🇵🇾

Paraguay

South America

Paraguay is a landlocked country in South America that has become extremely popular with digital nomads due to its territorial tax system (0% tax on foreign income), easy residency process, and very low cost of living. Although Paraguay does NOT have a specific digital nomad visa, its temporary residency program (Law 6984/22) requires no minimum income proof and can be obtained in just 3-4 days in-country, making it one of the easiest second residencies in the world. After 21 months, temporary residents can convert to permanent residency. Paraguay is a MERCOSUR member, providing visa-free travel throughout South America.

6
Visa Types
90
Nationalities visa-free
🪪Your Passport:

Visa requirements vary by nationality

🎫 Available Visa Types

Recommended for Digital Nomads
Tourist

Visa-Free Entry (90 Days)

Citizens of ~95 countries including US, Canada, EU, UK, Australia can enter Paraguay visa-free for up to 90 days. A one-time 90-day extension is available from Migraciones.

90 days
Duration
$0
fee
+$50 additional
⚠️Remote Work: Grey Area

No specific prohibition for tourists working remotely on foreign contracts, but Paraguayan law technically requires a residency permit for any work activity. Enforcement is virtually non-existent. For legal certainty, obtain temporary residency which includes full work authorization and has no income requirement.

Key Benefits

No visa required for 90+ countries
Free entry
Immediate processing
MERCOSUR members can use ID card only
Can explore residency options while visiting
📋 Requirements (5)
  • Valid passport for duration of stay
  • Return or onward ticket
  • Proof of accommodation
  • Sufficient funds for stay
  • Yellow fever vaccination certificate if arriving from risk countries
📝 Application Process
Embassy RequiredImmediate on arrival
  1. 1Arrive at any port of entry (airport or land border)
  2. 2Present valid passport to immigration officer
  3. 3Receive entry stamp with 90-day permission to stay
  4. 4IMPORTANT: At land borders, ensure immigration stamps your passport — missing stamp results in fines on departure
Apply Online
🔄 Extension & Renewal

Extension: 90 days (max 1x)

Cost: $50

Process: Apply in person at Dirección General de Migraciones (Asunción or Ciudad del Este) before initial 90-day stamp expires. Total maximum stay is 180 days.

Renewal: After 180 days as tourist, must leave Paraguay. Consider applying for temporary residency for longer stays.

🛡️ Tax Implications

Paraguay uses territorial taxation: 0% tax on foreign-source income. Only Paraguayan-source income is taxed (IRP 8-10%). CRITICAL: services delivered FROM Paraguay may be classified as Paraguayan-source income even with foreign clients. Tourists staying under 183 days are generally not tax residents. Source: PwC Tax Summaries.

💡 Pro Tips

  • At land borders (especially Ciudad del Este from Brazil), insist on getting your passport stamped immediately
  • The 90-day extension must be requested BEFORE the initial period expires
  • Remote work enforcement is virtually non-existent, but legally requires a residency permit
  • If you plan to stay long-term, apply for temporary residency — it has no income requirement
Recommended for Digital Nomads
Special Program

Temporary Residency (Residencia Temporaria)

Two-year residency permit with full work authorization — the most popular option for digital nomads. No income requirement, no bank deposit, no investment needed. Can convert to permanent residency after 21 months.

730 days
Duration
$601
fee
+$1,760 additional
Remote Work: Allowed

Temporary residency includes full work authorization. Remote work for foreign clients is legal. However, income from services delivered from Paraguayan territory may be classified as Paraguayan-source and subject to IRP 8-10%, even with foreign clients. Foreign-source income (delivered from outside Paraguay) is 0% taxed. Proper structuring is essential.

