How to pay a US company legally from Argentina — and whether a US LLC makes sense for you
Argentina has a massive freelance and remote-work sector, driven by highly skilled talent and the ongoing need to earn hard currency. The country's foreign exchange framework — governed by the Central Bank of the Argentine Republic (BCRA) — is notoriously complex, though recent easing has made outward payments to US companies slightly more straightforward. Still, navigating the official exchange market (MULC) versus alternative dollars (MEP/CCL) remains a daily reality. A US LLC can access additional payment infrastructure for Argentine founders and freelancers.
This guide covers: how to make a legitimate outward payment from Argentina to a US company; what documentation your bank needs; the withholding-tax position; and whether forming a US LLC via FilingExpress is the right move for your business profile.
Who this is for
| Profile | Typical need |
|---|---|
| Freelancer / remote worker | Receiving USD from US clients via Payoneer, Deel, or direct ACH |
| IT services provider | Paying US suppliers, SaaS tools, or advertising platforms |
| E-commerce seller | Running a Shopify store with a US LLC as the merchant entity |
| Tech founder | Operating a startup with USD earnings from abroad |
| Local-currency earner | Converting ARS to USD to pay a US invoice |
Making a legitimate outward payment from Argentina
The BCRA regulatory framework
The Central Bank of the Argentine Republic (BCRA) regulates foreign exchange transactions. Historically, strict capital controls (the cepo) severely restricted access to the official foreign exchange market (MULC). While recent administrations have begun lifting some controls, outward remittances for services — including payments for software, SaaS subscriptions, advertising, professional services, and business formation costs — still require careful navigation.
If you want to access the official exchange rate to pay a foreign service provider, you must go through an authorized financial institution and provide extensive documentation. Alternatively, many businesses use the "Contado con Liquidación" (CCL) or "Dólar MEP" mechanisms to acquire dollars legally using bonds, though this comes at a different exchange rate and may restrict your access to the official market for a period.
The SWIFT process
Major Argentine commercial banks, such as Banco Galicia, Santander Río, BBVA Argentina, and Banco Macro, process foreign exchange transactions.
What your bank will ask for:
- Invoice from the US company, with a clear description of the service or product
- Your CUIT (Clave Única de Identificación Tributaria)
- Proof of the service rendered (contracts, deliverables)
- Certification from an independent public accountant (in many cases)
- Sworn declarations regarding your recent use of the CCL/MEP markets
- Tax compliance certificates from AFIP (Administración Federal de Ingresos Públicos)
Typical processing time: 3–7 business days for SWIFT transfers to the US, assuming all documentation is perfect. If the bank or BCRA flags the transaction, it can take much longer.
Fees: Argentine banks charge SWIFT fees, plus correspondent bank deductions at the US end. Budget for USD 30–60 total friction per wire, plus the administrative cost of preparing the documentation.
Alternatives to SWIFT wire
Payoneer: Widely used by Argentine freelancers on Upwork, Fiverr, and direct client arrangements. Payoneer issues a USD receiving account that US clients can pay via ACH.
Deel / Ontop: Popular platforms for remote workers in Argentina to receive payments from US companies, often offering options to withdraw in USD or crypto.
Crypto / Stablecoins: Given the FX restrictions, many Argentine freelancers and businesses use stablecoins (USDT, USDC) to receive payments and settle invoices, though this operates outside the traditional banking system and requires careful tax consideration.
Withholding tax position
Argentina imposes withholding tax on payments to non-residents under the Income Tax Law, administered by AFIP. The rate depends on the type of service. For technical assistance, engineering, or consulting services not obtainable in Argentina, the effective withholding rate is 21% (calculated as 35% on an assumed profit of 60%). For other services, the effective rate can be 31.5% (35% on an assumed profit of 90%).
Argentina and the United States do not have a comprehensive double tax treaty in force for income taxes. This means that payments to US companies do not benefit from treaty-reduced withholding rates, and the domestic Argentine rates apply.
In practice, if you are paying for standard SaaS subscriptions or software licenses, the classification can be complex. Local payment processors often automatically withhold VAT (21%) and other taxes on digital services. If you are making a direct wire transfer for professional services, your Argentine bank will require proof that the applicable AFIP withholding taxes have been paid before releasing the funds. Verify the current rate and classification with your Argentine accountant before acting.
