What documents do I need for Paraguay residency?
You need: passport, proof of entry, birth certificate, home-country police clearance, Interpol and Paraguayan police certificates, and photos. All foreign documents must be apostilled and translated to Spanish.
Key Takeaways
- Passport, birth certificate, police check required
- All foreign documents need apostille
- Spanish translation required for all documents
- Police check must be less than 6 months old
- Start document preparation 8-12 weeks early
Getting Paraguay residency requires several documents, all properly authenticated. Here's the complete checklist with details on preparation.
Required Documents
- **Valid Passport**
- **Birth Certificate**
- **Police Clearance**
- **Passport Photos**
- **Marriage Certificate** (if applicable)
Optional But Recommended
- Proof of income/savings (not required for temporary residency; since 6 July 2026 permanent residency requires proof of economic means)
- Employment letter
- Bank statements
- Rental agreement in Paraguay
The Apostille Process
What is an Apostille? An apostille authenticates documents for international use under the Hague Convention.
**US Process**
- Federal documents (FBI): US Department of State
- State documents (birth certificate): Secretary of State in issuing state
- Cost: $20-50 per document
- Time: 1-4 weeks
**Other Countries**
- UK: Foreign Office
- Canada: Global Affairs Canada
- Australia: DFAT
Translation Requirements
All foreign-language documents need:
- Spanish translation by a traductor público registered in Paraguay, or by a sworn translator abroad
- A translation done abroad must itself be apostilled
- Translator fees are not regulated, so ask for a written quote
- Recommend doing in Paraguay (no extra apostille, easier to fix issues)
Document Preparation Timeline
**8-12 Weeks Before Moving**
- Order birth certificate if needed
- Request FBI background check
- Start apostille process
**4-6 Weeks Before**
- Receive apostilled documents
- Arrange translations (or wait for Paraguay)
- Make copies of everything
**Upon Arrival**
- Complete translations in Paraguay
- Gather local documents (address proof, etc.)
- Submit application
Costs Summary
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Birth Certificate | $20-50 |
| FBI Check | $18 |
| Apostilles (x2-3) | $60-150 |
| Translations | $100-200 |
| Copies/Notarization | $30-50 |
Document total: ~$200-450
Common Mistakes
- **Expired Police Check**: Must be less than 6 months old at submission
- **Wrong Apostille**: Getting state apostille for federal document
- **Missing Translations**: Not translating apostille page too
- **Name Mismatches**: Names must match exactly across all documents
- **Starting Too Late**: Apostille process takes weeks
Pro Tips
- Get extra apostilles (easier than ordering more later)
- Keep originals separate from copies
- Scan everything before leaving
- Use document folder/organizer
- A lawyer is optional for residency: you file in person either way
After Submission
Once you submit:
- Receive expediente (file number)
- Wait for a decision (Migraciones does not publish a processing time)
- Check status in person or through a legal representative
- Receive your residency card, then apply for the cédula (ID card) at the Policía Nacional
Have More Questions?
Explore our comprehensive guides to Paraguay