Since Law No. 6984/2022, temporary residence is mandatory for most foreigners wishing to settle in Paraguay. Accessible without investment, it allows you to live and work legally. Its flexibility (part-time residency is sufficient) facilitates permanent residency after two years.
Do you believe that obtaining temporary residency in Paraguay requires a heavy investment or a permanent presence?
Don’t be mistaken: Law No. 6984/2022 has clarified the rules, making the process accessible to all, without any conditions regarding funds or real estate.
Discover step by step how to obtain this advantageous status, which allows you to live, work and invest freely while benefiting from an attractive tax system.
With this updated guide for 2025, avoid costly mistakes and secure your move to a country where foreign income and a low cost of living attract more and more expatriates each year.
Temporary residency in Paraguay is a two-year residence permit that allows you to live, work, and study legally in the country. Managed by the Dirección General de Migraciones (DGM), it has become required to apply for permanent residence, according to Law No. 6984/2022 in force since the end of 2022.
The clear situation is this: this reform simplifies the process while structuring the migration journey for the majority of foreigners. In other words, Paraguay is refocusing its requirements on criteria that are accessible and do not require financial investment.
Since the 2022 migration law, temporary residence has become the almost systematic point of entry for any permanent settlement in Paraguay, thus clarifying the path for newcomers.
Required documents These include a valid passport, a clean criminal record, and a birth certificate, all apostilled in the country of origin and then translated into Spanish by a certified translator. Specific documents are required for minors, including a certificate of parentage and a notarized power of attorney if a parent is absent.
It is crucial to distinguish between temporary residence (right of residence) and tax residence (tax obligations). In Paraguay, Only locally generated income is taxed.An attractive environment for remote workers. However, the process requires rigorous management.
To avoid errors or delays, our comprehensive support to obtain your temporary residence offers tailored expertise. Although the procedures may seem simple, administrative details can cause delays without thorough preparation.
To obtain temporary residency in Paraguay, the eligibility conditions remain accessible. All applicants must have a valid passport and a clean criminal record in their country of origin or recent residence. Unlike some other countries, Paraguay has simplified the process: retirees, workers, students, and investors all follow the same procedure, without any specific profile requirements. Age is not a formal obstacle, but applicants must be of legal age. This flexibility attracts foreigners wishing to settle in the country without major disruptions.
The main advantage of this residence lies in its absence of financial requirement. Unlike many residency programs, Paraguay requires no investment, no real estate purchase, and no bank deposit.
Other advantages:
These rights come with simplified procedures. For example, the Cédula facilitates administrative integration, while freedom of movement and economic activity attracts digital nomads and entrepreneurs..
Flexibility regarding residency is an advantage for those wishing to maintain ties with their country of origin. A crucial detail: all foreign documents (birth certificate, criminal record) must be apostilled and translated into Spanish by a sworn translator. To avoid mistakes, it is recommended to consult a professional or check the official requirements.
Preparing the documents is the most critical step in the temporary residency process in Paraguay. An error or omission could delay your application.. All foreign documents must be apostilled. in their country of issue, in accordance with the Hague Convention. An apostille is an international certification that validates the authenticity of the document. Exceptions apply to non-signatory countries, where legalization by the Paraguayan embassy is required.
Next, the documents must be translated into Spanish by a sworn translator in Paraguay. Even a A simple translation error can invalidate your application.. Here is the detailed list of documents to prepare:
| Document | Description | Key point |
|---|---|---|
| Passport | Must remain valid throughout the entire procedure. | Copy of all pages. |
| Birth certificate | Proof of your parentage. | Must be apostilled in the country of birth. |
| Extract from criminal record | Virgin and recent (less than 3 to 6 months). | Must be apostilled in the country of origin or residence for the last 5 years. |
| Marriage/Divorce Certificate | If married, to prove your marital status. | Must be apostilled in the issuing country. |
| ID photo | High quality and recent | Must be taken with a phone |
| Proof of legal entry | Entry stamp in passport upon arrival in Paraguay. | Obtain at the airport or point of entry. |
It is imperative to verify the validity and specific requirements of each document from official sources before starting the process, as the rules may change. For example, for French residents, your required documents are obtained via the website of French notaries. In addition, temporary residence (temporary residence) does not guarantee tax residency (tax residence), depending on local tax criteria such as length of stay or sources of income.
