How to Obtain a Certificate of Life and Residence in Paraguay
The certificate of life and residence is an official document that certifies that a person is alive and effectively resides at a specific address within Paraguayan territory. This procedure is essential for various administrative processes, both national and international.
What is a certificate of life and residence?
The certificate of life and residence is an official certificate issued by local police authorities that certifies two fundamental aspects:
- Life: Confirms that the applicant is alive at the time of the procedure
- Residence: Verifies that the person effectively resides at the declared address
This document is widely required for retirement procedures, pensions, immigration processes, consular procedures, and other administrative processes that require proving the applicant's current status.
Required Documents
To obtain a certificate of life and residence in Paraguay, you must present the following documents:
Applicant's documentation
- Official form: Obtained and completed at the local police station corresponding to your address
- Original identity card: For data verification
- Photocopy of identity card: Of the applicant, legible and complete
Required witnesses
- Two Paraguayan witnesses: Must be of Paraguayan nationality
- Important: Foreigners with Paraguayan identity cards are not accepted as witnesses
- Witnesses must present their original identity cards
Proof of address
You must present one of the following documents that prove your residence:
- ANDE bill (National Electricity Administration)
- ESSAP bill (Paraguay Water and Sewerage Company)
- COPACO bill (Paraguayan Communications Company)
- Valid housing rental contract
The proof must be in the applicant's name and correspond to the address where they declare to reside.
Step-by-step process
1. Document preparation
Gather all required documents and ensure they are valid and in good condition.
2. Witness selection
Contact two people of Paraguayan nationality who can accompany you as witnesses. It's important to confirm that they are Paraguayan by birth or naturalized.
3. Presentation at police station
- Go to the local police station corresponding to your address
- Obtain and complete the official form
- Present all documentation along with the witnesses
4. Police verification
Police authorities will verify:
- The identity of the applicant and witnesses
- The authenticity of the presented documents
- The correspondence of the declared address
5. Processing
Once the complete application is submitted, the processing period will begin.
Delivery time
The certificate of life and residence will be delivered within a minimum of 24 business hours after submitting the complete application with all requirements.
It's important to consider that:
- The deadline is counted in business days (Monday to Friday, excluding holidays)
- Delivery may take longer in exceptional cases requiring additional verification
- It's recommended to check the status of the procedure if more time than estimated passes
Important tips
Before starting the procedure
- Verify that your proof of address is valid and legible
- Confirm the availability of your Paraguayan witnesses
- Make sure you know the location and business hours of your local police station
During the procedure
- Present original documents and copies when required
- Maintain a cooperative attitude with authorities
- Keep the application receipt they give you
After the procedure
- Collect the certificate within the established deadline
- Verify that all data is correct before leaving
- Request additional copies if you need them for different procedures
Special considerations
For foreign residents
Foreigners with Paraguayan identity cards can request this certificate following the same procedure, but remembering that their witnesses must be Paraguayan by birth or naturalized.
Certificate validity
The validity of the certificate may vary depending on its intended use. Consult with the institution that requires it about accepted validity periods.
Costs
Check with your local police station about applicable fees, as they may vary by jurisdiction.
Conclusion
Obtaining a certificate of life and residence in Paraguay is a relatively simple procedure when all requirements are met. The key to success lies in prior preparation of documentation and having available Paraguayan witnesses. Remember that this document is essential for many official procedures, so it's important to obtain it with correct and complete documentation from the first attempt.