Planning a workation in Buenos Aires? Or a business trip to Córdoba or Mendoza? Learn the essential information you and your employees need to work safely and compliantly while traveling in Argentina, including working conditions, safety and health regulations, tax treaties, social security, and more.
Capital city
Buenos Aires
Telephone code
+54
Official language
Spanish
Currency
Argentine Peso (ARS)
Time zone
UTC-3
Social security compliance
When working remotely abroad, your employees may become subject to the social security scheme of the destination country, which means you, as an employer, would need to pay social security premiums accordingly. Argentina has social security agreements with several countries, available here, to prevent the payment of double social security premiums or non-insurance.
To ensure your employees remain compliant with these treaties, they must possess a valid Certificate of Coverage (CoC) obtained from the relevant local authorities. For WorkFlex users, the CoC is issued automatically after a trip request is submitted. Discover our solution for efficient social security risk mitigation here.
Tax compliance
Argentina has signed bilateral tax treaties with numerous countries that specify the steps to take to avoid double taxation, available here. These treaties generally follow international standards and provide guidelines for various types of income, including employment income.
Despite the existence of tax treaties, the issue of Permanent Establishment remains a significant compliance concern for employers with employees temporarily working in Argentina. If a traveling employee is deemed to constitute a Permanent Establishment in Argentina, the employer may be required to:
- Register the company locally
- Allocate profits to the local business (branch)
- File corporate taxes
- Comply with various local regulations
To avoid this scenario, follow the guidelines mentioned in the "Working" section.
Overriding local employment provisions
Employees traveling to Argentina are expected to comply with some basic local employment provisions that may be qualified as overriding, such as minimum salary standards. Find out the most recent information about the minimum wage in Argentina here.
Visa
To work legally while in another country, employees generally need a valid work title. It's important to keep in mind that the consequences of entering without the proper documentation can be significant for both the employee and the employer.
For those planning work-from-anywhere trips to Argentina, here's a quick overview:
- E-Visa: Available for eligible nationalities
- Visa-Free Entrance: Many nationalities can enter Argentina without a visa
- Standard Visa: Required for nationalities not eligible for e-visa or visa-free entry
- Visa on Arrival: Not available - all required visas must be obtained before travel
- Digital Nomad Visa: Argentina offers a Digital Nomad Visa, allowing remote workers to stay and work legally in the country.
Need trip-specific visa information? Check out WorkFlex Visa Navigator.
For those planning business trips to Argentina:
- E-Visa: Available for business visitors from eligible countries
- Visa-Free Entry: Many nationalities can conduct business visits without a visa
- Business Visa: Required for nationalities not eligible for e-visa or visa-free entry
- Visa on Arrival: Not available for business travelers
Need trip-specific visa information? Check out WorkFlex Visa Navigator.
Working hours
Most employees in Argentina work from Monday to Friday, with a standard workweek consisting of 48 hours. The workday is typically running from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, with a lunch break of 1 hour in between.
To remain compliant during your trip abroad, here are some suggestions to follow:
- Avoid working overtime: Regulations regarding overtime can differ significantly and may be much stricter compared to those in your home country.
- Refrain from working outside regular hours: The rules surrounding working outside regular hours may vary and could be stricter than in your home country.
- Do not work on weekends: If the weekend days differ from those in your home country, please avoid working on both your regular weekend days and the local weekend days.
Public holidays
- January 1: New Year's Day
- February/March: Carnival (2 days)
- March 24: Day of Remembrance
- April 2: Malvinas Day
- May 1: Labor Day
- May 25: Revolution Day
- June 20: Flag Day
- July 9: Independence Day
- August 17: San Martín Day
- October 12: Day of Respect for Cultural Diversity
- November 20: National Sovereignty Day
- December 8: Immaculate Conception
- December 25: Christmas Day
Depending on the region you're visiting, there may be additional region-specific public holidays. For more information about these holidays, please check here.
To comply with labor laws, please refrain from working on national or regional holidays during your trip. These days hold significant importance for locals and provide a great opportunity for you to blend in and celebrate with the community.
Working activities
When considering travel for work purposes—whether for a workation or a business trip—it is crucial to understand the implications of Permanent Establishment (PE) and associated tax risks. PE is a significant compliance concern for companies and can become costly due to the administrative burden if the compliance requirements for employees working abroad are not properly managed. To help mitigate these risks, here are a few guidelines to follow.
If you are traveling for a workation, please:
- Refrain from negotiating or signing sales contracts during your trip.
- Avoid visiting clients or any office, including your employer's local office in the destination country.
Following these guidelines will help mitigate the important compliance risks related to Permanent Establishment for your employer.
If you are a business traveler, it may be difficult to avoid the activities mentioned above. In this case, please ensure you inform your employer's compliance department about this matter. If you and your organization are WorkFlex users, this topic is addressed through the WorkFlex platform.
Data protection
Data protection is fundamentally about keeping our information safe from unauthorized access, breaches, theft, or damage. This responsibility is important for everyone, regardless of where they are working.
When employees work temporarily from abroad, data protection involves ensuring continued coverage and compliance with the data protection regulations of both, the home country and the destination country. Argentina has implemented Law 25,326 - the Personal Data Protection Law (PDPL). Its level of regulation and enforcement is characterized robust. That means data protection laws are well-established with strong safeguards and regulatory mechanisms. While comprehensive, enforcement may be less stringent in certain areas compared to "heavy" regimes. Learn more about it here.
For WorkFlex users, a comprehensive list of data protection activities is available in the profile, but here are some general data protection guidelines to keep your data safe:
- Adhere to Your Company's Internal Data Policies: Familiarize yourself with and follow your organization’s specific data protection protocols.
- Use Secure Network Connections: Always connect through secure networks, especially when accessing sensitive information.
