Security Guard Services in Argentina

The General Directorate of Private Security and Custody of Property licenses companies and registers their personnel under Book VI of Law No. 5,688. A security guard needs a license credential, which is issued after the guard proves education, psychophysical fitness, background and completion of the qualifying technical training.

Regulator

General Directorate of Private Security and Custody of Property (DGSPCB), Government of the City of Buenos Aires buenosaires.gob.ar

Legislation

Law No. 5,688, Book VI, Private Security Services (consolidated text as amended by Law No. 6,764)

License Types

• Private security provider license, for companies.
• Unarmed security guard, with the General Security Guard (Vigilador General) specialization.
• Armed security guard, with firearms and shooting training.
• Access and occupancy control, for dance venues and public entertainment venues.
• Installation technician and monitoring operator.

Requirements

• Completed secondary school diploma, with a certified copy of the academic transcript.
• Psychophysical fitness certificate issued by a medical center registered with the DGSPCB, valid for one year.
• Criminal record certificate from the National Recidivism Registry (Registro Nacional de Reincidencia), issued no more than 30 calendar days earlier.
• Biometric data capture at the DGSPCB, updated every two years.
• Foreign diplomas certified by the Ministry of the Interior and the Ministry of Education.

Training

• Qualifying technical certificate issued by a training institute registered with and accepted by the Higher Institute of Public Security (Instituto Superior de Seguridad Pública, ISSP).
• General Security Guard specialization for unarmed personnel.
• Specific training for Dance Venues and Public Entertainment Venues for access control.

Application Steps

1. The licensed company registers the security guard with the DGSPCB.
2. The security guard completes biometric data capture.
3. The company submits the secondary school diploma, psychophysical certificate, course certificate and criminal record certificate.
4. Under early registration without a firearm, the security guard passes the ISSP qualifying technical course within 15 business days.
5. The DGSPCB issues the license credential once the requirements are met.

Armed Personnel

An armed security guard requires firearms training, shooting instruction and qualification as an armed security guard. The company must be registered as a Collective Legitimate User (Legítimo Usuario Colectivo) with the ANMaC and hold a carry authorization. A provisional unarmed credential may be issued until the ANMaC documentation is submitted. At dance venues, carrying or using any weapon, lethal or nonlethal, is prohibited.

Validity and Renewal

The DGSPCB approves security guard registrations for periods of up to two years. The psychophysical certificate is valid for one year, and biometric data is updated every two years.

Sources

• Personnel Licensing Requirements, RQ-DGSPCB-04-01 (GCBA)
• Provision 142/2026, DGSPCB, Official Gazette of the City of Buenos Aires
• General Directorate of Private Security and Custody of Property (GCBA)
• Provision DI-2020-144-GCABA-DGSPCB

Law 12,297 regulates legal entities that provide private security services, which require a provincial license from the Ministry of Security. Personnel may only work as employees of a licensed company and must carry a license credential.

Regulator

Ministry of Security of Buenos Aires Province, Provincial Directorate for the Management of Private Security normas.gba.gob.ar

Legislation

Law 12,297 and its Implementing Decree 1,897/02

License Types

• License for the provider company, permanent or temporary.
• Head of security.
• Armed security personnel.
• Unarmed security personnel.
• Private escorts.
• Private detectives.
• Security at public entertainment events, dance venues and similar events, as a type of service.

Requirements

• Minimum age of 21.
• Specialty qualification required by the law.
• Passing psychophysical and technical examinations.
• No convictions or pending proceedings for intentional or negligent offenses related to the role.
• Not an active member of the security forces.
• Working as an employee of a licensed company, without providing services independently.

Training

• Specialized professional training and refresher training, which the company must provide.

Application Steps

1. The company obtains the provincial license as a single-purpose company or cooperative, with civil liability insurance, guarantees, an office in the province and a head of security.
2. The company hires the security guard and enrolls the guard in the register of licensed persons.
3. The security guard proves qualifications, psychophysical and technical fitness, and the absence of disqualifications.
4. The license credential is issued, showing the role, full name and company.

