15 Paraguay Residency Mistakes
Costly errors that delay applications, waste money, and get people rejected. Learn from others' mistakes before you make them.
The #1 Mistake: Expired Documents
The most common and costly mistake is letting documents expire during processing. Apostilles are valid for 6 months. Police checks for 3-6 months. If they expire while Migraciones processes your application, you'll need new documents, new apostilles, and pay all fees again. This mistake costs $200-500 and months of delay.
Letting Documents Expire
Apostilled documents are valid for 6 months. Police checks valid for 3-6 months. If they expire during processing, you start over.
Don't apostille until 2-3 months before traveling. Start with longest lead-time items (FBI check).
$200-500 to re-do documents
Wrong Apostille Authority
Documents must be apostilled in the country where issued. Born in UK but live in Germany? Birth cert needs UK apostille, not German.
Identify where each document was issued. May need agents in multiple countries.
$100-300 + 4-6 weeks delay
Using DBS Instead of ACRO (UK)
Paraguay requires ACRO Police Certificate, not standard DBS check. DBS is for UK employment only and will be rejected.
Apply at acro.police.uk specifically. Takes 10+ working days.
£68-121 + weeks of delay
FBI Check Taking Too Long
Direct FBI submission takes 12-18 weeks. Many Americans start this too late, causing their other documents to expire.
Use FBI-approved channeler ($50-93) for 1-3 week processing. Start this FIRST.
$75 extra but saves months
Hiring a Scam 'Lawyer'
Fake immigration consultants take money and disappear, or provide poor service that gets applications rejected.
Verify Bar Association registration. Get written contract. Pay deposits, not full upfront. Ask for references.
$1,500-3,000 lost
Using Hotel Address
Hotel addresses are not accepted for residency applications. You need a real rental contract or accommodation letter.
Rent a simple apartment month-to-month, or get letter from friend/host with their cédula copy.
$300-500/month rental
Translations by Wrong Translator
Translations must be done by a translator registered with Paraguay courts. Random translation services may be rejected.
Use translator recommended by your lawyer, or verify registration with Corte Suprema de Justicia.
$100-200 to redo
Missing Marriage/Divorce Documents
If married or divorced, you need those certificates apostilled too. Many people forget until asked at Migraciones.
Bring marriage certificate if married. Bring divorce decree if previously married.
$100-300 + delay
Not Getting Cédula
Residency card alone isn't enough for daily life. The cédula (national ID) is needed for banking, contracts, and more.
Apply for cédula immediately after residency approval. Takes 30-45 days.
$55 (required anyway)
Overpaying for 'Express' Service
Some services charge $3,000-5,000 promising faster processing. Standard lawyer service ($1,400-1,600) achieves same results.
Standard processing is 3-6 months regardless. Premium fees rarely speed things up.
$1,500-3,000 overpaid
DIY Without Spanish
Attempting DIY residency without fluent Spanish leads to errors, rejections, and wasted time. All forms and officials are Spanish-only.
If you don't speak Spanish fluently, hire a lawyer. The $1,400-1,600 is worth it.
60+ hours + high stress
Ignoring Physical Presence Rules
Temporary residents must visit annually (rule from Jan 2026). Missing this can cancel your residency.
Set calendar reminder. A brief visit counts—even a weekend trip.
Residency cancellation
Expecting Immediate Tax Benefits
Paraguay residency doesn't automatically make you tax resident. Your home country may still tax you during transition year.
Consult tax advisor in BOTH countries. Plan exit timing carefully.
Potential double taxation
Assuming Residency = Citizenship Rights
Residency lets you live and work in Paraguay. But voting, running for office, and some government jobs require citizenship (3+ years away).
Understand the difference. Residency is step 1; citizenship is step 2.
Unmet expectations
Not Keeping Document Copies
Original documents are submitted to Migraciones. If lost, you have no backup to reference or re-submit.
Scan/photograph everything before submission. Keep physical copies of apostilles.
