Complete Guide To The Best Visas To Move To Paraguay

Imagine a country that provides stunning landscapes, a unique blend of cultures and compelling investment opportunities for expats. If Paraguay doesn’t come across your mind, you’re not alone. I didn’t know what this country offered until I started exploring it. 

From my experience, I can tell you that this South American nation is a well-kept secret among expat destinations.

WHY PARAGUAY?

Paraguay presents many surprises if you’re considering a place for a longer stay. From an affordable cost of living and foreign-friendly policies to lots of greenery and agriculture, this tiny nation, though overlooked, has a lot in store for expats. 

With two official languages, Guaraní and Spanish, the country mixes indigenous and colonial heritage. The country’s currency is also called Guaraní; as of the time of writing, $1 USD is equivalent to around 7,435 Guaraní and the minimum wage is around $370 USD.

You might wonder, “Where on Earth is Paraguay, and why should I even care?” This landlocked country, bordered by Brazil, Bolivia and Argentina, presents multiple residency options, a tempting tax regime and even the potential for dual citizenship. 

In this article, you’ll discover the residency options available according to your needs. Let’s begin. 

San Jose beach, Encarnación, Paraguay

SPONTANEOUS OR OCCASIONAL RESIDENCY 

The spontaneous or occasional residency visa is the perfect fit for you if you are looking for a brief yet enriching stay in Paraguay. Designed to allow you to engage in a wide range of activities, such as public events and professional or academic pursuits, this visa is an excellent option to get a taste of the country.

DURATION OF STAY

This visa option allows you to stay in the country for up to 90 days and renew it for an additional 90 days annually. 

APPLICATION PROCESS

Here’s how the application process works:

• Submit the applicant's valid ID or passport in original and authenticated copy;

• Consular approval of invitations, warranting verification by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs;

• Verification of the applicant's entry into the country;

• Declaration of professional or trade engagements, coupled with a temporary address in Paraguay.

For applicants below 18, parental or legal guardian involvement is mandatory. In cases of parental absence, a Special Power of Attorney, duly notarized, is requisite to authorize a designated guardian to manage the immigration process.

PAYMENT OF FEES

The fee to get this visa is 824,728 Guaraní (around $110 USD). If you stay in the country more time than authorized, you’re liable to pay a penalty of 618,546 Guaraní (around $83 USD)

. 

SOME IMPORTANT OBSERVATIONS

• Your documentation must be verified or legalized as well as translated into Spanish. Documents issued by Brazil are exempt from this requirement;

• Documents issued outside Paraguay must be apostilled;

• The procedure is personal and requires in-person presence. The progress of the process can be monitored either personally or through a legal representative. 

Jesuit mission Ruins in Trinidad, Paraguay

TEMPORARY RESIDENCY 

The temporary residency visa is an excellent option if you want to stay in the country a little longer, allowing you access to a Paraguayan ID card (in Spanish, “Cédula de Identidad Paraguaya”) issued by the National Police Identification Department. During the visa processing, you’ll be granted the “precarious resident” status, enabling you to get in and out of the country.

DURATION OF STAY

This visa option allows you to stay in the country for up to two years and renew it for an additional two years. 

APPLICATION PROCESS

Here’s how the application process works:

• Proof of Identity: Original and authenticated copy of valid ID or passport from the country of origin. The three options are: Valid national ID, Valid National Identity Card or Valid Passport;

• Consular Visa Documentation: Original and authenticated copy of Consular Visa, verified by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs if required;

• Confirmation of Entry: Original and authenticated copy of Proof of Entry into the country. The two options are a stamped migration form upon entry or a passport entry stamp;

• Birth and Civil Status Documents: original and authenticated copy of Birth Certificate from the competent authority in the country of issue; original and authenticated copy of Civil Status Certificate (married, divorced or widowed);

• Criminal records: original and authenticated copy of Criminal or Police Records for those aged 14 and above, visaed, and legalized or apostille;

• INTERPOL Certificates for those aged 14 and above;

• Additional Declarations: Declaration of commitment to comply with Paraguay's laws and declaration of profession, activity, or trade and the fixed address in the national territory. 

There are additional requirements for applicants under 18:

• Parental Documents: original and authenticated copy of valid ID or passport of parents or legal guardians;

• Special Power of Attorney: In case of parental absence, an original and authenticated copy of Special Power of Attorney is issued by a Public Notary in the country of origin, authorizing the designated guardian to handle the immigration process. A power of attorney must be signed by the absent parent(s); if issued abroad, it must be visaed, legalized or apostilled; and the guardian must reside in the country or be a Paraguayan citizen;

• Parentage confirmation: Original and authenticated copy of the Birth Certificate to determine parentage.