Armed Personnel

Authorization to carry weapons must appear on the credential. Weapons above .38 caliber are not permitted, except in cases with prior authorization. Personnel guarding property may only carry weapons on private premises without free public access. Using unregistered or prohibited weapons is a very serious violation.

Validity and Renewal

The security guard must submit proof of psychophysical and technical fitness each year. The company proves compliance with its tax and social security obligations annually.

Local Rules

A license granted in another jurisdiction does not replace the provincial license.

Sources

• Law 12,297, updated text (Normas GBA)
• Law 12,297, summary and related regulations (Normas GBA)

Decree Law No. 3914 regulates the operation of private investigation agencies and private night watchmen (serenos particulares), with the Provincial Police Headquarters as the regulator. An agency requires prior authorization, and its personnel receive an annual credential.

Regulator

Police Headquarters of Catamarca Province digesto.catamarca.gob.ar

Legislation

Decree Law No. 3914, Operation of Private Investigation Agencies and Private Night Watchmen

License Types

• Agency authorization, for companies.
• Agency director.
• Agency operational personnel.
• Private night watchman, with a contract authorized by the Police.

Requirements

• Operational personnel: minimum age of 21 and proven suitability.
• Private night watchman: Argentine by birth or naturalization, aged 21 to 60 and physically fit.
• Director: Argentine citizen at least 30 years old.
• No pending criminal cases or final conviction for an intentional offense.
• Not an active member of the armed, police or security forces.
• Psychophysical fitness for duties involving weapons.

Application Steps

1. The agency submits the application with its name, personnel, director, address, weapons, communications, vehicles and registered articles of incorporation.
2. The Police inspect the premises before approval.
3. For night watchmen, the parties sign an application and the Police conduct a summary investigation.
4. The Police Headquarters grants the authorization and issues the credentials.

Armed Personnel

The application must list the firearms and prove their lawful acquisition, possession and carrying. A night watchman carries a weapon provided by the employer with authorization from the competent authority.

Validity and Renewal

Credentials for agencies, personnel and night watchmen are valid for one year. The Police inspect agencies at least once a year.

Sources

• Decree Law No. 3914 (Digest of Catamarca)

Law 9236 establishes the framework for private security services, with the Ministry of Security as the regulator through its private security providers office. A security guard must be licensed and carry a credential issued by the authority.

Regulator

Ministry of Security of Córdoba Province, Private Security Providers Office or the body that replaces it cba.gov.ar

Legislation

Law No. 9236, Private Security Services Framework

License Types

• Provider authorization, for individuals or companies.
• Technical Director, principal and alternate.
• Supervisor.
• Security guard.
• Private Escort.
• Private Investigator.
• Indirect security through electronic monitoring and equipment installation.

Requirements

• Employed personnel: over 21 years of age.
• Technical Director and Supervisor: Argentine citizenship, at least 30 years old and residence in Córdoba.
• No criminal record or proceedings for intentional or negligent offenses, with limited exceptions.
• Not an active member of the police or security forces.
• Annual psychophysical fitness examination, every two years for Technical Directors.
• Diploma, certificate or sufficient experience.

Training

• Training courses provided by the companies, with content set by the regulator.

Application Steps

1. The company obtains prior authorization from the Ministry of Security, with company registration, tax registration certificate, guarantee and civil liability insurance.
2. The company registers its personnel and proves that they meet the requirements.
3. The authority issues the personnel credential.
4. The company registers each guarded site and reports new hires and departures within 48 business hours.

Armed Personnel

Under the text of Law 9236, the use of weapons is prohibited and authorizations carry the notation “Not authorized to use weapons” (“Sin autorización para el uso de armas”). The use of weapons is a very serious violation.

Validity and Renewal

The credential is renewed every two years. The personnel license is renewed every year, and every two years for Technical Directors. The company obtains an annual renewal certificate.

Sources

• Law No. 9236 (Government of Córdoba)

The licensing and registration of investigation, information and private security agencies are listed as fee-based services of the Police of Corrientes Province under Law No. 5154. Details of the requirements for security personnel were not found in official sources.

Regulator

Police of Corrientes Province, under the Ministry of Government and Justice

Legislation

Law No. 5154 (Special Security Fund), which refers to Decrees No. 1407/1998 and No. 1005/2002

License Types

• Licensing and registration of investigation, information and private security agencies.

