Working & Taxes in Argentina
The complete expat guide to working legally, understanding taxes, and navigating Argentina's unique economic landscape in 2026.
Whether you're a remote worker, freelancer, or planning to start a business - this guide covers everything you need to know about earning money and staying compliant in Argentina.
Remote Work Legal Status
The legal status of remote work in Argentina exists in a gray area that millions of digital nomads navigate every year. Here is what you need to know about working remotely from Buenos Aires in 2026.
- Working remotely for a foreign employer while on a tourist visa
- Freelancing for international clients from Buenos Aires
- Using coworking spaces as a tourist
- Receiving payments into foreign bank accounts
- Tourist visa technically doesn't authorize "work" - but remote work for foreign entities isn't local employment
- No clear legal framework distinguishes remote work from tourism
- Immigration doesn't actively enforce against remote workers
- Tax implications unclear for short-stay remote workers
The Digital Nomad Visa Solution
Argentina introduced its Digital Nomad Visa specifically to address this gray area. It provides a clear legal framework for remote workers: 180 days of authorized stay, explicitly permits remote work for foreign companies, and requires proof of income ($1,500-2,500/month recommended). While optional (many still use tourist visas), it's the safest legal option for longer stays.
Digital Nomad Visa GuidePractical reality: Thousands of expats work remotely from Buenos Aires on tourist visas, doing the "border run" to Uruguay every 90 days. While technically a gray area, it's widely practiced and rarely questioned. That said, if you plan to stay long-term, getting proper residency is the smart move both for legal clarity and access to services like banking and healthcare.
Monotributo: Argentina's Simplified Tax Regime
The monotributo is Argentina's all-in-one tax system for freelancers and small businesses. A single monthly payment covers income tax, social security (jubilación), and healthcare (obra social). It is by far the easiest way to work legally and invoice in Argentina.
| Category | Annual Income Limit | Monthly Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| A | Up to ARS 2,108,288 | ~$20 USD | Occasional freelancers, very low income |
| B | Up to ARS 3,133,941 | ~$25 USD | Part-time freelancers |
| C | Up to ARS 4,387,518 | ~$35 USD | Regular freelancers earning moderate income |
| D | Up to ARS 5,449,094 | ~$45 USD | Active freelancers and small consultants |
| E | Up to ARS 6,416,528 | ~$55 USD | Full-time freelancers, growing businesses |
| F-K | Up to ARS 25M+ | $60-80+ USD | Higher earners nearing responsable inscripto threshold |
* ARS amounts are updated periodically by AFIP. USD equivalents are approximate at blue/MEP dollar rates and fluctuate. Check with your accountant for current values.
Replaces income tax (ganancias) with a small fixed fee. Much simpler than the full tax regime (responsable inscripto).
Includes retirement contributions (jubilación). After 30 years, you qualify for an Argentine pension.
Access to a health plan through your chosen obra social. Covers doctor visits, medication, and hospital care.
How to Register for Monotributo
- Get your CUIL/CUIT number (requires DNI or CDI for foreigners)
- Create a "clave fiscal" (digital tax key) at AFIP offices or online
- Access the AFIP website and register for monotributo under your chosen category
- Select your obra social (health provider) from the available list
- Begin making monthly payments through the AFIP portal or your bank
Pro tip: Have your accountant handle the registration. The AFIP website is notoriously confusing, even for Argentines. Budget $50-100 for the initial setup assistance.
Starting a Business in Argentina
The SAS (Sociedad por Acciones Simplificada - Simplified Joint Stock Company) is the most common business structure for foreigners in Argentina. Introduced in 2017, it was designed to make company formation faster and cheaper. You can form a SAS as a single shareholder, making it ideal for solo entrepreneurs and freelancers who need a formal business entity.
Get Your CDI (Tax ID for Foreigners)
Apply at AFIP (federal tax agency). Requires passport and proof of address. Takes 1-2 weeks.
Choose Business Structure
SAS (Simplified Joint Stock Company) is most common for foreigners. Can be formed with a single shareholder.
