Bank Transfers and Source of Funds
The key practical question for any investor is how to lawfully move funds to Argentina and prove where they came from. Below is a general overview; always agree the specific route with the bank and a lawyer.
Updated: 2026-10-21
Which documents prove the source of funds?
Argentine banks and authorities check the legality and chain of origin of the money: property sale contracts, dividend resolutions, tax returns, bank statements and income certificates. Documents are usually required with an apostille and a sworn translation.
Anti-money-laundering rules (UIF)
In Argentina, anti-money-laundering supervision is led by the Unidad de Información Financiera (UIF). Banks, notaries and other obliged parties must verify the client and the source of funds.
- Client and beneficial owner identification (KYC)
- Politically exposed person (PEP) screening
- Review of the legality and economic purpose of the transaction
- Screening against restrictive-measures lists
Typical source-of-funds documents
- Property sale: sale contract, land registry extract, proof of payment received
- Dividends and company shares: shareholder resolutions, statements, financial accounts
- Salary and bonuses: income certificates, employment contracts
- Inheritance and gifts: inheritance certificate, deed of gift
- Tax returns and proof of tax paid
- Bank statements showing the path of funds from source to the Argentine account
The bank and the authority handling the procedure decide the exact package. Requirements may be stricter for large amounts.
How the transfer usually works
Funds normally arrive through the banking system into the account designated by the official procedure. The receiving bank may request additional documents before crediting the funds.
Any transfer route must comply with the laws of every country involved and with applicable restrictive measures. This site does not advise on circumventing restrictions — such operations carry serious legal risk and may lead to refusal.
Common mistakes
- A broken chain: money passed through accounts with no supporting documents
- Cash without proof of origin
- Amounts in contracts and statements that do not match
- Documents without apostille or translation
- Starting the transfer before consulting the receiving bank