Effortlessly incorporate and manage your company in Argentina with Vepapu—offering all-in-one services from registration to compliance, banking, and visa support.
.webp)
Unlock Growth Opportunities in an Emerging Market
One of the lowest operational and administrative costs.
Simplified compliance requirements and regulatory processes.
A large and young population provides a dynamic workforce.
Allows for foreign shareholding up to 100% in the company.
Everything You Need for Seamless Company Formation
Experience seamless company formation from anywhere with Vepapu. Our digital incorporation services ensure you can register your company online without the need to travel or submit paperwork in person.
We guide you through each step of the process, ensuring compliance with local regulations and providing support for any incorporation-related queries.
.webp)
.webp)
Meet the local requirements online with Vepapu. Having a local registered office address is mandatory for your company's registration and we will help you meet this requirement. We will receive, scan, and email you if any mail is received from the authorities at your address.
You can also build a physical presence in the country by opting for our nominee director services, who will act as your company's director while you retain total control over your company.
You can capitalise on our strong banking relationships with traditional banks as well as digital-first banking providers.
You would need to physically visit the bank's location if you opt for a traditional brick-and-mortar bank, while modern digital banking providers welcome you with an online onboarding process.
.webp)
.webp)
Leverage Vepapu’s expertise to navigate the visa application process for your business needs. Whether you require work visas for your team or investor visas to secure your investment rights, we facilitate the entire process.
Our services include comprehensive guidance on meeting eligibility criteria, preparing necessary documentation, and submitting applications efficiently to minimize wait times and complications.
.svg)
Mandatory documents and information required for your company formation
A certified true copy (scanned version) of the passport (valid for at least 6 months)
A comprehensive Curriculum Vitae (C.V.), Resumé, or Linkedin profile.
One of the scanned copies of a bank reference, bank statement, Utility bill, or Driver license.
It should clearly show the holder's full name along with a physical address written in English (P.O. Box addresses are not accepted).
It must be the most recent version and dated within the last 3 months.
Please provide us with certified true copy (scanned version) of the following company documents:
Certificate of Incorporation
Memorandum and Articles of Association / Constitution
Register of Director
Register of Shareholder / UBO
Extract of the company’s details from the Registrar of Companies, which can include any of the following: Business Profile / Certificate of Incumbency / Certificate of Good standing (valid for within 6 months if any).
All members of the corporation, including Directors, Shareholders, Ultimate Beneficial Owners (UBOs), and Contact persons, must provide identity and address proofs as mentioned above.
From Paperwork to Approval: Making Company Formation Fast and Straightforward
Click here and fill out the short form to let us know your requirements.
Afterwards, our team will get in touch with you to guide you through the process.
Begin the company incorporation process by sharing the requested documents, as listed here. This enables us to begin the mandatory KYC and due diligence procedures to comply with local and international laws.
During the process of due diligence, our team might request additional information, documents, or clarification as needed.
If you ever feel lost while organising the documents, please contact us, as your dedicated manager from Vepapu will guide you through it.
Our team will now have the required information and documentation in hand to proceed with completing the required paperwork involved in incorporating your company.
We will complete one or multiple application forms as required and coordinate with the registry to submit them for their official approval.
We will do timely follow-ups with the registry and actively work with them if they require any further clarification or documentation before their approval.
If there are any other registrations with different government departments that are generally required before commencement of any business, required for your specific business industry, or that you have chosen voluntarily, we will promptly complete them.
As Vepapu strongly believes that company incorporation is just the first step in any business journey, we will accompany you throughout your business's life cycle by keeping it in good standing with local rules and regulations.
We will take care of monthly, quarterly, bi-annual, or annual reports and return filings with the authorities. We will timely inform you of the upcoming compliance deadlines, such as conducting an annual general meeting, for your prompt action.
Get in touch and ask us anything. We'd love to help.
