Why Move to Paraguay?

Discover South America's Best-Kept Secret for Residency, Lifestyle & Opportunity

If you're looking for a place where your money goes further, the lifestyle is modern yet laid-back, and nature is always within reach — Paraguay is your place.

Often overlooked, Paraguay is quickly becoming a top destination for digital nomads, retirees, entrepreneurs, and families seeking a peaceful and prosperous life in South America. With its low cost of living, stable economy, and friendly, open culture, Paraguay offers a unique balance of affordability, opportunity, and quality of life.

In the capital city of Asunción, you'll find modern infrastructure, shopping malls, cafés, coworking spaces, and top-notch healthcare — all at a fraction of the cost compared to North America or Europe. Just outside the city, you’ll find green landscapes, rivers, and rural tranquility that attract nature lovers and investors alike.

To get residency in Paraguay, you only need a valid passport, birth certificate, criminal background check, and civil status certificate, all properly legalized and translated.

Why So Many Are Choosing to Settle in Paraguay:

✅ Low taxes and no tax on foreign income

✅ Real estate opportunities with high ROI potential

✅ A young and growing population driving innovation and demand

✅ Residency process that’s simple, affordable, and fast

✅ A welcoming society with warm-hearted people and strong community values

Overview: Types of Residency in Paraguay

Paraguay offers several pathways to residency, but most foreigners begin with temporary residency, which can later lead to permanent residency and eventually citizenship.

Step 1: Gather and Legalize Your Documents in Your Home Country

Before traveling to Paraguay to apply for temporary residency, you must prepare several essential documents from your home country. These are required by the Dirección Nacional de Migraciones and must be presented in the correct format.

Some documents must be apostilled or legalized, depending on the country of origin. Others must be translated into Spanish.

Required Documents to Prepare Before Traveling:

1. Valid Identity Document

   • Present the original and a notarized copy of one of the following:

     • National ID card

     • Passport

2. Visa (only if required for your nationality)

   • Must be obtained in advance and authenticated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Paraguay.

   • Not all nationalities need a visa — check with the Paraguayan embassy or consulate in your country.

3. Proof of Legal Entry to Paraguay

   • You must present either:

     • The stamped immigration slip (boleta migratoria), or

     • The entry stamp in your passport

   • This is obtained upon legal entry through an official border or airport.

4. Birth Certificate

   • Issued by your country’s civil registry.

   • Must be apostilled or legalized through the appropriate procedure.

5. Civil Status Certificate (if applicable)

   • Depending on your current marital status, provide one of the following:

     • Marriage Certificate (for married applicants)

     • Divorce Decree (for divorced applicants)

     • Death Certificate of Spouse (for widowed applicants)

     • Each must be apostilled or legalized.

6. Criminal Background Check

   • Required for applicants 14 years and older.

   • Must be:

     • Issued by the national or federal police or justice system in your country of origin

     • Recent (usually no more than 6 months old)

     • Apostilled or legalized

✅ Additional rules:

If you’ve lived in other countries in the past 3 years, you may need a background check from each.

If you have resided in Paraguay for over 3 years, you may be eligible to submit a Paraguayan judicial background check instead, with a sworn declaration.

Legalization Requirements

• All foreign documents must be apostilled (if your country is part of the Apostille Convention), or

• Legalized by a Paraguayan consulate in your country if not.

Translation Notes

• All documents written in a foreign language must be translated into Spanish.

• Translations must be done by a certified public translator in Paraguay, or

• If translated abroad, the translation itself must also be apostilled or legalized.

• Documents in Portuguese issued in Brazil are exempt from translation.

Step 2: Enter Paraguay Legally

To begin the in-country portion of your residency process, you must enter Paraguay through an official immigration checkpoint.

At the Border or the Airport

Upon arrival, make sure you:

• Enter legally through an airport or land border.

• Receive either:

  • A migration entry slip (boleta migratoria), or

  • A passport entry stamp from Paraguayan immigration officers.

These documents prove your legal entry and will be required when submitting your residency application.

⚠️ If you lose this proof, your entry will need to be confirmed via Paraguay’s immigration records or a sworn witness declaration issued by a local judge — which can cause delays.

What If You Need a Visa?

If your nationality requires a visa, you must obtain it before entry through the Paraguayan embassy or consulate in your country. Visa-on-arrival is only available to certain countries and under specific conditions.

Step 3: Obtain Local Documents in Paraguay

Once in Paraguay, you’ll need to gather additional documents required by the Dirección Nacional de Migraciones to support your application.

Local Documents to Obtain:

1. Interpol Background Certificate

   • Issued in Asunción at the Interpol office.

   • Required for applicants age 14 and older.

2. Police Background Check for Foreigners

   • Issued by the Departamento de Informática de la Policía Nacional.

3. Sworn Declaration of Respect for National Law

   • Completed at the Immigration Office (DNM) during your application.

   • Confirms your intent to respect Paraguay’s Constitution and laws.

4. Sworn Declaration of Profession and Domicile

   • Also issued during your appointment at the DNM.

   • States your profession or occupation and address in Paraguay.

🔔 Tip: These steps may require multiple appointments across different government offices. We recommend working with a professional or fixer to speed up the process.

Step 4: Ensure Proper Legalization, Notarization, and Translation of Documents in Paraguay

After arriving in Paraguay and collecting your foreign and local documents, it’s essential to make sure all paperwork is in the correct format and has the necessary official certifications.

What This Means:

• Some documents require authentication by a Paraguayan public notary (Escribanía Pública).

• Others may need legalization by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or certifications from the Police Department or other government bodies.

• All foreign documents must be translated into Spanish by a certified Paraguayan translator. If translations are done outside Paraguay, they also require proper legalization or apostille.

Important:

• The exact legalization and notarization steps vary depending on your documents and your personal situation.

• Because the process can be complex and confusing, working with an experienced immigration professional or legal advisor is highly recommended to avoid delays or mistakes.

Step 5: Submit Your Residency Application

Once all documents are gathered, translated, and legalized, it’s time to submit your application in person at the Dirección Nacional de Migraciones office in Asunción.

Your Submission Will Include:

• All required documents and sworn declarations

• Official payment of application fees

• Fingerprinting and biometric photo collection

• Issuance of a "Residencia Precaria", which allows you to live, work, and travel freely while your application is processed

📍 Keep copies of every document and receipt — they’ll be required for future steps such as applying for your ID.

Important Note: What Your Temporary Residency Card Means for You

Once your temporary residency application is approved, you will receive a temporary residency certificate (Residencia Precaria). This card allows you to live, work, study, and travel in and out of Paraguay freely during its validity period.

However, issuing your Paraguayan national ID card (Cédula de Identidad) is a separate process that requires an additional application with the Policía Nacional’s Departamento de Identificaciones. Holding a cédula will greatly facilitate your day-to-day life, from opening bank accounts to accessing services.

Looking ahead, after maintaining temporary residency for the required period, you become eligible to apply for permanent residency, and eventually, if you meet all legal requirements, for Paraguayan citizenship — opening the door to full rights and benefits as a resident or national.

Simplify the Process with Expert Assistance

Navigating Paraguay’s residency process involves careful attention to detail. Incomplete or improperly handled paperwork can cause delays, but working with an immigration specialist can streamline the experience.

If you’d like personalized guidance or need help managing documentation, translations, and legal requirements, feel free to reach out! We’re here to make your transition to life in Paraguay as smooth as possible.