Key Benefits

Full work authorization — can work, invest, sign contracts
No income requirement or minimum bank deposit
No investment required
Territorial taxation: 0% on foreign-source income
Pathway to permanent residency after 21 months
Can obtain Paraguayan cedula (national ID)
Access to Mercosur benefits for regional travel
📋 Requirements (8)
  • Valid passport with official entry stamp
  • Apostilled birth certificate from home country
  • Apostilled criminal background check from home country (and any country lived in last 3 years)
  • Interpol certificate obtained in Asunción
  • Paraguayan National Police clearance
  • Certificate of Life and Residence (obtained locally)
  • All foreign documents apostilled and translated by registered Paraguayan translator
  • Since July 2023: settlement visa from Paraguayan embassy required before entering ($160 fee)
📝 Application Process
Embassy Required45-90 days
  1. 1Obtain settlement visa from nearest Paraguayan embassy ($160 fee, required since July 2023)
  2. 2Gather and apostille documents from home country (birth certificate, criminal record)
  3. 3Travel to Paraguay and enter with settlement visa
  4. 4Obtain local documents: Interpol certificate, police clearance, life/residence certificate
  5. 5Have foreign documents translated by certified Paraguayan translator
  6. 6Submit application at Dirección General de Migraciones in Asunción
  7. 7Provide biometrics
  8. 8Receive temporary residency card (processing: 45-90 days)
Apply Online
🔄 Extension & Renewal

Extension: 730 days (max 1x)

Cost: $350

Process: Can extend once for another 2 years, or convert to permanent residency after 21 months.

Renewal: Can renew for another 2 years or convert to permanent residency after 21 months. Conversion is simpler than initial application — no apostilled foreign documents required.

🛡️ Tax Implications

Territorial tax system: 0% on foreign-source income. Paraguayan-source income: IRP 8-10% progressively. CRITICAL: if you deliver services FROM Paraguay, even to foreign clients, this may be classified as Paraguayan-source income and taxed 8-10%. Corporate tax (IRE) is 10% flat. Dividends: 8% for residents. No wealth tax, no inheritance tax. Source: PwC Tax Summaries, GoParaguay.

💡 Pro Tips

  • Request criminal background check LAST — it has the shortest validity and expired certificates cause rejection
  • Since July 2023, most nationalities need a settlement visa from embassy before entering
  • Total DIY cost is approximately $750-$1,400; with professional help $1,200-$2,300
  • You can convert to permanent residency after just 21 months — most accessible path in South America
  • CRITICAL tax note: services delivered FROM Paraguay may be taxed 8-10% even with foreign clients
Recommended for Digital Nomads
Special Program

Permanent Residency (Residencia Permanente)

Ten-year permanent residency obtained after 21+ months of temporary residency. The old $5,000 bank deposit shortcut was eliminated by Law 6984/2022. Full work rights, renewable every 10 years, pathway to citizenship after 3 years.

3650 days
Duration
$524
fee
+$1,500 additional
Remote Work: Allowed

Full work authorization as permanent resident. Remote work for foreign clients is legal. Same territorial tax rules apply — foreign-source income is 0% taxed, but services delivered from Paraguay may be 8-10%.

Key Benefits

Full unrestricted work rights
10-year residency card — minimal renewal burden
Paraguayan cedula (national ID)
Territorial taxation: 0% on foreign-source income
Can be absent up to 3 years (vs 1 year for temporary)
Pathway to citizenship after 3 years of permanent residency
Mercosur freedom of movement
📋 Requirements (6)
  • Must have held temporary residency for at least 21 months
  • Valid passport
  • Current Paraguayan National Police clearance
  • Updated Certificate of Life and Residence
  • Proof of financial solvency (degree, employment, business, or bank statement)
  • No new apostilled foreign documents needed if converting from temporary
📝 Application Process
Embassy Required3-6 months
  1. 1Complete at least 21 months of temporary residency
  2. 2Gather updated local documents (police clearance, life/residence certificate)
  3. 3Prepare proof of financial solvency
  4. 4Submit conversion application at Migraciones
  5. 5Provide biometric data
  6. 6Receive permanent residency card (processing: 3-6 months)
  7. 7Collect cedula within 6 months of approval
Apply Online

🛡️ Tax Implications

Permanent residents are tax residents. Territorial tax: 0% on foreign-source income. Paraguayan-source income: IRP 8-10%. Dividends: 8% for residents, 15% for non-residents. No wealth tax, no inheritance tax. Source: PwC Tax Summaries.

