, VAT if applicable, and withholding taxes. Companies involved in foreign trade may require additional registrations.

6. Open a Corporate Bank Account

With the incorporation certificate and CUIT, the company can open a corporate bank account. Most banks require the legal representative to attend at least one meeting in person, although preparation can be done remotely. We assist with bank selection and documentation to streamline approval.

7. Comply with Legal and Tax Obligations

Once incorporated, companies in Argentina must comply with ongoing requirements, including:

 

• • Proper accounting records in accordance with local standards aligned with IFRS.

• • Regular tax filings and payments.

• • Payroll and social security compliance if employees are hired.

• • Annual financial statements and registry updates when required.

Maintaining compliance is key to avoiding penalties and ensuring long-term operational stability.

8. Register Foreign Investment (if applicable)

If capital is contributed from abroad or shareholders are foreign, the investment must be registered with the Central Bank of Argentina. This step is essential to ensure legal compliance and to allow future profit repatriation.

9. Estimated Timeline

 

• • Processing time: typically 4 to 6 weeks, depending on document availability and the speed of review by authorities.

• • Minimum capital: there is no minimum capital requirement for most company types, including the S.A.S.

10. Practical Recommendations

 

• • Work with experienced local legal and accounting advisors.

• • Ensure foreign documents are properly apostilled and translated.

• • Clearly define shareholder roles and responsibilities from the start.

• • Keep tax and accounting obligations up to date to maintain good standing.

• • Plan your structure with future growth and cross-border operations in mind.

At ArgentinaCorporate, we simplify the entire incorporation process for foreign investors. We guide you from choosing the right legal structure and preparing incorporation documents to registration with the Public Registry, ARCA, and bank account setup. Our integrated legal, tax, and backoffice support ensures your company is compliant, operational, and ready to grow in Argentina without delays or costly mistakes.