Moving to Paraguay from Netherlands
Complete guide for Dutch relocating to Paraguay. 90-day visa-free entry, territorial tax benefits, and everything you need to know.
Why Dutch Move to Paraguay
Getting to Paraguay from Netherlands
Flight Routes
No direct flights - connection required
Connecting Routes
- • Amsterdam → São Paulo → Asunción via KLM/LATAM
- • Amsterdam → Buenos Aires → Asunción via KLM/Aerolíneas
- • Amsterdam → Madrid → Asunción via Iberia/LATAM
Flight Time
18-24 hours with connections
Typical Cost
€600-1,200 one-way, €900-1,800 round-trip
Timezone for Remote Work
Challenging - Dutch business hours 9-17 CET = 4-12 Paraguay time. Possible but requires early starts.
Document Requirements for Dutch
Background Check: Verklaring Omtrent het Gedrag (VOG)
Agency: Justis (Ministerie van Justitie en Veiligheid)
Cost: €41.35 + apostille €25
Processing Time: 2-4 weeks
Apostille: Apostilled by the Rechtbank Den Haag (The Hague District Court). Can apply online via rechtspraak.nl.
Complete Document Checklist
Valid Passport
At least 6 months validity remaining
Verklaring Omtrent het Gedrag (VOG)
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 Dutch
Key Tax Points for Dutch
- Netherlands uses residence-based taxation with rates up to 49.5%
- Box 3 wealth tax on savings and investments (currently ~1.2-1.6% effective)
- Must deregister from BRP (Basisregistratie Personen) at your gemeente
- No Dutch exit tax for individuals (corporate exit tax may apply for business owners)
- Paraguay 0% foreign income tax = major savings vs Dutch rates
- Dutch AOW pension accrual stops when you leave - 2% reduction per year abroad
- Consider 30% ruling expats: leaving NL cancels the ruling permanently
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: Netherlands vs Paraguay
Rent Savings
80-85% cheaper than Amsterdam
Compared to major cities in Netherlands
Overall Cost of Living
65-75% lower cost of living
Lower than Netherlands
Specific Examples
- →Amsterdam rent €1,800 → Asunción €350 (80% savings)
- →Dutch zorgverzekering €130/mo → Paraguay private insurance $100-150/mo
- →Amsterdam restaurant €35 → Asunción €10 (71% savings)
Dutch Expat Community in Paraguay
Community Size
200-500 Dutch citizens in Paraguay
Small but connected Dutch community. Often part of broader European expat groups. Some Dutch-Paraguayan families from earlier immigration waves.
Where Dutch Live
- Asunción
- Encarnación
Community Resources
- Facebook: "Nederlanders in Zuid-Amerika"
- Facebook: "Expats in Paraguay"
- Netherlands Embassy in Buenos Aires (covers Paraguay)
Challenges for Dutch
- Long travel distance (18+ hours)
- Timezone challenges for Dutch/EU clients
- Small Dutch-speaking community
- Language barrier - Dutch to Spanish is a big jump
- Much less organized infrastructure than the Netherlands
- Miss Dutch directness, cycling culture, and food
- Healthcare quality gap compared to Dutch system
Frequently Asked Questions
Hebben Nederlanders een visum nodig voor Paraguay?
Nee, Nederlandse staatsburgers kunnen Paraguay 90 dagen visumvrij bezoeken. Voor een langer verblijf vraagt u een tijdelijke verblijfsvergunning aan in Paraguay. Het proces duurt 3-6 maanden en vereist geen voorafgaande visumgoedkeuring.
Do Dutch citizens need a visa for Paraguay?
No, Dutch citizens can enter Paraguay visa-free for 90 days. To stay longer, apply for temporary residency (verblijfsvergunning) while in Paraguay. The process takes 3-6 months and doesn't require prior visa approval.
How do I stop paying Dutch taxes when moving to Paraguay?
Deregister from the BRP (Basisregistratie Personen) at your gemeente. This formally ends your Dutch tax residency. You must also close or restructure Dutch bank accounts to avoid Box 3 wealth tax. Paraguay has 0% tax on foreign income, so there's no replacement taxation on your remote work earnings.
What happens to my Dutch AOW pension?
Your AOW (state pension) accrual stops when you leave the Netherlands. You lose 2% of your AOW for each year you don't live or work in the Netherlands. You can voluntarily continue AOW insurance for up to 10 years through the SVB. Private pensions (pensioenopbouw) are not affected.
Is there a Dutch embassy in Paraguay?
No, the Netherlands does not have an embassy in Paraguay. Dutch citizens are served by the Netherlands Embassy in Buenos Aires, Argentina. For consular emergencies, contact them or the 24/7 BZ helpline (+31 247 247 247).
Calculate Your Residency Costs
Get a personalized estimate for Dutch residency.
Moving from Other Countries
Essential Paraguay Guides
Ready to Make the Move?
Get our complete Asunción settlement guides and start your journey from Netherlands to Paraguay.