💡 Pro Tips

  • The $5,000 deposit for direct permanent residency was eliminated in 2022 by Law 6984
  • Conversion from temporary is much simpler — no foreign apostilled documents needed
  • After 3 years of permanent residency with 183 days/year presence, can apply for citizenship
  • Paraguay formally allows dual citizenship only with Spain and Italy, but renunciation is rarely enforced

Visa on Arrival

TouristPopular

Available only to citizens of Oman and Qatar. Grants a maximum stay of 30 days, obtainable at any port of entry in Paraguay.

30d
Duration
$50
fee
📍Apply: On Arrival
Immediate on arrival
🔄Extendable +90d
View full details
💰 Cost Breakdown
USDUSD
Required
Visa on arrival feeApproximate fee payable at port of entry in cash
$50
Required Total
$50
💡 Costs may vary. Additional costs are estimates and may not all apply to your situation. Always verify current fees with official sources.

📋 Requirements

  • Valid passport with at least 6 months validity
  • Passport-sized photos
  • Return or onward ticket
  • Proof of accommodation
  • Sufficient funds for stay
  • Only available to citizens of Oman and Qatar

📝 Application Steps

  1. 1Arrive at Silvio Pettirossi International Airport (ASU)
  2. 2Proceed to immigration counter
  3. 3Present passport and required documents
  4. 4Pay visa fee (USD 50-160 depending on nationality)
  5. 5Receive visa stamp for 90 days

⚠️ Restrictions

  • Only available at Silvio Pettirossi Airport (ASU) for US/Canada/Australia/NZ
  • Qatar/Oman can use any port of entry (30 days only)
  • Cannot work locally
  • Cannot open bank account as tourist

🚫 Remote Work: Not Permitted

Short-term tourist visa — no work authorization. For remote work, obtain a temporary residency permit.

🛡️ Tax Implications

Short tourist stay — no tax residency implications. Paraguay uses territorial taxation: foreign-source income is not taxed regardless of residency status.

💡 Tips

  • Have exact cash amount ready for the visa fee
  • Ensure your passport has at least 6 months validity
  • For longer stays, consider applying for a visa at a Paraguayan embassy in advance

Investor Residency (SUACE)

Special Program

Fast-track permanent residency through SUACE. Requires $70,000 investment plan over 10 years and creation of 5 local jobs. Grants immediate 10-year permanent residency — no temporary phase required.

3650d
Duration
$75,800
fee
+$38,000 additional
📍Apply: Embassy
45-90 days
🔄No extension
View full details
💰 Cost Breakdown
USDUSD
Required
Business investment (over 10 years)Minimum $70,000 deployed over 10 years via business plan — not required upfront
$70,000
Government and ID feesImmigration processing and cedula fees
$800
Legal and processing feesRange $3,000-$6,000
$5,000
Additional (estimated)
Employee salaries (5 minimum)~$400/month minimum wage x 5 employees = $24,000/year ongoing
$24,000
Full-service agency feeAll-inclusive packages range $10,000-$14,000
$14,000
Required Total
$75,800
+ Additional (estimated)
$38,000
Estimated Total
$113,800
💡 Costs may vary. Additional costs are estimates and may not all apply to your situation. Always verify current fees with official sources.

📋 Requirements

  • Valid passport with entry stamp
  • Apostilled criminal background check
  • Interpol certificate obtained in Asunción
  • Business plan showing minimum $70,000 investment over 10 years
  • Commitment to create at least 5 local jobs
  • Settlement visa from Paraguayan embassy (required since July 2023)

📝 Application Steps

  1. 1Obtain settlement visa from nearest Paraguayan embassy ($160)
  2. 2Prepare and apostille all required documents
  3. 3Travel to Paraguay
  4. 4Obtain local documents (Interpol, police clearance)
  5. 5Prepare detailed business plan ($70,000 over 10 years, 5 jobs)
  6. 6Submit business plan to SUACE office and receive Foreign Investor Certificate
  7. 7Submit permanent residency application at Migraciones
  8. 8Provide biometrics and receive 10-year permanent residency card and cedula

⚠️ Restrictions

  • Must employ at least 5 Paraguayan workers (~$400/month each)
  • Must follow through on business plan commitments
  • Must not be absent more than 3 years consecutively
  • Business must be registered and operational through SUACE
  • Ongoing employee costs ~$24,000/year minimum

Remote Work: Allowed

Full permanent residency with unrestricted work rights. Can operate businesses, hire employees, and work remotely. Territorial tax: foreign-source income is 0% taxed.

