Paraguay is a small South American country located in the heart of the continent, enchanting with the beauty of its nature. Foreigners often choose immigration to Paraguay due to its low cost of living. Expenses for housing, food, and services in Paraguay are significantly lower than in most other developed countries.
Another reason why foreigners are interested in immigration to Paraguay is tax incentives. Entrepreneurs looking to optimize their tax burden may consider Paraguay as a good option for international business, as the country follows a territorial taxation principle. This means that income from abroad is not subject to taxation, and income from Paraguayan sources is taxed at a flat rate of only 10%.
Temporary Residence permit in Paraguay
Temporary Residency in Paraguay. To apply for a temporary residence permit in Paraguay, no specific grounds are required. Previously, there was a requirement to deposit at least $5,000 in the national bank, but this is no longer applicable. Therefore, all you need to obtain the card is your willingness and, of course, preparation of the necessary document package and obtaining a visa if required. Citizens of Ukraine enjoy a visa-free regime with Paraguay, so a visa is not needed for Ukrainian citizens.
The process of obtaining a temporary residence card in Paraguay can be divided into 6 stages:
- Preparation of documents and their legalization.
- Visa application (if required).
- Mandatory registration within 24 hours upon arrival.
- Application for a temporary residence card.
- Application for the national internal card – Cedula.
- Application for tax residency, if necessary.
Typically, the entire process of immigration to Paraguay takes approximately 3-6 months. The duration depends on whether you need to apply for a visa and tax residency. After submitting the documents for the ID, foreigners can legally stay in Paraguay until a decision is made.
Moreover, there is no need to stay in the country after submitting the ID documents; you can leave Paraguay immediately for your affairs. Our partners can collect the issued ID and send it to you. However, please note that for the application for the national card, Cedula, you must appear in person. Lawyers can also obtain the Cedula and send it to you.
The Cedula enables you to open accounts in Paraguayan banks, obtain a driver’s license, use medical services, register a business, and travel to Mercosur countries (Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay, and others) visa-free. This significantly expands opportunities for travel and business development in South America.
Paraguay does not have a requirement to stay 183 days per year to renew the ID. It is sufficient to visit for at least one day within 365 consecutive days after obtaining temporary residency in Paraguay to maintain your status.
Immigration to Paraguay also paves the way for obtaining residence documents in Argentina, and often, immigrants use this route to move to Argentina.
Duration: 3-6 months
Cost: $4,500
Permanent Residence Permit in Paraguay
Permanent residency in Paraguay. After 2 years of obtaining a temporary residence card, foreigners have the opportunity to apply for permanent residence in Paraguay. The status is granted indefinitely, and the permanent residence card is issued for 10 years, after which it needs to be renewed.
To prevent the status from being annulled, it is necessary to visit Paraguay at least once every 3 years after obtaining permanent residence.
Cost: Upon request
Paraguayan Citizenship
After 1 year of residence in Paraguay based on a permanent residence card, you can initiate the process of obtaining Paraguayan citizenship.
With a Paraguayan passport, extensive travel opportunities open up, as Paraguay has visa-free access to more than 135 countries worldwide, including Schengen countries, the United Kingdom, Singapore, South Korea, and Ukraine. Having a Paraguayan passport allows you to apply for permanent residence in Spain and, after 2 years of residence, apply for Spanish citizenship.
Cost: Upon request
