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Residency & Citizenship

Paraguay Visa Guide

Paraguay residency requirements are straightforward: temporary residency ($200-400), permanent residency after 3 years, and citizenship with passport in 3 years. Paraguay allows dual citizenship and offers 0% tax on foreign income.

No Official Digital Nomad Visa

Paraguay does NOT have an official "digital nomad visa" despite widespread misconceptions. Remote workers must use temporary residency for legal work authorization.

Paraguay Residency Options

Compare temporary residency, permanent residency, and investment options for Paraguay.

✈️

Tourist Visa

90 days + 90 extension
~$160 USD
5-10 business days

⚠️ Working is ILLEGAL on tourist visa

Temporary Residency

Recommended

2 years, renewable
$200-3,000 USD
45-90 days processing
Legal work authorization
0% tax on foreign income
Path to permanent residency
💼

Investment Residency

$70,000 USD investment
~90 days processing
Immediate permanent residency

Total costs ~$14,000 including fees

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Paraguay Residency Requirements & Process

Documents needed and step-by-step application process for Paraguay temporary residency.

Phase 1: Document Preparation (Before Arrival)

  • Birth certificate (apostilled from country of birth)
  • Criminal background check (apostilled, from all countries in past 5 years)
  • Valid passport
  • Marriage certificate (if applicable, apostilled)

Phase 2: Application in Paraguay

  • Arrive in Paraguay with qualifying visa
  • Obtain medical certificate (issued in Paraguay)
  • Get criminal record from Paraguay National Police
  • Obtain Interpol certificate
  • Submit application to Dirección General de Migraciones
  • Receive precarious residence card (90-day stay while processing)

Phase 3: Document Collection

  • Temporary residency card (2-3 months processing)
  • Paraguayan ID card - Cédula (additional 60-70 days)
  • Tax ID (RUC) for tax residency benefits

Total Timeline

Complete process typically takes 4-6 months from document preparation to receiving your Cédula (ID card).

Territorial Taxation Benefits

Tax Advantages

  • 0% tax on foreign-sourced income
  • 10% tax on Paraguay-sourced income only
  • No minimum physical presence requirement

Tax Residency Certificate

Cost: $40 USD

Processing: 10 business days

Validity: One year

Maintaining Tax Benefits

To maintain tax residency without living in Paraguay:

  • Keep RUC active by filing monthly VAT returns (even if blank)
  • OR spend 120+ days per year in Paraguay
  • Visit Paraguay at least once every 3 years to maintain residency

Paraguay Citizenship: 3-Year Path to Passport

Paraguay offers one of the fastest paths to citizenship in the Americas. Dual citizenship is allowed, so you can keep your original passport.

Year 1-2

Temporary Residency

  • → Apply within Paraguay
  • → Receive cédula (ID card)
  • → Legal work authorization
  • → 0% tax on foreign income
Year 3

Permanent Residency

  • → After 3 years temporary
  • → Or immediately via investment ($70k)
  • → No renewal required
  • → Can apply for citizenship
Year 3+

Paraguay Citizenship

  • → Basic Spanish required
  • → Knowledge of Paraguay history
  • → Paraguay passport issued
  • → Dual citizenship allowed

Paraguay Passport Benefits

  • 146 countries visa-free or visa-on-arrival
  • Mercosur access - live/work in Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay
  • Dual citizenship - keep your original passport
  • No exit tax - leave Paraguay freely

Citizenship Requirements

  • 3 years of legal residency in Paraguay
  • Basic Spanish language proficiency
  • Knowledge of Paraguay history/constitution
  • Good moral character (no criminal record)
  • Proof of economic activity or means of support

Processing Times & Costs

ProcessDurationCost
Tourist Visa5-10 business days~$160 USD
Temporary Residency45-90 days~$200-3,000 USD
ID Card (Cédula)60-70 daysIncluded
Permanent Residency90 days~$260-400 USD
Investment Residency90 days~$14,000 USD

Common Application Pitfalls

Document Issues

  • Incorrect apostille procedures
  • Missing translations to Spanish
  • Expired criminal background checks
  • Wrong jurisdiction for authentication

Process Mistakes

  • Attempting to work on tourist visa
  • Insufficient preparation for Paraguay documents
  • Missing required annual visits for renewal