Training

• Law No. 5154 provides for fee-based training of agency personnel who do not come from the police, armed or security forces.

Sources

• Law No. 5154, Legislature of Corrientes Province

Private security companies are licensed by decree of the Provincial Executive under Decree No. 2940/01 MGJ, with the involvement of the Entre Ríos Police and the Ministry of Security and Justice. Details of the requirements for security guards were not found in official sources.

Regulator

Provincial Executive, Ministry of Security and Justice and the General Directorate of Criminal Investigations and Intelligence of the Entre Ríos Police entrerios.gov.ar

Legislation

Decree No. 2940/01 MGJ, as amended by Decree No. 4040/12 MGJ

License Types

• License for a private company providing security, custody and internal security of property and establishments (Art. 8(b), Decree No. 2940/01).
• License for a private company providing security through electronic systems (Art. 8(a), Decree No. 2940/01).

Requirements

• The company provides information on its partners.
• The company appoints an Executive Technical Director.

Application Steps

1. The company submits the application with its corporate documents and the appointment of the Executive Technical Director.
2. The Legal Affairs Division of the Entre Ríos Police issues an opinion on compliance with the requirements.
3. The General Directorate of Legal Affairs of the Ministry of Security and Justice issues an opinion.
4. The Governor issues the licensing decree, which is published in the Official Gazette.

Validity and Renewal

Published licenses are granted for a term of one year from the date of the decree.

Sources

• Official Gazette of Entre Ríos, August 10, 2026 (decree licensing a private security company)
• Official Gazette of Entre Ríos, August 7, 2024 (Decree No. 1860/24 MSJ)

Law No. 5436 regulates private security services in Jujuy and requires companies to obtain a provincial license and to register their personnel with the Private Security Directorate of the Provincial Police. A security guard may only work as an employee of a licensed company.

Regulator

Private Security Directorate, Police of Jujuy Province policia.jujuy.gob.ar

Legislation

Law No. 5436 and Implementing Decree No. 5095-G/06

License Types

• Private security company license, required even if the company is licensed in another jurisdiction.
• Separate authorization for each branch of the company.
• Security guard registration, with credential, processed by the employing company.
• Personal protection (bodyguards), subject to the same weapons rules as security guards.

Requirements

• Minimum age of 21.
• Argentine nationality and residence in the country.
• No criminal record or pending criminal cases.
• No serious or very serious security related sanctions in the last four years.
• Not an active member of the armed or security forces.
• Not dismissed from those forces in the last two years.
• Passing the psychophysical and technical aptitude examination.
• Police certificate of residence.
• Not providing security services independently.
• Anyone who has been inactive for more than two years must repeat the physical and psychological examinations.

Training

• Training certificate from the Higher Institute of Public Security (Instituto Superior de Seguridad Pública).
• Annual training certificate issued by the training centers.

Application Steps

1. The licensed company submits a request letter signed by the Technical Director (Model Letter I).
2. A certified copy of the national identity document (DNI) and proof of CUIL are attached.
3. The training certificate is attached.
4. The personal background report and the criminal record (recidivism) report are submitted.
5. The psychophysical certificate and the police certificate of residence are submitted.
6. A sworn statement on conflicts of interest is submitted.
7. The company proves early registration with AFIP, life insurance and occupational risk insurance (ART) for the security guard.
8. The credential photo is taken with the guard in company uniform.

Armed Personnel

Firearms may only be carried on duty and for the activities authorized by law. Doormen and access guards may not carry firearms in their duties. Weapons must be recorded in the provincial register and in the national register provided for by Law No. 20,429.

Validity and Renewal

Company licenses are granted for a maximum of five years. Renewal of a security guard’s registration requires an updated background check, psychophysical certificate and certificate of residence, a training certificate and a recidivism report. Companies prove tax and social security compliance at least once a year.

Sources

• Requirements for security guards, Police of Jujuy Province
• Law No. 5436, Official Gazette of Jujuy Province

Private security is governed by Law 9578 and its Implementing Decree 264/2025, with the Ministry of Security and Justice as the regulator through the Private Security Directorate (DI.SE.P.). Each security guard needs a personal credential for the guard’s category, and the company must be enrolled in the provincial register.

