Paraguay Residency Requirements: Comprehensive Guide (2026) including MERCOSUR.

Paraguay is widely recognized as one of the most accessible countries in the world for obtaining legal residency. With minimal barriers to entry, a favorable legal framework, and a straightforward administrative process, Paraguay has become an increasingly attractive destination for entrepreneurs, investors, digital nomads, retirees, and globally professionals.

At Paraguay Gateway, we specialize in guiding foreign nationals through every stage of the residency process, ensuring legal certainty, efficiency, and full compliance with Paraguayan law. To date, we have assisted more than 40 applicants from around the world in successfully obtaining temporary and permanent residency in Paraguay.

This guide outlines the main residency options available, the applicable requirements, and the key differences depending on nationality and residency pathway.

Paraguay Offers One of the Easiest Residency Programs in the World

In general terms, any individual with a clean criminal record is eligible to apply for residency in Paraguay. There are no minimum income thresholds for most residency categories, no mandatory investment for temporary residency, and no requirement to maintain continuous physical presence in the country.

The most common pathway consists of:

1. Obtaining temporary residency, and

2. Converting it into permanent residency after approximately 21 months.

   
   

Alternatively, applicants who meet specific investment criteria may qualify directly for permanent residency.

It is important to note that requirements may vary slightly depending on whether the applicant is a citizen of a MERCOSUR member state or a non-MERCOSUR country.

Temporary Residency

Temporary residency is the most popular and accessible option.

Key Features

• Valid for 2 years

• Grants the right to live, work and invest in Paraguay

• Subjects the resident to Paraguayan tax residency rules

• Convertible to permanent residency after 21 months

• No minimum income, net worth, or investment required

• No bank deposit required under current law

Law No. 6984/2022 eliminated the previous requirement to deposit USD 5,000 in a Paraguayan bank, making the process even more accessible.

Documents Required (Non-MERCOSUR Citizens)

Applicants must arrive in Paraguay with the following documents:

• Valid passport

• Entry visa or Paraguayan entry stamp

• Birth certificate (apostilled)

• Criminal record certificate (apostilled) from:

  • The country of nationality, or

  • Any country of residence during the last three years (if applicable), plus proof of residence

• Civil status documents (apostilled), if applicable:

  • Marriage certificate (if married)

  • Divorce certificate (if divorced)

Once in Paraguay, the applicant must obtain:

• Interpol background check (Paraguay)

• Criminal record certificate for foreigners issued by the Police Informatics Department

• Two sworn declarations required by migration authorities

  
  

With these documents, the applicant files the residency application at the Dirección Nacional de Migraciones and subsequently applies for a Paraguayan identity card (cédula).

Temporary Residency for MERCOSUR Citizens

Citizens of MERCOSUR member states benefit from a simplified and faster process.

Key Differences

• National ID can be used instead of a passport

• Entry is proven with a boleta migratoria rather than a passport stamp

• Criminal record certificate can be obtained through the applicant’s embassy or consulate in Paraguay

• No Interpol registration required; replaced by a sworn declaration

• No financial solvency requirement

The remaining requirements are substantially similar, and MERCOSUR citizens may also opt to follow the standard non-MERCOSUR procedure if preferred.

Permanent Residency by Investment

Paraguay allows foreign nationals to obtain immediate permanent residency by qualifying as investors who contribute capital and employment to the local economy.

Key Characteristics

• Permanent residency granted from the outset

• Documents renewed every 10 years

• No minimum stay requirement to maintain residency status

  
  

Investment Requirements

To qualify, the applicant must obtain a Certificado de Constancia de Inversionista, issued by SUACE, pursuant to Article 34 of Law 978/96.

The business plan must demonstrate:

• A minimum investment of USD 70,000 (or equivalent in guaraníes)

• Employment of at least five local employees

Additional Documentation Required

• SUACE application form

• Company incorporation documents (if already established)

• Sworn declaration if the business is not yet operational

• Proof of legal representation authority

• Interpol criminal record certificate (Paraguay)

• Valid passport and entry documentation

Once issued, this certificate is submitted to the Department of Migrations together with the standard residency documents to obtain permanent residency.

Converting Temporary Residency to Permanent Residency

After 21 months of temporary residency, applicants may apply for permanent residency.

Non-MERCOSUR Citizens – Required Documents

• Paraguayan identity card or a report of its loss if it has been misplaced.

• Passport from the country of origin.

• Carnet de radicación temporal issued by the Department of Migrations when applying for temporary residency.

• Certificate of good conduct issued by the Paraguayan police.

• Certificate of criminal record for foreigners issued by the local police’s Informatics Department.

• Certificado de vida y residencia, a document obtained from the local police station upon request.

• Certificate of criminal record obtained from Interpol in Paraguay.

• Any documents proving changes in profession, marital status, or other personal details since obtaining temporary residency.

• Documents demonstrating the applicant’s financial solvency.

  
  

Financial solvency may be demonstrated through:

• Employees: Employment contract.

• Entrepreneurs and shareholders: Articles of incorporation for their business and shareholder records

• Technicians and professionals: Certificates or university diplomas demonstrating their qualifications

• Freelancers and traders: Proof of registration with the RUC (Registro Único del Contribuyente) and a record of issued and received invoices

• Students: Documents proving enrollment in a Paraguayan university or school

• Economically dependent individuals: Documents verifying their familial relationship with a resident in Paraguay, the identity card of the person they are dependent on, and proof of that person’s financial solvency

There is no minimum income threshold, only proof of lawful economic activity or support.

MERCOSUR Citizens – Conversion Requirements

For MERCOSUR nationals, the process is more streamlined:

• Passport or national ID

• Criminal record certificate from Paraguayan police

• Temporary residency card

• Proof of financial solvency

However, In this case, solvency has to be demonstrated through a bank deposit equivalent to 350 days of minimum wage, currently around 36 million guaraníes (approx. USD 5,000). Students are exempt and may provide proof of enrollment instead.

How Paraguay Gateway Can Assist You

While Paraguay offers one of the most accessible residency systems globally, professional legal guidance remains essential. Regulations evolve, administrative criteria vary, and errors can cause unnecessary delays or rejections.

At Paraguay Gateway, our multidisciplinary team of legal, administrative, and tax professionals provides end-to-end support, including:

• Residency strategy assessment

• Document review and compliance checks

• On-the-ground assistance in Paraguay

• Tax and cross-border advisory coordination

We offer assistance in English, Spanish, Portuguese, and French, and initial guidance is provided at no cost.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is there a minimum income requirement to obtain residency in Paraguay?

No. There is no minimum income requirement for either temporary or permanent residency.

Who qualifies for residency in Paraguay?

Any individual without a serious criminal history may apply. Minor misdemeanors may still be accepted, subject to approval by migration authorities.

What is the minimum investment for permanent residency by investment?

A minimum investment of USD 70,000 within six months of application. Alternatively, applicants may obtain temporary residency first and convert it later without any investment requirement.

If you are considering a second residency in Paraguay and want legal certainty from the outset, Paraguay Gateway is your trusted partner for a smooth, compliant, and strategic relocation process.