Moving to Paraguay
Complete step-by-step guide for USA, UK, and EU citizens. From document preparation to settling in - everything you need to relocate to Paraguay in 2026.
TL;DR - Moving to Paraguay
- → No visa needed: USA/UK/EU citizens enter visa-free, apply for residency after arrival
- → Timeline: no official processing time for residency; the ID card takes about 30 business days after approval
- → Setup costs: $4,300-7,700 (flights, legal fees, deposit)
- → Monthly budget: $1,200-1,500 comfortable in Asunción
- → Key docs needed: Apostilled birth certificate + police check (FBI/ACRO)
- → Tax benefit: 0% tax on foreign income (territorial system)
Timeline Overview
Preparation
Get documents, apostilles, save money
Arrival
Land, submit residency application
Residency Card
Receive temp residency, apply for Cédula
Fully Settled
Cédula, bank account, driver's license
Document Preparation
Critical: All documents must be apostilled in your home country. You cannot get these once you leave. Start this process 3 months before departure.
From USA
FBI Background Check
Must be apostilled by U.S. Department of State (not state-level). Takes 4-6 weeks.
Birth Certificate
Long form, state-level apostille.
Note
You still file US taxes. Use FEIE to exclude ~$120k+ from US tax.
From UK
ACRO Police Certificate
Send to FCDO Legalisation Office for apostille.
Birth Certificate
FCDO apostille required.
Note
UK State Pension can be paid to Paraguay but is frozen (no inflation increases).
From EU
Police Certificate
Apostilled by local authorities in your country.
Birth Certificate
Apostilled in country of issue.
Note
Do translations in Asunción - EU translations often not accepted.
What to Bring vs Buy There
Bring
- • $2,000-3,000 USD cash (pristine $100 bills)
- • 3-month supply of specific medications
- • High-end laptop/tech (20-30% cheaper in US)
- • All apostilled documents
Buy There
- • Large appliances (220V, cheap locally)
- • Furniture (don't ship - 30% import tax)
- • Kitchenware, linens, basics
- • Most medications (OTC, cheaper)
Planning to ship belongings? See our complete guide to shipping to Paraguay for costs, customs rules, and duty-free options.
Residency Process (Law 6984/2022)
Arrive & Settle (Week 1)
Book Airbnb in Villa Morra/Recoleta for 2-4 weeks. Get SIM card (Tigo or Personal). Get entry stamp at airport (critical for residency).
Submit Application (Week 1-2)
File in person at Migraciones: the application is personal, and a facilitator or lawyer is optional (their fees are not regulated, so get a written quote). You also need sworn translations, an Interpol certificate and the Policía Nacional certificate for foreigners.
Receive Precaria
You get a residencia precaria card, issued once and valid for 90 calendar days, that lets you stay, work, study, and leave and re-enter while your application is processed. This is your interim proof of residency.
Get Residency Card + Cédula
Migraciones does not publish a processing time for the residency card. Then apply for the Cédula (national ID) at the Policía Nacional: ₲8,500, about 30 business days. Cédula unlocks banking, phone contracts, driving license.
Residency Costs
Government Fees
₲2,926,925 (about US$500) per person for temporary residency, in force from 1 July 2026 (Migraciones fees change every 1 July). US dollar amounts use the Central Bank of Paraguay reference rate of ₲5,851 per US$ on 1 October 2026.
Legal/Facilitator Fees
Optional. Not regulated, so get a written, itemised quote
Calculate Your Exact Costs
Get a personalized Paraguay residency cost estimate based on your nationality and needs.
Costs Summary
Initial Setup Costs (One-Time)
Monthly Budget (Single Person)
Studio apt, bus transport, cooking at home
Modern 1-bed in Villa Morra, A/C, Uber, dining out
2-3 bed house, private school, car, insurance
Common Mistakes
Shipping a Container Too Early
You'll pay ~30% import tax on everything. Duty-free import only available after Permanent Residency (Year 2+). Read our shipping to Paraguay guide for the right timing.
Wrong Apostilles
FBI checks need federal (Dept of State) apostille, not state-level. State apostilles get rejected.
Expecting Amazon Delivery
No direct mail delivery. You need a "Casilla" (freight forwarder) in Miami like Saspy or Frontliner.
Trusting "Instant" Residency Promises
Migraciones does not publish a processing time, so nobody can guarantee one. Be wary of anyone promising residency in a fixed number of weeks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a visa to move to Paraguay?
No, citizens of USA, UK, EU, Canada, and Australia enter Paraguay visa-free for 90 days. You apply for residency after arrival - no consulate visit needed beforehand. Enter as a tourist and start the residency process once you're there.
How much does it cost to move to Paraguay?
Initial setup costs are $4,300-7,700 including flights ($600-1,200), residency ($1,200-2,000 with paid help; the government fee itself is ₲2,926,925, about US$500), apartment deposit ($1,500-2,500), and basic setup. Monthly living costs range from $700-900 (budget) to $1,200-1,500 (comfortable) for a single person.
How long does it take to get Paraguay residency?
Migraciones does not publish a processing time. While your application is pending you hold a residencia precaria card (issued once, valid for 90 calendar days) that lets you stay, work and travel. Once residency is granted, the Cédula (ID card) takes about 30 business days from the Policía Nacional.
Can I open a bank account in Paraguay as a foreigner?
Not immediately. You need your Cédula (national ID), which you can only get after residency is granted. Until then, use Wise or Revolut cards for ATM withdrawals. After getting your Cédula, banks like Sudameris, GNB, or Banco Atlas accept foreigners.
What documents do I need to move to Paraguay?
You need: apostilled birth certificate, apostilled police background check (FBI for USA, ACRO for UK), passport valid 6+ months, and marriage/divorce certificates if applicable. All documents must be apostilled in your home country before leaving. In Paraguay you also get an Interpol certificate and the Policía Nacional certificate for foreigners.
Is Paraguay tax-free for expats?
Paraguay has a territorial tax system - only income earned within Paraguay is taxed (10%). Foreign income from remote work, pensions, or investments is 0% taxed. US citizens still must file US taxes but can use the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion.
Plan Your Move
Calculate your monthly budget and residency costs before you arrive.
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Cost of Living in Paraguay
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Visa & Residency Guide
Complete residency process details
Paraguay Tax Guide
Territorial tax system explained
Is Paraguay Safe?
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First 30 Days Guide
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