Regulator

Ministry of Security and Justice of Mendoza, Private Security Directorate (DI.SE.P.) mendoza.gov.ar

Legislation

Private Security Law 9578 (replacing Law 6441) and Decree 264/2025

License Types

• Enrollment in the Provincial Register of Human, In-House and Technological Private Security Providers, for companies.
• General Security Guard credential (blue).
• In-House Security Guard credential (yellow), for a company’s own personnel.
• Sporting Events Security Guard credential (green).
• Nightlife Security Guard credential (black), for dance venues.
• Firefighter Security Guard credential (red).
• Technical Director and Supervisor credential (white).
• Alarm installation and monitoring credential (violet).

Requirements

• Completed secondary school diploma.
• Criminal record certificate and suitability assessment by the authority.
• Exclusion for convictions for minor offenses under Law 9099 that affect suitability.
• Psychophysical fitness certificate every four years for security guards over 55.

Training

• Specific training for each category, taught by institutions licensed by the authority.
• Content and duration set by resolution of the regulator.
• Additional training for technological and in-house security personnel.

Application Steps

1. The company applies for its license and enrollment in the provincial register with its corporate documents, background records, insurance and surety bond.
2. The applicant completes the training for the applicant’s category at a licensed institution.
3. The authority verifies background and training.
4. The DI.SE.P. issues the credential with a QR code and hologram.

Armed Personnel

The company must apply for authorization to use firearms according to the nature and risk of the service, meet the ANMAC requirements and have a secure armory and electronic inventory. Only conditional civilian use weapons are permitted, and firearms training is renewed every five years. Less lethal equipment, such as batons, pepper spray or electronic immobilization devices, requires specific authorization.

Validity and Renewal

The credential is valid for two years, and renewal requires updated training. Proof of training expires after five years.

Local Rules

In-house security is limited to 30 of the company’s own security guards. A technical director is required when more than five security guards work at the same time.

Sources

• Decree 264/2025, implementing Law 9578 (Official Gazette of Mendoza)
• Government of Mendoza: the Province strengthens oversight of private security
• Government of Mendoza: security guards will be able to complete their secondary education

The Police of Misiones Province, under the Ministry of Government, licenses and oversees private security agencies under Law XVIII No. 18 and Decree 2052/93. Each security guard must be registered by the agency and hold the credential issued by the Police.

Regulator

Misiones Police, Directorate of Private Security, Alarm Systems and Related Services policiamisiones.gob.ar

Legislation

Law XVIII No. 18 (formerly Law 2864), Implementing Decree 2052/93 and Decree 2474/94

License Types

• License for a private security or investigation agency.
• Credential for personnel of a licensed agency, issued by the Police.
• Authorization of the agency’s Executive Technical Director.

Requirements

• Argentine citizenship, by birth or naturalization.
• Age between 18 and 65 under the law; police licensing guidelines set 21 years for partners and owners.
• No criminal record for intentional offenses.
• No minor offenses in the last two years, under the regulations.
• Not an active member of the armed or security forces and not dismissed from the public administration.
• Physical and psychological fitness at the discretion of the authority.

Training

• The law does not set required training hours for security guards.
• The Executive Technical Director must hold a degree as Licenciado en Seguridad (bachelor’s degree in security) or Técnico Superior en Seguridad (higher technical diploma in security).

Application Steps

1. The agency submits the license application to the Police Headquarters, through the Private Security Directorate or the Regional Unit.
2. The agency proves company registration, tax registration and the municipal permit for its premises.
3. For each security guard, the agency submits a registration form with a photograph to the Regional Unit.
4. The security guard may not work until the registration is approved.
5. The Regional Unit issues the officer’s credential.

Armed Personnel

Armed services must comply with current firearms legislation, and the agency must inform the Police of the location, hours, assigned personnel and weapons used.

Local Rules

The agency’s premises require a floor plan approved by the municipality and by the Police Fire Department Directorate.