For updates, see the website of the Directorate General for Migration (DGM), the entity in charge of implementing Paraguayan migration policies. This The official source provides the most up-to-date forms and requirements..
Obtaining temporary residency in Paraguay is an essential step for anyone wishing to settle, invest, or simply secure legal status in the country. The process may seem complex at first, but by following the correct steps and avoiding some common mistakes, everything becomes much simpler.
Here is a step-by-step guide based on the official procedure of the National Directorate of Migration (DNM).
The temporary residence is the first step before permanent residency.
It is governed by the Law 6984/22 and grants a one-year renewable legal residence permit.
This option is ideal for:
New arrivals wishing to test the country before settling there permanently.
Entrepreneurs, whether independent or foreign investors.
Citizens outside of MERCOSUR.
Nationals of member or associated countries MERCOSUR can directly request a special temporary residence 2 yearssimplified and less expensive.
It is the most crucial step Without properly apostilled and translated documents, your application will not be accepted.
You will need to provide:
These documents must be:
Apostilles (if your country is a party to the Hague Convention). Or legalized (via the Paraguayan embassy, if the country is not a signatory). Translated into Spanish by a sworn public translator in Paraguay.
The official translations must then be legalized by the Supreme Court and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
This is a point that many foreigners overlook — and which often delays the application by several weeks.
Once there, several certificates must be obtained before submitting the application to Migraciones :
It’s an international background check.
It is done at Interpol Bureau Asunciónwhere your fingerprints and photos are taken.
The certificate is issued within a few days.
Called Background Check Certificate for Foreigners, it proves that you don’t have no local history.
It is obtained at National Police IT Department, Boggiani Avenue in Asuncion.
This document certifies that you reside at a specific address in Paraguay.
It is obtained in the police station (commissariat) of the neighborhood where you are staying.
The National Directorate of Migration request proof of entry into the territory :
When submitting your application, you will need to sign several declarations on honor :
These documents are generated and printed directly at the Migraciones counter.
The deposit is made at the National Directorate of Migration (headquarters in Asunción) or in one of its regional delegations.
You will need to present:
Once your application is accepted, you will receive a tracking number to check the status of your request.
When the DNM approves your application, you will receive your temporary residence permit (laminated and secure).
It indicates your alien identification number and the validity period (2 years).
With this card you can immediately ask your Paraguayan identity card with the Identification Department of the National Police.
Many stop at the residence permit, but to be fully recognized as a residentNext, you must:
Obtaining temporary residency does not automatically grant tax residency status. Tax residency determines where you are taxed. In Paraguay, the tax system is territorial: only locally generated income is subject to tax. Foreign income, such as dividends or online earnings, benefits from a 0% tax rate if certain conditions are met.
To access this benefit, you must first obtain temporary residency, then transition to permanent residency after two years. Afterward, you can apply for the RUC (Registro Único del Contribuyente), which is essential for establish your tax residence. This process requires a minimum presence of one day per year in Paraguay and the creation of a benchmark economic activity.
This structure offers unique flexibility, but requires rigorous planning. To better understand the implications, consult benefit from an attractive tax residency in Paraguay.
Temporary residency in Paraguay is valid for two years. To obtain permanent residency, one must maintain active status, provide recent police certificates, and demonstrate financial solvency. For investors, this means demonstrating the availability of USD 70,000 through a local bank account or a validated business plan.. Permanent residency is valid indefinitely., with a renewal of the Cedula every ten years.
Anticipating this transition as soon as you obtain temporary residency makes the process easier. To ensure a successful expatriation, it’s advisable to maintain concrete ties with the country, such as a bank account or a local address, demonstrating your long-term commitment. These elements should remain active throughout the two years of temporary residency. avoid conversion rejection.
Common mistakes include:
“In our experience, using a local professional is not a luxury but insurance against costly and time-consuming mistakes.”
