Maxim Levoshin

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Category: Argentina

  • Burford vs. Argentina: The $16B Legal Battle over YPF

    YPF’s Nationalization: Where It All Began

    This story deserves a movie. And like all great dramas, it starts with national pride and ends at the doors of a U.S. courthouse.

    In 2012, President Cristina Kirchner’s government nationalized the oil company YPF. Argentina bought the controlling stake from Spain’s Repsol—but conveniently “forgot” about other shareholders, particularly the Petersen Group, linked to the Eskenazi family. Losing the chance to sell their 25% stake, they didn’t fight alone.

    Burford Capital: When Lawsuits Become Investments

    Enter Burford Capital—a litigation finance firm that invests in lawsuits. In 2015, it bought the claims from Petersen and Eton Park, hired lawyers, and launched a legal battle against Argentina in New York. After 10 years, the court ruled in their favor: Argentina had violated shareholder rights. The damages? $16.1 billion.

    The Verdict: $16 Billion and 51% of YPF

    Today, a federal judge in Manhattan ordered Argentina to hand over 51% of YPF shares to comply with the ruling. Those shares are valued at $6–8 billion. And if Argentina doesn’t hand them over voluntarily? Burford and the court are ready to act—the shares are held in a U.S. depository.

    A Legal Thriller with Global Stakes

    YPF shares dropped 6%. Burford’s surged 22%. A perfect example of legal strategy turned hedge fund tactic.

    This isn’t just about fairness. It’s a reminder: not even sovereign states are immune to commercial law—especially when their assets are parked in New York.

    And yes, if Netflix turned this into a series, it would have it all—oil, politics, Wall Street lawyers, an aging Argentine dynasty, a judge in a black robe, and headlines worth billions.

  • 7 Encounters in Buenos Aires: A City of Absurdity and Magic

    7 Encounters in Buenos Aires: A City of Absurdity and Magic

    I met a lawyer who said he doesn’t practice anymore — he’s now a chef at his family’s restaurant. He invited me to a pasta tasting. By the third glass of wine, he confessed his dream was to flee to Uruguay and grow strawberries. When I asked why he went to law school, he replied: “For my mother.”

    A lesson in medialuna etiquette, straight from immigration

    While waiting in line at immigration, I chatted with a guy from Iran. He taught me how to properly eat a medialuna: “You have to dunk it in your coffee.” I was skeptical. Then we shared some mate, and he told me he’d moved here for a girl who ended up marrying his neighbor. He stayed in Buenos Aires anyway — he’d already learned Spanish.

    DJ by night, city clerk by day

    I met a DJ who works at the local municipality. He told me, “By day I stamp papers, by night I shake up Palermo.” At the party, he played some kind of electronic music with Tibetan horns and whispered French vocals. The crowd loved it. I was...confused.

    Tango flirting at a coworking space

    At a coworking space, I befriended a woman who teaches tango to digital nomads. She said tango is “the language of what’s left unsaid.” Then she started flirting with me through long pauses in our conversation. I panicked and escaped into a Zoom call — facing a blank wall.

    The necromancer of Recoleta

    I met a girl who lives in a French-style retirement district and studies necromancy. Seriously. She said Recoleta Cemetery has the best energy for feeling souls. We texted for a while — until she sent me a selfie at a tombstone captioned: “Waiting for you.”I chose not to continue.

    A bar made of old televisions

    I met a guy who works at a bank but dreams of opening a bar — for friends only. His concept? Everything made from old TVs: the stools, the counters, even the bathroom sink. The bar would be called *“Lo que no se ve”.I told him it was genius. He said, “Lo sé” “Lo sé” and poured me another fernet and coke.

    Buenos Aires: a city that stumbles, but never lets go

    Таким я запомнил Буэнос-Айрес — город, где банковские клерки мечтают о барах-призраках, диджеи работают в мэрии, а случайные встречи в миграции превращаются в уроки жизни. Город, в котором реальность шатается, как автобус на повороте в Палермо — и в этом вся его магия.