- Be Aware of Phishing: Stay vigilant against phishing attempts by verifying the authenticity of emails and messages before clicking on any links.
- Utilize Strong Passwords and Multi-Factor Authentication: Create complex passwords and enable multi-factor authentication for an added layer of security.
- Keep Your Devices in a Secure Location: Always store your devices in safe places to prevent unauthorized access.
- Lock Your Screen Whenever Applicable: Ensure your screen is locked when you're away from your device to protect your information.
Travel health insurance
When traveling to Argentina for work—whether for a short business trip or an extended workation—it's essential to have comprehensive health insurance coverage to ensure access to medical care.
For business trips, the employer typically arranges the employee's travel health insurance. However, for workations, these responsibilities can be less clear. WorkFlex takes care of travel health insurance for trips worldwide to ensure there are no costly consequences for either the employee or the employer if accidents occur while working abroad.
For travelers using WorkFlex
If you’re traveling with WorkFlex, comprehensive health insurance is automatically included if your employer has activated this feature. For more details, please refer to your trip request on the WorkFlex platform.
For other travelers
Ensure you have travel health insurance with worldwide coverage, whether for a workation or business trip, so that you can receive adequate medical treatment in case of an emergency.
Urgent safety information
For travelers using WorkFlex:
Please refer to your trip's risk assessment under the "Health and Security" dimension to review any urgent security information relevant to your travel.
For other travelers:
Please visit official authority websites to check for any current threats or urgent security advisories:
Terrorism
Argentina currently faces a low threat of terrorism, but travelers are advised to remain cautious and follow global security advisories.
Domestic situation
Argentina’s political climate is generally stable but marked by regular strikes and demonstrations (piquetes), which can disrupt transportation and daily activities. Following the inauguration of President Milei in December 2023, larger gatherings may still occur. Road blockades, violent clashes during protests, and disruptions to air travel are not uncommon.
Football culture, while vibrant, can be a source of tension. Rival fan groups sometimes engage in violent confrontations near stadiums, with incidents occasionally involving weapons.
Safety Tips:
- Monitor local media for updates; apps like Infobae are helpful.
- Avoid protests, demonstrations, and large crowds, especially near football stadiums.
- Do not attempt to cross road blockades or confront protestors.
- Follow local authorities' advice during strikes or disruptions.
- Attend football matches only with local guides, avoiding fan zones and standing sections.
Crime
Crime rates in Argentina are significant, requiring travelers to exercise caution, even in upscale areas. Robberies and violent crimes occur both during the day and at night, and perpetrators are often armed. Pickpocketing and scams, such as the "dirtied clothes" trick, are prevalent in busy areas, public transport, and hotel lobbies.
High-Risk Areas in Buenos Aires:
- La Boca: Especially on weekdays and less-crowded streets away from Calle Caminito.
- San Telmo: Tourist hotspots and marketplaces.
- Retiro Station and City Center: Especially after dark or in less-busy areas.
The city’s Tourist Police provides multilingual assistance:
- Address: Avenida Corrientes 436 (Plaza San Nicolás)
- Phone: 0054 115050-3293/-9260 or dial 911
- Email: divsegcorredoresturisticos@gmail.com / serv.turista@gmail.com / policiaturistica@buenosaires.gob.ar
Safety Tips:
- Safeguard money, IDs, and other vital documents; store electronic copies online.
- Carry minimal cash and use a secondary wallet for daily use.
- Avoid displaying valuables, such as jewelry or expensive gadgets.
- Be cautious during cash withdrawals or exchanges and avoid being distracted by strangers.
- Exercise increased vigilance at airports, subways, and public transport hubs.
- Do not resist during robberies to avoid escalation.
- Stay alert to scams, unsolicited communications, and suspicious requests for assistance. Verify authenticity before engaging.
Buenos Aires Region:
- Temperature ranges:
- Summer (December-February): 25°C to 35°C (77°F to 95°F)
- Winter (June-August): 8°C to 18°C (46°F to 64°F)
- Humid subtropical climate
- Rainfall throughout the year
Patagonia Region:
- Temperature ranges:
- Summer: 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F)
- Winter: 0°C to 10°C (32°F to 50°F)
- Strong winds
- Variable weather conditions
Northern Region:
- Subtropical climate
- Hot summers
- Mild winters
- Higher humidity
Airports
Ministro Pistarini International Airport (EZE)
- Location: Buenos Aires
- When to use: Main international hub
- Also known as: Ezeiza International Airport
Aeroparque Jorge Newbery (AEP)
- Location: Buenos Aires
- When to use: Domestic flights and regional connections
Ingeniero Aeronáutico Ambrosio L.V. Taravella International Airport (COR)
- Location: Córdoba
- When to use: Central Argentina access
Train stations
Retiro Station (Buenos Aires)
Main connections:
- Northern suburban lines
- Long-distance services
- Connection to metro system
- Bus terminal nearby
Constitución Station
Main connections:
- Southern suburban lines
- Regional services
- Metro connection
- Urban bus services
Once Station
Main connections:
- Western suburban services
- Regional trains
- Metro and bus links
- Urban distribution
Ride-hailing services
- Uber
- Cabify
- Beat
- Local taxi apps
Public transportation
Long-Distance Services
Bus Network:
- Extensive national coverage
- Multiple service classes
- Modern fleet
- Online booking available
Urban Networks:
Buenos Aires:
- Subte (Metro): 6 lines
- Extensive bus network (Colectivos)
- Suburban trains
- Metrobus system
Córdoba:
- City bus network
- Trolleybus system
- Urban trains
- Taxi services
Local Transportation:
- Colectivos (city buses)
- Local taxi services
- Urban rail systems
- Bicycle sharing systems