Guide to Residency in Paraguay

Obtaining a residency visa in Paraguay is not always easy, but our Guide to Residency in Paraguay gives newcomers an overview of the steps involved and advice from others who have already navigated the process.

• Gather Required Personal Documents
  • Birth certificate: Must be apostilled or legalized by the Paraguayan consulate in your country.
  • Police clearance certificate: Also needs to be apostilled or legalized and should not be older than 90 days when you apply for residency.
  • Health certificate: You will need to get a health certificate from a public health institution in Paraguay after you arrive.
  • Marriage certificate (if applicable): Should be apostilled or legalized.
  • Passport: Valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry into Paraguay.
  • Passport-sized photos: Generally, you will need several copies.
• Apply for a Tax Number (RUC)
  • Visit the Subsecretaría de Estado de Tributación (SET) website or office. Unfortunately, as of my knowledge cutoff date, there is no English version of the SET website. You may need the help of a translator or a local facilitator.
  • Complete the application form for a RUC (Registro Único de Contribuyentes).
  • Provide a copy of your passport and proof of address in Paraguay.
  • Once you have your RUC, you will also need to apply for a tax receipt (factura legal) which is necessary for the residency application.
• Open a Bank Account in Paraguay
  • Choose a Paraguayan bank and visit a branch in person.
  • Present your passport, proof of address, and RUC number.
  • Deposit the required initial amount, which varies by bank.
• Deposit the Required Amount in Your Bank Account
  • Deposit an amount equivalent to 35 minimum wages in Paraguay into your new bank account. This is to prove economic solvency.
  • Obtain a bank certification or statement showing the deposit, which will be used for the residency application.
• Apply for Residency
  • Visit the Dirección General de Migraciones (DGM) office or their website (which, as of my knowledge cutoff date, does not have an English version).
  • Complete the residency application form.
  • Submit all the gathered personal documents, including the bank certification.
  • Pay the application fee, which varies depending on your nationality and the type of residency you are applying for.
• Attend the Residency Interview
  • After submitting your application, you will be scheduled for an interview at the DGM office.
  • During the interview, you may be asked about your reasons for moving to Paraguay, your financial situation, and your plans in the country.
• Wait for Approval
  • Residency applications can take several months to process.
  • During this time, stay in contact with the DGM and be prepared to provide additional information if requested.
• Receive Your Residency Card
  • Once your application is approved, you will be notified to collect your residency card from the DGM office.
  • This card is proof of your legal status in Paraguay and is required for various transactions and registrations.
• Register with the Local Police
  • Within 30 days of receiving your residency card, you must register with the local police in your area of residence.
  • Provide your residency card and passport when registering.

Please note that the process and requirements for obtaining residency in Paraguay can change, and it is advisable to check with the Paraguayan consulate or embassy in your country or consult with a legal professional in Paraguay for the most current information.

What tips do expats have about residency and visas in Paraguay?

"In order to visit Paraguay, foreign nationals must obtain a visa prior to their arrival. The process of applying for a visa involves submitting an application form, a valid passport, a passport-sized photograph, and proof of sufficient funds to cover the duration of the stay. Depending on the purpose of the visit, additional documents may be required. In order to obtain residency in Paraguay, foreign nationals must submit an application form, a valid passport, a passport-sized photograph, proof of sufficient funds to cover the duration of the stay, and a criminal background check. Depending on the purpose of the residency, additional documents may be required. Once the application is approved, the foreign national will be issued a residency card, which must be renewed every two years," commented one member living in Paraguay.