  • New Argentine Decree Turns Tourism Into a Survival Game

    New Argentine Decree Turns Tourism Into a Survival Game

    Новый указ от Милея превращает въезд даже для туристов в настоящий квест по выживанию.

    What’s changing for tourists

    Now it’s not just about showing your passport — border officials can force you to sign a loyalty oath.If you’re traveling with a child, they can even seize them temporarily if you appear suspicious.No court. No lawyer. Just because a border officer is in a bad mood.

    Airlines now responsible for deportations

    Airlines are now required to deport tourists at their own expense if they lack proper insurance or paperwork.

    In plain terms: getting on a flight to Argentina will soon feel like a U.S. visa interview — except the rules are even less clear.

    Fighting tourists instead of welcoming them

    While the rest of the world competes for tourists, Argentina seems to be fighting them off.

    What’s next?

    Pregnant women interrogated at the border? 48-hour “integration tests” in a tent at Ezeiza Airport??

  • Argentina Ends Fast-Track Citizenship for Parents of Newborns

    As I warned earlier, Argentina has officially ended its fast-track citizenship for parents of newborns.

    Decree 366/2025 has been published — here’s what’s changing:

    New Citizenship Requirements for Parents

    Parents of newborns will no longer be able to obtain Argentine citizenship quickly. Previously, Argentina had the fastest citizenship timeline in the world for parents — as little as six months after a child’s birth.

    Now, it will take at least 3.5 years: first obtain residency, live in Argentina for two years, and only then apply for citizenship.

    Travel Restrictions

    Here’s the kicker: during those two years, parents cannot leave Argentina.

    Who Still Qualifies Under Old Rules

    Good news: those who have already submitted their applications to court will still be processed under the old rules.

    Which Country Is Now Fastest for Parents?

    According to Murblz statistics — Brazil:

    — Equally strong passport
    — 1.5–2 years to citizenship for parents
    — 6 months to citizenship for older siblings
    — Close to Argentina — expectant mothers who can’t fly can travel there by land.

    New Fast-Track Citizenship for Investors

    At the same time, Argentina introduced a new fast-track citizenship path for investors — they won’t need to wait two years and can apply immediately. More details in the previous post.

    As always, feel free to DM me with questions.

  • Argentina Launches $500K Golden Passport Program

    Argentina Launches $500K Golden Passport Program

    Latin America is no longer just for downshifters and surfers. Argentina is about to introduce a true game changer — an investment citizenship program.

    What Argentina’s Investment Citizenship Offers

    Soon, anyone willing to invest $500,000 in Argentina’s economy will be eligible to apply for citizenship. An Argentine passport grants visa-free access to 172 countries, including all of Europe, the UK, and the MERCOSUR bloc. Plus — the right to live in a paradise for meat lovers, free-market enthusiasts, and tango fans.

    Who’s Behind the Program

    The team of President Javier Milei (yes, the same “anarcho-capitalist” with a chainsaw) is moving to monetize citizenship — just as Caribbean nations, Malta, and Turkey have done for years.

    Additional Changes to Naturalization

    At the same time, Argentina plans to tighten its standard naturalization process: now requiring 2 years of continuous residency, legal income, and a clean criminal record.

    Why This Matters for Investors

    If you follow the "citizenship as insurance" trend, this is a serious move. It’s not Malta, of course — but it’s also not $1.2 million. A solid option backed by a real country.

    P.S. With Europe tightening its rules and Caribbean programs shutting down, this could be one of the last open windows in the coming years.

  • Moving to Buenos Aires: From Winter to a New Life

    Moving to Buenos Aires: From Winter to a New Life

    The First Day in Argentina: Heat, Uncertainty, and a Taxi Ride

    We stepped out of Ezeiza Airport with our suitcases and a heavy belly—my wife was eight months pregnant.
    Lithuanian winter was behind us. We came searching for sun, peace, and a new life.

    A taxi to the city cost $30. At first, I thought, “Wow, that’s cheap compared to Europe.” Then I realized I had no idea what we were getting into. No friends, no language skills, just a quiet certainty that this would be a better place for our child.

