Paraguay Residency Insight
Comprehensive Guide · 2025 Edition

The Paraguay Residency Handbook.

Everything you need to know about moving to Paraguay legally. No fluff, no sales pitch, just the process as it really is.

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Quick Summary

  • Timeframe: 3–5 days in country, then ~90 days for permanent residency (after 21 months on temporary). SUACE investor track: ~30–45 days direct to permanent. Newer Investor Pass routes (Real Estate / Financial Instruments / Tourism): CIE in 5 business days, then several months at Migraciones.
  • Government fee: Gs. 2,787,550 (~USD 380), effective 1 July 2025 per Decreto 4122/2025. Fees update annually by decree.
  • Requirement: Clean criminal record & birth certificate (apostilled + Spanish translation).
  • Presence: Must apply in person (Asunción).

Operating framework: Ley Nº 6984/2022 de Migraciones, Decreto Nº 4122/2025 (fees + 365-day rule), Resolución 0283/2026 (Investor Pass).

Core Topics

Master the fundamentals before you book your flight.

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Documents & Requirements

The exact list of papers you need to bring from home. Don't get turned away at the border.

View Details →
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The Process Timeline

What happens day-by-day when you land in Asunción. Medicals, Interpol, and Migraciones.

View Timeline →
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Scams & Red Flags

How to spot "fast-track" frauds and "guaranteed passport" offers that will lose your money.

Read Warnings →

DIY vs. Hiring an Agent

Honest advice on which path is right for you.

🛠️ The DIY Path

For the patient and Spanish-speaking.

  • Pros: Save money (~$1k-$2k), learn the system.
  • Cons: Time-consuming, confusing bureaucracy, language barrier.
  • Best for: Young travelers, Spanish speakers, budget-conscious.

🤝 Using an Agent

For efficiency and peace of mind.

  • Pros: Faster appointments, error-checking, transportation included.
  • Cons: Higher cost, quality varies wildly.
  • Best for: Professionals, families, non-Spanish speakers.

⚠️ Critical Warning: 24-Hour Residency Scams

There is no such thing as "instant residency" or "buying a passport". Legitimate residency takes months to process. Anyone promising you documents without you stepping foot in a government office is likely selling fakes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to live in Paraguay?
Not full-time, but the rules tightened in 2026 — be careful with long absences.
  • Temporary Residency: visit Paraguay at least once a year to keep it active.
  • Applying for Permanent Residency (new rule, effective 1 January 2026): you cannot have spent more than 365 consecutive days outside Paraguay between getting your temporary card and filing for permanent. Authorities verify this with the Movimiento Migratorio entry/exit record. Exceed it and you get a 2-year temporary extension instead of permanent status. (Decreto 4122/2025.)
  • Holding Permanent Residency: long absences can still put your card at risk — confirm your specific timeline with a local advisor before extended trips.
What about taxes?
Paraguay has a territorial tax system, meaning foreign-sourced income is generally tax-free. However, this doesn't automatically "delete" your tax obligations in your home country.
Can I work in Paraguay?
Yes. Once you have your residency card (carnet) and Cédula, you have full rights to work, open businesses, and access the healthcare system.
Is it safe?
Paraguay is generally safer than neighbors like Brazil, but petty crime exists. Asunción is a calm capital, but standard precautions apply.

Still Have Questions?

Every case is different. If you have unique constraints, let's talk.

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