Your Complete Guide to Obtaining Temporary Residency in Paraguay

Paraguay has emerged as an attractive destination for digital nomads and expatriates seeking a new life in South America. With its relatively accessible residency process and growing expat community, the country offers an excellent opportunity for those looking to establish legal residence. This comprehensive guide walks you through every step of obtaining temporary residency in Paraguay, from initial document preparation to collecting your residency card.

Looking for professional assistance with your residency application? Our expert team can guide you through the entire process to ensure a smooth and successful application.

Important Disclaimer

Immigration regulations can evolve, and individual cases may require additional documentation. While this guide provides thorough coverage of the standard process, always verify current requirements with the Paraguayan Migration Department upon arrival. Having functional Spanish language skills will significantly ease your journey through this process.

For personalized guidance and up-to-date information on residency requirements, explore our comprehensive residency services tailored to your specific situation.

Phase 1: Document Preparation (Before Departure)

Your residency journey begins long before you set foot in Paraguay. Proper document preparation is crucial for a successful application, with timing being particularly important for certain certificates.

Essential Documents Checklist

Primary Documentation:

• Valid passport (minimum 6 months validity remaining)
• Original birth certificate (long-form from vital records office)
• Criminal background check from your country of residence (covering minimum 3 years)
• Marriage, divorce, or death certificates (if applicable)

Critical Requirement - Apostille Certification: Every document must be apostilled in the country where it was issued. If your country participates in the Hague Apostille Convention, this process authenticates your documents for international recognition.

Strategic Timing Considerations

The criminal background check typically expires after 6 months, making timing crucial. Consider obtaining this document last in your preparation sequence, or even after arriving in Paraguay if your home country permits remote applications.

Pro Tip: Invest in a sturdy legal-size folder to protect your documents throughout the application process in Paraguay.

Phase 2: Arrival and Initial Steps

Entry Requirements

Most citizens from the USA, Canada, UK, Australia, New Zealand, and EU countries can enter Paraguay visa-free for 90 days as tourists. Ensure you receive an entry stamp at Silvio Pettirossi International Airport in Asunción.

Airport Details:

• Location: Av. Aviadores del Chaco y Autopista Silvio Pettirossi, Luque
• Process: Present passport and receive tourist entry stamp
• Transportation: Uber and Bolt operate from the airport (approximately $13 USD to city center)

Visa Requirements (If Applicable)

Some nationalities require a tourist visa before arrival. Visa fees often must be paid in pristine US dollar bills, so prepare accordingly if this applies to you.

Phase 3: In-Country Document Processing

This phase involves multiple government offices in Asunción and represents the core of your residency application.

Key Government Offices and Services

Document Translation Services: All foreign documents require certified Spanish translation by a Paraguayan "Traductor Público Jurado" (certified public translator). The Supreme Court of Justice maintains an official directory of qualified translators.

Notary Public Services: You'll need to authenticate document copies at a notary office ("Escribanía"). Two convenient locations include:

• Escribanía Vicente Gadea: Caballero 204, Asunción (across from Migration Department)
• Escribanía Guido Flor: Av. Dr. Guido Boggiani 6411, Asunción

Law Enforcement Clearances: Two separate clearance certificates are required:

1. Interpol Certificate - Obtained at Interpol Office (Cnel. Gracia Nº 468, Asunción)
2. Cybercrime Clearance - Issued by Police IT Department (Avda. Mcal. López 1451, Asunción)

Step-by-Step Process Overview

Step 1: Document Translation

• Location: Certified translator offices throughout Asunción
• Cost: $60-$375 USD equivalent in Guaranies (varies by document volume)
• Timeline: 1-3 business days
• Requirements: All apostilled documents must be translated to Spanish

Step 2: Photography Requirements

Obtain six (6) passport-sized photos (3×4 cm or 30×40 mm) meeting these specifications:

• Recent (within 6 months)
• Clear facial view with neutral expression
• Plain white background
• Direct camera gaze

Step 3: Notary Authentication

• Location: Any licensed "Escribanía" in Asunción
• Process: Authenticate photocopies of your passport and other documents
• Cost: $50-$100 USD equivalent in Guaranies

Step 4: Law Enforcement Clearances

Interpol Certificate:

• Location: Cnel. Gracia Nº 468, Asunción
• Requirements: Authenticated passport copy, passport photos
• Process: Fingerprinting (traditional ink method)
• Cost: ~$12 USD equivalent in Guaranies
• Timeline: 1-2 business days

Police IT Department Clearance:

• Location: Avda. Mcal. López 1451, Asunción
• Cost: ~$20 USD equivalent in Guaranies
• Timeline: Same day processing

Step 5: Final Document Authentication

Return to a notary public to authenticate copies of your translations and clearance certificates.

