Forming A Company In Argentina: Key Steps

Published on October 3, 2025 and written by Cyril Jarnias

Argentina offers numerous opportunities for foreign entrepreneurs looking to establish themselves in South America. With a growing market and promising sectors like agribusiness, renewable energy, and new technologies, the country is attracting more and more investors. However, setting up a company in Argentina requires following a well-defined administrative process. Here is a detailed guide to the main steps and required documents to launch your business in full compliance with the law.

Key Steps to Bring Your Argentine Entrepreneurial Project to Life

Establishing a business in Argentina involves several essential administrative procedures:

1. Choose the Appropriate Legal Structure

First and foremost, it’s crucial to select the most suitable legal form for your business. The most common options are:

• Sociedad Anónima (SA) – equivalent to a corporation
• Sociedad de Responsabilidad Limitada (SRL) – equivalent to a limited liability company
• Sociedad por Acciones Simplificada (SAS) – simplified form for startups

2. Reserve Your Company Name

Once the structure is chosen, you must check the availability of your desired name with the Registro Público de Comercio (Public Commercial Registry). This reservation is valid for 30 days.

3. Draft the Company Bylaws

The bylaws define the operating rules of your business. They must be written in Spanish and validated by an Argentine notary.

4. Register with the Commercial Registry

The official registration of your company is done with the Registro Público de Comercio of the relevant jurisdiction (Buenos Aires or province).

5. Obtain the Tax Identification Number (CUIT)

The CUIT, issued by the tax administration (AFIP), is essential for any commercial activity in Argentina.

6. Register with Social Security Agencies

Your company must register with the Administración Nacional de la Seguridad Social (ANSES) for social security contributions.

7. Open a Business Bank Account

Opening a bank account in the company’s name is mandatory to deposit the share capital and manage financial flows.

The Winning File: Essential Documents Based on Your Legal Structure

The required documents vary depending on the chosen legal form. Here is an overview of the main documents needed:

For a Sociedad Anónima (SA)

• Company bylaws signed before a notary
• Proof of share capital deposit (minimum 25%)
• Copy of identification documents for shareholders and directors
• Minutes of appointment of managers
• Proof of company domicile in Argentina

For a Sociedad de Responsabilidad Limitada (SRL)

• Partnership agreement authenticated by a notary
• Proof of share capital contribution
• Copy of identification documents for partners
• Act of appointment of manager(s)
• Business address certificate

For a Sociedad por Acciones Simplificada (SAS)

• Simplified SAS bylaws
• Proof of minimum share capital formation
• Copy of identification documents for shareholders
• Designation of legal representative
• Proof of registered office in Argentina

Argentine Specifics Not to Overlook

Some particularities of the Argentine system deserve special attention:

Minimum Share Capital

The amount varies by structure: – SA: 100,000 Argentine pesos – SRL: no legal minimum – SAS: 2 times the minimum living and mobile wage

Presence of a Resident Director

For SAs and SRLs, at least one of the directors must reside in Argentina.

Requirement to Maintain Accounting in Pesos

All companies must maintain their accounting in local currency, even if they operate internationally.

Regular Tax Formalities

Monthly and annual declarations must be filed with AFIP for VAT, corporate tax, and social security contributions.

Argentina’s Advantages for Your Business

Despite the administrative challenges, Argentina offers many advantages for entrepreneurs:

• A skilled and competitive workforce
• A market of 45 million consumers
• Abundant natural resources
• A strategic position to expand throughout Latin America
• Tax incentives in certain sectors (tech, renewable energy)

With careful preparation and appropriate support, your entrepreneurial project in Argentina has every chance of success. Don’t hesitate to surround yourself with local experts to navigate the administrative maze smoothly and focus on developing your business.