Moving to Paraguay from Brazil
Complete guide for Brazilians relocating to Paraguay. 90-day visa-free entry, territorial tax benefits, and everything you need to know.
Why Brazilians Move to Paraguay
Getting to Paraguay from Brazil
Flight Routes
Direct Routes
- • São Paulo (GRU) → Asunción - LATAM, Azul (~2 hours)
- • Foz do Iguaçu - land border crossing
Connecting Routes
- • Direct flights available
Flight Time
2 hours from São Paulo, or land crossing
Typical Cost
R$500-1,500 (USD $100-300) one-way
Timezone for Remote Work
Perfect - identical business hours.
Document Requirements for Brazilians
Background Check: Certidão de Antecedentes Criminais
Agency: Polícia Federal or state police
Cost: Free + apostille ~R$100
Processing Time: Instant online or 1-3 days
Apostille: Apostilled at cartório (notary office). Brazil has well-established apostille process.
Complete Document Checklist
Valid Passport
At least 6 months validity remaining
Certidão de Antecedentes Criminais
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 Brazilians
Brazil Exit Tax Warning
Brazil has exit tax provisions. Consult a tax professional before departing to understand implications.
Key Tax Points for Brazilians
- Brazil has exit tax on capital gains when becoming non-resident
- Must file "Comunicação de Saída Definitiva" (definitive departure declaration)
- Once non-resident, Brazil doesn't tax foreign-source income
- Paraguay 0% foreign income tax = significant tax savings
- Consult Brazilian contador before departure
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: Brazil vs Paraguay
Rent Savings
40-50% cheaper than São Paulo
Compared to major cities in Brazil
Overall Cost of Living
30-50% lower cost of living
Lower than Brazil
Specific Examples
- →São Paulo rent R$4,000 → Asunción R$2,000 (50% savings)
- →Brazilian taxes up to 27.5% → Paraguay 0% on foreign income
- →Brazilian bureaucracy costs → simpler Paraguay system
Brazilian Expat Community in Paraguay
Community Size
100,000+ Brazilians in Paraguay (largest foreign group)
Massive Brazilian presence, especially in border regions. Many businesses, Portuguese widely spoken in some areas.
Where Brazilians Live
- Ciudad del Este (border)
- Asunción
- Eastern Paraguay agricultural areas
Community Resources
- Massive Brazilian community - Portuguese spoken in many areas
- Brazilian consulate in Asunción
- Brazilian Chamber of Commerce Paraguay
- Facebook: "Brasileiros no Paraguai"
Challenges for Brazilians
- Exit tax on capital gains if not planned
- Stereotype of "brasiguayos" can cause friction
- Temptation to stay in Brazilian bubble rather than integrate
- Cross-border legal complexities
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Brazilians need a visa for Paraguay?
No, as a MERCOSUR citizen, Brazilians have very easy access to Paraguay. You can enter visa-free and apply for MERCOSUR residency, which is faster and simpler than standard residency. Many Brazilians cross the border daily for work or shopping.
Can I speak Portuguese in Paraguay?
In Ciudad del Este and border regions, Portuguese is widely spoken due to the large Brazilian population. In Asunción, Spanish is dominant, but you'll find Brazilians and some businesses that speak Portuguese. Spanish and Portuguese are similar enough that communication is usually possible.
What is a "brasiguayo"?
Brasiguayo is a term for Brazilians (or their descendants) living in Paraguay, especially in agricultural regions. There are an estimated 500,000+ brasiguayos. The term can have mixed connotations - some Paraguayans view the Brazilian presence positively (economic contribution), others with concern (land ownership, cultural impact).
Is it easy to cross the Brazil-Paraguay border?
Yes, the Brazil-Paraguay border at Foz do Iguaçu/Ciudad del Este is one of the busiest in South America. Thousands cross daily. MERCOSUR citizens can cross with just an ID. For residency purposes, you still need to formally process documents, but day trips are very simple.
Calculate Your Residency Costs
Get a personalized estimate for Brazilian residency.
Moving from Other Countries
Essential Paraguay Guides
Ready to Make the Move?
Get our complete Asunción settlement guides and start your journey from Brazil to Paraguay.