Sources

• Law XVIII No. 18 (Legal Digest of Misiones)
• Misiones Police: legal framework for private security
• Misiones Police: licensing requirements

Law 2772 designates the State Secretariat of Security as the regulator, and the Neuquén Police grant licenses and credentials through the Provincial Directorate for the Regulation and Control of Private Security and Guard Companies. Each security guard must pass the official course and obtain the license credential.

Regulator

Neuquén State Secretariat of Security, Provincial Directorate for the Regulation and Control of Private Security and Guard Companies seguridad.neuquen.gob.ar

Legislation

Law 2772 and its regulations

License Types

• License for a private security and guard company.
• Security guard credential, issued by the Neuquén Police.
• Internal personnel register for dance venues and sporting and cultural events.
• Register of Electronic Security System Equipment Suppliers.

Requirements

• Legal age of majority.
• Permanent address and residence in Neuquén Province.
• No pending proceedings or convictions for intentional offenses.
• Psychophysical fitness certificate from the Police Health Directorate or a public hospital.
• Secondary school completed or in progress, with five years to complete it, extendable by one more year.
• Not an active member of the armed, security or police forces or the public administration.
• No violations of provincial Law 2212 or national Law 26,485.

Training

• Passing the security guard course, with a curriculum approved by the regulator.
• The curriculum includes human rights training.
• Professional refresher training every two years, provided by the company.

Application Steps

1. The company obtains its license by proving commercial registration, an address in the province, tax registration and insurance.
2. The applicant passes the course at a licensed training center.
3. Background records, the psychophysical certificate and proof of education are submitted.
4. The Neuquén Police issue the credential.

Armed Personnel

Only personnel authorized for internal protection within the premises, cash and valuables transport, and internal security at industrial plants or agencies may carry weapons. Companies must comply with national Law 20,429 and process their weapons through the national firearms register. Carrying firearms is prohibited at dance venues, events and public gatherings.

Validity and Renewal

The credential is valid for two years and must be renewed by surrendering the expired credential.

Sources

• Law 2772 (Neuquén Secretariat of Security)

The Río Negro Police, through the Security Directorate and its Prevention Department, license agencies and issue personnel credentials. Law 3608 replaced Law 2678, but under Resolution 725/02 the Police continue to apply Decree 989/94 until the new law is implemented by regulation.

Regulator

Río Negro Police, Security Directorate, Prevention Department policia.rionegro.gov.ar

Legislation

Private Security Law 3608, Decree 989/94 and Ministerial Resolution 725/02

License Types

• License for a security, protection and investigation agency.
• Credential for authorized personnel, issued by the Prevention Department.
• License for an independent security guard or private investigator.
• Approval of the Technical Director.

Requirements

• Argentine citizenship and legal age of majority, under Law 3608.
• Psychophysical fitness certificate from a public health facility in Río Negro, no more than three months old.
• Police certificate of criminal and minor offense records.
• Police certificate of address in the province.
• No record of human rights violations, intentional offenses or domestic violence complaints.
• Sworn statement of not holding public office.
• Certificate of suitability and the training set by the regulations.

Training

• The legislation refers training to the regulations, with no published hour requirement.

Application Steps

1. The agency submits the application on the prescribed form to the Police Headquarters, Security Directorate.
2. The agency proves its articles of association, registration in the Public Registry of Commerce, municipal permit for its premises and appointment of the Technical Director.
3. Documents for each member of the personnel are submitted, with police certificates, DNI and photographs.
4. The authority may require an interview if there is no employment history.
5. The Prevention Department issues the credential.

Armed Personnel

Under Law 3608, armed operational personnel must be over 21 and hold the Conditional Civilian Use category.

Validity and Renewal

The validity of the credential is set by resolution of the Police Headquarters.

Local Rules

The agency’s premises must have a municipal permit.

Sources

• Law 3608 (Legislature of Río Negro)
• Law 2678 (Legislature of Río Negro)
• Decree 989/94 and Ministerial Resolution 725/02 (Río Negro Police)

Private Security Law 7273 and its Implementing Decree 2097/07 regulate the activity, with a police oversight body, the Private Security Companies Control Division. Each security guard needs a credential issued by the regulator after meeting the requirements and completing a training course.

