Immigration Matters in Paraguay

Residency and investment in Paraguay, with comprehensive legal advice

Paraguay has become one of the most attractive destinations in the region to live, invest, and do business. At MARPAT Abogados, we assist foreign individuals and families throughout the entire immigration process, providing comprehensive legal advice and strict compliance with current regulations.

Why choose Paraguay?

  • Agile and predictable immigration procedures
  • Competitive tax regime
  • Real investment opportunities
  • Reasonable cost of living
  • Easy cultural and social integration

Our legal approach

At MARPAT Abogados, we provide legal advice and representation at every stage of the immigration process, in accordance with Immigration Law No. 6984/2022, minimizing legal risks, delays, and unnecessary costs.

Residency options in Paraguay

Paraguayan immigration law provides several residency categories designed to meet different personal, professional, and investment profiles:

  1. Occasional or Spontaneous Residency
    • Authorization for up to 90 days, renewable once per year.
    • Does not allow the issuance of a Paraguayan ID card.
  2. Temporary Residency
    • The first step for those seeking to legally reside and work in Paraguay.
    • Validity: 2 years.
    • Allows the issuance of a Paraguayan ID card.
    • Mandatory requirement prior to applying for Permanent Residency.
  3. Permanent Residency (general regime)
    • Authorizes indefinite residence in Paraguay.
    • Requires prior Temporary Residency.
    • Validity: 10 years (renewable).
    • Allows the issuance of a Paraguayan ID card.
  4. Permanent Residency for Investors
    • Exemption from the Temporary Residency requirement: direct access to permanent residency.
    • Investment project: minimum capital commitment of USD 70,000, to be invested progressively according to an approved business plan (not as a single payment or bank deposit).
    • Preferential procedure: simplified processing through SUACE (Unified System for Business Opening and Closure) of the Ministry of Industry and Commerce, via an Investor Certificate.
    • Proof of solvency: the applicant must demonstrate sufficient financial capacity to support the proposed investment project.
    • Allows the issuance of a Paraguayan ID card valid for 10 years (renewable).

Special residency regimes:
Are available for children, spouses of Paraguayan nationals, and foreign relatives of Paraguayan citizens, subject to specific legal requirements.

Proceso de tramites para vivir residir en Paraguay

Required documentation

FOR TEMPORARY RESIDENCY

Documents from the country of origin

  • Valid identification document or passport.
  • Consular visa (if applicable).
  • Birth certificate.
  • Civil status certificate (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or death certificate of spouse).
  • Valid criminal background certificate (from the country of residence during the last year).

Documents issued in Paraguay

  • INTERPOL criminal background certificate.
  • Foreigners’ criminal background certificate (National Police).
  • Sworn declaration before the Immigration Authority.

IMPORTANT NOTES:

  • All foreign documents must be apostilled or legalized.
  • Documents issued in languages other than Spanish must be translated by a sworn public translator registered in Paraguay.
  • Documents issued in Portuguese by Brazil are exempt from translation.

FAQs

Will I lose my original nationality if I obtain Paraguayan residency?

No. Paraguayan residency does not require renouncing your original nationality.

Can I apply directly for Permanent Residency?

Yes, either as an investor (meeting the minimum investment and legal requirements) or through family ties (children or spouses of Paraguayan nationals).

Is residency the same as Paraguayan nationality?

No. Residency allows you to live, work, and invest legally in Paraguay. Nationality grants full civic and political rights, such as voting and obtaining a Paraguayan passport.

How long is Temporary Residency valid and when can I apply for Permanent
Residency?

Temporary Residency is valid for 2 years. You may apply for Permanent Residency within the 90 days prior to its expiration.

Is Spanish required to apply for residency?

Local procedures are conducted in Spanish. Our team provides full assistance in both Spanish and English.

Can the entire process be completed remotely?

No. Physical presence in Paraguay is legally required.

How can I identify reliable immigration service providers?

Immigration procedures are formal administrative acts. Be cautious of promises of “guaranteed residency,” unrealistic timelines, or shortcuts that ignore legal requirements under Law No. 6984/22.

Personalized legal advice

The information provided is general and subject to Paraguayan immigration regulations.
Each case requires an individual legal assessment based on nationality, background records, family situation, and income level.

Would you like to know if Paraguay is a viable option for your case?

Request an initial legal assessment before starting any immigration procedure.

marpat@marpat.com.py

Address

Herrera 195 – Interexpress Bldg. 2° Floor, Of. 201. Asunción, Paraguay.

See on Google Maps

Office Hours

Mondays to Fridays from 8am to 5pm
Saturdays and Sundays: closed
GMT -3

Contact us

    Follow us