PAYMENT OF FEES

The fee to obtain this visa costs 2,577,275 Guaraníes (approximately $347 USD)  and also includes the “Residencia Precaria” and the change of category. In case you exceed the permitted stay of 2 years, you’re liable to pay a fine of 618,546 Guaraníes. Finally, the Residency Certificate (Certificado de Radicación) costs 206,182.

SOME IMPORTANT OBSERVATIONS

This visa is renewable for an additional two years, in which case, you must pay a fee of 1,134,001 Guaraníes (around $153 USD). Also, in case you need to change some information, you must pay a fee of 206,182 Guaraníes (around $28 USD).

Villarrica, Paraguay

PERMANENT RESIDENCY

If you believe that Paraguay is the place to be, you can opt for a permanent residency visa. This will allow you to enjoy long-term stability and seek a lasting connection with this South American nation.

DURATION OF STAY

This visa has a duration of 10 years and then must be renewed for an additional 10 years as well.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Here’s how the application process works:

• Original and one authenticated copy of a valid ID from the country of origin. You can submit a valid Identity Card, a National Identity Document or a Passport;

• Original and one authenticated copy of the current Paraguayan Identity Card or a report of theft or loss;

• Original and one authenticated copy of the Temporary Residence Card or a report of theft or loss;

• Original and one authenticated copy of documents proving any changes in civil status, profession, occupation, name, or other personal details;

• Original and one authenticated copy of the Certificate of Criminal Records for Foreigners, issued by the Police Department's IT Division (Required for individuals aged 14 and above);

• Original and one authenticated copy of the Certificate of Good Conduct issued by the Police Department's Identification Division (Required for individuals aged 14 and above);

• Original and one authenticated copy of the Certificate of Life and Residence issued by the Jurisdictional Police Station;

• Original and one authenticated copy of the Certificate of Judicial Records (Required for individuals aged 14 and above);

• Original and one authenticated copy of the Certificate of INTERPOL Records (Required for individuals aged 14 and above);

• Documents demonstrating financial solvency.

Here are the additional requirements for applicants under 18:

• Original and one authenticated copy of the valid ID of parents or legal guardians. You can submit a valid identity card, national identity document or passport;

• In case of the absence of one or both parents, you must include the original, and one authenticated copy of a Special Power of Attorney issued by a Public Notary in the country of origin, authorizing the processing of documentation at the National Directorate of Migrations with the accompanying designated guardian. Note that the special power must be signed by the absent parent(s); if issued abroad, it must be visaed and legalized or apostilled; finally, the guardian must be residing in the country or be a Paraguayan citizen;

• Original and one authenticated copy of the Birth Certificate to establish parentage.

PAYMENT OF FEES

For permanent residency, including a change of category, the required fee is Gs. 2,577,275. If you need a Certificate of Radicación, the fee is Gs. 206,182. Additionally, for any information changes, there is a Gs fee. 206,182.

SOME IMPORTANT OBSERVATIONS

Depending on your situation, you can show your economic solvency in one way or another. For example, if you have a technical job, you must show your diploma. 

Aerial view of the landmark of the three borders (hito tres fronteras), Paraguay, Brazil and Argentina, in the Paraguayan city of Presidente Franco near Ciudad del Este

PERMANENT RESIDENCY FOR FOREIGN RELATIVES OF NATIONALS

The permanent residency visa for foreign relatives of nationals is a unique avenue for foreign family members of Paraguayan nationals to reside indefinitely in Paraguay. Eligible beneficiaries include spouses, children and foreign grandchildren aged no more than 18. Additionally, the spouse of the repatriated Paraguayan's child can also apply. There’s no need to be a temporary resident before applying for this visa. 

DURATION OF STAY

This visa has a duration of 10 years and then must be renewed for an additional 10 years as well. 

