Buying Rural Land in Argentina as a Foreigner: Comprehensive and Updated Legal Guide 2025

Introduction

Purchasing rural land in Argentina as a foreigner is possible, but it is subject to legal restrictions established under Law No. 26,737 (Regime for the Protection of National Ownership of Rural Land).

This legal framework aims to preserve national ownership of natural resources and establishes mandatory requirements, limits, and procedures before any transaction can be finalized.

The most important step in moving forward with the purchase is obtaining the Certificate of Authorization for the Acquisition of Rural Land, issued by the National Registry of Rural Land. Without this document, the purchase will be null, void, and unenforceable, with no right to compensation.

Legal Requirements for Foreigners

Foreign Ownership Limits

The law sets maximum limits to prevent the excessive concentration of rural land in foreign hands:

• 15%: Maximum foreign ownership allowed at the national, provincial, and municipal levels.

• 30%: Maximum allowed for any single foreign nationality.

• Individual hectare limit: Varies depending on geographic location, based on an equivalency system defined by the regulations.

Who Must Apply for the Certificate?

• Foreign individuals without Argentine nationality.

• Foreign legal entities or companies with foreign shareholding.

Legal Exceptions for Individuals

The limits and restrictions of Law No. 26,737 do not apply when the foreign buyer:

• Has continuously and permanently resided in Argentina for 10 years.

• Has Argentine children and at least 5 years of permanent residence.

• Is married to, or in a registered domestic partnership with, an Argentine citizen for 5 years or more, with continuous residence for the same period.

  
  

Required Documentation

For Individuals

• Valid passport or identity document.

• CUIT or CDI (tax identification).

For Legal Entities

• Articles of incorporation or founding documents.

• Shareholder registry.

• Registered corporate address and latest registration of the governing body.

• CUIT.

Regarding the Property

• Property title deed.

• Cadastral certificate and map.

• Fiscal valuation.

• Proof of compliance with Article 10 of Law No. 26,737, signed by a licensed professional.

• Three geographic coordinate points in decimal format.

How to Obtain the Certificate of Authorization for the Purchase of Rural Land

Step 1: Submit the Application

• Access Trámites a Distancia (TAD) with a tax password.

• Complete the form and attach all documentation.

Step 2: Review by the National Registry

• If everything is correct, the process begins.

• If errors are found, you will be notified and given 15 days to correct them.

Step 3: Prior Approvals

• Verification with the provincial water authority (COHIFE).

• Border Zone authorization, if applicable.

Step 4: Certificate Issuance

• Issued with an electronic signature and must be included in the deed.

Step 5: Post-Sale Submission

• Within 120 days after signing the deed, a copy must be submitted via TAD to validate the use of the certificate.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Not checking beforehand whether the foreign ownership quota for the area is already full.

• Declaring a different value in the deed than in the application.

• Submitting incomplete or incorrect documentation.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can I buy rural land if I do not live in Argentina?

Yes, but you must comply with the restrictions and obtain the authorization certificate.

2. Can I appoint a representative to carry out the process?

Yes, through a power of attorney granted via the TAD platform.

3. Is there a limit on the number of hectares I can purchase?

Yes, it varies depending on the location and the equivalency system set by law.

Conclusion

Purchasing rural land in Argentina as a foreigner is possible but highly regulated.Complying with the requirements of Law No. 26,737 and obtaining the Certificate of Authorization is essential to ensure the transaction is legal and secure.

At Creimerman Law, we provide comprehensive advisory services for international clients looking to invest in rural land, including:

• Legal due diligence of the property.

• Verification of foreign ownership limits.

• Obtaining the authorization certificate.

• Coordination with notaries and government authorities.

📩 info@creimermanlaw.com — Contact us today to start your rural land purchase in Argentina safely and without setbacks.