Moving to Paraguay from Austria
Complete guide for Austrians relocating to Paraguay. 90-day visa-free entry, territorial tax benefits, and everything you need to know.
Why Austrians Move to Paraguay
Getting to Paraguay from Austria
Flight Routes
No direct flights - connection required
Connecting Routes
- • Vienna → Madrid → Asunción
- • Vienna → Frankfurt → São Paulo → Asunción
- • Vienna → Paris → Buenos Aires → Asunción
Flight Time
18-24 hours with connections
Typical Cost
€600-1,100 one-way
Timezone for Remote Work
Challenging - limited overlap with Austrian business hours.
Document Requirements for Austrians
Background Check: Strafregisterbescheinigung (Criminal Record Certificate)
Agency: Federal Police (Bundespolizei) or local court
Cost: €25-30 + apostille €20
Processing Time: 1-2 weeks
Apostille: Apostilled by the Federal Ministry of Justice or regional courts.
Complete Document Checklist
Valid Passport
At least 6 months validity remaining
Strafregisterbescheinigung (Criminal Record Certificate)
Apostilled and translated to Spanish
Birth Certificate
Apostilled and translated to Spanish
Marriage Certificate (if applicable)
Apostilled and translated
Health Certificate
Obtained in Paraguay (~$50)
Proof of Address in Paraguay
Rental contract or letter from host
See our complete Paraguay residency guide for detailed requirements, or learn about temporary residency options. Need help? Check our immigration lawyer cost guide.
Tax Implications for Austrians
Key Tax Points for Austrians
- Austria uses residence-based taxation
- Must deregister from Meldeamt (registration office)
- No Austrian exit tax for individuals
- Paraguay 0% foreign income tax = savings vs Austrian rates up to 55%
- Austrian pension rights preserved abroad
Learn more about Paraguay's territorial tax system and use our tax savings calculator to estimate your benefits. Paraguay is one of the top territorial tax countries for expats.
Cost Savings: Austria vs Paraguay
Rent Savings
75-85% cheaper than Vienna
Compared to major cities in Austria
Overall Cost of Living
60-70% lower cost of living
Lower than Austria
Specific Examples
- →Vienna rent €1,200 → Asunción €350 (71% savings)
- →Austrian taxes up to 55% → Paraguay 0% on foreign income
- →Vienna restaurant €40 → Asunción €12 (70% savings)
Austrian Expat Community in Paraguay
Community Size
300-700 Austrians in Paraguay
Modest Austrian community, often connected to German-speaking groups. Historical ties through Germanic immigration.
Where Austrians Live
- Asunción
- German-speaking colonies in Eastern Paraguay
Community Resources
- German-speaking colonies in Eastern Paraguay
- Facebook: "Österreicher in Südamerika"
- Austrian Embassy in Buenos Aires (covers Paraguay)
Challenges for Austrians
- Long travel distance
- Timezone difference for Austrian clients
- Much less developed than Austria
- Language barrier (unless in German colonies)
- Miss Austrian quality of life and efficiency
- Less cultural offerings than Vienna
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Austrian citizens need a visa for Paraguay?
No, Austrian citizens can enter Paraguay visa-free for 90 days. To stay longer, apply for temporary residency in Paraguay. As an EU citizen, the process is straightforward.
Is there an Austrian embassy in Paraguay?
No, Austria doesn't have an embassy in Paraguay. Austrians are served by the Austrian Embassy in Buenos Aires, Argentina. For emergencies, contact them or the Austrian Foreign Ministry.
Are there German-speaking areas in Paraguay?
Yes, German-speaking colonies in Eastern Paraguay (around Hohenau) maintain German language and culture. Austrians often find community here. Asunción also has German clubs and schools from historical Germanic immigration.
How do I deregister from Austria?
Visit your local Meldeamt (registration office) to report your departure (Abmeldung). You'll receive confirmation. This is important for ending Austrian tax residency. The process is typically quick and straightforward.
Can I keep my Austrian pension while abroad?
Yes, Austrian pension rights are preserved when living abroad. You can receive pension payments in Paraguay. Contact PVA (Pensionsversicherungsanstalt) before leaving to arrange international payments.
Calculate Your Residency Costs
Get a personalized estimate for Austrian residency.
Moving from Other Countries
Essential Paraguay Guides
Ready to Make the Move?
Get our complete Asunción settlement guides and start your journey from Austria to Paraguay.