Updated on December 24, 2024

Paraguay citizenship through residency

Get a passport in 4 years for visa-free travel to 143 destinations

€7,200

Expenses
for citizenship

€2,000+

Monthly expenses for a family in Paraguay

4 years

To obtain citizenship

Download the guideCalculate the cost

Foreigners can obtain Paraguay citizenship after living in the country for two years with a residency permit and another two years with permanent residency. In total, it takes four years to get a Paraguayan passport.

The citizenship applicant proves proficiency in the Spanish language at the A1 level or higher. Besides, foreigners must spend at least a year in the country before applying for a passport.

Close relatives, including spouses, children over 18, and parents, should apply separately. Children under 18 can only be included in an application for a residency permit or permanent residency.

The regulations for acquiring Paraguay citizenship are stipulated in the Migration Law No. 6.984/2022 of October 18th, 2022.

6 benefits of citizenship in Paraguay

  • 1

    Visa-free access to 143 countries

    Paraguay citizens can enter the UK, the Schengen countries, South Korea, and Singapore without obtaining visas.

  • 2

    Moving to Paraguay and creating a safe haven

    Citizens and residents of Paraguay can relocate to and visit the country anytime, even if the borders are closed.

  • 3

    Affordable living

    One person needs around €800—900 a month to maintain a comfortable lifestyle in Paraguay, with €300—350 in rental payments. A family of four will need around €2,000 a month.

  • 4

    Bank accounts

    It’s challenging for non-residents and non-citizens to open an account in a Paraguayan bank, while the country’s citizens can do it without hassle. Besides, Paraguayan citizens don’t have to deposit money when they apply for a bank account; the money transfer is possible anytime.

  • 5

    Business opportunities

    Paraguay is a member of the MERCOSUR economic union, including Argentina, Brazil, and Uruguay. Paraguay nationals are allowed to conduct business on the territory of all member-states.

  • 6

    Tax optimisation

    The income tax in Paraguay reaches only 10%, one of the lowest rates among South American countries. Aside from that, the state does not charge taxes on income received from abroad, property, or capital gains.

    To become a tax resident, a foreigner must spend at least 120 days a year in Paraguay.

Guide to obtaining Paraguay citizenship

Guide to obtaining Paraguay citizenship

  • Step by step procedure

  • Requirements for applicants

  • Necessary documents

  • Answers to frequently asked questions

Download practical guide

Who can get residency and citizenship in Paraguay?

  • Main applicant

    • Over 18

    • Legal income

    • No criminal record

  • Children under 18

    Can only get residency with the main applicant; apply for citizenship separately after turning 18

  • Spouse, adult children, and parents

    Apply separately

Expenses for getting a Paraguay residence permit

Expense

Amount

Application processing fee

€1,000 per applicant for families up to 4
€1,500 per dependant, starting with the 5th family member

Migration service fee

€385

Life and residency certificate

€10

Certificate from the National Police of Paraguay, per applicant over 14

€14

Certificate from Interpol, per applicant over 14

€15

Document legalisation at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs

€100

VAT

17%

Visa confirmation from the Immigration Office is only required for foreigners who need a visa to enter Paraguay.

Documents to apply for a Paraguay residence permit

A foreigner submits a package of documents that typically includes the following:

  • a valid passport or other identity document;

  • a visa to Paraguay, if necessary;

  • confirmation of entry into the country;

  • a certificate of marital status;

  • a certificate of clean criminal record from the applicant’s country of origin or country of

  • residence of the last 3 years — for all applicants over 14;

  • a certificate of personal data issued by Interpol — for all applicants over 14;

  • a certificate of foreigner’s personal data issued by the National Police of Paraguay — for all applicants above 14.

If documents are issued in languages other than Spanish or Portuguese, they must be translated, apostilled and notarized by the Paraguayan Consulate in the country of issuance.

