How to get a CUIL and CUIT in Argentina in 2025: a complete guide for foreigners

What are CUIL and CUIT in Argentina?

Argentina uses two unique identification numbers for individuals and legal entities:

• CUIL (Código Único de Identificación Laboral) - assigned to individuals and used for social security and employment purposes.
• CUIT (Código Único de Identificación Tributaria) - assigned to companies, entrepreneurs and the self-employed, and used for tax and financial transactions.

Both numbers are 11 digits long and are required for a wide range of official procedures across the country.

Why you need a CUIL

A CUIL is required to:

• take up formal employment;
• register with ANSES (the national social security administration);
• open a bank account;
• access healthcare through the social security system;
• apply for various social benefits and allowances.

How to get a CUIL

How you obtain a CUIL depends on whether you already hold an Argentine identity document (DNI).

If you have a DNI

Your CUIL is assigned automatically when your DNI is issued. You can download the Constancia de CUIL (proof of CUIL) online:

• go to the ANSES website;
• select "Trámites en línea" and then "Obtener constancia de CUIL";
• fill in the form with your personal details;
• download and save the PDF of your Constancia de CUIL.

This certificate is valid for all official procedures and requires no signature or stamp.

If you don't have a DNI

Foreign nationals without a DNI can obtain a temporary CUIL by visiting an ANSES office in person. You will need:

• a passport or Precaria;
• proof of registration with the immigration authorities;
• proof of address in Argentina (for example, a rental contract or a utility bill).

Once you receive your DNI, you must update your CUIL by contacting ANSES to merge the temporary and permanent numbers.

Why you need a CUIT

A CUIT is required to:

• register with the tax authority, ARCA (called AFIP until October 2024);
• start a business or work as a self-employed person (Monotributista);
• carry out financial transactions, including issuing invoices and paying taxes;
• open business bank accounts;
• bid for tenders and enter into contracts with government bodies.

How to get a CUIT

A CUIT is issued through the tax authority, ARCA:

• go to the ARCA website;
• select "CUIT Digital" and complete the online form, providing your personal details, CUIL number, proof of address and income information (if applicable);
• once your application is submitted, you will receive a CUIT to use for all your tax and financial transactions.

For foreign nationals without a DNI, the process includes an in-person visit to an ARCA office with a passport and other supporting documents.

Frequently asked questions

Can the CUIL and CUIT be the same number?

Yes. For individuals, the CUIT often matches the CUIL, particularly for those registered as self-employed (Monotributista).

Do I need a CUIT to open a bank account?

A CUIT is required to open a business bank account. For personal accounts, a CUIL is sufficient.

Can I get a CUIT without a CUIL?

The CUIL comes first: a CUIT is issued on top of it, since the CUIL is what identifies you as an individual.

2026 update: CUIL and CUIT in brief

Both numbers have 11 digits: the first two show the type of person, the middle is the identity card number and the last digit is a check digit. An employee needs only a CUIL, while monotributo, invoicing and registering a company need a CUIT and a tax portal password.

The order for a foreigner

1. A temporary permit to stay or a residence permit from the migration service.
2. A resident identity card from the national registry of persons.
3. A CUIL from ANSES.
4. A CUIT and tax portal password from ARCA.
5. A bank account and, if needed, monotributo registration.

More on each step in our article on documents for living in Argentina in 2026 and on the Argentina residence page.

Why CUIL and CUIT matter in practice

• A bank asks for your identity card with a CUIL or CUIT to open an account with a 22-digit number.
• An employer cannot register an employment contract and contributions without a CUIL.
• Monotributo, invoicing clients and registering a company need a CUIT with a tax portal password.
• A CUIT is also needed to buy property and a car, because deals are registered with the tax number.

Common problems

• The identity card has not arrived yet: the number cannot be issued without it, so you wait for the card first.
• Data errors: the name or date of birth in the CUIL does not match the passport; the social security agency corrects it.
• No tax portal password of the required level: without it you cannot invoice or register for monotributo.

Frequently asked questions

How does CUIL differ from CUIT?

A CUIL is for employment and social security, a CUIT for those who pay taxes themselves: freelancers, entrepreneurs and companies.

How much do CUIL and CUIT cost?

Both are free: a CUIL on the same day, a CUIT within a few working days.

Can you get a CUIT without an Argentine identity card?

A CUIT comes after residence and the identity card.

Is a CUIT needed for an Argentine bank account?

Yes, the bank asks for the identity card with a CUIL or CUIT.

How to read a CUIL or CUIT number

Next come the 8 digits of the identity card number and one check digit. The number is the same for a person's CUIL and CUIT: only its use changes.

Does the number change if I become self-employed?

The number stays the same: the tax agency registers it as a CUIT and opens a tax account.

Where can I look up my CUIL?

On the social security agency website by identity card number; you can also print a certificate with the number there.

Is a CUIT needed for employment?

An employee needs only a CUIL; a CUIT is needed when you invoice yourself or start a business.

Can you work without a CUIL?

Work starts with a CUIL: the employer registers the contract and contributions only with the number, and the social security agency issues it on the same day, free of charge.

FAQ