Moving to Paraguay from France
Complete guide for French relocating to Paraguay. 90-day visa-free entry, territorial tax benefits, and everything you need to know.
Why French Move to Paraguay
Getting to Paraguay from France
Flight Routes
No direct flights - connection required
Connecting Routes
- • Paris CDG → São Paulo → Asunción via Air France/LATAM
- • Paris CDG → Madrid → Asunción via Iberia/LATAM
- • Paris CDG → Buenos Aires → Asunción via Air France/Aerolíneas
Flight Time
17-23 hours with connections
Typical Cost
€600-1,100 one-way, €900-1,700 round-trip
Timezone for Remote Work
Challenging - French business hours 9-18 CET = 4-13 Paraguay time. Requires early morning starts for real-time collaboration.
Document Requirements for French
Background Check: Bulletin n°3 du casier judiciaire
Agency: Casier judiciaire national (Nantes)
Cost: Free + apostille €10-20
Processing Time: 2 weeks (online request via casier-judiciaire.justice.gouv.fr)
Apostille: Apostilled by the Cour d'appel (Court of Appeal) of your jurisdiction. Some documents may require apostille from the Procureur de la République.
Complete Document Checklist
Valid Passport
At least 6 months validity remaining
Bulletin n°3 du casier judiciaire
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 French
France Exit Tax Warning
France has exit tax provisions. Consult a tax professional before departing to understand implications.
Key Tax Points for French
- France uses residence-based taxation with progressive rates up to 45%
- Additional social charges (CSG/CRDS) of 9.7% on most income
- French exit tax applies to substantial shareholdings (over €800,000 or 50%+ ownership)
- Must declare departure to your centre des impôts
- Paraguay 0% foreign income tax = major savings vs French rates
- French property income (revenus fonciers) remains taxable in France even after departure
- French pension income may still be taxable - check bilateral agreements
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: France vs Paraguay
Rent Savings
75-85% cheaper than Paris
Compared to major cities in France
Overall Cost of Living
60-70% lower cost of living
Lower than France
Specific Examples
- →Paris rent €1,500 → Asunción €350 (77% savings)
- →French Sécurité sociale + mutuelle €300/mo → Paraguay private insurance $100-150/mo
- →Paris restaurant €25 → Asunción €8 (68% savings)
French Expat Community in Paraguay
Community Size
300-800 French citizens in Paraguay
Established French community with Alliance Française in Asunción. French-language cultural events and networking. Some French-Paraguayan families with roots going back generations.
Where French Live
- Asunción
- Encarnación
Community Resources
- Alliance Française d'Asunción
- Facebook: "Français au Paraguay"
- Facebook: "Expats français en Amérique du Sud"
- French Embassy in Asunción (France has a full embassy in Paraguay)
Challenges for French
- Long travel distance (17+ hours)
- Timezone difference for French clients
- French exit tax on substantial assets
- Language - French to Spanish transition
- Healthcare quality gap compared to French system (Sécurité sociale)
- Miss French culture, food, and lifestyle
- Less consumer protection and regulation
Frequently Asked Questions
Do French citizens need a visa for Paraguay?
No, French citizens can enter Paraguay visa-free for 90 days. To stay longer, apply for temporary residency while in Paraguay. The process takes 3-6 months. France is part of the Hague Convention, so document apostilles are straightforward.
Does France have an embassy in Paraguay?
Yes, France has a full embassy in Asunción (Ambassade de France au Paraguay). This provides consular services, visa assistance, and citizen registration. Address: Av. España 893, Asunción.
What about the French exit tax (exit tax)?
France's exit tax applies if you hold direct or indirect shareholdings worth more than €800,000 or representing 50%+ of a company's share capital. If it applies, you must report unrealized capital gains. You may receive a deferral (sursis) but must file annual declarations. Most salaried workers and freelancers are not affected.
Can I keep my French social security benefits?
After leaving France, you lose access to Sécurité sociale coverage. You can join the CFE (Caisse des Français de l'Étranger) for voluntary continued health insurance (€200-400/month). French pension rights (retraite) remain valid based on quarters contributed. Register with the French Embassy for consular protection.
How much can I save moving from France to Paraguay?
A French freelancer earning €60,000 pays roughly €20,000-25,000 in combined income tax and social charges. In Paraguay with 0% foreign income tax, your effective rate drops to near zero. Combined with 60-70% lower living costs, annual savings can exceed €30,000.
Calculate Your Residency Costs
Get a personalized estimate for French residency.
Moving from Other Countries
Essential Paraguay Guides
Ready to Make the Move?
Get our complete Asunción settlement guides and start your journey from France to Paraguay.