Application Submission

Migration Department Details:

• Location: Caballero 201, Asunción
• Phone: +595 21 419 3000
• Hours: 7:00 AM - 3:00 PM, Monday-Friday
• Website: https://www.migraciones.gov.py

Submission Strategy: Arrive before 7:00 AM opening time to minimize wait times. Take a number from the kiosk - start with "Informes" for initial inquiries, then "Registro" or "Residencia" for actual submission.

Complete Application Package

Your final submission must include:

Original Documents:

• All apostilled certificates
• Interpol clearance certificate
• Police IT clearance certificate

Authenticated Copies:

• Two copies of each apostilled document
• Two copies of each Spanish translation
• Two copies of each clearance certificate

Additional Requirements:

• Two sworn declarations (provided by Migration Department)
  • Declaration of Profession
  • Declaration of Constitutional Compliance
• Valid passport
• Digital photo capture (done on-site)

Phase 4: Processing Period

Timeline and Status

Standard Processing: 60-100 days from submission Status Monitoring: Check Migration Department website for online tracking options

Maintaining Legal Status

Your tourist status must remain valid during processing. If your 90-day period expires before approval:

Precarious Residency Certificate:

• Cost: ~$75 USD equivalent in Guaranies
• Duration: 90 days
• Purpose: Legal stay while application processes

Once you obtain your temporary residency, you'll be able to open local bank accounts. Learn about the best banking options for freelancers and digital nomads in Paraguay to manage your finances effectively.

Phase 5: Card Collection

Once approved, you'll receive notification to collect your temporary residency card from the Migration Department. Bring your approval notification and passport for card pickup.

After receiving your residency card, you may want to explore business opportunities. Check our guide on Paraguay tax advantages for US LLC operations to optimize your business structure.

Financial Summary

Cost Breakdown (Self-Filed Application)

All fees paid in Paraguayan Guaranies at current exchange rates

Want to avoid the hassle and ensure everything is done correctly? Book a consultation with our immigration specialists who can handle the entire process for you.

Timeline Summary

• Total Duration: 2-3 months
• Active Processing Time: 4-7 business days
• Government Processing: 60-100 days
• Next Step: Apply for Paraguayan Cédula (National ID)

Essential Tips for Success

Practical Considerations

Location Strategy: All procedures occur in Greater Asunción, so plan accommodation accordingly.

Language Preparation: Basic Spanish skills are highly recommended. Consider translation apps or professional assistance if needed.

Transportation: Uber and Bolt provide reliable transportation between government offices.

Flexibility: Immigration processes can be unpredictable. Maintain flexible travel plans and expect potential delays.

Business Hours: Government offices operate 7:00 AM - 3:00 PM, Monday-Friday. Weekends and holidays will extend timelines.

Final Recommendations

Verification: Always confirm current requirements at the Migration Department's "Informes" desk upon arrival.

Professional Assistance: Consider hiring a local lawyer or immigration specialist if you're uncomfortable navigating the process independently. Our experienced team offers comprehensive residency services to ensure your application success.

Documentation: Keep multiple copies of all documents and maintain organized records throughout the process.

Patience: Immigration bureaucracy requires patience. Plan for delays and maintain a positive attitude throughout the journey.

Official Resources

• Migration Department: https://www.migraciones.gov.py
• Government Services Portal: https://www.suace.gov.py
• Airport Information: https://www.dinac.gov.py/aeropuerto-silvio-pettirossi/

Remember that immigration laws and procedures can change without notice. This guide provides a comprehensive overview based on current information, but always verify requirements with official sources before beginning your application process.

Paraguay's temporary residency program offers an accessible path to South American residency for qualifying applicants. With proper preparation, patience, and attention to detail, you can successfully navigate this process and begin your new chapter in Paraguay.

Ready to start your residency journey? Contact our expert team today for personalized guidance and support throughout your entire application process.