SA and SAU (corporation)
Last verified: 24 Oct 2026 · Status: Changing
The sociedad anónima (SA) is the standard vehicle for larger and regulated businesses and for foreign subsidiaries. It is governed by Law 19.550. Minimum capital is ARS 30,000,000 (about US$19,183). A single shareholder version, the SAU, is allowed with stricter rules. Incorporation goes through a notary deed and registration with the IGJ or the provincial registry.
Peso amounts are converted at the dólar MEP (bolsa) selling rate of ARS 1,563.90 per US$ on 23 Oct 2026 (source: dolarapi.com, MEP quote). Conversions are indicative and move daily.
Key rules
- Capital. Minimum ARS 30,000,000 (article 186, amount updated by decree). At least 25% of cash contributions paid at incorporation and the rest within 2 years, deposited at Banco de la Nación Argentina.
- Shareholders. At least two for an SA. Foreign shareholder companies must register with the IGJ under article 123 before subscribing.
- Board. One or more directors. A board of at least three is needed in companies under article 299 (for example when capital exceeds ARS 2,000,000,000, about US$1,278,854). A majority of directors must reside in Argentina (article 256). Directors post a guarantee under IGJ rules.
- Supervision. Statutory auditors (sindicatura) are required for companies under article 299 and for SAUs.
- SAU. Capital must be paid in full at incorporation. An SAU cannot be the sole shareholder of another SAU.
- Books. Corporate and accounting books are rubricated (stamped) by the registry, or kept digitally where the registry allows.
Step by step
- Reserve the name (valid 30 days).
- Foreign shareholders: register under article 123 (see Branch and foreign companies).
- Sign the incorporation deed before a notary with the bylaws.
- Deposit 25% of cash capital at Banco Nación.
- Publish the notice in the Boletín Oficial.
- File for registration with the IGJ.
- Obtain the CUIT and open the bank account (see CUIT, bank account and directors).
Costs and timelines
Official guide estimate: 30 to 60 business days for an SA or SRL under Law 19.550. IGJ and notary fees are not listed here because we have not sourced the current schedules.
International comparison
| Jurisdiction | Incorporating a standard limited company: official fee and channel |
|---|---|
| Argentina | SA: notary deed plus IGJ filing, 30 to 60 business days (official investor guide) source |
| US (Delaware) | US$109 minimum filing fee for a stock corporation; 24 hour expedite US$50 source |
| UK | £100 online, usually within 24 hours source |
| Canada | C$200 online; standard online processing one business day source |
| Chile | Free online constitution in the Registro de Empresas y Sociedades (Tu Empresa en un Día) source |
| Uruguay | Empresa en el Día closed to new incorporations from 1 Jan 2026 (Decree 212/025) source |
| Brazil | Not yet sourced |
| Singapore | S$15 name application plus S$300 incorporation via BizFile source |
| Estonia | €265 state fee, online with Estonian e-ID or e-Residency source |
Government fees only, from each official registry, checked 24 Oct 2026. Registered agent, notary and lawyer costs are excluded. Brazil not yet sourced.
Practical traps
- Foreign parent documents (good standing, bylaws, board resolutions) need apostille and sworn translation, which often takes longer than the local steps.
- The resident director rule means a local director must be found before signing.
Pending changes
The government sent a draft to replace Law 19.550 (June 2026). Not enacted.