Working in Buenos Aires

Expats contemplating working in Buenos Aires can look forward to a relatively fast-paced environment and bustling metropolis. This city is home to the highest population density in the country. There are many opportunities, but if you only speak English, you may have a tough go of it – Argentina’s business language is predominantly Spanish. If you’re being relocated by a larger corporation, visas are usually dealt with by your employer.

Although years of economic struggle have given the city a slight roughness and edginess, this ‘Paris of the South’ has a fair amount of elegance and European influence. Recent economic reforms have brought greater stability, with inflation under control and the economy showing some early growth. The cost of living is quite high, but you can live comfortably if you earn a stronger currency. Living and working in Buenos Aires is unlike any other destination. 

Visas for Argentina 
Cost of Living in Buenos Aires

Job market in Buenos Aires

Positions for foreigners in large multinationals, such as the banking industry, oil and gas, and IT, are well established in Buenos Aires. The technology sector has surged massively, with companies like Globant and MercadoLibre leading the expansion. The tourism, agriculture and creative industries have also thrived in recent years.

Many foreigners teach English and offer services such as business translations, web business management and design. TEFL certification is now required at most language institutions. Anything that only requires internet and a laptop seems to be the bread and butter of many foreigners vying for a place under the Argentinian sun.

Due to relatively low local salaries, Buenos Aires seems to be an outsourcing hub. If you can speak another foreign language (and add knowledge of native-level English), the call centre industry presents opportunities. However, you’ll be competing with well-versed Argentinians working in this industry.

Lastly, entrepreneurs and businesspeople could consider Buenos Aires a low-capital start-up location. Labour is widely available and not as expensive as in Europe or the US. Recent regulatory reforms have made foreign investment easier, although working around bureaucracy and general ‘system failure’ can still be challenging.

Finding a job in Buenos Aires

Your fluency in Spanish will determine the kind of opportunities available when looking for work in Buenos Aires. With no knowledge of Spanish, options will be limited and daily survival in Buenos Aires will be fairly difficult. That said, there are still jobs and companies that cater specifically to expats, particularly in the expanding technology sector, where English skills are valued.

The best route to finding a job is by being transferred to the Argentinian branch of your current workplace. Another advisable option is applying for jobs at international or multinational companies based in Buenos Aires.

If you’re trying to find a job in Buenos Aires, you’re advised to visit the city before relocating to determine if it is indeed a place you could enjoy living in the long term. Research and networking should start early on through expat groups, forums, playgroups and family days. These are great places to make new friends in similar circumstances. It is also important to keep in mind that who you know goes a long way in Argentina. Never be afraid to make use of connections to get a job.

Useful links

• ComputTrabajo
• Bumeran
• ZonaJobs

Work culture in Buenos Aires

Formal or first-time meetings start with a handshake for both women and men. Friends or colleagues who know each other well usually greet each other with a kiss on the cheek.

The pace of business in Argentina feels slower than in the US or Europe, and email response rates follow suit. For urgent emails, you can follow up your email by phone call or in person. Be punctual for business appointments, but be prepared to wait 30 minutes or so for associates. Meetings tend to follow a more relaxed pace, with more time devoted to socialising and building relationships.

Dressing well is important in Argentina, and suits and ties are common in more formal industries like finance. Argentinian women are generally elegant and well-dressed across industries, whereas men who work in less formal environments like advertising or design prefer not to wear ties. Long hairstyles are common across genders.

Typical business hours in Buenos Aires are Monday to Friday, 9am to 6pm. Executives may work long hours, occasionally as late as 10pm. Siestas are not much of a feature in Buenos Aires as they are in rural Argentina, although the lunch break may be longer than you’re used to.

Remote work and flexible arrangements have become more common, particularly in the technology sector. Argentina has introduced a digital nomad visa, and the city is increasingly attractive to remote workers. In general, conducting business in Buenos Aires is similar to any large European city.

Business Culture in Argentina