Updated on November 20, 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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
Step by step procedure
Requirements for applicants
Necessary documents
Answers to frequently asked questions
Who can get residency and citizenship in Paraguay?
Expenses for getting a Paraguay residence permit
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
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
Get an individual calculation for your family with all associated costs and government fees
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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