Paraguay Residency Cost by Nationality
Document preparation costs vary significantly based on where you're from. US citizens pay ~$368, UK citizens ~$350, while Germans pay just ~$180.
Quick Answer: Why Does Nationality Matter?
Paraguay requires apostilled and translated documents from your home country. The cost of background checks, apostilles, and translations varies by country. Americans pay the most (~$368) due to FBI processing. MERCOSUR citizens pay the least (~$80-150) due to simplified requirements.Government fees ($394-511) are the same for everyone.
Document Costs at a Glance
| Nationality | Background Check | Apostille | Translation | Doc Total | Grand Total* |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🇺🇸 United States | $18-93 (FBI) | $20/doc | $150 | ~$368 | $2,200-2,900 |
| 🇬🇧 United Kingdom | £68-121 (ACRO) | £45/doc (FCDO) | £100 | ~$350 | $2,150-2,850 |
| 🇩🇪 Germany | €30 (Führungszeugnis) | €20/doc | €80 | ~$180 | $1,980-2,680 |
| 🇪🇸 Spain | €10 (Antecedentes) | €20/doc | €60 | ~$120 | $1,920-2,620 |
| 🇨🇦 Canada | CAD $75 (RCMP) | CAD $35/doc | CAD $150 | ~$280 | $2,080-2,780 |
| 🇧🇷 Brazil (MERCOSUR) | R$87 (PF) | Often not required | Portuguese OK | ~$80 | $1,880-2,580 |
* Grand Total includes document costs + government fees ($394-511) + lawyer ($1,400-1,600). DIY saves ~$1,200.
Get Your Exact Costs
Select your nationality for a personalized breakdown including family discounts
🇺🇸Paraguay Residency for Americans
US citizens face the highest document preparation costs due to FBI background check requirements, but benefit from visa-free entry to Paraguay (90 days) to begin the residency process.
Required Documents & Costs
| FBI Identity History Summary | $18 (direct) or $50-93 (channeler) |
| US State Department Apostille (×3 docs) | $60 ($20 each) |
| Certified Spanish Translations | $150 |
| Birth Certificate (long form) | $15-50 (varies by state) |
| Total Document Costs | ~$368 |
Timeline Warning: FBI Processing
Direct FBI submission takes 12-18 weeks. Use an FBI-approved channeler ($50-93) for 1-3 week processing. Start this FIRST as it's the longest lead time item. The FBI report is valid for 6 months once issued.
Apostille Process
- • Submit to US State Department
- • $20 per document
- • 4-6 weeks standard processing
- • Expedited services available (~$100)
Key Notes
- • 90-day visa-free entry to Paraguay
- • Can apply for residency on tourist visa
- • Birth certificate from state vital records
- • Marriage certificate if applicable
🇬🇧Paraguay Residency for UK Citizens
UK citizens must obtain an ACRO Police Certificate (not a standard DBS check) and FCDO apostille. Post-Brexit, UK documents require specific handling for Paraguay.
Required Documents & Costs
| ACRO Police Certificate | £68 (standard) or £121 (premium) |
| FCDO Apostille (×3 docs) | £135 (£45 each) |
| Certified Spanish Translations | £100 |
| Birth Certificate (certified copy) | £11-35 |
| Total Document Costs | ~£280-350 (~$350-440) |
Important: ACRO vs DBS
Paraguay requires an ACRO Police Certificate, NOT a standard DBS check. DBS checks are for UK employment only and will be rejected by Paraguay immigration. Apply at acro.police.uk - processing takes 10 working days (standard) or faster with premium.
FCDO Apostille
- • £45 per document
- • Apply online at gov.uk
- • 2-3 weeks processing
- • Premium service available
Key Notes
- • 90-day visa-free entry to Paraguay
- • Birth cert from General Register Office
- • Post-Brexit: UK apostille accepted
- • Scottish/NI docs may differ
🇩🇪Paraguay Residency for Germans
German citizens benefit from lower document costs and efficient bureaucratic processes. The Führungszeugnis (police clearance) is inexpensive and processing is straightforward.