$200-500 to replace
Plan Your Budget Correctly
Get accurate cost estimates so you're not surprised by hidden fees
How to Spot Immigration Scams
Red Flags
- Prices significantly below $1,400
- Promises of "instant" or "guaranteed" approval
- Demands full payment upfront
- No written contract provided
- Can't provide client references
- High-pressure sales tactics
- Only communicates via WhatsApp/social media
Green Flags
- Registered with Paraguayan Bar Association
- Provides written contract with scope
- Accepts deposit (not full payment)
- Gives realistic timeline (3-6 months)
- Provides 2-3 recent client references
- Has physical office in Asunción
- Explains process and your responsibilities
Verification tip: Ask potential lawyers for their "matrícula" (bar registration number) and verify at the Corte Suprema de Justicia website or call the Colegio de Abogados del Paraguay.
Mistake-Proof Timeline
Follow this order to avoid the most common mistakes:
12-16 weeks before travel
Submit FBI background check request (US) or ACRO (UK). This is your longest lead time.
8-10 weeks before travel
Order certified birth certificate and marriage certificate (if applicable).
6-8 weeks before travel
Once you receive background check, immediately submit ALL documents for apostille.
2-4 weeks before travel
Receive apostilled documents. Scan/photograph everything. Book flights.
In Paraguay
Get translations done locally (cheaper). Secure rental address. Submit application within first 2 weeks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Paraguay residency problems and mistakes.
What is the most common Paraguay residency mistake?
The most common mistake is letting documents expire during processing. Apostilled documents are valid for 6 months, and police background checks for 3-6 months. If your documents expire while waiting for approval, you'll need to start over with new documents, new apostilles, and additional fees. Plan your timeline carefully and don't apostille too early.
How do I spot a Paraguay immigration scam?
Red flags include: prices significantly below market rate ($1,400-1,600 is standard), promises of 'instant' or 'guaranteed' approval, requests for full payment upfront, no written contract, inability to provide recent client references, and pressure tactics. Always verify lawyers are registered with the Paraguayan Bar Association and ask for 2-3 recent client contacts.
Can my Paraguay residency application be rejected?
Yes, applications can be rejected for: criminal record issues, document problems (expired, wrong format, missing apostille), incomplete applications, providing false information, or security concerns. With proper preparation and a lawyer, rejection is rare (<1%). DIY applications have ~15% rejection/correction rate, usually for document issues that can be fixed.
What happens if I overstay my tourist visa while waiting for residency?
If you overstay your 90-day tourist visa while your residency is processing, you may face fines and complications. However, once your residency application is submitted and acknowledged (you receive a 'constancia'), you're generally considered to be in legal status while awaiting approval. Still, it's best to submit before your tourist visa expires.
Do I need a Paraguay address before applying for residency?
Yes, you need a Paraguay address for your application. A hotel address is NOT accepted for residency applications. You need a rental contract or proof of accommodation (staying with someone who provides a letter). Many people rent a simple apartment month-to-month during the application process.
Can I leave Paraguay while my residency is processing?
You can leave Paraguay while your application is processing, but you must return for key appointments (biometrics, cédula pickup). If you leave for extended periods, it may raise questions about your intent to reside. Most lawyers recommend staying in Paraguay or nearby during the 3-6 month processing period.
What if my home country documents are in a language other than English?
Documents in any language need certified Spanish translation for Paraguay. If your documents are in a third language (e.g., German birth certificate), they still need apostille from the issuing country and Spanish translation. You don't need to translate to English first—translate directly to Spanish.
Is 'paper residency' without living in Paraguay a mistake?
For residency itself, paper residency works—you just need to visit once per year (temporary) or once every 3 years (permanent). However, for citizenship, the Supreme Court requires genuine 'arraigo' (ties) including ~6 months/year physical presence. Paper residency holders are routinely denied citizenship. Also, some countries (Germany, France) may not recognize 'paper' tax residency for their exit tax purposes.
Ready to Do It Right?
Get a personalized cost estimate and avoid surprises. Our calculator includes all fees.