Argentina free zones in 2023
The local authorities operate ten free trade zones in Argentina (FTZ). These Argentinian export processing zones offer limited benefits which mainly include: i) no custom duties and ii) no VAT on goods imported into the FTZ. The permit to operate in a free trade zone in Argentina is usually to be obtained with provincial authorities;
Kindly note that Argentinian companies registered with a free trade zone are still subject to standard taxation requirements. They notably pay corporate tax at the same rates (standard rate of 35%) applicable in the rest of the Argentinian territory;
The most widely used free zones in Argentina are the three following: i) La Plata free trade zone ii) Tierra del Fuego free trade zone and iii) General Pico La Pampa free trade zone. Kindly refer to the table below for an assessment of these three Argentinian FTZs.
| Summary at a Glance | Tierra del Fuego | La Plata | General Pico |
|---|---|---|---|
| How long to set the company up? | 12 weeks | 12 weeks | 12 weeks |
| How long to open company bank account? | 8 weeks | 8 weeks | 8 weeks |
| Quality of Utilities | Good | Satisfactory | Satisfactory |
| Allowed to sign sales contracts with Argentina Clients? | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Allowed to invoice Argentina Clients? | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Corporate tax payable in Argentina | 35% | 35% | 35% |
| Corporate bank account | HSBC Argentina | HSBC Argentina | HSBC Argentina |
| Physical office space required | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Industrial space availability | Many | Many | Many |
| Allowed to import raw materials? | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Allowed to export goods? | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Wholly foreign owned | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Can the entity hire expatriate staff in Argentina? | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Minimum number of directors | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Minimum number of shareholders | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Tax registration certificate required | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Individual shareholders allowed | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Corporate shareholders allowed | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Corporate director(s) allowed | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Public register of shareholders and directors | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| LLC company allowed? | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Can apply for immigration visas | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Annual audited financial statements | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Draft invoice | View invoice PDF | View invoice PDF | View invoice PDF |
