Moving to Paraguay from Germany
Complete guide for Germans relocating to Paraguay. 90-day visa-free entry, territorial tax benefits, and everything you need to know.
Why Germans Move to Paraguay
Getting to Paraguay from Germany
Flight Routes
No direct flights - connection required
Connecting Routes
- • Frankfurt → São Paulo → Asunción
- • Frankfurt → Madrid → Asunción
- • Munich → Buenos Aires → Asunción
Flight Time
18-24 hours with connections
Typical Cost
€600-1,000 one-way
Timezone for Remote Work
Challenging - limited overlap with German business hours.
Document Requirements for Germans
Background Check: Führungszeugnis (Certificate of Conduct)
Agency: Bundesamt für Justiz (Federal Office of Justice)
Cost: €13 + apostille ~€20
Processing Time: 1-2 weeks
Apostille: Apostilled by the competent regional court (Landgericht) or the Federal Office of Justice.
Complete Document Checklist
Valid Passport
At least 6 months validity remaining
Führungszeugnis (Certificate of Conduct)
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 Germans
Germany Exit Tax Warning
Germany has exit tax provisions. Consult a tax professional before departing to understand implications.
Key Tax Points for Germans
- Germany has exit tax (Wegzugsbesteuerung) on unrealized capital gains for shares in corporations
- Only applies if you hold 1%+ of a corporation
- Must properly deregister (Abmeldung) from Germany
- Once non-resident, Germany doesn't tax foreign income
- Paraguay 0% foreign income = no replacement tax
- Consult German tax advisor before departing
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: Germany vs Paraguay
Rent Savings
75-85% cheaper than Munich/Frankfurt
Compared to major cities in Germany
Overall Cost of Living
60-70% lower cost of living
Lower than Germany
Specific Examples
- →Munich rent €1,800 → Asunción €450 (75% savings)
- →German health insurance €400 → Paraguay €100 (75% savings)
- →German income tax 42% → Paraguay 0% on foreign income
German Expat Community in Paraguay
Community Size
2,000-5,000 Germans in Paraguay
Significant German community due to historical immigration. German clubs, schools, and cultural associations exist.
Where Germans Live
- Asunción
- German colonies in Eastern Paraguay (Hohenau, Obligado)
Community Resources
- Deutscher Club Asunción
- Goethe-Zentrum Asunción
- Facebook: "Deutsche in Paraguay"
- German colonies in Eastern Paraguay
Challenges for Germans
- Exit tax complications if holding company shares
- Very long travel distance
- Timezone challenges for German clients
- Language barrier (unless in German colonies)
- Miss German efficiency and infrastructure
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Germans need a visa for Paraguay?
No, German citizens can enter Paraguay visa-free for 90 days. To stay longer, apply for temporary residency while in Paraguay. Germany and Paraguay have good diplomatic relations, making the process straightforward.
Is there a German community in Paraguay?
Yes, Paraguay has a significant German community dating back to the late 1800s. German colonies in Eastern Paraguay (Hohenau, Obligado) maintain German language and culture. Asunción has German clubs, schools, and cultural centers. This makes Paraguay more welcoming for German speakers.
What about German exit tax?
Germany's Wegzugsbesteuerung (exit tax) applies if you hold 1% or more of a corporation's shares. Unrealized gains are taxed as if you sold the shares on departure. This primarily affects entrepreneurs and significant shareholders. Regular employees without major shareholdings aren't affected.
How do I deregister from Germany?
You must complete an Abmeldung (deregistration) at your local Einwohnermeldeamt within 2 weeks of leaving. This is essential for ending German tax residency. Keep the Abmeldebestätigung (confirmation) as proof.
Calculate Your Residency Costs
Get a personalized estimate for German residency.
Moving from Other Countries
Essential Paraguay Guides
Ready to Make the Move?
Get our complete Asunción settlement guides and start your journey from Germany to Paraguay.