How to Register a Sole Proprietorship (Monotributista / Autónomo) in Argentina

Being an independent contractor in Argentina is appealing for many who want greater flexibility over their schedule, projects, and income. Working under the Monotributo or Autónomo regime avoids some of the administrative complexity of forming a company, while allowing you to issue invoices, contribute to social security, and operate formally.

Setting up as an independent worker in Argentina is relatively bureaucratic: there are mandatory registrations, tax and social security obligations, and periodic recategorizations or filings. That said, the Monotributo regime simplifies many of those obligations for small‐scale activities.

Challenges include navigating the tax thresholds and categories (which change with inflation), managing paperwork—especially if you’re a foreign national—and meeting social security/health insurance contributions. Benefits include simplified tax handling (especially under Monotributo), lower compliance costs, access to formal invoicing, social security/medical cover, and legitimacy in business relationships.

In this guide, we’ll take you through everything you need to know to get started as a sole proprietor in Argentina.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for legal advice. Please always check official sources or seek professional guidance before taking action.

What is a sole proprietorship in Argentina?

In Argentina, a sole proprietor (one‐person business) is usually termed either Monotributista or Autónomo (responsable inscripto), depending on scale and earnings. Sometimes just “trabajador independiente” (independent worker) or “self-employed worker.” These terms all describe one person legally running a business without forming a separate company.

How does a sole proprietorship (monotributista/autónomo) work in Argentina?

Here’s a snapshot of the essentials you need to know about becoming a sole proprietor in Argentina.

Monotributista vs a limited company in Argentina

Here’s a comparison with alternative, more formal structures, such as forming an LLC/SRL (Sociedad de Responsabilidad Limitada).

Step-by-step guide: How to register a sole proprietorship in Argentina

Step 1: Check if you are eligible to become a Monotributista or Autónomo

You must be a person (natural person). No company ownership or directorship conflict. You need a tax identification number (CUIT) and a fiscal key (Clave Fiscal) through AFIP.

Residency is not strictly required in all cases, but a lack of proper documentation (e.g., DNI or passport and residency) may complicate matters. For Monotributista, there are caps on annual revenue and invoicing, and there are restrictions on the number of activities, product sales, etc.

Step 2: Choose your business name

You may simply use your own legal name or adopt a trade name; if you adopt a trade name (“nombre de fantasía”), it should not be misleading or infringe others' rights. For invoicing, the name registered with AFIP must be used. There is no separate national name search for sole proprietors beyond ensuring your name does not violate trademarks (if applicable).

Step 3: Gather required documents

Typical documents and information needed:

• National Identity Document (DNI) for Argentine citizens, or a valid passport and immigration/residency documents for foreigners.

• Clave Fiscal (AFIP fiscal key) established.

• CUIT (Clave Única de Identificación Tributaria) – tax ID. The easiest way to obtain this is to apply online.

• Proof of address: often a utility bill or similar showing your residence or business address.

Estimate of your expected activity: projected annual income, type of service or sales, possibly local installations, or the size of premises, if applicable for the Monotributo category.

Step 4: Register with AFIP

• First obtain a CUIT via AFIP’s online system (“Alta CUIT personas humanas – Situaciones especiales”) if you don’t have one. This requires you to log in with your Clave Fiscal, fill in details, and upload any required proof of ID or address.

• Register as Monotributista via the Monotributo service on ARCA/AFIP. You select your activity, category, social health insurance (obra social), and sign up. The “Inscribirme como monotributista” procedure is easy to follow and available online.

• If choosing régimen general (Autónomo), you must register as “responsable inscripto” in AFIP, subscribe to the required taxes (Income Tax, VAT if applicable), and arrange your social security contributions.

Step 5: Pay registration fees and contributions

For Monotributo, there is no fee to register. The cost is the monthly fixed quota, which depends on the category. For example, the lowest category (A) currently has a monthly payment of ARS 1,955.68.

You must also pay the health insurance component (obra social) and pension contributions included in that fixed monthly payment.

For Autónomo, contributions are based on general regime formulas: your earnings, some minimal base, etc., as well as VAT (if applicable), income tax filings, plus social security. Costs will be higher the more you earn or the more complex your activity.

Step 6: Complete post-registration obligations

Once you are registered, you must issue legal invoices (facturas) for the work you do. Monotributistas issue specific types of invoices. Monotributistas must pay their monthly quota by or before the 20th of each month, or the first business day if that date is a non-business day.

You must recategorize yourself periodically (usually every six months) under Monotributo if your activity, income, premises, electricity consumption, etc., change. You may need to file periodic returns or reports under the general regime (Autónomo), especially for income tax and VAT.

If there are changes—address, activity, cessation—you must update your registration or deregister.

Financial and tax obligations for sole proprietors in Argentina

• Income taxes: Under Monotributo, income tax is embedded in the single fixed payment. Under Autónomo, you need to make periodic (monthly or quarterly) payments or withholdings and a yearly declaration of Ganancias.