Required Documents & Costs
| Führungszeugnis (Belegart O) | €30 |
| Apostille (×3 docs) | €60 (€20 each) |
| Certified Spanish Translations | €80 |
| Geburtsurkunde (birth certificate) | €15-20 |
| Total Document Costs | ~€130 (~$180) |
German Advantage
Germans pay approximately $188 less in document costs compared to Americans. The Führungszeugnis is available online through the Bundesamt für Justiz. Request "Belegart O" (for foreign authorities) specifically.
🌎Paraguay Residency for MERCOSUR Citizens
Citizens of MERCOSUR countries (Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, Venezuela, Bolivia) enjoy simplified residency processes and reduced documentation requirements under the Residency Agreement for Nationals of MERCOSUR States.
MERCOSUR Advantages
- • No apostille required for most documents between member states
- • Portuguese/Spanish documents accepted without translation (Brazil)
- • Simplified background checks through bilateral agreements
- • Faster processing at Migraciones
- • Lower total costs: ~$80-150 for documents
Estimated Costs by Country
| 🇧🇷 Brazil | ~R$450 (~$80) |
| 🇦🇷 Argentina | ~ARS 15,000 (~$100) |
| 🇺🇾 Uruguay | ~UYU 4,500 (~$110) |
| 🇧🇴 Bolivia | ~BOB 700 (~$100) |
Document Validity Warning
Most apostilled documents are valid for 6 months. Police background checks are typically valid for 3-6 months. Plan your timeline carefully:
- • Start with the longest lead-time item (FBI for Americans: 12-18 weeks direct)
- • Get apostilles AFTER documents are issued
- • Don't get translations until you're ready to travel
- • If documents expire during Paraguay processing, you'll need to restart
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about document costs by nationality.
How much does Paraguay residency cost for Americans?
For US citizens, Paraguay residency document costs are approximately $368. This includes: FBI Identity History Summary ($18 direct or $93 via channeler), US State Department apostille ($20 per document), and certified Spanish translations (~$150). Add government fees ($394-511) and optional lawyer ($1,400-1,600) for total costs of $800-1,000 DIY or $2,000-2,500 with lawyer.
How much does Paraguay residency cost for UK citizens?
For UK citizens, Paraguay residency document costs are approximately £280-350 ($350-440). This includes: ACRO Police Certificate (£68 standard or £121 premium), FCDO apostille (£45 per document), and certified Spanish translations (~£100). With government fees and optional lawyer, total costs range from $900-1,100 DIY or $2,100-2,700 with lawyer.
Is Paraguay residency cheaper for EU citizens?
Yes, EU citizens generally have lower document preparation costs. Germans pay approximately €130 ($180) for Führungszeugnis and apostille. Spanish citizens pay around €90 ($120) for antecedentes penales. However, government fees ($394-511) and lawyer costs ($1,400-1,600) are the same regardless of nationality.
Do MERCOSUR citizens get discounts on Paraguay residency?
MERCOSUR citizens (Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, etc.) benefit from simplified processes and lower document costs (~$80-150). Many documents don't require apostille under MERCOSUR agreements. Processing can be faster, and some requirements are waived. However, government fees remain similar.
What is the FBI background check for Paraguay residency?
US citizens must obtain an FBI Identity History Summary (criminal background check). Direct from FBI costs $18 but takes 12-18 weeks. Using an FBI-approved channeler costs $50-93 but takes 1-3 weeks. The FBI report must then be apostilled by the US State Department ($20) and translated into Spanish.
What is the ACRO certificate for Paraguay?
UK citizens need an ACRO Police Certificate (not a standard DBS check). Standard processing costs £68 and takes 10 working days. Premium service costs £121 for faster processing. The certificate must then be apostilled by the FCDO (£45) and translated into Spanish for Paraguay immigration.
Do I need to apostille documents in my home country?
Yes, documents must be apostilled in the country where they were issued. If you were born in the UK but live in Germany, your birth certificate must be apostilled in the UK. This is a common complication for expats living outside their birth country. Plan for additional time and potentially hiring agents in multiple countries.
How long are apostilled documents valid for Paraguay?
Apostilled documents for Paraguay residency are typically valid for 6 months from the date of apostille. Police/criminal background checks are usually valid for 3-6 months. Plan your document preparation timeline carefully - if documents expire during processing, you'll need to start over.
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