How to Get Temporary Residency in Paraguay in 2025
Paraguay's temporary residency program offers an excellent pathway for legal settlement in the country for a two-year period, with renewal options and potential conversion to permanent status. This immigration status grants full rights to live, work, and invest throughout Paraguayan territory.
Recent Legislative Updates
Paraguay's immigration landscape has undergone substantial reforms with the implementation of Decree N°6984/22 in 2022, which completely modernized the residency system. The most recent modifications from September 2024 have streamlined various aspects of the process, removing previous requirements such as financial solvency demonstrations.
These changes have transformed temporary residency into the most accessible route for subsequently obtaining permanent residence after completing 21 months of legal stay.
Required Documentation
The documentation process is divided into two categories: documents you can obtain from your home country and those exclusively available within Paraguay.
Essential Documents
- Valid passport from your country of birth
- Entry visa or immigration stamp according to your nationality
- Birth certificate apostilled from your birth country
- Civil status documents (when applicable):
- Marriage certificate
- Divorce decree
- Death certificate of spouse
Background Certificates
- Criminal background certificate from your country of residence for the past 3 years
- Paraguay Interpol certificate (processed locally)
- Foreign nationals background certificate issued by the National Police IT Department
Local Documents
- Life and residency certificate issued by the nearest police station to your address
- Sworn declaration of respect for Paraguay's Constitution and laws
- Professional activity declaration outlining your intended work in Paraguay
National ID Card Application Process
Once temporary residency is granted, the next step involves obtaining the Paraguayan national ID card, a mandatory process that must be completed within 180 days.
The documentation includes all certificates used for residency, plus additional ones requiring specific authentications at various police departments. Typical processing time is 15 days, though it can be significantly reduced with professional assistance.
Special Considerations for Minors
Applicants under 18 years old require additional documentation from parents or legal guardians, including apostilled identifications and notarized authorizations when applicable.
Language and Translation Requirements
All documents must be submitted in Spanish, except those in Portuguese valid in Brazil. Translations can be completed in Paraguay through registered public translators, or abroad with subsequent apostilling.
Apostilling and Legalization
Documents issued in countries signatory to the 1961 Hague Convention require apostilling. For non-signatory countries, Paraguayan consular legalization is necessary.
Process Timeline
Pre-Travel Phase
- Document collection and apostilling
- Advance translation (recommended)
- Consular requirement verification
Upon Arrival in Paraguay
The local process involves sequential visits to:
- Police IT Department
- Interpol Office
- Corresponding local police station
- Police Human Resources Department
- National Migration Directorate
Post-Approval Phase
- Temporary residency card collection
- National ID card processing
- Full residential rights activation
Associated Costs
The official temporary residency fee amounts to approximately $350 USD, payable directly to Migration authorities. Additional expenses include:
- Police certifications: $40-60 USD
- Official translations: $30-50 USD per page
- Document authentications: $45 USD
- Certified copies: $10 USD per page
The total estimated cost for independent processing ranges from $1,200-1,400 USD. Professional services vary from $1,700 to $6,000 USD, depending on the level of assistance included.
Processing Duration
Processing time varies significantly:
- Independent process: 45-100 days from arrival
- With professional assistance: Reducible to 48 hours for initial application
- Document issuance: 90-day average (can be expedited)
Important Recommendations
While the law doesn't mandate professional assistance, the process complexity and importance of avoiding errors that could compromise your application make specialized support highly advisable.
Paraguay's temporary residency offers a clear path toward legal establishment in one of South America's most attractive countries for immigration, featuring accessible requirements and significant benefits for new residents.
Key Benefits
Temporary residency provides immediate access to:
- Legal employment opportunities
- Investment and business establishment rights
- Healthcare system access
- Banking and financial services
- Educational institution enrollment
- Property ownership rights
Path to Permanent Residency
After 21 months of continuous temporary residency, applicants become eligible to apply for permanent status, which offers additional benefits including:
- Indefinite stay authorization
- Enhanced travel privileges
- Greater investment opportunities
- Simplified renewal processes
Final Considerations
Paraguay's immigration system has become increasingly efficient and foreigner-friendly, making it an attractive destination for individuals seeking a stable, affordable, and legally secure residence in South America. The combination of simplified requirements, reasonable costs, and comprehensive benefits makes temporary residency an excellent first step toward long-term settlement in Paraguay.