    Palermo Chico: Pinterest Dreams vs Reality

    I found us an apartment in Palermo Chico. In the photos, it looked like something off Pinterest. In reality—tired furniture, a leaking shower... but a balcony with a view of green trees. I told myself, “It’s just for a couple of months.” But deep down, I knew: if this works, we’re staying.

    The first day felt like a blur: the heat, Spanish all around, the air thick with humidity and flowers. We ate ice cream in the street, wandered through Recoleta, and held hands. That rare moment in life when you’ve left your old world—but haven’t yet landed in the new one.

    The Moment You Realize You're Not a Tourist

    A couple of days later, I found a coworking space nearby and signed up for Spanish classes. I bought a SUBE transit card and felt almost local. Almost.

    На третью ночь не мог уснуть — ребёнок в животе жены толкался особенно сильно. Мы лежали, смотрели в потолок и молча держались за руки. Мне вдруг стало ясно:
    And suddenly it hit me: We’re not tourists anymore. We’re the ones who stay.

    Two weeks later, Argentina won the World Cup. The city went wild. And so did we.

  • Northern Argentina by Car: Ultimate Road Trip to Jujuy

    Northern Argentina by Car: Ultimate Road Trip to Jujuy

    Road Tripping Northern Argentina: How to Jujuy

    Провинции Хухуй и Сальта — моя любимая часть страны: космические горы, пушистые ламы и дороги, которые хочется фотографировать на каждом повороте.

    What to plan before heading into the mountains

    Fuel, lodging, and altitude adaptation - these are key. Nature takes care of the rest. Go with a high-clearance 4x4 and double the GPS time - you’ll stop often to take photos.

    Low-altitude routes to ease into the heights

    Tucumán to Cafayate: cactus forests and vineyards.

    Cafayate to Salta: red mountain canyons and epic stops.

    Salta to Cachi: cactus park and hidden lagoons.

    Cachi to Cafayate: James Turrell Museum and Quebrada de las Flechas.

    High-altitude drives and how to survive them

    Stay in Purmamarca or Tilcara, fill up, and hit these:

    Cerro de 14 Colores with a short scenic hike.

    Salinas Grandes salt flats and blue "ojos" pools.

    Route 40 via Abra de Acay - highest point on the road.

    Cusi Cusi for moon valleys - wild and remote. For comfort: try San Pedro, Chile.

  • Top Helicopter Tours in South America: Best and Worst Routes

    Top Helicopter Tours in South America: Best and Worst Routes

    🚁 Helicopter Tour Rankings: The Best and Worst Routes in South America

    I have a deep love for flying, and whenever there's an opportunity to witness breathtaking sights from above, I seize it. Here's my personal ranking of helicopter tours across South America:

    🤮 Chile: Nazca Lines – 4/10

    School textbooks claim that the geoglyphs in the desert are only visible from the air. That's a lie! There are metal towers along the highway where you can see everything perfectly. Tourists are taken over the desert in a shaky small plane, the views are monotonous, and it's nauseating. Not recommended.

    😎 Brazil: Rio de Janeiro – 10/10

    The most beautiful helicopter tour on the continent! Ocean, beaches, an impressive city on hills, and the statue of Christ overlooking the city. At the same time, it's the most carefree airport security system. Bags aren't checked, and no one even asked for documents. Apparently, the aura of the city's saint protects everyone.

    😁 Brazil: Iguazu Falls – 8/10

    The most powerful waterfall system in the world. The most famous part is the "Devil's Throat," a circular area surrounded by waterfalls on 270 degrees. It's powerful and beautiful: the helicopter flies right up to the Throat! I deducted two points because from below, on a boat, you can go into the waterfall itself, and that's much more impressive!

    😎 Argentina: Martín García Island – 9/10

    An island where a former president was exiled, located on the border with Uruguay. An ideal location for a date: a beautiful flight over the delta of the La Plata River, interesting island architecture, lunch in a small authentic restaurant, and crocodiles on the promenade.

    😁 Argentina: Buenos Aires – 8/10

    It's just very pleasant to fly over your city and examine your favorite places.

