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
⚠️ Working is ILLEGAL on tourist visa
Temporary Residency
Recommended
Investment Residency
Total costs ~$14,000 including fees
Calculate Your Exact Residency Costs
Get a personalized estimate based on your nationality and family size.
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.
Temporary Residency
- → Apply within Paraguay
- → Receive cédula (ID card)
- → Legal work authorization
- → 0% tax on foreign income
Permanent Residency
- → After 3 years temporary
- → Or immediately via investment ($70k)
- → No renewal required
- → Can apply for citizenship
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
| Process | Duration | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Tourist Visa | 5-10 business days | ~$160 USD |
| Temporary Residency | 45-90 days | ~$200-3,000 USD |
| ID Card (Cédula) | 60-70 days | Included |
| Permanent Residency | 90 days | ~$260-400 USD |
| Investment Residency | 90 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
Official Government Resources
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
www.mre.gov.pyImmigration Office (Migraciones)
migraciones.gov.pyOnline Visa Application
www.mre.gov.py/visasenlinea/Contact Information
Immigration Office: +595 21 411 2000
Visa inquiries: visas@consuladopyny.org
Related Settlement Guides
Remote Work →
25+ verified job opportunities
Housing Guide →
Apartments, neighborhoods, rentals
First 30 Days →
Week-by-week settlement checklist
Banking Guide →
Open accounts, digital wallets, transfers
Territorial Taxation →
0% tax on foreign income
Digital Nomad Guide →
Why Paraguay beats DN visa countries
Complete Asunción Guide →
All settlement resources