Costs for obtaining Paraguay permanent residency

Expense

Amount

Application processing fee

€1,250 per applicant for families up to 4

€1,500 per dependant, starting with the 5th family member

Opening a bank account

€1,000

Certificate from the National Police of Paraguay, per applicant over 14

€14

Certificate from Interpol, per applicant over 14

€15

State fees

€580

Migration office fees

€260

Legalisation at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs

€100

Doctor fees and lab tests

€70—100

VAT

17%

Documents to apply for Paraguay permanent residency

When applying for permanent residence, a foreigner has to collect a package of documents again. It includes the following:

  • a valid passport or other identity document;

  • a valid Paraguay ID;

  • a certificate of temporary residence;

  • a marriage certificate, if applicable;

  • a certificate of change of name, if applicable;

  • documents confirming the applicant’s solvency — a bank statement with at least a €5,000 balance, a certificate of study, etc.;

  • a certificate of clean criminal record from the applicant’s country of origin or country of residence of the last 3 years — for all applicants over 14;

  • a certificate of personal data issued by Interpol — for all applicants over 14;

  • a certificate of foreigner’s personal data issued by the National Police of Paraguay — for all applicants above 14.

Individual cost calculation for Paraguay citizenship

Individual cost calculation for Paraguay citizenship

Get an individual calculation for your family with all associated costs and government fees

Get the cost calculation

Step-by-step procedure for obtaining a Paraguay passport

Obtaining Paraguay citizenship takes around 4 years. A foreigner must reside in the country most of the time to get a passport by naturalisation.

1

1 month

Documents preparation

Documents must be translated to Spanish by a certified translator, notarized and apostilled, if necessary.

Take a quick test and learn what nuances can prevent you from citizenship.

Evaluate chances
2

2—4 months

Applying for a residence permit

Foreigners submit their applications at Migraciones, the Immigration Office in Paraguay.

In 3—4 months, they receive an approval letter by email, after which they can pick up their Paraguayan ID.

The residence permit is valid for 2 years and can be renewed for another 2 years upon expiration.

3

Up to 6 months

Receiving a Cedula and submitting biometric data

After receiving their residence permit, foreigners have 6 months to pick up their Cedula, a Paraguayan ID. At the Immigration Office, they will be asked to submit their biometric data and pay fees.

Applicants don’t have to gather documents for this step since they can submit the package of papers used during the initial application.

Typically, it takes 45 days to issue a Cedula.

4

In 2 years

Applying for permanent residency

A foreigner gathers a new package of documents and submits it to the Immigration Office. The waiting time for a permanent residence permit is 3—4 months.

5

In 2 years

Applying for citizenship

A foreigner can apply for a passport after living in Paraguay with permanent residency for at least two years. When applying, they must prove:

  • proficiency in the Spanish language at the level A1 or higher;

  • uninterrupted residence in Paraguay for at least 1 year before applying for citizenship.

Case Studies

Schedule a meeting

Let's discuss the details

Schedule a meeting at one of the offices or online. A lawyer will analyze the situation, calculate the cost and help you find a solution based on your goals.

Prefer messengers?

whatsapp icon

WhatsApp

Frequently asked questions

  • Is it possible to obtain Paraguay citizenship by investment?

    No, it isn’t. A passport of Paraguay can be obtained only by naturalisation. To become a citizen of the country, one must first obtain a temporary residence permit and then a permanent one.

    The terms of obtaining residency in Paraguay as a foreigner are described on the official website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

  • Do I have to renounce my first citizenship when obtaining a passport in Paraguay?

    Yes, Paraguay does not recognise multiple citizenship.

  • Why is Paraguay attractive to expats?

    Paraguay is a warm country with a climate similar to that of Portugal. The people of Paraguay are friendly with foreigners and are happy to include them in social activities. They invite expats to local community events, for instance, the yearly celebration of the Encarnacion Carnival.

    Among the main attractions of Paraguay are the city of Asuncion, the ruins of the Jesuit missions Jesus and Trinidad, the Lopez Palace, and the village of Maca.

    Paraguay attracts foreigners with low taxes, low cost of living and the opportunity to obtain citizenship after 3 years. With a Paraguayan passport, you can travel to 143 countries without visas.

  • What is a Paraguay Precarious Residence Card?

