Investing from Argentina

Gains from selling shares, CEDEARs and bonds on BYMA, the Argentine exchange, are generally not taxed for individuals. CEDEARs are certificates traded in Argentina that represent foreign shares or ETFs. Securities held with a foreign broker are taxable, and you must declare them. Dividends from Argentine companies carry a tax of 7 percent. For CEDEARs and US shares, the US keeps 30 percent of dividends, because Argentina and the US have no tax treaty.

Bienes Personales is a yearly tax on what you own above a minimum amount. For 2026 the rates are 0.5 to 0.75 percent, and from 2027 there is a single rate of 0.25 percent. Bank deposits in pesos or dollars and public bonds are exempt. CEDEARs, dollars in cash and accounts with foreign brokers are taxable. You must still list exempt assets in your return.

Since April 2025, individuals can buy dollars at the official rate without a monthly limit. One condition surprises many people. If you buy official dollars, you cannot buy securities settled in dollars, such as dólar MEP or CCL, for the next 90 days. The same applies for 90 days after you send dollars abroad. The 30 percent surcharge on card spending abroad paid in pesos still applies.

Argentina has no private pension accounts. The public system, SIPA, pays pensions from current contributions, and employees contribute 11 percent of their salary. Premiums for private retirement insurance can be deducted from income tax, up to 753,472 pesos for 2026. Bank deposits are guaranteed by SEDESA up to 50 million pesos per person per bank. Investment funds (FCI) and brokerage accounts are not covered. Brokers must be registered with the CNV as ALyC.

In Argentina, saving has long meant protecting money from inflation and from the exchange rate. The rules changed a lot in 2024 and 2025: dollars are easier to buy, and Bienes Personales rates are falling. Some restrictions remain, such as the 90-day rule and the card surcharge. Advice from a few years ago can therefore be wrong today.

Four pages go deeper. Inflation and purchasing power explains what inflation does to savings in pesos. Currency risk explains what the exchange rate does to savings in dollars. BDRs versus ADRs explains certificates that work like CEDEARs. Diversification explains why a portfolio should not depend on one country.