Yes, foreigners can open bank accounts in Argentina, but the process and requirements depend on your residency status
A foreigner with a valid passport can open a bank account in Argentina. The major banks—BBVA, Santander, Galicia, and Banco Nación—all accept foreign nationals. What changes is the documentation you need and how long the process takes. If you have temporary or permanent residency, the process is straightforward. If you are a tourist or on a visitor visa, some banks will still open an account, but fewer will, and you may face limits on what you can do with it.
The core requirement is a valid passport and a tax identification number called a CUIT (Código Único de Identificación Tributaria). Getting a CUIT takes a separate step and can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks depending on the AFIP office handling your request. Without it, most banks will not open an account, though a few will issue a temporary account while you explore.
Key Takeaways
- Foreigners with temporary or permanent residency can open accounts at major Argentine banks using a passport and CUIT number.
- You must obtain a CUIT from AFIP (the tax authority) before most banks will open an account; this is a separate process that takes days to weeks.
- Tourist visa holders can sometimes open accounts, but fewer banks offer this and restrictions on transfers or withdrawals may explore.
- Banks require proof of address in Argentina, which can be a rental agreement, utility bill, or a letter from your employer or landlord.
- The entire process from CUIT process to account opening typically takes two to four weeks if you have residency documentation.
What you need before you walk into a bank
Start with your passport—it must be valid for at least six months. Next, you need a CUIT number from AFIP (Administración Federal de Ingresos Públicos). You cannot get this at the bank; you must go to an AFIP office or request it online through their website. The online process is faster and takes about three to five business days. You will need your passport number, your full name as it appears in your passport, and a valid email address.
You also need proof of address in Argentina. This can be a rental contract, a utility bill in your name, a letter from your employer, or a letter from your landlord stating you live there. If you just arrived and have none of these yet, some banks will accept a hotel booking confirmation or a letter from a friend or family member you are staying with, though this varies by branch and by bank.
If you have temporary or permanent residency (DNI), bring that too—it makes the process faster and removes questions about your legal status. If you do not have residency yet, your passport alone is enough, but the bank may ask more questions about your employment or the reason for the account.
How the CUIT process works
The CUIT is Argentina's tax ID number. You need one to open a bank account, pay taxes, or sign a formal rental contract. You can request it online at the AFIP website (www.afip.gob.ar) without leaving your home. You will need your passport number and a valid email address. AFIP will send you a confirmation email with your CUIT number within three to five business days.
If you prefer to explore in person, you can visit an AFIP office. Bring your passport and a completed form (available on their website or at the office). The in-person process is faster—you can walk out with your CUIT the same day—but AFIP offices are crowded and wait times can be two to three hours. The online route is usually worth the wait.
Once you have your CUIT, you have what you need to open the account. Some banks will issue a temporary account number while your CUIT is processing, but this is rare and depends on the branch.
Which banks accept foreigners and what they ask for
The four largest banks—BBVA Argentina, Santander Río, Banco Galicia, and Banco Nación—all open accounts for foreigners with a passport and CUIT. Smaller banks like Banco Supervielle and Banco Macro also accept foreigners, though policies vary by branch. Private banks like Banco Hipotecario and Banco Credicoop are more selective and may require residency or employment in Argentina.
At the bank, you will be asked to fill out an account opening form. They will ask your full name, date of birth, nationality, passport number, CUIT, address in Argentina, occupation, and the reason you want the account. They may also ask for proof of income or employment, especially if you are opening a business account or requesting a credit card. For a basic savings or checking account, proof of address is usually enough.
The entire process at the bank takes 30 to 60 minutes. You will receive a debit card within five to ten business days, either by mail or for pickup at the branch. Online banking access is usually available the same day or the next day.
What happens if you are on a tourist visa
Tourist visas in Argentina are valid for 90 days and do not require you to register with immigration. If you are on a tourist visa, some banks will still open an account, but your options are narrower. BBVA and Santander have been more willing to open accounts for tourists than other banks, but this varies by branch and by the individual manager.
The main barrier is that you cannot get a CUIT on a tourist visa—AFIP requires proof of residency or a work permit. Some banks will open a temporary account without a CUIT, but you will not be able to receive international transfers or use certain online features. Once your account is open, you can explore for a CUIT if you decide to stay longer, and the bank will upgrade your account.
If you are planning to stay longer than 90 days, it is worth getting temporary residency before opening an account. Temporary residency (visa de residente temporal) takes about two weeks to process and requires proof of income or employment. With temporary residency, you can get a CUIT and open a full account at any major bank.
How long the whole process takes
If you already have temporary or permanent residency and a CUIT, opening an account takes one to two weeks. You walk into the bank, fill out the form, and the account is active the same day or the next day. Your debit card arrives within five to ten business days.
If you do not have a CUIT yet, add three to five business days for the online CUIT process, or one day if you go to an AFIP office in person. If you do not have residency, add another one to two weeks for the residency process. The total timeline from arrival to a fully functional account is typically two to four weeks.
The slowest part is usually the debit card delivery. Some banks offer expedited delivery for an extra fee, or you can pick up the card at the branch after five business days.
What you can and cannot do with your account
Once your account is open, you can deposit money, withdraw cash, pay bills, and make local transfers to other Argentine bank accounts. You can receive international wire transfers, though the bank will charge a fee (usually 100 to 200 pesos). You can also set up automatic payments and use online banking.
What you cannot do depends on your residency status and the bank's policies. If you are on a tourist visa without a CUIT, you may not be able to receive international transfers or use certain online features. If you have a CUIT, you can do everything a local account holder can do, including opening a business account or requesting a credit card (though credit approval depends on your income and credit history in Argentina, which you will not have as a newcomer).
Some banks limit the amount you can withdraw per day or per month if you are a new customer. These limits usually lift after three to six months of account activity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to be a resident to open a bank account?
No. You can open an account on a tourist visa with a passport and CUIT, though fewer banks will do it and you may face restrictions. With temporary or permanent residency, all major banks will open an account for you.
Can I open an account online without going to the bank?
Some banks offer online account opening for residents with a DNI, but most require you to visit a branch in person at least once to verify your identity and sign documents. A few banks have started offering fully remote accounts for foreigners, but this is not yet standard.
What if I do not have proof of address yet?
A hotel booking, Airbnb confirmation, or a letter from someone you are staying with can work as temporary proof. Once you sign a rental contract or get a utility bill, you can update your address with the bank. Some banks will also accept an employer letter stating your work address.
How much money do I need to open an account?
Most banks do not require a minimum opening deposit. You can open an account with zero pesos and deposit money later. Some premium accounts or investment products do have minimums, but basic checking and savings accounts do not.
Can I send money out of Argentina to another country?
Yes. You can make international wire transfers from your Argentine account. The bank will charge a fee (typically 100 to 300 pesos depending on the amount and destination) and will ask for the recipient's bank details. The transfer usually takes three to five business days.