APPLICATION PROCESS

• Original and authenticated copy of the Constancia or Certificado de REPATRIACIÓN issued by the Secretaría para Repatriados y Refugiados Connacionales (SEDERREC);

• Original and authenticated copy of the foreign national's Documento de Identidad (ID) from their country of origin (options: Cédula de Identidad, Documento Nacional de Identidad, or Passport);

• Original and authenticated copy of the foreign national's Certificate of Birth issued by the competent authority in their country of origin, with visa and legalization or apostille;

• Original and authenticated copy of the valid Certificate of Criminal Records for Foreigners, visaed, legalized, or apostilled (required from age 14). Options based on residence history:

  • If residing in the country of origin: Certificate of Criminal Records from the country of origin, issued by the competent authority, valid nationwide or federally;

  • If residing in another country in the last three years: Certificate of Criminal Records from the country of residence, issued by the competent authority, valid nationwide or federally, and documentation proving residence in that country for the last three years;

  • If residing in Paraguay for more than three years: Information Sumaria de Testigos, issued by the Paraguayan Judicial Power, confirming the applicant's residence in the country for more than three years.

• Original and authenticated copy of the INTERPOL Records Certificate (required from age 14);

• Original and authenticated copy of the Certificate of Antecedentes para Extranjeros, issued by the Departamento de Informática de la Policía Nacional (required from age 14);

• Original and authenticated copy of the ID of the Paraguayan conational;

• Additional requirements for specific relationships:

  • For the spouse of a conational: Original and authenticated copy of the Marriage Certificate;

  • For children of the conational: Original and authenticated copy of the parent's Birth Certificate confirming Paraguayan natural status or Naturalization Certificate if naturalized;

  • For grandchildren of the conational: Original and authenticated copy of the parent's Birth Certificate and the conational's Birth Certificate;

  • For the spouse of the conational's child: Original and authenticated copy of the Marriage Certificate, Birth Certificate from the spouse's country of origin, and the conational's Birth Certificate.

Here are the additional requirements for applicants aged under 18:

• Original and authenticated copy of the valid ID of the parents or legal guardians (options: Cédula de Identidad, Documento Nacional de Identidad, or Passport);

• In case of the absence of one or both parents: Original and authenticated copy of the Special Power of Attorney issued by a Public Notary in the country of origin, authorizing the processing of documents before the Dirección Nacional de Migraciones with the accompaniment of the designated parent or guardian. The special power must be signed by the absent parent(s). If the Special Power was issued abroad, it must be visaed and legalized or apostilled. The guardian must be residing in the country or be a Paraguayan citizen;

• Original and authenticated copy of the Birth Certificate to determine parentage.

PAYMENT OF FEES

Another notable advantage is that this visa does not require any fee upon presentation of the Repatriation Certificate (Certificado de Repatriación).

SOME IMPORTANT OBSERVATIONS

Similar to those of the temporary residency. 

Sunset in Encarnacion, Paraguay

FOREIGN INVESTOR’S VISA

The foreign investor’s visa is the perfect choice for foreign citizens arriving in the country to invest. The country offers a streamlined and centralized platform called SAUCE (Unified System for Opening and Closing Companies), which includes multiple public institutions to open physical or legal entities and facilitate entrepreneurship. 

DURATION OF STAY

The ID card issued is valid for 10 years before requiring renewal. The granted residence is permanent, allowing investors to reside indefinitely in the country. 

APPLICATION PROCESS

Here’s how the application process works:

• Original and two authenticated copies of the Investor Certificate issued by the Paraguayan Ministry of Industry and Commerce, indicating the applicant's adherence to the SUACE regime;

• Original and two authenticated copies of a valid ID document from the country of origin (Options: National ID, Passport);

• Original and two authenticated copies of the Consular Visa, verified by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs when necessary;

• Original and authenticated copy of the entry record into the country issued at the Immigration Control Point of the National Directorate of Migrations (Options: stamped migration ticket or passport entry stamp);

• Original and two authenticated copies of the Birth Certificate, issued by the competent authority in the country of origin, with visa and legalization or apostille;

• Original and two authenticated copies of the Certificate of Civil Status (Options: Marriage Certificate for married individuals, Divorce Decree for divorced individuals, or Death Certificate of the spouse for widows/widowers), with visa and legalization or apostille if applicable;

• Original and two authenticated copies of the current Criminal or Police Records, visaed, legalized, or apostilled (mandatory for individuals aged 14 and above). Depending on the residence history, different options apply.