Regulator

Regulator under Law 7273 (the Secretariat of Security of the Governor’s Office, according to the law), with oversight by the Private Security Companies Control Division of the Salta Police salta.gob.ar

Legislation

Private Security Law 7273 and Implementing Decree 2097/07

License Types

• Private security company license, nontransferable.
• Security guard credential.
• Express authorization to provide armed services.
• Appointment of a Technical Director and a Deputy Technical Director.

Requirements

• Argentine citizenship.
• Minimum age of 21.
• Completed secondary education.
• Psychophysical certificate with psychological, physical and neurological evaluation.
• No convictions for intentional offenses and no record of human rights violations.
• Not discharged from the security or police forces and not an active member of them.
• Not dismissed from the public administration in the last five years.
• Not subject to a civil or commercial disqualification.

Training

• Training course of at least 100 class hours.
• 20 hours of refresher training per year to renew the credential.

Application Steps

1. The company applies for the license with documents on its owners, articles of association, civil liability insurance and licensed premises.
2. The company appoints a Technical Director and a Deputy Technical Director.
3. The applicant passes the training course and the psychophysical examination.
4. The regulator issues the credential.

Armed Personnel

Providing services with any type of weapon is prohibited unless expressly authorized by a reasoned resolution, applied restrictively and in accordance with national firearms legislation. Watchmen (celadores) may not carry weapons. Tonfas and blunt instruments are considered weapons.

Validity and Renewal

The credential is renewed with a psychophysical certificate, proof of no criminal record and the required annual training. The psychophysical certificate is renewed every two years.

Local Rules

The company’s premises must have a municipal permit.

Sources

• Law 7273 (Chamber of Deputies of Salta, digest)

Law 7775 regulates private security and designates the Executive, through the Ministry of Government, as the authority that authorizes providers and keeps the registers of personnel, weapons and vehicles. Each security guard must hold a registration credential renewed annually.

Regulator

Ministry of Government of San Juan Province sanjuan.gob.ar

Legislation

Private Security Law 7775

License Types

• Prior authorization of the security services provider, for up to five years.
• Personnel registration credential.
• Register of armed personnel with legitimate user status.
• Technical Director with a degree or specialization in security.

Requirements

• Completed secondary education.
• Argentine citizenship or two years of residence.
• Over 21 years of age.
• Legal address in San Juan.
• Police record certificate.
• Psychophysical fitness certificate valid for one year.
• No disqualifying convictions and no service in the military or security forces.
• First aid and emergency certificate.

Training

• Training courses set by the regulations, taught at public institutions.
• Mandatory programs on human rights and constitutional guarantees.
• First aid and emergency certificate.

Application Steps

1. The provider applies to the regulator for prior authorization.
2. The provider appoints a Technical Director.
3. Personnel meet the requirements and complete the training.
4. The authority enters the personnel in the register and issues the credential.

Armed Personnel

Armed personnel must have completed secondary school or be retired from the armed or security forces, be legitimate users under Law 20,429 and have specific training. Only weapons registered by the provider as a collective user may be used, and they are deposited at the end of the shift. Armed private personal protection is prohibited.

Validity and Renewal

The credential is renewed annually.

Local Rules

Providing services in public spaces requires a concession and express authorization.

Sources

• Law 7775 (Chamber of Deputies of San Juan)

Private security, guard and investigation agencies are licensed by the Chief of Police of the Province, under the framework approved by Decree 1555/93. The Police Headquarters issues the credentials for management personnel, supervisory personnel and security guards.

Regulator

Police of Santa Cruz Province, Police Headquarters (Police Operations Department) intranet.policiadesantacruz.gob.ar

Legislation

Decree 1555/93, Framework for the Licensing, Operation and Control of Private Security, Guard and Investigation Agencies; Public Security Law 3523

License Types

• License for a private security, guard and investigation agency or company.
• Security guard credential issued by the Police Headquarters.
• Credential for the Executive Technical Director and supervisory personnel.

Requirements

• Argentine by birth or by option.
• Over 18 years of age.
• No convictions.
• For personnel retired from a force, the retirement must not be due to incompetence or disability.
• For civilian personnel, verification of suitability, especially in the use of weapons, before authorization.

