Paraguay Residency Hub

Paraguay offers several legal residency paths for foreigners. The most common entry point is temporary residency, which can later lead to permanent residency. There is also a direct permanent residency option for investors under specific conditions.

• Residency is managed by the Paraguayan immigration authority (Migraciones).
• Most procedures require at least one in-person visit to Paraguay.
• Residency status is independent from nationality once granted.
• Holding residency does not automatically create tax residency.

Temporary residency is the standard starting point for most foreigners moving to Paraguay. It is valid for two years and allows legal residence in the country.

• Issued for a fixed two-year period.
• Allows application for a Paraguayan ID card (cédula).
• Required before applying for permanent residency.
• Does not require continuous presence in Paraguay.

Temporary residency is suitable for retirees, remote workers, entrepreneurs and families who want flexibility before committing long term. Learn more about the process in our detailed temporary residency guide.

Permanent residency is a long-term immigration status. It is usually requested after holding temporary residency, although some investor paths allow direct access.

• No expiration date once granted.
• Less frequent renewal formalities.
• Stronger long-term legal stability.
• Often required for certain administrative procedures.

Paraguay offers a specific pathway to permanent residency for investors through the Foreign Investor Certificate (CIE), administered by the Ministry of Industry and Commerce (MIC) via SUACE.

This route is designed for individuals planning a real economic activity in Paraguay, such as launching a business, developing a project, or making a qualifying investment.

Types of qualifying investment

• Business or productive investment (from approximately USD 70,000)
• Financial investment (from approximately USD 200,000)
• Real estate investment (from approximately USD 200,000, excluding personal use)
• Tourism-related projects (from approximately USD 150,000)

Key considerations

• A structured business plan and supporting documentation are required
• The investment must be real, verifiable, and linked to economic activity
• Real estate investments must not be for personal residential use
• Authorities may request additional documentation depending on the project

While this pathway can provide direct access to permanent residency, it is generally more complex and requires significantly higher capital compared to the standard residency process.

For this reason, most applicants choose the traditional residency route, which remains the most accessible and commonly used option in Paraguay.

EasyParaguay focuses on the standard residency process and does not provide services for investment-based residency.

Document requirements vary depending on nationality and residency type, but usually include:

• Valid passport.
• Birth certificate (apostilled).
• Criminal record certificate (apostilled).
• Civil status documents apostilled if applicable.
• Local background checks obtained in Paraguay.

Many nationalities can enter Paraguay without a prior visa for short stays. Some passports require a visa before arrival.

Visa rules can change and should always be confirmed based on your passport.

Paraguay offers multiple legal residency pathways depending on your situation and long-term plans. Each option has different requirements, timelines, and levels of complexity.

• Temporary residency: the most common entry point, flexible and accessible
• Permanent residency: long-term status usually obtained after temporary residency
• Investor residency (CIE): direct permanent residency through a qualifying investment

In practice, the vast majority of applicants start with temporary residency due to its simplicity, lower financial requirements and flexibility.

Once you understand which residency type fits your situation, the next step is to decide how you want to prepare and manage the process.

Detailed guidance, timelines and assistance options are presented separately on the Services page.

Can I get residency in Paraguay easily?

Paraguay is considered one of the more accessible countries for residency, especially through the standard temporary residency process.

How long does Paraguay residency take?

Temporary residency approval typically takes a few months, while permanent residency is obtained later depending on the chosen pathway.

Do I need to live in Paraguay full time?

No. Paraguay residency does not usually require continuous physical presence in the country.

Can I get permanent residency directly?

Yes, but only through specific investor pathways, which require significant capital and a structured investment project.

Does Paraguay residency automatically make me tax resident?

No. Immigration residency and tax residency are separate concepts. Holding legal residency does not automatically mean you are tax resident in Paraguay.