Additionally, applicants must provide:

• Original and two authenticated copies of INTERPOL Records (mandatory for individuals aged 14 and above);

• Original and two authenticated copies of the Certificate of Good Standing for Foreigners, issued by the IT Division of the National Police (mandatory for individuals aged 14 and above);

• Original and two authenticated copies of the Certificate of Life and Residence, issued by the Jurisdictional Police Station;

• Original and two authenticated copies of the Certificate of Judicial Records (mandatory for individuals aged 14 and above);

• Original and two authenticated copies of documents proving financial solvency;

• Sworn Declaration before the National Directorate of Migrations, committing to comply with the Paraguayan Constitution, laws, and regulations.

PAYMENT OF FEES

The corresponding fees for this visa include 2,577,275 Guaraníes ($347 USD) for Residencia Permanente, encompassing any potential change in category. In case of exceeding the authorized temporary stay, a fine of 618,546 Guaraníes ($83 USD)  is applicable. Additionally, a fee of 206,182 Guaraníes  ($28 USD)  is required for the Certificate of Residency.

SOME IMPORTANT OBSERVATIONS

The application process requires you to meticulously submit various documents, including personal identification, various certificates and proof of investment.  

PERMANENT RESIDENCY FOR CHILDREN AND SPOUSES OF PARAGUAYAN NATIONALS

This permanent residency visa is designated for children or spouses of Paraguayan nationals, allowing them to obtain permanent residency in the country.

DURATION OF STAY

The Permanent Residency Card is granted indefinitely, with the requirement for card renewal every 10 years.

Cerro Jhú (Cerro Negro), one of the visual landmarks of the city of Paraguari in Paraguay

APPLICATION PROCESS

Here’s the procedure before permanent residence processing:

• Initial contact with SEDERREC (Development Secretariat for Returnees and National Refugees) to obtain the Repatriation Certificate;

• Obtain the Repatriation Certificate, which will allow you to apply for a Paraguayan Identity Card;

• Visit the Department of Identifications: visit the Department of Identifications of the National Police;

• Initiate the Permanent Residency Process: upon successfully obtaining the Paraguayan Identity Card, you’re eligible to initiate the permanent residency process at the National Direction of Migration (Dirección Nacional de Migraciones). 

Then these are the general requirements for the processing of the permanent residency. 

• Submit Authenticated Documentation from Policía Nacional;

• Provide a notarized copy of the dossier, authenticated by the Department of Identifications of the Policía Nacional, containing the documents submitted for obtaining the Paraguayan Identity Card:

  • Note: The dossier is to be sent to Migraciones by the Department of Identifications of the Policía Nacional;

  • Cédula de Identidad Paraguaya or Police Report;

• Submit the original Paraguayan Identity Card along with a notarized copy. In case of loss, provide an original police report;

• Certificado de Repatriación from SEDERREC:

  • Present the original and a notarized copy of the Certificado de Repatriación issued by the Secretaría de Desarrollo para Repatriados y Refugiados Connacionales (SEDERREC).

Additional Requirements for Applicants Under 18 Years of Age:

• Parent's or Legal Guardian's ID: Submit the original and a notarized copy of the ID of the Paraguayan parent or legal guardian;

• Special Power of Attorney (Poder Especial): If both parents are absent, provide:

  Original and notarized copy of a Special Power of Attorney issued by a Public Notary in the country of origin, authorizing the minor's travel and documentation processing at the Dirección General de Migraciones. The power of attorney must be signed by the absent parent(s). If issued abroad, the document must be visaed, legalized, or apostilled. The designated guardian must be residing in Paraguay or be of Paraguayan nationality;

• Birth Certificate: Submit the original and a notarized copy of the Birth Certificate to establish kinship.

PAYMENT OF FEES

With the Certificado de Repatriación presentation, the process incurs no charges. However, for applicants without the Certificado de Repatriación seeking Permanent Residency (including category change), the fee is 2,577,275 Guaraníes. In cases of late renewal and lacking the Certificado de Repatriación, a penalty of 618,546 Guaraníes is applicable.

SOME IMPORTANT OBSERVATIONS

Similar to those of the temporary residency. 

Power station Itaipu Dam, between Brazil and Paraguay

TEMPORARY RESIDENCY FOR FOREIGNERS FROM MERCOSUR MEMBER COUNTRIES

The temporary residency for MERCOSUR is an authorization granted to foreigners from MERCOSUR countries (i.e. Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay, Bolivia, Chile, Peru, Colombia, and Ecuador).