Open a Local Bank Account
Required for the SAS. You'll need your DNI or CDI. Banks may request additional documentation.
Register with AFIP
Register the company for taxes. Your accountant handles most of this process.
Get Municipal License (Habilitación)
If you have a physical office, you'll need a municipal operating license from the city.
Hire an Accountant (Contador)
Not optional. Budget $100-200/month. Essential for monthly tax filings and compliance.
Ongoing costs: $150-300/month (accountant + social charges + monotributo/taxes)
Argentine Employment Law
If you're hired by an Argentine company, the labor laws are very employee-friendly. Understanding these rules matters whether you're an employee or an employer.
- Aguinaldo (13th month salary): Paid in two installments (June and December). Equals one full month's salary per year.
- Vacation: 14 days minimum (under 5 years), scaling up to 35 days (over 20 years of service).
- Termination protection: Severance equals one month's salary per year of service. Very hard to fire employees.
- Maternity leave: 90 days paid. Paternity: 2 days (being expanded in many companies).
- Social contributions: 50-70% above gross salary in employer costs (social security, obra social, ART, union dues).
- Mandatory insurance: ART (workplace risk insurance) is required for all employees.
- Payroll complexity: Monthly withholdings, union negotiations, and frequent regulatory changes.
- High severance risk: Wrongful termination claims are common and expensive. Budget 1-3 months salary per year of service.
Key insight for expats: Many foreign companies hesitate to hire employees directly in Argentina due to the high social costs and strict labor laws. This is why most expats work as freelancers (monotributo) or through their own SAS company, even when they have a single client. If an Argentine company wants to hire you, understand that your "real" cost to the employer is 50-70% higher than your gross salary.
Tax Obligations by Visa Type
Your tax obligations in Argentina depend primarily on your visa status and how long you've been in the country. The critical threshold is the 12-month rule: spend more than 12 months in Argentina in any given year and you may be considered a tax resident.
- No Argentine tax obligations on foreign income
- Remote work for foreign employers is a gray area but widely practiced
- Cannot invoice locally or open monotributo
- Must still comply with home country tax rules
- Specifically designed for remote workers serving foreign clients
- Not considered tax resident under 12-month rule
- No monotributo needed for foreign-source income
- Consult a tax professional for your specific situation
- After 12 months in Argentina, may become tax resident
- Tax residency triggers worldwide income reporting
- Can register for monotributo to invoice locally
- Double taxation treaties may provide relief
- Must report all global income to AFIP
- Subject to Argentine income tax (up to 35%)
- Personal assets tax may also apply
- Tax treaties can prevent double taxation
Important Disclaimer
Tax laws change frequently in Argentina, and individual situations vary greatly. This guide provides general information only. Always consult with a qualified Argentine accountant (contador) and, for US citizens, a US tax professional familiar with expat taxation. Getting this wrong can result in penalties in both countries.
Double Taxation Treaties
Argentina has double taxation treaties with approximately 20 countries. These treaties prevent you from paying tax on the same income in two countries. Notably, the United States does NOT have a treaty with Argentina - a major consideration for American expats.
| Country | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| United Kingdom | Treaty exists | Covers most income types including employment and pensions |
| Canada | Treaty exists | Prevents double taxation on employment and business income |
| Germany | Treaty exists | Comprehensive coverage for workers and investors |
| France | Treaty exists | Covers employment, dividends, interest, royalties |
| Spain | Treaty exists | Beneficial for the large Spanish expat community |
| Italy | Treaty exists | Important given Argentina's Italian diaspora ties |
| Australia | Treaty exists | Covers pensions and employment income |
| Brazil | Treaty exists | Mercosur neighbor, strong trade ties |
| United States | NO TREATY | Americans must use FEIE ($126,500 exclusion in 2026) or Foreign Tax Credits |
Special Note for US Citizens
The US has no double taxation treaty with Argentina. However, American expats have two powerful tools to avoid double taxation:
- Foreign Earned Income Exclusion (FEIE): Exclude up to $126,500 (2026) of foreign earned income from US taxes if you meet either the Physical Presence Test (330 days abroad) or the Bona Fide Residence Test.
