Argentina · Company Registration
Entity types, registration process, required documents, costs, and official registries.
AI-drafted, editorially reviewed. Confirm specifics with the official authority.
Setting up from abroad
- Usual entity for foreign founders
- SA
- Non-resident can be sole director
- No
Official registry: servicios.infoleg.gob.ar
For a sociedad anónima the law is explicit: an absolute majority of directors must have real domicile in Argentina, and every director — resident or not — must establish a special domicile there for service of notices.
Common companies are the SRL and SA, and an online SAS allows a faster setup. You register with the Public Registry (the IGJ in the City of Buenos Aires, or the provincial registry) and obtain a CUIT tax ID from the federal tax authority (ARCA, formerly AFIP). SA/SRL bylaws are formalised by public deed.
Companies are registered with the public registry of commerce (in Buenos Aires, the IGJ) and obtain a tax ID (CUIT) from the revenue and customs agency (ARCA); the SRL and SA are common forms.
- The SRL (limited) and SA (corporation) are the main company forms.
- A CUIT tax ID from ARCA is required to operate.
- Registration requirements vary by province.
- 1
Choose the company type
The sociedad de responsabilidad limitada (SRL) and the sociedad anónima (SA) are the traditional forms; the online sociedad por acciones simplificada (SAS) allows a faster, digital setup.
- 2
Reserve the name and draft bylaws
Check name availability and draft the bylaws (estatuto / contrato social) with the capital, partners and management.
- 3
Formalise the incorporation
Formalise SA/SRL bylaws by public deed before a notary; the SAS can be constituted with a standard model online.
- 4
Register with the Public Registry
Register with the Public Registry of Commerce — the IGJ in the City of Buenos Aires, or the provincial registry elsewhere.
- 5
Get a CUIT tax ID
Obtain the company’s CUIT (tax identification code) from the federal tax authority (ARCA, formerly AFIP).
- 6
Complete banking and employer registration
Deposit any required capital, open a bank account, and register with tax and social-security bodies if you employ staff.
- Company type chosen (SRL, SA, or online SAS)
- Name checked + bylaws (estatuto)
- Public deed for SA/SRL (model form for SAS)
- Public Registry registration (IGJ or provincial)
- CUIT tax ID from ARCA (ex-AFIP)
- Capital deposit as required
- Business bank account
- Tax + social-security registration if employing
- Inspección General de Justicia (IGJ)
Commercial registry (Buenos Aires).
- ARCA (revenue and customs)
Tax ID (CUIT) and tax registration.
Frequently asked questions
What is a CUIT?
The CUIT is the unique tax identification code issued by the federal tax authority, required to invoice, bank and operate.
Is the SAS faster than an SRL?
Yes — the SAS can be set up digitally with a standard model, while an SA or SRL requires a public deed and registry filing.
Can foreigners set up a company?
Yes — foreigners can be shareholders; a local tax ID and, in some cases, a registered representative are needed.
Government portals
- Argentina.gob.ar — Government Portal — Central portal for ministries, procedures and official publications.
- ARCA — Revenue and Customs Agency — CUIT tax number, income tax and VAT, and import and export clearance. Replaced AFIP in 2024.
- National Directorate of Migration — Residence categories, the DNI for foreigners and entry and exit records.