Start a Business in Argentina

Argentina is set up to be welcoming to foreigners starting businesses in the country—though the amount of paperwork to do so can seem overwhelming. (That is required, however, of local citizens just as well.)

Many foreign business owners consider the paperwork and accompanying headaches worth it to owning a business in Argentina, though, mostly because it is rife with opportunity and local talent. The benefits to incorporating in Argentina obviously are the ability to conduct business freely and openly in the local market. Because Argentina is currently in a more protectionist phase where it is looking to promote local industry and rely less on imports, it is even more crucial for corporations looking to do work in Argentina to have a local incorporated presence.

One major frustration many business owners who are used to working in foreign countries have relates to corruption. Corruption is well embedded in the Argentine culture, in both small and big ways. Corners sometimes are cut with processes and paperwork. In extreme cases, many people own and operate flourishing business en negro (in black) and not officially on the books. To a scrupulous and careful business owner who follows all of the many steps required to get a business off the ground, this can be maddening.

It is recommended to enlist the help of consultants and companies with on-the-ground expertise when considering incorporating in Argentina. It is a legally complex country with laws regularly changing and being added, especially during an unstable economic time.

Source: doingbusiness.org