Application Steps

1. The company registers with the Public Registry of Commerce and obtains its CUIT.
2. The company obtains the municipal permit for its office.
3. The company submits the application to the Police with criminal record certificates for management personnel and its bylaws or internal regulations.
4. The company proves compliance with the weapons registers where applicable.
5. The Police register each security guard and issue the credential.

Armed Personnel

The agency must meet the requirements of Re.P.Ar and/or Re.N.Ar for the use of weapons. The oversight body verifies the suitability of civilian personnel in the use of weapons before authorizing them.

Validity and Renewal

The agency license is valid for one year. Changes in personnel, resources or address are reported to the Police Operations Department within five calendar days.

Local Rules

The agency’s office requires a municipal permit.

Sources

• Decree 1555/93, Framework for the Licensing and Control of Security Agencies (Santa Cruz Police)
• Public Security Law 3523 (Santa Cruz Police)

Law 14420, enacted in December 2025, regulates private security and designates the Ministry of Justice and Security as the regulator. Services may only be provided by licensed companies, and each security guard must be licensed and enrolled in the Register of Private Security Providers.

Regulator

Ministry of Justice and Security of Santa Fe Province santafe.gob.ar

Legislation

Law 14420, Private Provision of Guard, Protection and Security Services for Persons or Property (enacted by Decree 3085/2025)

License Types

• Provider company license, only for companies whose sole corporate purpose is security.
• Security personnel license, with credential and registration number.
• Executive Technical Director license.
• Services without authorization to use weapons: consulting and security at fixed locations with or without public access.
• Services with authorization to use weapons: personal protection, goods in transit or storage, security at fixed locations without public access, and electronic monitoring.
• Mandatory registration of alarm systems and monitoring companies.

Requirements

• Be over 21 to provide services, or over 18 to receive the training.
• Prove an actual address or effective residence of more than two years in the province.
• Have completed secondary education.
• No convictions for intentional offenses, or for negligent offenses related to the security role.
• Not expelled from the armed, security, police, prison or intelligence forces for misconduct related to the activity.
• Prove psychophysical fitness.
• No record of crimes against humanity or human rights violations.
• Carry the license credential and show it when required.

Training

• Mandatory training paid for and provided by the employer, even for former members of the forces.
• Curriculum set by the regulator, with minimum content on human rights, public safety and the use of force and firearms.
• Courses may be taught at public or state-recognized private institutions.

Application Steps

1. Form a company whose sole corporate purpose is security and register it in the Public Registry.
2. Establish a legal and business address with a municipal permit in the province and an electronic address.
3. Obtain civil liability insurance and prove financial solvency.
4. Appoint an Executive Technical Director and obtain the director’s license.
5. Pay the fees and obtain administrative authorization from the Ministry.
6. Process the license for each security guard and enroll the guard in the register.

Armed Personnel

The use of weapons may only be authorized for cash transport and goods protection, security at enclosed fixed locations without unrestricted public access, and personal protection. Providing armed services in public places outside those cases is prohibited. Armed personnel require authorization from the National Agency for Controlled Materials (Agencia Nacional de Materiales Controlados, ANMAC), and weapons must be authorized by the Ministry before use.

Validity and Renewal

Every license is valid for five years and may be renewed. The license of an agency that does not provide services for one year expires automatically.

Local Rules

The company’s business address requires a municipal permit.

Sources

• Law 14420, Official Gazette of Santa Fe Province (December 2, 2025)
• Government of Santa Fe, new regulation of private security

Law 1364 of 2021 regulates private security services and designates the Provincial Police as the regulator. Companies and each member of their personnel must be licensed and registered, and personnel carry a credential issued by the Police.

Regulator

Police of the Province of Tierra del Fuego, Antarctica and South Atlantic Islands policia.tierradelfuego.gob.ar

Legislation

Law 1364, Private Security Services Regulation Law (passed on June 30, 2021)

License Types

• License for an individual provider, without authorization to hire personnel.
• License for a provider with authorization to hire personnel.
• Registration of personnel in the Personnel Register and license credential.
• License for the Technical Director and the Head of Security or Supervisor.
• Special Security Register for dance venues, live performances and gaming establishments.
• Providers of alarm supply and installation and electronic surveillance.

