OCTIS vs subsidiary vs branch: how a foreign company sets up in Argentina

Form a new local company, or register the foreign company itself with the IGJ.

Last checked 9 November 2026 · 7 sources

Otty's short answer

A foreign company either forms a local subsidiary, such as an SAS, or registers itself with the IGJ as a branch or as a shareholder. A subsidiary is a separate Argentine legal entity. A branch is the foreign company acting locally. IGJ resolutions in 2026 cut paperwork for foreign companies, so ask a local lawyer which route fits your plan.

Side by side

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What matters	OCTISHong Kong company + OCTIS global plan	Local subsidiary (SAS)	Branch of a foreign company
What it is	Hong Kong company, 100% foreign ownership allowed	New Argentine legal entity	Foreign company itself
Registered with	Companies Registry, Hong Kong	IGJ or provincial registry	IGJ or provincial registry
Main Ley 19.550 article	Not applicable	Art. 123 for shareholder	Art. 118 for branch
Foreign parent registers too	Shareholder can live anywhere	Yes, as partner	Yes, itself
2026 paperwork change	Not needed for the Hong Kong company; local rules apply if you trade there	RG 11/26 and 5/26	RG 4/26 and 13/26
Documents from abroad	Not needed for the Hong Kong company; local rules apply if you trade there	Apostille, per IGJ	Apostilled digital format accepted
Bylaws filed	Not needed for the Hong Kong company; local rules apply if you trade there	New bylaws	Current consolidated bylaws
Beneficial owner statement	Not needed for the Hong Kong company; local rules apply if you trade there	Sworn, owners of 10%+	Sworn, owners of 20%+
Local representative needed	Hong Kong company secretary and registered office address needed	Administrator with CUIT	Designated representative
Online filing route	Filed online with the Companies Registry	Trámites a Distancia	IGJ service. Check steps
Government fee	At least 10% below any qualifying quote (Lowest Price Guarantee), government fees and first-year company secretary included	Check current fee	Check current fee

If you have staff, premises or local sales in this country, its own registration and tax rules still apply. OCTIS can help you arrange them.

Data sources & disclaimer: Comparison data was compiled from publicly available sources — including the competitors' own published pricing and feature pages — captured on 9 November 2026. Figures reflect the typical or advertised pricing at that time and may have changed since; plans, inclusions and prices vary by provider, region and promotion. OCTIS is independent and not affiliated with the named companies; all trademarks belong to their respective owners. This comparison is provided in good faith for general information only and is not professional, legal or financial advice — please verify current details with each provider before deciding.

Which one fits you

OCTIS · Hong Kong company + OCTIS global plan
Choose OCTIS if you want a Hong Kong company to hold your business and sell into Argentina, run from anywhere.
Local subsidiary (SAS)
Choose a local subsidiary if you want a separate Argentine entity to hire, contract and hold local risk.
Branch of a foreign company
Choose a branch if the foreign company will act directly in Argentina and you want to file your own existing bylaws.

What the table does not show

What the IGJ simplified in 2026

The IGJ lists RG 4/26, which simplifies registration for foreign companies under articles 118 and 123 of the Ley General de Sociedades, and RG 13/26, which lets a company formed abroad file its current consolidated bylaws instead of the original instrument and every amendment. The IGJ also accepts digital documents from abroad if they are apostilled. Confirm which resolution applies to your case.

Ownership transparency

For a foreign company registering with the IGJ, the official service page asks for a sworn beneficial-owner statement for holders of 20% or more and political-exposure declarations for its representatives. For an SAS, partners with 10% or more must be declared as beneficial owners under oath. Have the ownership chart and passports of your owners ready before you file.

Money and exchange rules

Sending profit abroad is governed by BCRA exchange rules, not by the IGJ. Under Communication A 8481, dividends to non-resident shareholders can access the foreign exchange market only for closed and audited balance sheets and within the amount approved by the shareholders' meeting. Buying foreign currency for saving needs prior BCRA approval for a company. Check BCRA rules for changes.

Where OCTIS fits

OCTIS does not incorporate or file tax in Argentina. If you run a Malaysian or Hong Kong company thinking of an Argentine subsidiary or branch, OCTIS can keep the home company's books and consolidate the local statements your Argentine accountant prepares, and help you compare the cost of serving Argentina from home. Ask about 10–30% off your current bill.

See OCTIS pricing

Frequently asked questions

Can a foreign company own an SAS in Argentina?

The official SAS guide lets a legal entity be a partner and asks for a sworn statement on its percentage and supporting documents. Registering the foreign company with the IGJ is a separate step under the Ley General de Sociedades. A local lawyer should confirm the documents.

Do foreign documents need an apostille?

The IGJ says it now accepts digital documents issued abroad as long as they are apostilled, under RG 4/26. Translations and other formalities may still apply, so check the IGJ foreign-company page for your documents before you travel or sign anything.

Which is better, a subsidiary or a branch?

Neither is better for everyone. A subsidiary is a separate Argentine company with its own bylaws, administrator and limited liability. A branch is the foreign company operating locally. Ask a lawyer and an accountant about liability, tax and reporting before choosing.

Can I take profits out of Argentina?

Dividends to non-resident shareholders can access the exchange market only for closed and audited balance sheets and within the amount the shareholders' meeting approved, under BCRA Communication A 8481. Other conditions apply. Check BCRA rules and ask your accountant before you promise a payout date.

Sources

Checked on the date above. Links open the provider's or regulator's own page.