Complete Guide To The Best Visas To Move To Paraguay

When most people think about moving abroad, countries like Portugal, Mexico, or Panama usually top the list. Rarely does Paraguay make the cut—but that’s exactly what makes it so special.

Tucked away in the heart of South America, Paraguay offers far more than meets the eye: a stable economy, a favourable tax system, affordable living, and one of the easiest and most flexible residency programs in the region. It’s a country where opportunity quietly thrives—ideal for investors, retirees, and freedom-seekers looking to build a life outside the mainstream.

I’ll admit, I didn’t know much about Paraguay until I spent time there myself. But what I found was a nation that’s off the radar for most expats—and that's precisely its advantage.

In this article, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about Paraguay’s visa and residency options, whether you’re planning a short stay, looking to invest, or hoping to settle in permanently. Let’s dive in!

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

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

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

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

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

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). 

The other visas available are specifically tailored for Uruguayans and Ecuadorians, who can obtain permanent residency without having a previous temporary visa. 

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

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

Sunset over the Colonia Independencia Paraguay

WHY RESIDENCY IN PARAGUAY MAKES SENSE

Becoming a resident in Paraguay isn’t just a bureaucratic move—it’s a strategic decision to gain more freedom, more privacy, and more control over your life. The cost of living is incredibly low, allowing you to stretch your money while enjoying a high quality of life. 

One of Paraguay’s strongest draws is its territorial tax system—you’re only taxed on income earned within the country. That means if your income is from abroad—remote work, foreign investments, business income—it’s tax-free. For international entrepreneurs and investors, this kind of setup is rare and incredibly valuable. Add to that a streamlined path to permanent residency and even citizenship after three years, and you've got one of the most efficient second residency programs anywhere.

Paraguay also welcomes foreign investment with open arms. Foreigners can buy land, start businesses, and operate just like locals. And thanks to its central location in South America, you’re close to major markets while enjoying the quiet stability of a country that most people completely overlook.

But perhaps the biggest benefit is the one that can’t be measured in numbers: freedom. Paraguay leaves you alone. There’s no woke overreach, no surveillance culture, no bloated bureaucracy breathing down your neck. It’s a country that still values personal responsibility and traditional living, making it the perfect place to build your Plan B or your forever home, far from the madness of the modern world.

CONCLUSION

Paraguay may be one of Latin America's best-kept secrets—but not for long. With its welcoming immigration policies, low cost of living, and a government that respects personal and financial freedom, it’s a destination that deserves serious consideration.

Whether you’re an investor searching for fertile ground, a retiree seeking peace and stability, or simply someone ready to explore life outside the conventional path, Paraguay offers a range of residency options to match your vision. From short-term stays to permanent settlement and even the path to citizenship, the doors are wide open.

If you want to take your first step and make Paraguay your home, download our free special report on Plan-B Residencies & Instant Citizenships.