In the context of the foreign exchange control relaxations initiated by Central Bank Communication “A” 8226 dated April 11, 2025, the Central Bank of the Argentine Republic (“BCRA”) issued Communication “A” 8230 on April 16, 2025, with the main goal of facilitating access to the foreign exchange market (“MLC”) for non-resident investors.
In addition, through its press release dated as of April 16, 2025, the BCRA announced the issuance of a new series of Bonds for the Reconstruction of a Free Argentina (“BOPREAL”) -namely, the fourth series-. In the same vein, the Tax Authorithy (“ARCA”), through General Resolution No. 5675/2025 published in the Official Gazette on April 16, 2025, established the procedure for applying BOPREAL to the payment of tax and customs obligations.
BCRA Communication “A” 8230
With regard to access to the MLC for the repayment of principal and/or interest on foreign financial indebtedness, the prior authorization of the BCRA is no longer required when the foreign creditor is a related party of the debtor, provided that such financings have an average life of no less than 180 days and that the funds have been brought into and settled through the MLC as from April 21, 2025.
Additionally, the requirement for prior BCRA authorization to access the MLC for the repatriation of non-resident investments is eliminated in two cases: (i) in the case of direct investments by non-residents in companies that are not controlling shareholders of local financial institutions, provided that the capital contribution has been brought into and settled through the MLC as from April 21, 2025, and that the repatriation takes place at least 180 days after the settlement of the funds; and (ii) in the case of repatriation by non-residents of principal services, income, and proceeds from the sale of portfolio investments in instruments listed on local markets authorized by the National Securities Commission, provided that: (a) there is a certificate from a local financial institution confirming that the investment was made with funds brought into and settled through the MLC as from April 21, 2025, (b) documentation is available showing that the amount for which access to the MLC is requested does not exceed the services collected and/or the proceeds actually received from the sale of the investment, and (c) the repatriation takes place at least 180 days after the settlement of the funds.
Regarding this second scenario, it is clarified that if the services or proceeds from the investment sale are collected in foreign currency, repatriation may be carried out up to the equivalent of such amount.
Finally, for access to the MLC for the repayment of principal and/or interest services on debt securities without prior BCRA authorization, the term is reduced from 365 days to 180 days in the case of new debt securities issued as from April 21, 2025. This is subject to the remaining requirements still in force (i.e., inflow and settlement through the MLC of foreign currency equivalent to the nominal value of the financial indebtedness, reporting the transaction under the “Survey on Foreign Assets and Liabilities,” etc.).
BOPREAL Series 4
According to the BCRA’s press release, a new BOPREAL series will be issued to address outstanding commercial debt predating December 12, 2023, as well as dividend payments and commercial and financial debt services held with related parties.
The BOPREAL Series 4 bonds will have a 3-year term, be denominated in U.S. dollars, and be subscribed in Argentine pesos. The bonds will accrue interest at a rate to be determined at the time of the first auction announcement and will be payable semiannually. The principal will be repaid in a single installment at maturity. Initially, a total issuance amount of up to USD 3 billion will be approved and awarded through successive auctions on a subscription basis.
The auction dates for subscribing to BOPREAL Series 4 will be announced in the coming days by the BCRA through a Communication B.
ARCA General Resolution No. 5675/25
General Resolution ARCA 5675/25, published in the Official Gazette on April 16, 2025, establishes the procedure for applying BOPREAL to the payment of tax and customs obligations—including interest, penalties, and other accessories—under Executive Decree No. 72/2023 and the remaining regulatory provisions issued by ARCA.
In this regard, and in accordance with the allocation schedule set forth in the resolution itself, taxpayers may use BOPREAL to settle the aforementioned debts by irrevocably transferring the bonds to ARCA’s account held with Banco Nación, through a participant or operator authorized by Caja de Valores S.A.
Once transferred by the taxpayers, the bonds will be recorded as “electronic bonds” as credits in favor of the taxpayers, which will be non-transferable and non-negotiable. Taxpayers may consult and allocate them through the web service titled “Administration of Incentives and Tax Credits.”