Moving to Paraguay from Canada
Complete guide for Canadians relocating to Paraguay. 90-day visa-free entry, territorial tax benefits, and everything you need to know.
Why Canadians Move to Paraguay
Getting to Paraguay from Canada
Flight Routes
Direct Routes
- • No direct flights - all connections
Connecting Routes
- • Toronto → Miami → Asunción
- • Toronto → Panama City → Asunción
- • Toronto → São Paulo → Asunción
Flight Time
12-18 hours with connections
Typical Cost
$600-1,000 one-way, $900-1,500 round-trip
Timezone for Remote Work
Excellent for Eastern Canada. Vancouver has 5-hour difference.
Document Requirements for Canadians
Background Check: RCMP Criminal Record Check
Agency: Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP)
Cost: $25 CAD RCMP + $30-50 CAD apostille
Processing Time: 2-4 weeks for certified copy
Apostille: Apostilled by Global Affairs Canada or provincial authorities. Canada joined the Apostille Convention in 2024, simplifying the process.
Complete Document Checklist
Valid Passport
At least 6 months validity remaining
RCMP Criminal Record Check
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 Canadians
Canada Exit Tax Warning
Canada has exit tax provisions. Consult a tax professional before departing to understand implications.
Key Tax Points for Canadians
- Canada has "departure tax" - deemed disposition of assets when becoming non-resident
- Must properly sever Canadian tax residency to avoid ongoing taxation
- Keep fewer than 183 days in Canada after departure
- Sell or rent Canadian property, close Canadian accounts if needed
- Paraguay's 0% foreign income tax means no double taxation once non-resident
- Consult Canadian tax professional 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: Canada vs Paraguay
Rent Savings
75-85% cheaper than Toronto/Vancouver
Compared to major cities in Canada
Overall Cost of Living
60-70% lower cost of living
Lower than Canada
Specific Examples
- →Toronto rent $2,800 CAD → Asunción $800 CAD (71% savings)
- →Vancouver groceries $600 CAD → Asunción $350 CAD (42% savings)
- →Canadian healthcare taxes → Paraguay private insurance $150 CAD/mo
Canadian Expat Community in Paraguay
Community Size
1,000-2,000 Canadians in Paraguay
Smaller than American community but growing. Often overlap with general anglophone expat groups.
Where Canadians Live
- Asunción
- Encarnación
Community Resources
- Facebook: "Canadians in Paraguay"
- Facebook: "Expats in Paraguay"
- Canadian Embassy in Buenos Aires (covers Paraguay)
Challenges for Canadians
- Departure tax complications if not planned properly
- Longer travel distance than for Americans
- Smaller Canadian expat community
- Language barrier
- Miss Canadian healthcare system
- Hot climate adjustment for many Canadians
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Canadians need a visa for Paraguay?
Canadians can enter Paraguay visa-free for 90 days. To stay longer, apply for temporary residency while in Paraguay. The process is the same as for other nationalities - no special Canadian visa is required.
What about Canadian departure tax?
Canada has a "departure tax" (deemed disposition) when you become a non-resident. You're treated as if you sold all assets at fair market value on departure. This can trigger capital gains tax. Plan your departure with a Canadian tax professional to minimize impact - you may want to sell certain assets before leaving.
How do I get my Canadian criminal record check?
Request a "Certified Criminal Record Check" from the RCMP ($25 CAD). Since 2024, Canada is part of the Apostille Convention, so you can get it apostilled by Global Affairs Canada or provincial authorities. Processing takes 2-4 weeks. Do this before leaving Canada.
Is there a Canadian embassy in Paraguay?
There is no Canadian embassy in Paraguay. Canadians are served by the Canadian Embassy in Buenos Aires, Argentina. For emergencies, contact them or the 24/7 Emergency Watch and Response Centre in Ottawa.
Can I keep my Canadian bank accounts?
Yes, you can maintain Canadian bank accounts as a non-resident, though some banks have restrictions. Consider keeping a Canadian address (family) for banking purposes. Many Canadians also open Wise multi-currency accounts for easier international transfers.
Calculate Your Residency Costs
Get a personalized estimate for Canadian residency.
Moving from Other Countries
Essential Paraguay Guides
Ready to Make the Move?
Get our complete Asunción settlement guides and start your journey from Canada to Paraguay.