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Getting residence in Paraguay

Paraguay remains a relatively accessible route to temporary then permanent residence, often tied to proof of income or modest investment.

Delays and requirements change; physical presence often required to finalize.

Before you start

Classic flow: temporary residence (temporary cédula) → after 3 years → permanent. Attractive tax territoriality but separate from residence title.

How to read the paths

Each card combines a category (how you qualify), an outcome (what you get) and duration (renewable title or permanent). RBI ≠ CBI: the first grants residence, the second a passport.

  • EU free movement — EU/EEA citizens: registration, not a classic consular visa.
  • Work / employment — Status tied to a local employer or qualifying contract.
  • Entrepreneur / company — Activity or company setup: the visa follows the project, not a passport.
  • Passive income / retirement — Stable income (pension, dividends, rent) without local employment.
  • Nomad / remote — Remote work for an employer or clients outside the country.
  • Residence by investment — Investment or financial threshold → residence (not a passport).
  • Citizenship by investment — Investment or contribution → passport (programmes often restricted).
  • Naturalisation / long stay — After years of legal stay: PR, ILR, C permit, etc.
  • Other — Visit, transit or routes outside the frames above.

Paths by category

Indicative thresholds, timelines and fees — verify with official sources and local counsel.

Passive income / retirement

Temporary residence (income / independent)

Passive income / retirement Residence permit Temporary
Who it fits
Proof of stable income, police record, apostilled birth certificate
Outcome
Renewable temporary cédula
Typical timeline
2–6 months
Indicative cost
$500–$3,000

Process steps

  1. Apostille birth certificate and police record in home country
  2. Translate documents to Spanish (Paraguay sworn translator)
  3. File dossier with Migraciones (often via lawyer)
  4. Stay on ground for fingerprints and medical exam
  5. Receive temporary cédula
  6. Renew annually until permanent eligibility

Sources: migraciones.gov.py

Naturalisation / long stay

Permanent residence (after 3 years)

Naturalisation / long stay Permanent residence Permanent
Who it fits
3 years legal temporary residence, means, clean record
Outcome
Permanent cédula
Typical timeline
2–6 months
Indicative cost
$300–$1,500

Process steps

  1. Document 3 years of renewals
  2. File permanent application
  3. Exams / fingerprints
  4. Receive permanent cédula

Sources: migraciones.gov.py

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