Retirement Guide to Argentina
This brief guide to retirement in Argentina will provide some insight into this huge country with many contradictions. Argentina stretches south from the Atlantic Ocean from Uruguay to the very tip of South America. There are coastal areas, desert areas, lakes, and mountains.
Some towns and cities are home to more expatriates than others. San Carlos de Bariloche, which is in the Lake District, is the most popular of those. Buenos Aires is a huge city with great culture (care to tango, anyone!), and Ushuaia is a spot popular with outdoors oriented retirees at the southernmost tip of the country in Patagonia. See our Directory of Argentine Retirement for more. Updated Aug. 2023.
Owning Property. Americans can own property and pass it on to their heirs. Having a reputable attorney is critically important. You should be aware of the risks inherent in purchasing real estate (including time shares) in Argentina, and should exercise extreme caution before entering into any form of commitment to invest in property there. Argentinian law and practice regarding real estate differ substantially from the United States.
Living in Argentina. Argentina is not a common spot for expats to retire too, unless they have relatives here and lived here earlier. Retirement visas valid for one year are available, and these may be renewed annually for up to three years. After renewal, permanent residence can be applied for. Living here for a time is imperative, as many people who move here abruptly have later come to regret their decision. Argentina has its pluses in its weather, low costs, unbelievable scenery, and mostly friendly people. But it also has its downsides in terms of hyper inflation, political instability, corruption, and inefficiency. You have to choose where you retire carefully, and see it for yourself.
Medical care is widely reported to be first-rate, with the big cities providing the best care. Health care is is free for everyone – citizens and tourists alike. If you cannot speak fluent Spanish it is a good idea to bring a friend as interpreter however.
Taxes: Argentina has a value added tax. Property taxes are handled by provincial authorities. Expats who derive most of their income outside of Argentina will generally not have to pay Argentinian income tax. Income earned in the country is taxed from 5% to 35%.
Crime and Security: Argentina is generally considered a safe place to retire. Buenos Aires is the second safest city in the America’s, after Ottawa. The homicide rate is very low. Here is a link to what the U.S. State Department says about crime and security in Argentina. Demonstrations are common, and so is street crime. Tourists should avoid side streets in the cities and beware of pickpockets and taxi schemes. Hiking alone or in small groups is not recommended.
Best Places to Live. Argentina is a big country with many interesting regions to live in.
Topretirements has written extensively about what it is like to retire in Argentina. Here are some of those articles, which will help you gain a better understanding of what it is like to retire here:
See also our International Retirement Blog