.webp)
An SRL is a popular business structure in Argentina for small and medium-sized enterprises. It requires a minimum of two and a maximum of 50 shareholders, with their liability limited to their capital contributions. The company's management is handled by one or more managers, who may or may not be shareholders.
A Sociedad Anónima (SA) is a common choice for larger businesses in Argentina, allowing for greater flexibility in terms of raising capital. It requires a minimum of two shareholders, with their liability limited to their capital contributions. The company is managed by a board of directors, which is required to have at least one resident in Argentina. An SA can issue shares publicly and is subject to more stringent regulatory and reporting requirements compared to an SRL.
The SAS is a newer business entity in Argentina, designed to promote entrepreneurship and ease the process of starting a business. It requires a minimum of one shareholder, and the liability is limited to the capital contributed. The incorporation process is streamlined, and the company can be set up quickly, often within a few days.
A Sociedad Colectiva (SC) is a partnership where all partners have unlimited liability for the debts of the business. It is less commonly used due to the personal risk involved. Each partner has equal management rights unless otherwise agreed upon in the partnership agreement. The SC is suited for small businesses where trust and close collaboration between partners are essential.
The Limited Partnership in Argentina is divided into two types: simple (Sociedad en Comandita Simple, SCS) and by shares (Sociedad en Comandita por Acciones, SCA). In both forms, there are general partners with unlimited liability and limited partners whose liability is restricted to their capital contributions. The SCS is more straightforward, while the SCA allows for issuing shares to raise capital.
A Branch Office (Sucursal) in Argentina is an extension of a foreign company that operates within the country. It is not a separate legal entity from the parent company, meaning the parent company is fully liable for the branch's obligations and debts. Establishing a branch requires registering with the Public Registry of Commerce and appointing a legal representative in Argentina. Branch offices are subject to the same taxes and regulations as local companies.
A Joint Venture (Unión Transitoria de Empresas, UTE) in Argentina is a temporary association of two or more companies, both local and foreign, to undertake a specific project or business activity. The UTE is not considered a separate legal entity; instead, each participant remains independent and maintains its legal structure.
Yes, foreigners can incorporate a company in Argentina, and the country has a legal framework that allows for foreign shareholding in various business structures, with the Limited Liability Company (Sociedad de Responsabilidad Limitada, SRL) being one of the most popular choices. Argentina's Foreign Investment Law (Law No. 21,382) ensures that foreign investors have the same rights and obligations as local investors, including the ability to own up to 100% of a company’s shares. Moreover, there are no restrictions on the repatriation of profits or capital, which further encourages foreign investment.
The SRL structure is particularly advantageous for foreign founders because it offers limited liability, meaning that shareholders' responsibilities are confined to their capital contributions. The incorporation process requires at least two shareholders, who can be either individuals or legal entities, and one or more managers who can be foreigners, provided they are legally authorized to work in Argentina. Recent reforms, such as the introduction of the Simplified Stock Company (Sociedad por Acciones Simplificada, SAS), have further eased the incorporation process by allowing companies to be established more quickly and with fewer formalities.
In an Argentine Limited Liability Company (Sociedad de Responsabilidad Limitada, SRL), at least one director must be appointed to manage the company. There is no requirement for the director to be a resident of Argentina, which allows foreigners to hold this position. However, if the director is a foreigner, they must obtain a local tax identification number (CUIT) and may need to appoint a legal representative in Argentina. Corporate directors are not allowed in an SRL; the director must be an individual. Nominee directors are permissible.
The SRL requires a minimum of two shareholders, who can be either individuals or legal entities. There is no upper limit on the number of shareholders, though it is common to see a small number due to the nature of the SRL structure. Shareholders can be of any nationality, and there are no restrictions on foreign ownership, allowing foreigners to hold up to 100% of the company's shares. Like directors, shareholders must obtain a CUIT if they are non-residents. Nominee shareholders are permitted, but transparency in shareholding is critical to complying with Argentina’s anti-money laundering regulations.