🛡️ Tax Implications

As permanent resident and business owner: IRE 10% on Paraguayan-source business income. IRP 8-10% on personal Paraguayan-source income. Foreign-source income: 0%. Dividends: 8% for residents. Employee costs are deductible. Source: PwC Tax Summaries.

💡 Tips

  • The $70,000 is deployed over 10 years via business plan — NOT required upfront
  • The 5-employee requirement costs ~$2,000/month or $24,000/year
  • Film/creative projects: investment threshold drops to $40,000
  • This is the fastest path to permanent residency — as little as 45 days
  • Use a local lawyer experienced with SUACE — business plan has specific format requirements

Standard Visa (Embassy Application)

Tourist

Required for citizens of countries not eligible for visa-free entry or visa on arrival. Single entry $65 USD, multiple entry $100 USD. Valid for 90 days.

90d
Duration
$65
fee
+$100 additional
📍Apply: Embassy
5-30 business days
🔄Extendable +90d
View full details
💰 Cost Breakdown
USDUSD
Required
Single entry visa feePayable in cash or money order at embassy/consulate
$65
Additional (estimated)
Multiple entry visa feeAlternative to single entry — allows multiple entries within validity
$100
Required Total
$65
+ Additional (estimated)
$100
Estimated Total
$165
💡 Costs may vary. Additional costs are estimates and may not all apply to your situation. Always verify current fees with official sources.

📋 Requirements

  • Valid passport with at least 6 months validity
  • Completed visa application form
  • Passport-sized photos
  • Proof of accommodation in Paraguay
  • Return or onward flight ticket
  • Proof of sufficient funds
  • Travel itinerary
  • Visa fee in cash or money order

📝 Application Steps

  1. 1Check if your nationality requires a visa at mre.gov.py/visasenlinea/
  2. 2Complete online pre-application form (optional)
  3. 3Gather required documents
  4. 4Visit nearest Paraguayan embassy or consulate in person
  5. 5Submit application and pay fee ($65 single / $100 multiple entry)
  6. 6Wait for processing (5-30 business days)
  7. 7Collect approved visa

⚠️ Restrictions

  • Requires invitation letter
  • Must apply before travel
  • Processing takes 3-4 weeks
  • Cannot work locally

⚠️ Remote Work: Grey Area

Same as visa-free entry: no specific prohibition for remote work on foreign contracts, but legally requires a work permit. Enforcement is minimal.

🛡️ Tax Implications

Tourist visa — no tax residency implications for stays under 183 days. Paraguay uses territorial taxation: foreign-source income is not taxed.

💡 Tips

  • Submit application at least 30 days before planned travel
  • Some embassies require appointment scheduling — check in advance
  • The online pre-application at mre.gov.py/visasenlinea/ can speed up the process
  • Payment must be in cash or money order — no credit cards accepted

📊 Quick Facts

CapitalAsunción
CurrencyPYG (₲) - Guaraní
LanguageSpanish, Guaraní
TimezoneUTC-4
Last UpdatedDec 1, 2025

