Obtain a Business License in Argentina

If you want to start a company in Argentina, it is good to consider the required business license. With the help of our company formation in Argentina, you can benefit from complete services regarding the formalities and procedures that must be respected. In the following lines, you can find out how to obtain a business license in Argentina and what exactly you need to take into account.

What are the formalities for obtaining a business license in Argentina?

A business license can be obtained for various activities. Those who want to open a company in Argentina and operate in import and export must obtain a business license. Also, medical professionals, lawyers, practitioners, and other such categories must consider, first of all, obtaining a trade license in Argentina. In the case of a company, the following must be taken into account:

• The specific activities of a company cannot be carried out until a business license in Argentina is issued.
• Copies of the documents of the company in question are required, respectively Articles of Association where the type of activities to be carried out are presented in detail.
• Standard forms provided by the authorities are filled out. Here we can represent you and prepare all the paperwork to ensure you have the correct information.
• The Chamber of Commerce in Argentina (Camara Argentina de Comercio) is a private business association and does not issue licenses; business licenses (habilitaciones) are issued by the municipality where the business operates.

We invite you to discuss all aspects related to the business license in Argentina with one of our specialists. If you want to set up a company in Argentina and obtain a business license, our experts can provide you with the necessary support in this endeavor.

Types of business licenses in Argentina

Company owners in Argentina must apply for the required business licenses and permits before starting activities. In this case, you must take into account the fact that they can be issued depending on the industry in which the company operates. We advise you to contact our agents for details about company formation in Argentina and the business licenses required.

Business license for import and export activities in Argentina

The Sistema Integral de Monitoreo de Importaciones or Import Monitoring System was implemented in 2015 in Argentina and was later replaced (via SIRA in 2022) by SEDI, the Sistema Estadístico de Importaciones, in December 2023, which abolished import licenses. In this case, no automatic or non-automatic import license is required any more, although some products need approvals from the competent agencies. Here’s how to proceed in this case:

• The importer must prepare all the necessary information and submit it to ARCA (formerly AFIP) through the SEDI system.
• It goes to the clearance of goods, where it is possible to ask for certain information.
• The SEDI declaration is reviewed by the intervening agencies, and is deemed approved if no observations are raised within the set term.

What are the industry-specific licenses and permits in Argentina?

The nature of activities in Argentina might require extra licenses. In certain cases, it may be about industry-specific licenses and permits in Argentina, and among these we mention:

• Environmental permits are required for companies that are going to carry out their activities and have an impact on the environment. Companies dealing with mining or manufacturing, for example, need this environmental permit. This permit is issued by the provincial environmental authority in Argentina.
• Health and safety permits are also part of industry-specific licenses in Argentina. Such permits are required for those who open restaurants, bars, catering firms, or any other activities that have an impact on public health. The Ministry of Health in Argentina issues these permits.
• The construction permits are issued by the local municipality and are necessary for companies that want to develop their projects in this field (buildings, renovations, consolidations, etc.).

General licensing conditions in Argentina

General licensing in Argentina refers to certain registrations with specific local authorities. Here’s what it’s all about:

• A municipal business license is issued locally, by the authorities of the city where the company is registered. It is one of the most important business licenses in Argentina.
• The business registration license is issued upon establishment of the company by ARCA (formerly AFIP), alongside a tax ID (CUIT).
• Limited liability companies must be registered with the Public Registry of Commerce in Argentina.

We remind local and international businessmen that they can opt for our services in terms of company formation in Argentina. We also assist in matters of applying for a trade license in Argentina.

About the regional licenses in Argentina

In Argentina, specific licenses are issued depending on the province. Thus, the provinces of Argentina can impose their own rules. Here are some of the regional licenses in Argentina:

• The Provincial Environmental Agency issues certain permits, depending on the rules imposed for different business activities.
• A regional license might involve the Agencia de Recaudacion Provincial in Argentina and registration with the provincial tax authority.

Considering these aspects, we remind you that our local agents can help you with the formalities of obtaining a trade license in Argentina or a permit depending on the specific activities of the company in question.

About the import and export sectors of Argentina

Here are some data about the import and export sector in Argentina, if you are thinking of opening a company and applying for a business license in Argentina:

• Around USD 21.8 billion was the total value of exports during the first 4 months of 2023 in Argentina.
• China, the US, and Brazil were the main export partners of Argentina in 2023, absorbing more than 33% of the total.
• The largest import of Argentina during the first 4 months of 2023 was soybeans, worth around USD 1.2 billion.

Interested in getting a business license in Argentina? You may contact our local agents for support. Our team can properly manage the process of company incorporation in Argentina.