Is Paraguay good for retirement?

**Financial Benefits**

• Social Security/pension income: 100% tax-free
• 401k/IRA withdrawals: Tax-free in Paraguay
• Low cost of living stretches retirement savings
• No wealth tax or inheritance tax
• Investment income taxable only in US (for Americans)

**Quality of Life**

• Slower pace of life
• Friendly, family-oriented culture
• Good private healthcare at low cost
• Mild climate (no harsh winters)
• Safe in expat neighborhoods

**Comfortable Retirement**: $1,500-2,000/month

• Rent: $500-800 (nice apartment, good area)
• Utilities: $80-120
• Healthcare/Insurance: $150-250
• Food: $300-400
• Entertainment: $150-200
• Transportation: $100-150
• Misc: $150-200

**Premium Retirement**: $2,500-3,500/month

• Adds: Larger home, domestic help, car, more travel

**Budget Retirement**: $1,000-1,200/month

• Possible but tight, less central location

Critical consideration:

• Private hospitals offer good quality
• Insurance: $150-300/month for comprehensive
• Out-of-pocket care very affordable
• Many doctors trained internationally
• Prescriptions much cheaper

**Concerns**:

• Not cutting-edge for complex conditions
• May want evacuation insurance
• No Medicare coverage abroad

**Rentista Visa** (Pensioner Visa)

• Designed for retirees with guaranteed income
• Need ~$1,500/month pension proof
• Straightforward process
• Direct path to permanent residency

**Standard Temporary Residency**

• No income requirement
• Same path to citizenship
• Good if income source varies

Medicare doesn't cover you in Paraguay:

• Options: Private local insurance, international insurance
• Some return to US for major procedures
• Medical tourism possible for planned procedures
• Budget healthcare savings offset insurance costs

**Activities**

• Golf courses available
• Tennis and swimming clubs
• Hiking in countryside
• Cultural activities (museums, theater)
• Expat clubs and social groups
• Volunteering opportunities

**Social Scene**

• Growing American/European retiree community
• English-speaking expat groups
• Church communities (if desired)
• Generally welcoming locals

**Honest Concerns**:

• Language barrier (less English than Costa Rica/Mexico)
• Limited entertainment options vs. larger countries
• Miss family/grandchildren
• Hot summers
• Infrastructure less developed
• May feel isolated outside Asunción

Before committing:

• Spend 2-3 months in Paraguay
• Rent short-term in different areas
• Test healthcare system
• Experience summer heat
• Meet expat community

- SS deposits directly to US bank

• Transfer via Wise as needed
• Maintain US accounts for some investments
• Local account for daily expenses
• Consider tax professional for cross-border issues