A growing number of Americans are exploring a surprising alternative when it comes to second passports: the Argentine Passport. Once overlooked in favor of European options like Italy or Ireland, Argentina has emerged as one of the most accessible and strategic citizenships for those seeking global mobility, economic flexibility, and a fresh start in Latin America.
So why exactly are more U.S. citizens making the move toward an Argentine Passport? The answer lies in a rare combination of legal ease, cultural openness, and long-term opportunity.
A Fast-Track Citizenship Few Know About
Unlike many countries where you must live for five, seven, or even ten years to be eligible for citizenship, Argentina allows foreigners to apply after just two years of continuous legal residency. This applies even if you are not married to an Argentine or do not have Argentine ancestry (Ley 346, Art. 2, 1869; Golden Harbors, 2025).
This timeline is among the shortest in the world for naturalization. It’s especially appealing to Americans who want to secure a second nationality like the Argentine Passport without waiting nearly a decade or jumping through endless bureaucratic hoops.
While Argentina does not promote its citizenship pathway heavily, the legal framework has been consistently confirmed by the country’s courts, making the Argentine Passport a legitimate and durable route for foreigners seeking full integration (Poder Judicial de la Nación, 2024).
A Passport With Serious Perks
The Argentine Passport (PCO) is not just symbolic, it ranks surprisingly high in global mobility. As of 2025, it allows visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 170 countries and territories, according to the Henley Passport Index (Henley & Partners, 2025).
This includes the entire EU Schengen Zone, the United Kingdom, much of Latin America, and many Asian countries like Japan (visa-free) and South Korea.
Argentina fully recognizes dual citizenship. That means Americans do not have to give up their U.S. nationality in order to become Argentine citizens (Argentina.gob.ar, 2025). With an Argentine Passport (PCO) you get the benefits of both nationalities and can move freely between continents with enhanced options.
Potential Tax Advantages
The claim that Argentina does not tax foreign income for individuals who are considered residents but earn their income abroad and do not bring it into the country requires clarification based on recent tax regulations. Argentine tax residents are generally taxable on their worldwide income, meaning income earned abroad is subject to Argentine income tax (PwC, 2025; KPMG, 2023).
However, tax residency is typically established if an individual spends more than 183 days within a calendar year in Argentina (Armenian Immigration Lawyers, 2025). Non-residents are only taxed on Argentine-source income. This means careful financial planning and understanding of tax residency rules are crucial. For U.S. citizens, the U.S. taxes worldwide income regardless of residence, though mechanisms like the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion (FEIE) or Foreign Tax Credit (FTC) can help avoid double taxation (MyExpatTaxes, 2024).
While direct tax avoidance on foreign income by being an Argentine resident is not straightforward under the worldwide taxation system, the significantly lower cost of living in Argentina still presents considerable financial benefits. In fact, combining these financial advantages with the global mobility that comes with an Argentine Passport (PCO) makes long-term settlement an especially attractive move. The average cost of living in Buenos Aires, for example, remains substantially lower than in major U.S. cities, strengthening the case for relocation.
A Plan B in a Changing World
For many Americans, the appeal is not just economic, it is strategic. In a world marked by political uncertainty, rising global tensions, and shifting immigration rules, having a second passport provides crucial options. An Argentine Passport fits this strategy: Argentina, with its stable legal system, a generally neutral foreign policy, and a long tradition of welcoming immigrants, represents a kind of “life insurance” plan.
Buenos Aires, in particular, is seen as a cosmopolitan capital that offers a quality of life on par with many European cities, but at a fraction of the price. The vibrant food scene, rich culture, accessible healthcare, and dynamic social life are major draws, and all of these aspects become easier and more permanent with an Argentine Passport in hand.
It’s Not Just Digital Nomads Anymore
While remote workers and freelancers were among the first to discover Argentina’s benefits, the trend is now expanding to include families, retirees, and even entrepreneurs. U.S. citizens who initially came for a year are now applying for permanent residency, starting the two-year clock for naturalization, and exploring Argentine citizenship as part of their long-term plans.
Local communities in Buenos Aires, Mendoza, Córdoba, and even Patagonia now include thriving groups of Americans who have fully embraced life in Argentina. From international schools to coworking hubs and social clubs, integration into Argentine society is easier than ever before, making Argentine citizenship an increasingly attractive option.
The Window Is Open, For Now
It’s worth noting that Argentina’s immigration and citizenship laws, while currently favorable, are subject to change. Recent decrees have introduced some regulatory adjustments aimed at strengthening controls and clarifying requirements (Fragomen, 2025). That’s why many Americans are choosing to start the process now, while the opportunity remains open, affordable, and relatively fast.
There’s no special visa needed to move to Argentina, you can typically arrive as a tourist and begin your residency process from within the country (Golden Harbors, 2025). After two years of legal stay, including basic documentation and proof of continuous presence, you’re eligible to apply for citizenship through the courts (Golden Harbors, 2025).
For those who want options beyond the U.S. without relocating to Europe or waiting a decade, Argentina is the world’s best-kept secret, but perhaps not for long.