The minimum share capital required to establish an SRL in Argentina is relatively low, making it accessible for small and medium-sized businesses. While the law does not stipulate a specific minimum amount, it should be sufficient to fulfill the company’s objectives. Typically, the initial capital is determined by the founders based on the company’s needs. The share capital is divided into quotas (not shares), and each quota represents a portion of the company’s equity. These quotas cannot be traded on the stock exchange but can be transferred to other parties with the approval of the other shareholders.
To establish an SRL in Argentina, the company must have a registered office in the country. This registered office serves as the company’s legal address and must be a physical location, not just a virtual office. The office can be rented or owned and must be registered with the Public Registry of Commerce. The registered office address is where all legal documents and notices will be sent, and it is crucial for maintaining compliance with local regulations.
To incorporate a company in Argentina, you need to prepare and submit various documents. These documents are essential to comply with Argentine regulations and ensure your business operates legally. The documents will be used in KYC due diligence procedures, application preparation, and document submission to the authorities.
The first step in incorporating a company in Argentina is to check if your desired company name is available. This is done through the General Inspection of Justice (Inspección General de Justicia, IGJ). Ensure that your company name is unique and not already registered by another entity. Once the name is approved, you can proceed with the registration process, which can be completed online.
If the shareholders of the company are not residents of Argentina, it is necessary to appoint a legal representative in the country. This is typically done through a Power of Attorney (POA), allowing the representative to carry out the incorporation process locally. For foreign shareholders, additional documentation may be required, and all documents must be legalized and apostilled, if applicable. It’s important to note that documents not in Spanish must be translated and certified before they are accepted by Argentine authorities.
The company bylaws, or articles of incorporation, are a critical document that outlines the structure and governance of the company. This document must include essential details such as the company name, legal representative’s information, share capital, company activities, and the registered office address. The bylaws must be carefully drafted and be signed by all shareholders, and these signatures must be notarized.
Before finalizing the registration of the company, 25% of the initial share capital must be deposited into an account at the National Bank of Argentina (Banco Nación de Argentina). This deposit is a legal requirement and acts as proof of the company’s financial commitment. The funds remain in the bank until the registration process is complete, after which they can be transferred to another bank account of the company’s choosing.
To officially register the company with the Ministry of Justice and Human Rights, an incorporation fee must be paid. After this payment, all required documents, including the bylaws and proof of capital deposit, must be submitted for review. The submission process is usually conducted online, streamlining the registration process.
Once the company is registered, a notice of its formation must be published in the Official Gazette of Argentina. This notice includes key details such as the registered office address, share capital, and the date of incorporation. Only a registered lawyer in Argentina can carry out this publication, ensuring that it meets all legal requirements. The publication fee is typically charged per line of text.
The registration of the company’s accounting and legal books is a mandatory step to ensure compliance with Argentine regulations. These books include records of meetings, shareholder decisions, and financial transactions. The books must be registered with the Public Registry of Commerce and properly maintained to avoid any legal issues or penalties.
After the company is registered, it will be assigned a Tax Identification Number (Código Único de Identificación Tributaria, CUIT) by the Federal Public Revenue Administration (AFIP). This number is essential for tax reporting and other legal obligations. If the company’s legal representative is an Argentine resident, the process can be completed online; otherwise, it must be done in person at an AFIP office.
Finally, the company must register with the Argentine social security system to comply with labor regulations. This involves registering the company’s employees and ensuring that all social security contributions are correctly managed. This step is crucial for companies planning to hire staff and operate legally within Argentina.
After incorporating a company in Argentina, there are several post-incorporation compliance requirements that must be adhered to in order to maintain the company’s legal standing and avoid penalties. These include financial reporting, tax obligations, regulatory filings, and corporate governance practices. Here's a detailed overview of the key compliance requirements:
All companies in Argentina are required to prepare and submit annual financial statements. These statements must adhere to Argentine Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and should include a balance sheet, income statement, and cash flow statement. The financial statements must be audited by a certified public accountant registered in Argentina. For companies registered in Buenos Aires, the financial statements must be submitted to the General Inspection of Justice (IGJ); companies in other provinces must submit them to the respective provincial authorities.