🔗 Official Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Paraguay have a digital nomad visa?
No, Paraguay does NOT have a specific digital nomad visa. However, its temporary residency program (Law 6984/22) is extremely popular with digital nomads because: (1) No minimum income requirement, (2) Very easy to obtain in just 3-4 days in-country, (3) 0% tax on foreign income due to territorial tax system, (4) Low cost of living (USD 700-1,100/month in Asunción), (5) Can be converted to permanent residency after 21 months. This makes Paraguay one of the most attractive destinations for digital nomads seeking a tax-efficient second residency.
Can I work remotely in Paraguay as a tourist?
Working remotely for foreign clients/companies while on a tourist visa in Paraguay is a gray area legally. However, Paraguay does not actively enforce this for tourists working on laptops for foreign clients. For full legal protection and to open bank accounts, it is recommended to obtain temporary residency. The process is fast (3-4 days in-country) and inexpensive (approximately USD 500 total), and you will pay 0% tax on your foreign income due to the territorial tax system.
How do I get Paraguay residency as an American?
US citizens can easily obtain Paraguay residency: (1) Arrive in Paraguay with visa on arrival (USD 160 at airport), (2) Prepare documents before arrival: birth certificate, FBI background check - both apostilled, (3) Submit application at Dirección Nacional de Migraciones in Asunción (3-4 business days needed), (4) Receive Residencia Precaria (temporary permit), (5) Wait 40-90 days for residency card, (6) Apply for Cédula (ID card) within 180 days. Many Americans use professional services (USD 1,500-3,000) to streamline the process.
What taxes do Paraguay residents pay?
Paraguay has a TERRITORIAL tax system, meaning: (1) Foreign-sourced income is NOT taxed at all - 0%, (2) Only income generated WITHIN Paraguay is taxed, (3) Local income tax is 10% for individuals, 10% corporate tax, (4) VAT is 10%, (5) No wealth tax, no inheritance tax, no capital gains tax on foreign investments. This makes Paraguay extremely attractive for digital nomads, remote workers, crypto traders, and anyone earning income from outside Paraguay. You must file monthly VAT returns even if you have no local income.
How do I open a bank account in Paraguay?
To open a bank account in Paraguay: (1) You MUST have a Cédula (Paraguayan ID card) - cannot open with just passport, (2) Get temporary or permanent residency first, (3) Apply for Cédula (takes about 45 days), (4) Visit bank with Cédula, passport, proof of address, (5) Basic accounts limited to approximately USD 1,000 balance, (6) For full accounts: need RUC (tax ID) and 6 months of tax returns. Banks include Itaú, Banco Continental, BBVA, Ueno (fintech). Many expats use shelf companies with existing bank accounts.
What is the cost of living in Paraguay?
Paraguay has one of the lowest costs of living in South America. In Asunción (the capital): (1) Monthly total: USD 700-1,100 for a single person, (2) Rent: USD 300-600 for a furnished apartment in good neighborhood (Villa Morra, Carmelitas, Recoleta), (3) Food: USD 200-300/month, (4) Utilities + internet: USD 50-100, (5) Coworking: USD 50-150. Quality beef is exceptionally cheap. Healthcare is affordable (private clinics). Internet speeds are improving (100+ Mbps in urban areas).
How long can I stay in Paraguay as a tourist?
Most nationalities can stay 90 days visa-free (or with visa on arrival). This can be extended once for an additional 90 days at the immigration office in Asunción, for a maximum of 180 days per year as a tourist. After that, you must leave Paraguay. If you want to stay longer, apply for temporary residency - the process is fast and does not require leaving the country.
Do I need to live in Paraguay to maintain residency?
No, you do NOT need to live full-time in Paraguay to maintain residency. Requirements are minimal: (1) Temporary residents must visit Paraguay at least once every 12 months, (2) Permanent residents must visit at least once every 3 years. There is no minimum number of days per year requirement. This makes Paraguay ideal for digital nomads who want a Plan B residency or tax base without being tied to one location.
Can I get Paraguay citizenship?
Yes, Paraguay allows naturalization after 3 years of permanent residency. Requirements: (1) Hold permanent residency for 3+ years, (2) Good character and no criminal record, (3) Basic knowledge of Spanish, (4) Demonstrate integration into Paraguayan society. Paraguay allows dual citizenship, so you do not need to renounce your original nationality. A Paraguayan passport provides visa-free access to 145 countries including the entire Schengen area.
Is Paraguay safe for expats?
Paraguay is considered one of the safer countries in South America, especially in urban areas like Asunción. The capital neighborhoods of Recoleta, Villa Morra, and Carmelitas are very safe and popular with expats. Standard precautions apply: avoid displaying wealth, be aware of surroundings, avoid border areas with Brazil (Ciudad del Este has higher crime due to smuggling). Overall, expats report feeling safe and welcomed. The local population is known for being friendly to foreigners.
⚠️

Important Disclaimer

Visa requirements can change frequently. This information is provided for general guidance only and should not be considered legal advice. Always verify current requirements with the official embassy or immigration authorities before making travel plans. Last updated: December 1, 2025