Source of funds shows where the specific money for the investment came from; source of wealth shows how the applicant built their overall net worth. Both must be proven with official documents and a continuous banking trail. Undocumented cash, under-declared property sales and funds routed through third parties are the most common causes of delay and refusal.
Two different questions
Source of funds answers: which transaction produced the USD 350,000 being transferred? Source of wealth answers: how did the applicant accumulate everything they own? Argentina has said its review will follow OECD and FATF recommendations, which means both are examined.
Evidence by income type
| Source | Typical evidence |
|---|---|
| Property sale | Title deed, sale contract, proof of payment into own account, evidence of how the property was originally acquired |
| Business profits and dividends | Company registry extract, audited accounts, tax returns, dividend resolutions, withholding tax records, transfer to personal account |
| Employment income | Employment contract, payslips, employer letter, personal tax returns |
| Inheritance or gift | Probate or succession documents, inheritance tax filings, evidence of the donor's wealth |
| Securities | Brokerage statements, sale confirmations, origin of initial capital |
| Crypto assets | Exchange statements, wallet history, acquisition cost, fiat off-ramp bank records |
Moving the money
- Funds should be sent from an account in the applicant's own name through regulated banking channels.
- Cash, exchange bureaux and third-party accounts are not acceptable.
- The full chain (sale, receipt, currency conversion, international transfer) should be documented without gaps.
- Sending banks run their own compliance checks on large transfers; prepare this in advance.
Common mistakes
- Moving funds between several accounts shortly before applying
- Unexplained transfers from relatives
- Income inconsistent with tax filings
- Under-declared property sale prices
- Complex holding structures without disclosure of the ultimate beneficial owner
- Failing to disclose adverse media in advance
Starting this work before applications open is the single biggest time saver.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between source of funds and source of wealth?
Source of funds shows where the investment money came from; source of wealth shows how the applicant built their total net worth.
Can I invest with cash?
No. Funds must come through regulated banking channels from the applicant's own account.
Can crypto gains be used?
Yes, if fully documented with exchange statements, wallet history and bank records of conversion to fiat.
Sources
- FATF Recommendations
- OECD work on residence and citizenship by investment schemes
- Argentine Ministry of Economy announcement, 2 October 2026