• Social security/pension contributions: Monotributo includes pension & health contributions in the fixed fee. Autónomo must make separate contributions based on AFIP/ANSES rules.

• VAT (IVA) obligations: Monotributo includes VAT in its fixed quota (i.e., simpler). Under the general regime, if your activity involves goods or services subject to VAT, you need to register for VAT, issue VAT invoices, and file periodic VAT returns.

• Record-keeping requirements: Keep invoices, receipts, and bank statements. Monotributistas have simpler bookkeeping obligations. Autónomos need more detailed accounting (books of sales and purchases, etc.), and retention of documents.

• Other periodic obligations: Recategorizations, updating data, paying monthly quota or tax installments, and submitting annual declarations under the general regime.

Launch your contracting career and stay compliant with Deel

Registering as a sole proprietor gives you independence, but it also means handling taxes, invoices, and records on your own. Deel’s all-in-one platform helps you manage obligations without the stress. With Deel, you can:

• Automate invoicing and expense tracking with essential Bookkeeping tools
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• Keep accurate records for tax season
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• Get paid through multiple payment and withdrawal methods
• Spend your earnings in USD with the Deel Card
• Access funds early with Deel Advance
• Enjoy contractor perks from 150+ partners

Stay independent, without the admin overload. Sign up to Deel for free today.

FAQs

What is the minimum capital required to start a Monotributista / Autónomo in Argentina?
There is no minimum capital requirement. You can start operations without any paid-in capital under either regime.

Do Monotributistas need to register for VAT/GST?
Not separately: under Monotributo, the VAT component is included in the fixed payment. If you exceed the thresholds for Monotributo, or are in the general regime (Autónomo), you must register for VAT and file VAT returns.

How much are the standard monthly or annual contributions?
For Monotributo, the payment depends on your category. The lowest category (A) is ARS 1,955.68 per month (as of the latest published scales). For Autónomo, contributions scale with income; costs will be higher and more variable.

Can a Monotributista hire employees?
Yes, you can hire employees. But depending on your regime and activity, you may incur other obligations (labor law, payroll taxes, etc.). Monotributo itself does not stop you from hiring, but the more employees you have, the more complex compliance becomes.

How long does it take to register as a Monotributista in Argentina?
The online registration process (if all documents are in order) can be done very quickly—often within 15 minutes for Monotributo, once you have CUIT and Clave Fiscal. Argentina

Can foreign nationals register as Monotributista/Autónomo in Argentina?
Yes, but you’ll need valid identification (e.g., passport / DNI if applicable), possibly residency or immigration status, depending on local rules. Some procedures may require you to have an Argentine DNI. Lack thereof might complicate or delay registration.

Do Monotributistas / Autónomos need a separate business bank account?
Not usually mandatory, but strongly recommended for accounting clarity, invoicing, and separating personal and business finances. Banks or clients may require proof of formal registration (CUIT, etc.) to open business bank accounts or to accept invoices.

What happens if I stop working as a Monotributista / Autónomo?
You can deregister (dar de baja) your Monotributo or cease activity via AFIP/ARCA online systems. You’ll need to settle final payments, invoices, and ensure any final declarations are submitted.

Are there any government incentives or reduced rates for new Monotributistas / Autónomos?
There are certain incentives: Monotributo is itself a simplified regime designed to lower entry barriers. There is often a reintegration (“reintegro”) or discount if you pay on time or use certain payment methods. Also, thresholds of income (facturación) are updated periodically. Keep an eye on these changes.

Can I use Deel as a Monotributista / Autónomo to get paid by international clients?
Yes. Deel allows independent contractors in Argentina to be paid by clients anywhere, and supports multiple currencies/payment methods. As long as you are properly registered (have CUIT, issue compliant invoices, etc.), you can receive payments through Deel and declare them appropriately in your financial records.

Does Deel generate compliant invoices for Monotributistas / Autónomos?
Yes. Deel’s invoice tools can generate invoices that satisfy local requirements (CUIT, correct invoice type, including required tax components). You should verify that the invoice format meets AFIP / ARCA regulations (for example, the type of invoice, inclusion of all required numbering), but Deel aims to support that.

Can Deel help me with taxes as a sole proprietor in Argentina?
Yes. Deel provides downloadable reports of payments, fees, currency conversion and other financial data you’ll need for your tax returns. Deel is not a tax advisor, so for detailed filings (especially under Autónomo or high revenue Monotributo) you should consult a local accountant.

Does Deel offer contracts for freelancers and Monotributistas / Autónomos?
Yes. Deel offers contract templates which are compliant with local law, helping you define clearly the working relationships and services, which is important both for legal protection and for tax/labour consistency.

Can I access benefits through Deel as a sole proprietor in Argentina?
Yes. Deel offers optional perks depending on your plan, such as health insurance options, retirement savings tools, etc., which can help supplement your social security / obra social.