Argentina

Employment taxes

• Termination without cause? You’re entitled to severance Employment taxes
• If you’re working in Argentina, here’s what gets deducted from your paycheck:
• Income tax: Ranges from 5% to 35%, based on income.
• Social security: Around 17% of your gross salary (includes pension, health insurance, and other contributions).
• Union contributions: ~2.5% if you’re covered by a collective agreement.

Leave policy

Work-life balance is a thing here, and leave entitlements reflect that.

• Vacation: 10 working (14 calendar) days of paid time off a year. Increases with time.
• National holidays: Argentina celebrates 17 national holidays each year
• Sick leave: Up to 3 months (or 6 if you have dependents).
• Maternity leave: 90 days (45 before + 45 after birth).
• Paternity leave: 2–15 days depending on the employer or union agreements.
• Parental leave: Not covered by law.

Employment termination

• Dismissals must follow formal procedures and can be challenged.
• Employees are strongly protected under labor law.
• Minimum notice period is 30 days and increases according to the length of the employment. During probation period, the notice period is 15 days.

Hiring and contracts

• Must be written in Spanish, signed by both parties, and must include a start date, length of the employment, job description, termination conditions, and payment terms.
• Probation periods are mandatory. The maximum probation period allowed in Argentina is 6 months.
• Your employer needs to register you with AFIP (tax), ANSES (social security), and ART (work accident insurance).

Payroll and salary payments

• National minimum wage (as of June 2025): around ARS 234,315 per month (updated frequently).
• Salaries are paid monthly, with taxes and social contributions automatically deducted.
• Employers pay an additional 20–25% on top of your gross salary in payroll costs.

Benefits

Mandatory benefits:

• Social security (pension, health, unemployment)
• Accident insurance (ART)
• Union-related benefits (if applicable)

Optional perks:

• Private health insurance
• Gym memberships
• Meal or transport allowances

Monthly living cost (Buenos Aires edition)

• Rent (1-bedroom apartment in city center): $500–700 USD
• Utilities & internet: $80–120
• Groceries: $200–300
• Eating out & leisure: $150–250
• Transport: $15–30 (bus/subway)

How to get a local ID number (DNI & CUIL)

If you’re relocating:

• DNI (national ID): Apply at RENAPER once you get your work visa.
• CUIL (social security number): Assigned by ANSES and used for tax, payroll, and benefits.
  Remote workers on digital nomad visas don’t always need these, but it helps to have them for banking or renting.

Social security registration

Your employer takes care of this. They’ll enroll you in:

• AFIP (tax agency)
• ANSES (social benefits, pensions)
• ART (work accident insurance)
• Health insurance provider (public or private plan)

Banking

Once you have a DNI and CUIL, you can open a local bank account.
Popular banks:

• Banco Nación
• Santander Río
• BBVA
• Banco Galicia

Accounts can be in pesos, USD, or both (for locals and residents).

Housing and rentals

• Typical lease: 3 years (required by law)
• Deposit: Usually 1 month’s rent
• Required docs: DNI, proof of income or job contract
• Tenant rights: Strongly protected and landlords can’t evict without legal process, and rent hikes are regulated.

Healthcare system

• Public system: Free for everyone, including foreigners
• Private system: Faster access, paid through employer health plan or out of pocket
• Most people mix both. Many employers offer private health plans as part of the benefits package.

Transport and driving

• Public transport is cheap, safe, and reliable in cities like Buenos Aires.
• Subway: $0.30–0.50 USD
• Buses: 24/7 in most areas
• Driving: You can use your foreign license for up to 6 months, then swap it for an Argentine one.

Emergency contact

• Police: 101
• Ambulance: 107
• Fire: 100
• Tourist police (Buenos Aires): +54 11 5050 9260

Work permit and visa requirements

• EU and MERCOSUR citizens: Easier process. Apply for temporary residence + work permit.
• Non-EU citizens: Apply for a 23A work visa (requires a job contract and employer sponsorship).
• Digital nomad visa: Valid for 180 days (renewable once). You must work for a foreign company.

Business culture and work norms

• Relationships first: People like to build trust before doing business.
• Communication is expressive: Don’t be surprised by passionate debates.
• Hierarchies exist, but collaboration is valued.
• Expect a relaxed pace, but still be on time, especially in formal settings.