Types of Companies in Argentina (2026): SAS, S.R.L. & S.A.

By Easyco Updated October 15, 2026

The most common types of companies in Argentina for foreign founders are the SAS, the S.R.L. and the S.A. (including the single-shareholder S.A.U.). Foreign groups can also open a branch. All of them are governed by the General Companies Law (Ley 19.550), plus Ley 27.349 for the SAS. Foreigners can generally own 100% of any of them. What differs is the number of owners, the minimum capital, who must live in Argentina and how formal the governance is. This guide is current as of 2026, including the Buenos Aires City registry (IGJ) reforms of May and September 2026. Once you have chosen one, see our company registration in Argentina service.

Easyco - types of companies in Argentina

1. Sociedad por Acciones Simplificada (SAS)

Created in 2017 by the Entrepreneurs Law (Ley 27.349) as a simple, flexible company.

Owners: one or more shareholders, individuals or companies. A single-shareholder SAS cannot be the sole shareholder of another single-shareholder SAS.
Capital: at least two monthly minimum wages (Ley 27.349, art. 40), which is ARS 782,400 with the minimum wage in force from 1 October 2026. At least 25% of cash contributions is paid in at incorporation and the rest within two years.
Management: one or more administrators. At least one must have their real domicile in Argentina. A statutory auditor (síndico) is optional.
Formation: in Buenos Aires City, online through the TAD platform, with the option of a model statute. Since September 2026, IGJ accepts “any lawful activity” as an SAS’s purpose.
Limits: an SAS cannot make public offerings, carry out banking, insurance or public-service activities, or be controlled by a company that does (Ley 27.349, art. 39).

Best for: startups and small or mid-sized foreign-owned companies that want one owner and simple governance.

2. Sociedad de Responsabilidad Limitada (S.R.L.)

Owners: two to 50 partners, individuals or companies. It cannot have a single partner.
Capital: divided into quotas. There is no legal minimum, but the capital should suit the business. At least 25% of cash contributions is paid in at incorporation and the rest within two years. Partners’ liability is limited to their quotas, but they jointly guarantee that contributions are made.
Management: one or more managers (gerentes), partners or not. The absolute majority must have their real domicile in Argentina.
Formation: usually by public deed; a notice is published in the Boletín Oficial.

Best for: closely held companies and joint ventures between two or more partners who don’t plan to bring in outside investors.

3. Sociedad Anónima (S.A.)

Owners: two or more shareholders. Capital is divided into shares, which are easier to transfer than quotas.
Capital: minimum ARS 30,000,000 (Decreto 209/2024, for companies formed since 1 March 2024). At least 25% of cash contributions is paid in at incorporation.
Management: a board of one or more directors, or at least three in companies under permanent state supervision (for example, listed companies). The absolute majority of directors must have their real domicile in Argentina, and all directors give a special domicile there (Ley 19.550, art. 256).
Formation: by public deed; a notice is published in the Boletín Oficial.

Best for: larger companies, companies that plan to bring in investors, and regulated activities.

4. Sociedad Anónima Unipersonal (S.A.U.)

Owner: a single shareholder, which can be an individual or a company (including a foreign company registered under article 123), but not another S.A.U.
Capital: the same ARS 30,000,000 minimum as an S.A., paid in in full at incorporation.
Governance: subject to permanent state supervision. Since Ley 27.290 (2016) it can have a single director and a single statutory auditor (síndico), with an alternate.

Best for: foreign groups that want a wholly owned subsidiary with the S.A. structure.

5. Branch of a foreign company (sucursal)

Registration: under article 118 of the General Companies Law. The parent company files its incorporation documents, proof of good standing and the decision to open the branch, and appoints a legal representative in Argentina. In Buenos Aires City, IGJ General Resolution 4/2026 unified and simplified the rules for registering foreign companies.
Liability: a branch is not a separate legal entity, so the parent company is liable for its obligations.
Accounting: the branch keeps separate accounts and files annual financial statements in Argentina.

Best for: foreign companies that want to operate directly under their own name.

Quick comparison

	SAS	S.R.L.	S.A.	S.A.U.	Branch
Owners	1 or more	2 to 50	2 or more	1	Foreign parent
Minimum capital	2 minimum wages	None set by law	ARS 30,000,000	ARS 30,000,000	Generally none
Paid in at formation	25% of cash	25% of cash	25% of cash	100%	n/a
Resident management	At least 1 administrator	Majority of managers	Majority of directors	Majority of directors	Legal representative
Separate legal entity	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	No

Rules that apply to every type

Registry: the IGJ for companies domiciled in Buenos Aires City, or the registry of the province where the company is domiciled.
Foreign corporate shareholders must register under article 123 of the General Companies Law and declare their beneficial owners before taking part in a local company.
Tax ID: the company, and any foreign partners and administrators, need a CUIT from ARCA.
Address: a physical registered address in the company’s jurisdiction is required. See registered office address in Argentina.
Taxes: corporate income tax on a 25%–35% progressive scale, 7% withholding on dividends to individuals and foreign shareholders, 21% VAT and provincial Ingresos Brutos.

Ready to start? Read how to set up a company in Argentina, step by step.

FAQ

Which type of company is best for a foreign founder in Argentina?

For a single foreign owner with a small or mid-sized operation, usually the SAS. For two or more partners, the S.R.L. For larger projects, outside investors or regulated activities, the S.A. or S.A.U.

Can a foreign company be the only shareholder?

Yes, of an SAS or an S.A.U., once it is registered under article 123. An S.R.L. needs at least two partners.

Do the owners need to live in Argentina?

No. Residency rules apply to management, not to shareholders: at least one SAS administrator, and the majority of S.R.L. managers or S.A. directors, must have their real domicile in Argentina.

Is the SAS still available?

Yes. In 2026 the IGJ simplified it further: “any lawful activity” is accepted as its purpose, and the minimum contribution can be backed by a sworn statement instead of a bank deposit.

Need help choosing? Contact us for a quote. Easyco handles company formation, tax, accounting and payroll in Argentina.