    A Precarious Residence Card (Carnet de Residencia Precaria) is issued to foreigners who obtain a residence permit in Paraguay. It is valid for 90 days and cannot be extended. The card’s main purpose is to allow a foreigner to live in Paraguay while the local authorities are considering their application for a residence permit.

    Also, with a Precarious Residence Card, an investor can open a bank account, obtain a tax number or apply for company registration.

    Foreigners who obtain Paraguay permanent residency by investment do not need a Precarious Residence Card.

  • What are the benefits of Paraguay permanent residency?

    Permanent residents of Paraguay can take advantage of visa-free travel to other countries in South America, low taxes, and low cost of living.

  • How long does it take to obtain Paraguay permanent residency?

  • Which countries are visa-free with a Paraguay permanent residency card?

    Permanent residents of Paraguay can travel visa-free to MERCOSUR member countries. These include Argentina, Brazil, and Uruguay.

  • How much does it cost to become a citizen of Paraguay?

    One cannot buy citizenship in Paraguay. Foreigners can obtain a passport of the country only by naturalisation. First, they get a temporary residence permit for two years; then, they can obtain permanent residency. Only in another 2 years can they apply for citizenship.

  • Can you get a Paraguay passport after obtaining permanent residence in a country?

    Yes, foreigners can apply for citizenship after 4 years of holding a residence status in Paraguay.

  • Can you get dual citizenship in Paraguay?

    Paraguay does not allow its citizens to hold passports of other countries. If an investor obtains citizenship in Paraguay, they will have to give up their first passport.

140+ visa-free countries with a Paraguay passport

Asia

Armenia

Azerbaijan

Bahrain

Bhutan

Cambodia

India

Iran

Israel

Jordan

Kazakhstan

Kyrgyzstan

Laos

Lebanon

Malaysia

Maldives

Mongolia

Nepal

Oman

Pakistan

Philippines

Qatar

Singapore

South Korea

Sri Lanka

Tajikistan

Timor-Leste

United Arab Emirates

Uzbekistan

Vietnam

Africa

Benin

Botswana

Burkina Faso

Burundi

Cameroon

Cape Verde

Comoros

Congo - Kinshasa

Côte d’Ivoire

Djibouti

Egypt

Equatorial Guinea

Ethiopia

Gabon

Guinea

Guinea-Bissau

Kenya

Lesotho

Madagascar

Malawi

Mauritania

Mauritius

Mozambique

Nigeria

Rwanda

São Tomé & Príncipe

Seychelles

Sierra Leone

Somalia

South Africa

South Sudan

Tanzania

Togo

Uganda

Zambia

Zimbabwe

Europe

Albania

Andorra

Austria

Belgium

Bosnia & Herzegovina

Bulgaria

Croatia

Cyprus

Czechia

Denmark

Estonia

Finland

France

Georgia

Germany

Greece

Hungary

Iceland

Ireland

Italy

Latvia

Liechtenstein

Lithuania

Luxembourg

Malta

Moldova

Monaco

Montenegro

Netherlands

North Macedonia

Norway

Poland

Portugal

Romania

Russia

San Marino

Serbia

Slovakia

Slovenia

Spain

Sweden

Switzerland

Turkey

Ukraine

United Kingdom

Oceania

Australia

Fiji

Micronesia

Palau

Samoa

Solomon Islands

Tonga

Tuvalu

North America

Antigua & Barbuda

Bahamas

Barbados

Dominica

Dominican Republic

Haiti

Jamaica

Mexico

St. Kitts & Nevis

St. Lucia

St. Vincent & Grenadines

South America

Argentina

Belize

Bolivia

Brazil

Chile

Colombia

Costa Rica

Ecuador

El Salvador

Guatemala

Honduras

Nicaragua

Panama

Peru

Uruguay

Venezuela

Articles about Paraguay

Schedule a meeting

Let’s discuss the details

We will develop an individual solution, select a country and status that will solve your problems, and accompany the entire process.

Zlata Erlach
Zlata Erlach

Head of the Austrian office

Prefer messengers?

whatsapp icon

WhatsApp