Does a US LLC make sense for you?
The case for a US LLC from Argentina
Argentina has one of the most sophisticated remote-work forces in Latin America. However, local banking infrastructure and FX controls create massive friction for international business. A US LLC addresses several specific friction points:
Payment acceptance. Stripe is not natively available for Argentine entities. A US LLC with a US bank account provides the most reliable access to Stripe, PayPal Business, Shopify Payments, and Amazon Seller Central.
US banking. A US LLC can open a Mercury, Relay, or Bluevine business account online. This gives you a US ACH-receiving account, a US debit card, and the ability to hold USD without being forced to liquidate it into ARS at the official rate within a strict timeframe (a common requirement for local exporters of services).
For a detailed comparison, see our full Bluevine vs US Bank comparison.
Shopify store operations. If you are running a Shopify store targeting US or global consumers, a US LLC as the merchant entity enables Shopify Payments, improves checkout trust, and simplifies US sales tax compliance.
Amex Global Transfer. Argentina appears on Amex's Global Card Relationship directory, but the process here is non-standard — applications go through Amex customer service by email rather than a web form. The universal rule still applies: the card must be a consumer card issued by American Express itself, not a corporate card and not an Amex-branded card issued by a local bank under licence. Confirm your card's issuer before planning around this.
Who should form a US LLC
- Freelancers and remote workers earning significant USD from US or global clients who want cleaner payment infrastructure and the ability to hold USD abroad legally.
- Shopify and e-commerce sellers targeting US consumers.
- IT services providers who want to invoice in USD from a US entity.
- SaaS founders building for US or global markets.
- Argentine founders who hold an Amex card and want to use the Amex Global Transfer path.
Who probably does not need one yet
- Businesses with purely ARS revenue and no US clients.
- Founders at the idea stage with no revenue.
- Freelancers who are comfortable managing their current setup via Payoneer or crypto and do not need a formal US corporate entity.
Formation via FilingExpress
FilingExpress handles the full formation remotely — no US travel required. For an Argentine founder, the typical path is:
- Wyoming LLC formation — the standard choice for non-residents. Approximately USD 150–200 all-in for the first year including registered agent.
- EIN (Employer Identification Number) — obtained from the IRS by fax or mail. No SSN required for non-residents. FilingExpress handles this as part of the formation package.
- US bank account — Mercury or Relay, applied for online after formation.
- ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) — required if you want to file a US personal tax return. Not required for the LLC itself if taxed as a disregarded entity.
For a detailed comparison, see our full Mercury vs Relay comparison.
Annual compliance: Wyoming LLCs require an annual report (approximately USD 60) and a registered agent (approximately USD 50–100/year). No state income tax in Wyoming.
US federal tax: A single-member LLC owned by a non-resident alien is a disregarded entity. It files Form 5472 and a pro-forma Form 1120 annually. No US federal income tax is owed on income not effectively connected with a US trade or business.
Practical steps to get started
- Assess your payment friction. If you are already collecting USD cleanly and have no US clients requiring a US entity, a US LLC may not be urgent. If you want Stripe, Shopify Payments, or to hold USD in a US corporate account, form the LLC now.
- Form the LLC. Use FilingExpress for a fully remote formation. Budget USD 200–300 for year one.
- Get your EIN. FilingExpress includes this. Takes 4–8 weeks by fax.
- Open a US bank account. Mercury is the most accessible for Argentine founders. Apply online with your formation documents and EIN.
- Set up your payment stack. Stripe (once your LLC is approved) for client payments.
- File annually. Form 5472 + pro-forma 1120 by April 15. A US CPA charges approximately USD 300–600 for this filing.
Summary
The BCRA's complex framework makes outward payments to US companies challenging for Argentine residents, often requiring extensive documentation through banks like Galicia or Santander Río. A US LLC is worth forming if you want reliable Stripe access, the ability to hold USD in a US bank account, or the Amex Global Transfer path. Formation is fully remote via FilingExpress, and the annual compliance burden is manageable.
For the broader picture on this topic, see our guide on how to pay a US company from your country.
For the broader picture on this topic, see the Argentina banking guide.
See also
- Best Payment Processors for Non-Residents — Full Comparison For more context, see LLC vs C-Corp for Argentina founders.