Getting Residency in Paraguay (2025): Step-by-Step Guide, Requirements & Key Advantages
Getting Residency in Paraguay: A Step-by-Step Guide and Its Advantages (2025 Update)
Paraguay has become one of South America’s best-kept secrets for expats, digital nomads, and investors looking for an easy, affordable residency option. With its central location, stable politics, and relaxed lifestyle, Paraguay offers an ideal “Plan B” for anyone seeking financial diversification, low taxes, and personal freedom.
Unlike many countries, Paraguay’s residency program requires no large investment or full-time residence. You can maintain your status with minimal commitments while enjoying full legal residency rights. This guide explains the key advantages of Paraguayan residency and walks you through a step-by-step process based on the latest 2025 regulations.
Why Consider Residency in Paraguay?
Residency in Paraguay brings a powerful mix of economic benefits, lifestyle perks, and strategic global mobility. Here’s what makes it stand out.
1. Economic and Tax Advantages
✔ Territorial Tax System:
Paraguay taxes only income earned within the country. Foreign-sourced income is completely tax-free, making it perfect for digital nomads, retirees, or entrepreneurs with global income.
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Local income tax: 10%
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No wealth, inheritance, or foreign income tax
✔ Low Cost of Living:
A comfortable lifestyle—including housing, food, healthcare, and leisure—can cost $2,000–$3,000 per month. Paraguay is highly self-sufficient, with local agriculture and renewable hydroelectric energy keeping prices low and stable.
✔ Investment Access:
Residents enjoy access to local banking, property ownership, and business registration. Paraguay’s membership in Mercosur (along with Brazil, Argentina, and Uruguay) opens doors to regional markets and trade opportunities.
2. Lifestyle and Social Benefits
✔ Freedom and Stability:
Paraguay maintains one of Latin America’s most stable political climates, with minimal government intrusion and low crime in most regions. The environment is ideal for those who value privacy, safety, and personal autonomy.
✔ Cultural Integration & Quality of Life:
With a warm, friendly population and a slower pace of life, Paraguay offers a balanced blend of modern amenities and traditional charm. High-speed internet, affordable healthcare, and beautiful natural landscapes make it a peaceful base for remote workers or retirees.
✔ Access to Services:
As a resident, you can live, work, study, and access public services freely—similar to citizens. You’ll also enjoy visa-free travel across much of South America.
3. Strategic and Long-Term Advantages
✔ No Full-Time Residency Requirement:
To maintain permanent residency, you only need to visit Paraguay once every three years. This flexibility is a major draw for global citizens and digital nomads.
✔ Fast Track to Citizenship:
After three years of permanent residency, you can apply for Paraguayan citizenship, one of the fastest naturalization routes in the world. Paraguay permits dual citizenship, allowing you to retain your original nationality.
✔ Ideal Plan B:
With its neutral political stance, low bureaucracy, and affordable entry requirements, Paraguay is an excellent backup residency option for those seeking long-term security and mobility.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Get Residency in Paraguay
Paraguay offers two main residency pathways:
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Standard Route (Temporary → Permanent)
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Investor Route (Direct Permanent via SUACE)
Both are managed by the Dirección Nacional de Migraciones (DNM), and the process is generally straightforward if you prepare your documents properly.
Average cost: $300–$500 in government fees + $200–$500 for translations and notary services
Processing time: 45–100 days
General Requirements
Before applying, prepare the following documents:
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Valid passport (minimum six months validity)
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Clean criminal record from the past three years (from all countries of residence)
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Apostilled birth certificate and marriage/divorce certificates (if applicable)
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All foreign documents translated into Spanish by a certified Traductor Público Jurado
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Proof of legal entry (visa or entry stamp)
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Health and security clearance
For minors: Parental authorization and apostilled birth certificates are required.
Route 1: Standard Path — From Temporary to Permanent Residency
This is the most popular path for new applicants and requires minimal in-country presence.
| Step | Description | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Prepare Documents Abroad | Apostille required documents and obtain police clearances. Arrange Spanish translations locally or in Paraguay. | 2–4 weeks |
| 2. Enter Paraguay | Arrive visa-free (if eligible) and get an entry stamp. | Immediate |
| 3. In-Country Processing | Obtain passport photos, notary authentications, and local police clearances (Interpol and IT). | 1–5 days |
| 4. Submit Application to DNM | File all documents and declarations at the DNM in Asunción. Pay ~$336 in application fees. Receive “residente precario” (temporary status). | Processing: 60–100 days |
| 5. Receive Temporary Residency | Once approved, collect your residence card and apply for the national ID (Cédula de Identidad). | 60–100 days total |
| 6. Upgrade to Permanent Residency | After about 21 months, apply for permanent residency. No full-time residence needed. | 1–3 months |
| 7. Maintain Status | Visit Paraguay once every 3 years; renew your Cédula every 10 years. | Ongoing |
💡 Tip: Arrive early at offices (7:00 a.m.) to avoid queues, or use a local legal agent to simplify the process.
Route 2: Investor Path — Direct Permanent Residency (SUACE)
For entrepreneurs and investors, Paraguay offers a fast-track permanent residency through SUACE (Sistema Unificado de Apertura y Cierre de Empresas).
| Step | Description | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Obtain Investor Certificate | Declare a minimum investment plan of USD 70,000, typically involving business formation and local employment for five or more workers. | 1–2 weeks |
| 2. Submit Application | Prepare standard documentation along with investment proof. Submit via DNM. | — |
| 3. Approval and ID Issuance | Receive permanent residency and national ID (Cédula). | 45–60 days total |
⚙️ Note: This route suits entrepreneurs planning long-term business activity. The declared investment must remain active for 10 years.
Visa Requirements for Restricted Nationalities
Citizens of countries requiring entry visas (e.g., India, Pakistan) should apply through the nearest Paraguayan Embassy.
Submit:
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Bank statements
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Employment certificate or proof of business ownership
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Invitation or sponsorship letter
Processing time: 30–45 days
If your country has no Paraguayan embassy, you may apply in neighboring nations such as Brazil or Argentina.
Final Thoughts: Why Paraguay Is Worth Considering
Getting residency in Paraguay is one of the simplest and most affordable legal residency options in the world.
With low taxes, minimal bureaucracy, and a high degree of personal freedom, it’s ideal for anyone building a global mobility strategy or seeking a backup residency.
While infrastructure and bureaucracy may still feel slower than in developed countries, Paraguay’s welcoming policies, cost advantages, and stability make it a smart long-term choice for those pursuing financial independence and lifestyle flexibility.
If you’re ready to expand your global footprint, Paraguay’s doors are open.
This article was prepared by the team of dedicated professionals at Migrate Global — experts in citizenship planning, global residency programs, and international mobility solutions.
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