Does Paraguay tax foreign income?
No. Paraguay uses territorial taxation - only income earned within Paraguay is taxed. Foreign income is 100% tax-free.
Key Takeaways
- Foreign income is 100% tax-free in Paraguay
- Territorial system only taxes Paraguayan-source income
- Remote work income for foreign companies = $0 tax
- Local income taxed at 10%
- US citizens still have US filing obligations
No, Paraguay does not tax foreign income. This is one of the country's biggest attractions for digital nomads, remote workers, and international entrepreneurs.
How Territorial Taxation Works
Paraguay operates on a pure territorial tax system:
- **Only Paraguayan-source income is taxed**
- **Foreign-source income is completely exempt**
- This applies to residents and non-residents alike
- No worldwide income reporting required
What Counts as Foreign Income
Tax-free in Paraguay:
- Remote work for foreign companies
- Freelance income from foreign clients
- Dividends from foreign corporations
- Capital gains on foreign investments
- Interest from foreign bank accounts
- Rental income from foreign property
- Crypto gains (if traded on foreign exchanges)
- Pension from another country
What Counts as Paraguayan Income
Taxed in Paraguay:
- Salary from Paraguayan employer
- Business income from Paraguay operations
- Rental income from Paraguayan property
- Services provided to Paraguayan clients
- Local sales or business activities
Tax Rates on Local Income
If you do earn Paraguayan income:
- **Personal Income Tax**: 10% (8% deductible = effective ~10%)
- **Corporate Tax**: 10%
- **VAT**: 10%
- **Dividend Tax**: 8% (with treaty benefits possible)
Practical Examples
**Example 1: Software Developer**
- Works remotely for US company
- Salary paid to US bank account
- Paraguay tax: $0
**Example 2: Crypto Trader**
- Trades on Binance, Coinbase
- All activity outside Paraguay
- Paraguay tax: $0
**Example 3: Freelance Consultant**
- Mix of US and Paraguayan clients
- US client income: $0 tax
- Paraguayan client income: 10% tax
**Example 4: Retiree**
- US Social Security pension
- US 401k withdrawals
- Paraguay tax: $0
Important Caveats
- **Substance Matters**: You should actually live in Paraguay, not just have a cedula
- **US Citizens Still File**: US taxes citizens worldwide regardless
- **Home Country Rules**: Check your origin country's exit tax rules
- **Document Everything**: Keep records proving income source is foreign
- **Get Professional Advice**: Complex situations need a tax lawyer
Setting Up Properly
To fully benefit: 1. Establish genuine residency 2. Spend majority of year in Paraguay 3. Have clear income documentation 4. Consider local accountant for compliance 5. Maintain records of foreign income sources
Why Paraguay Does This
Paraguay uses territorial taxation to:
- Attract foreign investment
- Compete with other low-tax jurisdictions
- Simplify tax administration
- Encourage immigration of high earners
Have More Questions?
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