If you’re planning to live, work, invest, or even study in Argentina, chances are you’ll need a tax ID. In Argentina, this means getting a CUIT (Clave Única de Identificación Tributaria) or CDI (Clave de Identificación), two key codes that identify you in the country’s tax and administrative systems. While the process can seem stressful at first, it’s much more manageable once you understand the basics.
What Is a CUIT and a CDI?
Both the CUIT and CDI are unique identification numbers used by AFIP (Administración Federal de Ingresos Públicos), Argentina’s federal tax agency (RemitBee, 2024; TaxDo, 2025). They are used for different purposes:
- CUIT: Primarily for individuals or legal entities engaging in regular economic activities, such as freelancers, employees, companies, or investors (TaxDo, 2025; Wirex, 2024). It is an 11-digit number structured with two initial digits, eight base digits (often corresponding to a DNI for individuals), and a final checksum digit (Simple English Wikipedia, 2025). The CUIT is essential for various financial and official processes, including opening bank accounts and initiating business activities (Wirex, 2024).
CDI: For individuals or legal entities who do not have a CUIT or CUIL (labor ID) because they are not obliged to have them, but still need to identify themselves for specific transactions (Study BA, 2025). This typically applies to foreigners who do not yet have legal residency or aren’t engaged in long-term economic activity but still need to carry out a one-time or occasional transaction, like buying property (Clearstream, 2012).
Who Needs a CUIT?
You’ll likely need a CUIT if:
- You’re planning to work in Argentina (freelance or formally employed) (Wirex, 2024).
- You want to open a business or register as self-employed (Monotributo or Autónomo) (Immi.Legal, 2025).
- You’re applying for residency and need to show income or pay local taxes (Immi.Legal, 2025).
- You want to rent or buy real estate and register contracts (Wirex, 2024).
- You plan to open a bank account (Wirex, 2024; SantanderTrade, 2025).
- You’re receiving income in Argentina and need to report or pay taxes.
Even remote workers or digital nomads who are earning income outside Argentina sometimes choose to get a CUIT to operate more formally and access local services more easily.
Who Needs a CDI?
The CDI is for foreigners who don’t yet have a DNI (Argentine ID) or legal residency but need to carry out one-off or short-term transactions in the country (Study BA, 2025). You might need a CDI if:
- You want to buy property in Argentina as a non-resident (Legal 500, 2025).
- You need to register a car.
- You’re receiving rental income or performing any transaction requiring AFIP reporting but aren’t yet a resident (Baker McKenzie, 2023).
While the CDI is generally easier to obtain, it’s more limited in use. If you’re staying in the country long-term or plan to integrate into the formal economy, getting a CUIT is a better long-term solution.
How to Get a CUIT
Once you have your DNI (national ID), which you’ll typically receive after applying for residency, you can apply for a CUIT through AFIP. The process can sometimes be initiated online or through digital submissions, but often requires an in-person visit for biometric data or document verification (Immi.Legal, 2025; Vepapu, 2025).
Here’s a general step-by-step:
- Gather your documents:
- DNI (National Identity Document) or valid passport for foreign nationals (Wirex, 2024).
- Proof of address (a utility bill or rental contract) (Wirex, 2024; Immi.Legal, 2025).
- A form indicating your economic activity, if applicable (Wirex, 2024).
- For foreigners without an Argentine DNI, AFIP might grant a provisional CUIT with a maximum validity of 2 years (Immi.Legal, 2025).
- Register with AFIP:
- You may need to visit your nearest AFIP office (often by appointment) to obtain your tax password (Clave Fiscal) and provide biometric data (Immi.Legal, 2025).
- For certain situations, you can use the “Digital Submissions” service online to complete the process (Immi.Legal, 2025).
- You’ll be assigned a CUIT and tax category.
- Choose your tax status:
- If you’re freelancing or running a small business, you’ll likely register under Monotributo (simplified tax regime) or Autónomo (self-employed) (Immi.Legal, 2025).
- You may need a registered accountant to help file forms and manage filings, especially if your income is variable or from multiple sources.
How to Get a CDI
If you don’t have a DNI, you can still get a CDI. This process typically requires an in-person visit. Here’s how:
- Go to your nearest AFIP office (must be in-person).
- Bring:
- Passport.
- Proof of address in Argentina.
- Document showing the reason for needing a CDI (e.g., property purchase agreement, or other transaction requiring identification).
Source: (Study BA, 2025; Clearstream, 2012).
You’ll be assigned a CDI for the specific transaction or reason listed.
Note that CDI applications generally cannot be completed entirely online; you usually need to book an appointment and go in person (TRACE e-Gov Portal, 2025).
CUIT vs. CDI: What’s the Difference?
- CUIT is permanent and allows you to integrate into Argentina’s tax system fully. It’s tied to your DNI (for individuals) and used for employment, business, and formal residency (TaxDo, 2025; Simple English Wikipedia, 2025).
- CDI is a temporary identification code for individuals without a CUIL/CUIT, typically for non-residents needing to complete specific legal or financial tasks (Study BA, 2025; Tindb.cz, 2025).
Can You Convert a CDI to a CUIT?
Yes. If you’ve received a CDI while still a tourist or visitor and later obtain residency and a DNI, you will typically need to apply for a CUIT. The CUIT essentially replaces the CDI as your formal tax ID, and any future transactions should be carried out under it (Tindb.cz, 2025). The CUIT is the primary identifier for tax obligations (Tindb.cz, 2025).
Why This Matters for Foreigners
Getting your tax ID, CUIT or CDI, is a key step to unlocking life in Argentina. From opening a bank account to signing leases or potentially accessing certain benefits through Monotributo, it places you inside the formal system and helps simplify many day-to-day processes.
Even if you’re not planning to stay long-term, having the right tax ID can make your experience in Argentina smoother, safer, and more financially efficient.