An annual shareholders’ meeting is mandatory, during which the shareholders review and approve the company’s financial statements, discuss the company’s performance, and make decisions regarding dividend distribution, management changes, or other significant issues. The minutes of this meeting must be recorded in the official corporate books and, depending on the jurisdiction, may need to be filed with the Public Registry of Commerce.
Companies in Argentina are required to comply with various tax obligations, including the payment of corporate income tax, Value Added Tax (VAT), and social security contributions. The company must file monthly and annual tax returns with the Federal Public Revenue Administration (AFIP). Additionally, the company must comply with any local taxes specific to the province or municipality where it operates. Failure to meet these tax obligations can result in penalties and interest charges.
Companies are required to maintain accurate and up-to-date corporate books, including the Shareholders’ Registry, Minutes Book, and Accounting Books. These books must record all relevant corporate activities, such as shareholder meetings, board meetings, and financial transactions. The books must be kept in Spanish and may need to be registered or updated periodically with the Public Registry of Commerce.
If the company employs staff, it must register with the Argentine social security system and comply with labor laws regarding employee rights, benefits, and contributions. This includes registering employees with AFIP, making regular contributions to social security, and adhering to regulations regarding employment contracts, working conditions, and termination procedures.
Any changes to the company’s structure, such as changes in directors, shareholding, or registered office, must be promptly reported and registered with the relevant authorities, such as the IGJ or the provincial registry. These changes must also be reflected in the company’s official books and may require the filing of updated documents with the Public Registry of Commerce.
In Argentina, VAT is known as Impuesto al Valor Agregado (IVA). The standard VAT rate is 21%, which applies to most goods and services. However, certain goods and services may be subject to a reduced rate of 10.5% or an increased rate of 27%. For instance, essential goods like food items and medical supplies often fall under the reduced rate, while services such as utilities (electricity, gas) might be taxed at the higher rate.
Businesses are required to register for VAT with the Federal Public Revenue Administration (AFIP) if their activities are subject to VAT. VAT returns must be filed monthly, and companies are responsible for collecting VAT from their customers and remitting it to the government. Companies can usually claim credits for the VAT they pay on business expenses, which can offset the amount they owe to the government.
Corporate income tax in Argentina is levied at a flat rate of 35% on the company’s taxable income. Taxable income is determined by the company’s profits, which are calculated as gross income minus allowable deductions, including operating expenses, depreciation, and interest. Argentina operates on a worldwide income basis, meaning that resident companies are taxed on their global income.
Companies are required to make advance payments of corporate income tax throughout the year based on their estimated annual tax liability. These payments are reconciled at the end of the fiscal year, when the company files its annual tax return. Any shortfall must be paid, while any excess payments can be refunded or applied to future tax liabilities.
Argentina imposes withholding taxes on various payments made to non-residents, including dividends, interest, royalties, and technical assistance fees. The withholding tax rates vary depending on the type of payment and the existence of a tax treaty between Argentina and the recipient’s country. For example, the standard withholding tax rate on dividends is 7% or 13%, depending on the distribution date, while the rate on interest and royalties can range from 15.05% to 35%.
Companies with employees must also contribute to Argentina’s social security system. Employers are required to contribute around 27% to 28% of an employee’s gross salary to social security, which covers pensions, healthcare, and other benefits. Employees also contribute a portion of their salary, usually around 17%, which is withheld by the employer and remitted to the government.
Argentina has signed tax treaties with several countries to avoid double taxation and prevent tax evasion. These treaties can reduce or eliminate withholding taxes on cross-border payments and provide mechanisms for resolving tax disputes.