Requirements

• Argentine citizen by birth, by option or by naturalization; in the last two cases, with two years of residence in the country.
• Prove two years of residence in the province.
• Legal age of majority.
• Obtain a psychotechnical fitness certificate issued by a public health authority or recognized institution.
• Obtain a qualifying technical training certificate.
• No convictions for intentional offenses in Argentina or abroad, or for human rights violations.
• Not an active member of the armed, security, police or intelligence forces, and not dismissed from them.
• Prove good background and suitability, as assessed by the regulator.
• For individual providers, completed secondary education and civil liability insurance.

Training

• Qualifying technical training certificate granted by a public or private institution within the official education system.
• Initial training, refresher training and mandatory periodic training under the regulator’s rules.

Application Steps

1. The provider establishes an address in the province and obtains civil liability insurance.
2. The provider appoints a principal and an alternate Technical Director and a Head of Security or Supervisor.
3. The provider submits the list of partners and the required documents to the Police.
4. The Police grant the license and enter the provider in the register.
5. The provider submits personnel files for registration in the Personnel Register.
6. The Police issue the license credential for each security guard.

Validity and Renewal

The provider license lasts up to three years, and renewal must be filed at least 30 days before expiry. The personnel license is renewed every two years, and the psychotechnical certificate is valid for two years.

Local Rules

Services at dance venues, live performances and gaming establishments are recorded in a Special Register, under provincial Law 1298. Providers licensed in other jurisdictions need prior licensing by the Provincial Police.

Sources

• Law 1364, Private Security Services: Regulation (Legislature of Tierra del Fuego)

Law 7715 of 2006 and its Implementing Decree 4193/7 regulate private security services in Tucumán. Companies and personnel must be licensed by the regulator, and the process is handled through the Private Security Division or Office of the General Police Department.

Regulator

General Police Department of Tucumán, Private Security Division (Private Security and Guard Office) guiadetramites.tucuman.gob.ar

Legislation

Private Security Services Law 7715 (2006) and Implementing Decree 4193/7 (MSC) of 2006

License Types

• License for a private guard and security company.
• License for an individual who provides the service personally.
• Private security personnel credential issued by the regulator.
• Private security and guard services using electronic means.
• Access control and crowd management at venues and events.

Requirements

• Completed secondary education (individual providers).
• Argentine citizen or two years of effective residence in the country.
• Over 21 years of age.
• Establish an address in Tucumán Province.
• Obtain a psychotechnical fitness certificate, with physical and psychological evaluation.
• Obtain a qualifying technical training certificate approved by the regulator.
• Submit a criminal record certificate from the National Recidivism Registry.
• Not an active member of the armed, security, police or intelligence forces, and not dismissed from them.
• No convictions for intentional offenses or for human rights violations.

Training

• Qualifying technical training certificate granted by an institution within the official education system.
• Valid courses approved by Ministerial Resolution.
• Personnel education and training every two years, certified by the company.
• Theory classes on weapons handling and shooting practice, certified every six months.

Application Steps

1. The company assembles its articles of association, tax registrations and registration in the Tucumán Public Registry of Commerce.
2. The company obtains civil liability insurance of at least 150 times the minimum, vital and mobile wage (salario mínimo, vital y móvil).
3. The company obtains Fire Department and Civil Defense inspections and the municipal permit.
4. The company submits criminal records for its owners and the Executive Director, photos of uniforms and logos, and the report of guarded sites.
5. The company pays the fee and submits its file to the Private Security Office.
6. The regulator issues the credential for each member of the personnel.

Armed Personnel

Providers that use weapons must comply with National Law 20,429 and provide the national firearms register certificates. The company needs authorization to use weapons, and each armed employee needs a legitimate user credential.

Validity and Renewal

The psychotechnical certificate is renewed annually, and the criminal record certificate is submitted every six months to remain licensed. Personnel training takes place every two years.

Local Rules

The company’s premises require municipal registration and a municipal permit.

Sources

• Government of Tucumán, Licensing of private security and guard companies
• Government of Tucumán, Authorization, licensing and operation of private guard and security companies
• Decree 4193/7 (MSC), regulations of Law 7715