- Foreign Tax Credit (FTC): Credit taxes paid to Argentina against your US tax bill. Useful if you earn above the FEIE threshold or have non-employment income.
FBAR reminder: If your foreign accounts exceed $10,000 at any point during the year, you must file FinCEN Form 114. Penalties for non-filing are severe.
Coworking Spaces in Buenos Aires
Buenos Aires has a thriving coworking scene, ranging from premium international chains to budget-friendly local options. Many digital nomads also work from the city's excellent cafes.
- Multiple locations across BA
- Meeting rooms and event spaces
- Strong WiFi and printing
- Free coffee and beer
- Co-living and coworking combined
- Great for networking
- Rooftop and common areas
- Day passes available ($15-20)
- More affordable than WeWork
- Strong local startup community
- Flexible plans
- Spanish practice opportunity
- Pay by the hour or month
- Good for occasional use
- Basic but reliable amenities
- Spread across the city
Many expats skip coworking entirely and work from Buenos Aires's excellent cafes. The culture of lingering over coffee is strong here - nobody will rush you out. Popular work-friendly neighborhoods include Palermo (endless options), Recoleta (quieter, more upscale), and Villa Crespo (local vibe, cheaper). WiFi quality varies, so always have your phone hotspot as a backup. A cortado and medialunas will cost you $3-5, making it a much cheaper office than any coworking space.
Banking & Receiving Money as a Freelancer
Getting paid and converting foreign currency to Argentine pesos is one of the most important (and confusing) aspects of working in Argentina. The multiple exchange rates and capital controls make this tricky but manageable once you understand the system.
Low fees, real exchange rate, USD/EUR/GBP accounts
Cannot convert directly to ARS at MEP rate
Popular with freelancers, withdrawals to local bank, marketplace integrations
Higher fees than Wise, withdrawal rate not always best
Best rates, widely used in Argentina, fast transfers
Legal gray area, volatile, requires some technical knowledge
Legal way to convert USD to ARS at favorable rate, fully compliant
Requires local brokerage account and DNI, 1-2 day settlement
Opening an Argentine Bank Account
To open a bank account in Argentina, you generally need a DNI (national ID). Some banks will open accounts with a CDI (tax ID for foreigners), but options are limited. Major banks include Banco Galicia, BBVA, Santander, and Brubank (digital-first, easier for expats). With a bank account, you can access the MEP dollar rate for legal currency conversion through a brokerage (ALyC), which gives you rates close to the blue dollar, fully above board.
Complete Banking GuideFinding an Accountant (Contador)
An accountant is not optional in Argentina - it is essential. The tax system is complex, changes frequently, and the consequences of non-compliance range from fines to having your CUIT blocked (which freezes your ability to invoice or operate). Even the simplest monotributo requires periodic recategorization and annual reporting. Your contador will handle monthly tax filings, keep you in the right monotributo category, advise on deductions, and represent you before AFIP if needed.
- Monthly cost: $100-200 USD
- Initial setup: $50-150 extra
- Monthly tax filings handled
- Annual income tax return (if applicable)
- Monotributo category optimization
- Ask in expat Facebook/WhatsApp groups
- Palermo and Recoleta have English-speaking options
- Verify they're registered (matrícula activa)
- Get referrals from other expats, not ads
- Interview 2-3 before committing
Red flags when choosing an accountant: Anyone who promises to "make your taxes disappear," doesn't give you receipts for their services, is unreachable for weeks, or pressures you into cash-only payments. A good contador should proactively communicate about deadlines, be transparent about costs, and explain the reasoning behind their advice. Communication in English is worth paying a small premium for - misunderstandings about taxes can be expensive.
Related Guides
Need Legal Help with Work Permits?
Working legally in Argentina requires the right visa and tax setup. Lucero Legal's immigration attorneys can help you navigate residency, work permits, and tax compliance.
Lucero Legal is a licensed immigration law firm based in Buenos Aires.