Paraguay Temporary Residency
Residencia Temporaria
The standard entry-level residency for most expats. Valid for 2 years, renewable, and the first step toward permanent residency and citizenship.
Overview
Best For
- Digital nomads and remote workers
- Retirees seeking low-cost living
- Entrepreneurs and freelancers
- Anyone seeking tax optimization
- Those wanting a simple residency process
- Expats who travel frequently
Not Ideal For
- Those needing immediate work authorization in Paraguay
- People who can't wait 2-3 months for processing
- Those seeking immediate citizenship
Eligibility Requirements
- Any nationality (no restrictions)
- No criminal record (felonies)
- No income requirements
- No investment requirements
- No age restrictions
- No language requirements
- No health requirements beyond basic
Required Documents
Valid passport
Must be valid for at least 6 months. Bring original plus notarized copies.
Birth certificate
Original with apostille. Must be translated to Spanish by certified translator.
Police clearance certificate
FBI background check (US), ACRO (UK), or equivalent. Must be apostilled and less than 6 months old.
Marriage certificate (if applicable)
If married, bring apostilled marriage certificate with translation.
Passport photos
4 passport-sized photos (white background, recent)
Health certificate
Basic health check from Paraguay doctor. Simple physical exam, no extensive tests.
Proof of address in Paraguay
Rental contract or utility bill showing Paraguay address. Can be temporary accommodation initially.
Application Process
Gather documents in home country
2-8 weeksObtain birth certificate, police clearance, and any other documents. Get them apostilled before leaving.
Enter Paraguay
1 dayEnter on tourist visa (90 days for most nationalities). You can begin the residency process while on tourist status.
Hire immigration lawyer
1-2 daysFind a reputable immigration lawyer in Asunción. They handle paperwork, translations, and government interactions.
Translate and certify documents
1-2 weeksAll foreign documents must be translated to Spanish by a certified translator and notarized.
Medical examination
1 dayGet a basic health certificate from a Paraguay doctor. Simple physical exam.
Submit application
1 dayLawyer submits complete application to Dirección General de Migraciones.
Wait for approval
4-8 weeksImmigration processes application. May request additional documents. Lawyer follows up.
Receive cédula (ID card)
1-2 weeks after approvalUpon approval, receive Paraguayan ID card (cédula de identidad). You are now a temporary resident.
Cost Breakdown
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Immigration lawyer fees | $1,000-1,500 |
| Document apostilles | $100-200 |
| Translations | $100-200 |
| Government fees | $150-250 |
| Medical certificate | $50-100 |
| Photos and notarization | $50-100 |
| Total Estimated Cost | $1,500-2,500 |
Benefits & Limitations
Benefits
- Legal right to reside in Paraguay
- Can open local bank accounts
- Can sign rental contracts
- Can obtain local phone/internet
- Paraguayan ID card (cédula)
- Path to permanent residency (3 years)
- Path to citizenship (6 years total)
- No requirement to stay in Paraguay full-time
- Can work for foreign companies
Limitations
- Cannot vote in elections
- Must renew every 2 years
- Cannot work for Paraguayan companies (without work permit)
- Not eligible for some government benefits
Path to Citizenship
Temporary residency must be renewed every 2 years. Renewal is simpler than initial application—mainly updating documents and paying fees. After 3 years of temporary residency, you can apply for permanent residency instead of renewing.
After 3 years of maintained temporary residency, you can apply for permanent residency. This requires showing ties to Paraguay (address, bank account) and clean record. Permanent residency doesn't expire.
After 3 years of permanent residency (6 years total in Paraguay), you can apply for citizenship. Requires basic Spanish, civics knowledge, and clean record. Paraguay allows dual citizenship.
Pro Tips
- 1Get FBI background check early—it can take 4-8 weeks
- 2Apostille documents BEFORE arriving in Paraguay
- 3Hire a lawyer—the process is manageable but Spanish-only
- 4Budget $2,000-2,500 total including all costs
- 5You can work remotely while application processes
- 6Keep copies of all submitted documents
- 7The cédula is your most important document—guard it carefully
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to speak Spanish for temporary residency?
No, there's no language requirement for residency. However, having a lawyer who handles the Spanish paperwork is essential. Daily life is easier with basic Spanish.
Can I work while on temporary residency?
You can work remotely for foreign companies—this is the main use case for most expats. Working for a Paraguayan company requires a separate work permit.
How long must I stay in Paraguay?
There's no minimum stay requirement for temporary residency. Many expats travel frequently. However, for permanent residency/citizenship, you'll need to demonstrate ties to Paraguay.
What if my application is denied?
Denials are rare if documents are complete. Common issues: criminal record, incomplete paperwork. Your lawyer can often resolve issues before denial. If denied, you can reapply.
Can my family apply together?
Yes, family members can apply together or separately. Each person needs their own set of documents. Some lawyers offer family package pricing.
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