Consult official sources such as the General Directorate of Migration or a specialist firm before initiating any proceedings.
The Paraguayan temporary residence permit, governed by Law 6984/2022, facilitates access to the Permanent residence without investment required.
To live, work and benefit from territorial tax regimes are possible. A Rigorous document preparation is essential. [Destination Paraguay](https://destination-paraguay.com/residence-temporaire/) offers personalized support. Consult the experts before taking any action.
The process of obtaining temporary residency follows a clear framework. As its name suggests, it is a residence permit valid for 2 years, renewable. The procedure begins with the preparation of required documents (valid passport, clean criminal record, birth certificate, medical certificate, proof of legal entry), each of which must be apostilled in its country of origin and translated into Spanish by a sworn translator. The application must be submitted in person. at the “Dirección General de Migraciones” (DGM) in Asunción. Administrative fees amount to approximately USD 363. In practice, the The processing time is 3 months.. In our experience, having the support of a local professional helps avoid fatal mistakes.
Non-resident tourists benefit from initial stay of 90 days, extendable to 180 days by submitting an application before the initial 90-day period expires. This extension is obtained for a moderate fee. Beyond these 180 days, the legal framework requires that switch to “resident” status. This is how the Paraguayan system works, which encourages formalize a sustainable installation. Note: prolonged stay without legal status results in penalties, as recalled by Law No. 6984/22.
The critical distinction to understand is that Temporary residence is not equivalent to tax residence. Paraguay applies a territorial tax system: Only locally generated income is taxable.Foreign income is taxed at 0%. For tax residents, this represents a major advantage. In summary, temporary residency opens the way to this opportunity, but is not the automatic trigger.
Paraguayan citizenship requires strict conditions. To become a naturalized citizen, one must hold a permanent resident for 3 years, or 2 years if a direct relative is a Paraguayan citizen. Permanent residency requires itself 2 years of temporary residence. In other words, obtaining a passport involves a real stay. The exceptions reserved for descendants of Paraguayans (jus sanguinis) also imply a administrative procedures on site. Thus, remote naturalization remains illusory.
For a legal expatriation, the Temporary residence is an essential step. The total cost (approximately USD 363) remains affordable compared to other destinations. Key points : anticipate additional costs (apostille, translation), plan an initial stay of at least 7 days for the application, and research the local tax system. According to our analysis, expatriates often prefer Asunción for its infrastructure or Ciudad del Este for its business opportunities. Finally, maintaining a link with the country (bank account, local address) facilitates the transition to permanent residency.
Paraguay is not technically a tax haven, but its system attracts. As explained in the legal framework, it applies a territorial levy: only locally generated income is taxable, while foreign income (pensions, investments, digital commerce) evade taxes. This policy, aligned with international standards, avoids blacklists. Companies find an attractive balance between legality and tax competitiveness there, hence its attractiveness for digital nomads.
The cost of living in Paraguay is shown among the lowest in South America. In Asunción, a three-room apartment in the city center costs approximately USD 400-600 per month, while a full meal at an inexpensive restaurant costs around USD 5. Healthcare consultations are available for 20-50 USD.. This low standard of living constitutes a strategic lever for temporary residentsGiven that the local banking system allows opening accounts in USD. On the other hand, imported products (electronics, automobiles) remain expensive, which encourages optimizing spending.
The source of the confusion lies in regional diversity. Asunción, the political and economic capital, offers the best service network. Encarnación, bordering Argentina, combines a natural setting with reduced costs. Ciudad del Este, third city by linformal economy attracts entrepreneurs. For those who love peace and quiet, the departments of Chaco or the Pilar region offer a rural immersion. However, administrative procedures (such as obtaining the Cédula) remain centralized in Asunción, an element to integrate into your expatriation project.
To stay legally for more than 3 months, You have two options The second option is: extending the tourist visa up to 180 days, or obtaining temporary residency. more secure, because it grants rights such as work or starting a business. In practice, The process requires rigorous preparation Valid documents, certified translations, and in-person submission to the DGM in Asunción are required. Without these formalities, a prolonged stay becomes irregular, with penalties for consequences on future residence permits.
