Register as a Sole Trader in Argentina: Procedure Guide

Are you ready to register as a sole proprietorship in Argentina? You can read this guide, then get in touch with our Argentine agents for representation and assistance with all the procedures involved.

Quick Facts
Main condition	Businessmen must apply for a DNI (national identity document) before registering a sole proprietorship.
Company name	Verification and registration are mandatory. We represent clients with a power of attorney for sole trader registration in Argentina.
Documents	– DNI (or passport and residence permit), – CUIT application, – proof of address, – standard forms, etc.
Hague apostille required	The birth certificate must be legalized in the country of origin and with an apostille if that country is part of the Hague Convention.
Bank account is required (YES/NO)	YES
Minimum share capital	Not required
Unique Tax Identification Code (CUIT)	Required. The formalities are made with ARCA (formerly AFIP) in Argentina, where our agents can represent you.
Tax schemes	Two popular options in Argentina: trabajador autónomo and monotributista, each with different tax implications
Business license for a sole trader in Argentina	Required only if the activity or premises need a municipal license (habilitación). Our Argentine agents can help you obtain it.
Proof of residence in Argentina	A utility bill is solicited.
Publication in the Official Gazette of the sole proprietorship in Argentina	Not required for individual sole traders
Features of sole proprietorships in Argentina	– flexibility, – fast incorporation, – single ownership, – simple business structure
Programs offered to sole traders in Argentina	Independent Employment Program (PEI) that provides technical and financial support to entrepreneurs interested in becoming self-employed in Argentina.
Accounting services for sole traders in Argentina	Offered by our local experts to ease the burden of tax and accounting-related matters in Argentina.
Choosing our company formation services in Argentina	For: – complete assistance in document preparation, – tax registration, – opening a bank account, – obtaining a business license, and many more.

Who can set up sole traders in Argentina?

Any foreign individual who wants to do business on his/her own. Here are some examples:

Professional advisors,
Freelancers,
Consultants,
Small commercial activities, etc.

How is a sole trader known in Argentina?

Trabajador/a independiente,
Persona Fisica,
Autonomo.

NOTE: A sole trader differs significantly from the structures of a corporation (corp.), limited liability company (LLC), or limited liability partnership (LLP). However, the owner of a sole proprietorship is not immune to the obligations assumed by the business.

Is there a minimum share capital to register a sole proprietorship in Argentina?

No.

Please check this infographic for extra details:

What are the key features of a sole proprietorship in Argentina?

Unlimited personal liability,
Single ownership and control,
Simplified taxation,
Low company setup, etc.

What are the documents required for registering as a sole proprietorship in Argentina?

The documentation you will need for the incorporation of a sole trader in Argentina is as follows:

the incorporation form;
a form issued by the Argentine tax authority;
incorporation agreement;
accreditation of capital contributions;
professional pre-qualification opinion;
documentation that accredits the constitution of the guarantee of the administrators.

IMPORTANT: You need a DNI (national identity document) to set up as a sole trader in Argentina. This document is issued if you prepare/present:

original birth certificate, legalized by the Argentine consulate in your home country or with an apostille;
a certified legal translator must translate the birth certificate into Spanish;
a residency permit from the National Directorate for Migration, either permanent or temporary, is also necessary;
provable residence through a utility bill in your name, or a domicile certificate issued by the corresponding Police Office.

Do I need a Unique Tax Identification Code (CUIT) to open a sole trader account in Argentina?

Yes, it is mandatory. This is the firm’s tax ID.

You can also explore this video presentation with information on this topic:

Do I need to apply for a business license in Argentina when setting up a sole trader?

Only if the activity or premises require a municipal license (habilitación).

Is Publication in the Official Gazette of the sole proprietorship in Argentina mandatory?

Absolutely!

What is “Monotributo” and why is it appealing for sole traders in Argentina?

Monotributo is a simplified tax regime for small taxpayers, such as sole proprietors. Small business owners and freelancers typically select this. As such, a single monthly fee covers income tax, VAT, pension and healthcare contributions.

Can sole traders in Argentina issue invoices?

Yes.

Can a sole proprietorship in Argentina provide services to foreign customers?

Absolutely. However, a specific type of invoice might be imposed.

Can sole traders in Argentina hire foreign staff?

Yes, as long as they comply with all immigration rules, payroll, social security, etc.

Is it advantageous to register as a sole trader in Argentina?

Yes because:

the incorporation is simple and fast,
the owner is fully liable for his/her business, profits, losses,
the taxation is simplified,
the administrative costs are affordable.

Are there any precautions sole traders in Argentina should take?

most procedures have been digitalized, and foreigners will need assistance at the time of sole proprietorship incorporation in Argentina,
electronic invoices are widely used. It is recommended to be implemented in the business.

Can sole traders in Argentina benefit from governmental programs?

Yes, they can access the Independent Employment Program (PEI) for financial support, among others.

Our experts can help you with everything you need to open a company in Argentina, including a sole proprietorship. Do not hesitate to contact us today and take advantage of our personalized offers for company formation in Argentina.