    🥲 Peru: Machu Picchu – 0/10

    A place where there's no helipad, but it would be great if there were! The ancient Inca temple is protected on all sides by high Andes mountains, and you can only get there by train. But a flight would be much more beautiful!

  • Checklist for Remote Nature Travel and National Park Stays

    How to Prepare for Remote National Park Travel

    🚘 Checklist: How to Travel Through Remote Nature Shitholes

    За последние два года я проехал больше 100.000 км на машине по двум Америкам и Евразии. Часто так бывает, что около классных природных локаций отели ну, скажем, очень маленькие (спасибо, что вообще есть). Я обычно бронирую место для ночевки в середине дня — в красивых местах никогда не знаешь, сколько часов захочется погулять и пофотографировать по дороге.

    Questions You Must Ask the Hotel Before You Arrive

    Especially in Latin America, never trust the description on booking platforms. Always ask these questions directly:

    ✔️ Are you open today?
    ✔️ What time does the front desk close?
    ✔️ Is there heating or working A/C in the rooms?
    ✔️ Do you have hot water?
    ✔️ Is there enough hot water to fill the jacuzzi?
    ✔️ Does the internet work?
    ✔️ What time does the kitchen close?
    ✔️ Is there secure on-site parking?

    Booking Sites Lie — Ask Directly

    Don’t rely on booking.com descriptions. Ask everything.

    What Are Your Favorite Travel Hacks?

  • How I Got Argentine Citizenship by Having a Baby

    How I Got Argentine Citizenship by Having a Baby

    Why Argentina Has One of the Best Passports in the World

    Yes, anyone can get an Argentine passport. Here’s how I did it 🇦🇷

    Quick highlights: visa-free access to the EU, UK, Japan, and 172 other countries, delicious steaks, fast and surprisingly simple naturalization process, and a classy mushroom emblem on the cover. A great addition to my collection!

    When a Baby Becomes a Global Strategy

    There are countries where a baby gets a passport - and in a few, the parents do too. As ancient Jewish wisdom says: “A child is not a luxury, but a mode of transportation.”

    Why Argentina Is the Smartest Place to Have a Baby

    Of all the viable options for birth-based citizenship, there are really just eight decent ones: USA, Canada, Mexico, Argentina, Brazil, Portugal, Chile, and Ecuador.

    Canada and Portugal require prior residency before birth.

    The U.S.? Risk of a hospital bill the size of a small plane, no passport for parents, and future banking headaches for the child. No thanks - I’ll just buy the plane.

    Mexico, Brazil, Chile, and Ecuador require several years of residency before the parents get citizenship.

    Which leaves… Argentina.

    How Citizenship-by-Birth Works in Argentina

    Here’s the process: you fly in with your pregnant partner on a Russian passport, give birth, and the baby receives permanent residency and a passport within a week. Parents can apply for citizenship right away.

    Fast-track court decisions can take 6 months. Worst-case? Up to 5 years stuck in bureaucracy. How to speed it up? File the right court motions, and show up to politely nudge the clerks: Hola, señor, how’s your day? (Pro tip: don’t do this in bad Spanish. Our team has experience - say the code word capybara or a discount if you’ve read this far.)

    Medical Experience: Like a Top Private Clinic for $4K

    Argentina’s healthcare is excellent - my wife was happy. We spent about $4,000 for a birth experience on par with elite clinics: a private two-room suite and an English-speaking doctor. Plus, they fully support partner births. I got a funny protective suit and walked right in.

    Don’t Want Kids? You Can Still Get Citizenship (Slower)

    Для нежелающих рожать детей в Аргентине процесс получения гражданства почти идентичный, но дольше на 2 года 🙂 Хотя с учётом последних изменений— время на получение гражданства между родившими и нерожавшими может усредниться.

    Argentina Feels Like Home Now

    I’ve written more about life in Argentina (see links below). But I’ll say this: the country surprised me in the best way. It’s the kind of place you’ll want to come back to every European winter. Now I return - as a citizen.

    Vamos, Argentina!