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 2025.
TL;DR - Moving to Paraguay
- → No visa needed: USA/UK/EU citizens enter visa-free, apply for residency after arrival
- → Timeline: 3-4 months for full residency + ID card
- → 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)
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)
Use an immigration facilitator ($1,000-2,000). They handle: sworn translations, Interpol certificate, Life & Residence certificate, Migraciones submission.
Receive Precaria (Day 5-10)
You get a paper ("Radicación Precaria") allowing legal stay while your card processes. This is your interim proof of residency.
Get Residency Card + Cédula (Month 3-6)
Physical Temporary Residency card: ~90 days. Then apply for Cédula (national ID): 30-60 days. Cédula unlocks banking, phone contracts, driving license.
Residency Costs
Government Fees
~$250 USD total
Legal/Facilitator Fees
$1,000-2,000 USD per person (recommended)
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+).
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
The process takes 3-4 months minimum. Anyone promising "2 weeks" is using shortcuts that could be illegal.
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 fees ($1,200-2,000), 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?
The full process takes 3-4 months. You receive a 'Precaria' (temporary paper) within 5-10 days allowing legal stay. The physical Temporary Residency card takes ~90 days. The Cédula (ID card) takes another 30-60 days after that.
Can I open a bank account in Paraguay as a foreigner?
Not immediately. You need your Cédula (national ID) which takes 4-6 months to obtain. 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.
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.