DURATION OF STAY

The Temporary Residence is valid for two years and is non-renewable.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Here’s how the application process works:

• Original and Authenticated copy of a valid national identification document (Options: Identity Card, National Identity Document, or Passport);

• Original and Authenticated copy of the Birth Certificate issued by the competent authority in the country of issuance, with visa, legalization, or apostille if issued abroad;

• Original and Authenticated copy of the Police or Criminal Record Certificate issued by the competent authority in the country of issuance or by the consular representation in Paraguay, valid nationally (required from 14 years of age), with visa, legalization, or apostille if issued abroad;

• Original and Authenticated copy of the valid Certificate of Criminal Records for Foreigners issued by the Department of Informatics of the National Police (required from 14 years of age);

• Original and Authenticated copy of the Certificate of Civil Status issued by the competent authority in the country of issuance, with visa, legalization, or apostille if applicable. Options include a Marriage Certificate, Divorce Decree, or Death Certificate of the spouse;

• Sworn Statement of having no international criminal records (Provided by Migrations at the beginning of the Residence process);

• Original and Authenticated copy of the Certificate of Entry into the country (Options: Stamped immigration form, Passport entry stamp, Sworn Statement provided by the National Directorate of Migrations, or any other document proving presence in the country).

The additional requirements for applicants under 18 are: 

• Original and Authenticated copy of the valid Identification Document of the parents or legal guardians (Options: Identity Card, National Identity Document, or Passport);

• In the absence of one or both parents, attach: Original and Authenticated copy of the Special Power of Attorney issued by a Public Notary in the country of origin, authorizing the minor's travel and processing of their documents before the National Directorate of Migrations with the accompaniment of the designated father or tutor. The special power must be signed by the absent parent(s) and, if issued abroad, must be visaed, legalized, or apostilled;

• Original and Authenticated copy of the Birth Certificate to determine kinship.

PAYMENT OF FEES

Temporary Residence MERCOSUR (including a change of category) costs  2,061,820 Guaraníes. 

SOME IMPORTANT OBSERVATIONS

Similar to those of the temporary residency. 

Ypacarai Lake in San Bernardino, Paraguay

PERMANENT RESIDENCY FOR FOREIGNERS FROM MERCOSUR MEMBER COUNTRIES

The permanent residency for MERCOSUR is an authorization granted to foreigners from MERCOSUR countries (i.e. Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay, Bolivia, Chile, Peru, Colombia, and Ecuador).

DURATION OF STAY

This visa has a duration of 10 years and then must be renewed for an additional 10 years as well.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Here’s how the application process works:

• Valid MERCOSUR Temporary Admission Card or Police Report (in case of loss of the card);

• Original + Authenticated copy of a valid national identification document (Options: Identity Card, National Identity Document, or Passport);

• Original + Authenticated copy of the valid Certificate of Criminal Records for Foreigners issued by the Department of Informatics of the National Police (required from 14 years of age);

• Demonstration of economic solvency.

The additional requirements for applicants under 18 are: 

• Original + Authenticated copy of the valid Identification Document of the parents or legal guardians (Options: Identity Card, National Identity Document, or Passport);

• In the absence of one or both parents, attach an original + Authenticated copy of the Special Power of Attorney issued by a Public Notary in the country of origin, authorizing the minor's travel and processing of their documents before the National Directorate of Migrations with the accompaniment of the designated father or tutor. The special power must be signed by the absent parent(s) and, if issued abroad, must be visaed, legalized, or apostilled;

• Original + Authenticated copy of the Birth Certificate to determine kinship;

• Original + Authenticated copy of the Certificate of Studies (If the applicant is studying primary or secondary education in Paraguay).

PAYMENT OF FEES

The fees for Permanent Residence MERCOSUR (including a change of category) amount to 2,577,275 Guaraníes ($347 USD). The fee for the Certificate of Residency is 206,182 Guaraníes ($28 USD), and the same applies to the Change of Information.

SOME IMPORTANT OBSERVATIONS

Depending on your situation, you can show your economic solvency in one way or another. For example, if you are a retiree, you must show that your pension is at least 10,309,100 Guaraníes (around $1,400 USD). 

Sunset over the Colonia Independencia Paraguay

OTHER VISAS

The other visas available are specifically tailored to Uruguayans, who can get permanent residency without having a previous temporary one, and Ecuadorians. 

CONCLUSION

Paraguay is a country overlooked by many, but the visa options are numerous, apart from its low cost of living and favourable tax regime. Whether you want to get a taste of the country for a short period of time, invest or settle, Paraguay has the right option for you.