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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

Tourist Entry (Visa-Free)

Citizens of 90+ countries can enter Paraguay visa-free for up to 90 days. MERCOSUR members (Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru) can enter with just an ID card. Most European, North American, and developed Asian countries are visa-exempt.

90 days
Duration
$0
— fee
+$50 additional

✅ 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 (4)
  • •Valid passport (6 months validity recommended)
  • •Proof of onward/return travel
  • •Proof of sufficient funds (USD 50/day recommended)
  • •Accommodation details
📝 Application Process
Embassy Required⏱ Immediate on arrival
  1. 1Check if your nationality is visa-exempt
  2. 2Ensure passport has 6+ months validity
  3. 3Have proof of onward travel ready
  4. 4Arrive at any port of entry
  5. 5Immigration will stamp passport for 90 days
Apply Online
🔄 Extension & Renewal

Extension: 90 days (max 1x)

Cost: $50

Process: Can extend for additional 90 days at Dirección Nacional de Migraciones in Asunción. Total maximum stay 180 days per year as tourist.

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

💡 Pro Tips

  • •Best entry point is Silvio Pettirossi Airport in Asunción
  • •MERCOSUR nationals can enter with just national ID
  • •Keep your entry stamp - needed for extension
  • •Consider starting residency process if staying long-term
⭐Recommended for Digital Nomads
Special Program

Temporary Residency (Residencia Temporaria)

Paraguay's popular temporary residency program under Law 6984/22. Valid for 2 years, renewable. NO minimum income requirement. One of the easiest residencies in the world to obtain. Leads to Cédula (ID card) and can convert to permanent residency after 21 months. Perfect for digital nomads seeking a tax-efficient base.

730 days
Duration
$500
— fee
+$1,600 additional

✅ Key Benefits

✓No minimum income requirement
✓Right to live in Paraguay indefinitely (with renewals)
✓Cédula (national ID) enables bank accounts
✓Right to work and start businesses
✓0% tax on foreign income (territorial system)
✓Path to permanent residency
✓MERCOSUR travel privileges
✓Can own property
✓Access to local healthcare
📋 Requirements (6)
  • •Valid passport (6+ months validity)
  • •Birth certificate (apostilled)
  • •Criminal background check from home country or last 3 years residence (apostilled)
  • •Marriage/divorce certificate if applicable (apostilled)
  • •All documents translated to Spanish
  • •Passport photos
📝 Application Process
Embassy Required⏱ 40-90 days for residency card, additional 45 days for Cédula
  1. 1Gather required documents in home country
  2. 2Get documents apostilled (Hague Convention)
  3. 3Translate documents to Spanish (can be done in Paraguay)
  4. 4Travel to Paraguay and submit application at Dirección Nacional de Migraciones
  5. 5Receive Residencia Precaria (temporary permit valid during processing)
  6. 6Wait 40-90 days for temporary residency card
  7. 7Apply for Cédula (ID card) within 180 days of receiving residency
  8. 8Receive Cédula in approximately 45 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: After 21 months, can apply to convert to permanent residency. Must visit Paraguay at least once every 12 months to maintain status.

💡 Pro Tips

  • •Hire a reputable immigration service (saves time and hassle)
  • •Get FBI background check apostilled if from USA
  • •Plan for 3-5 business days in Paraguay for initial application
  • •Can leave after applying and return for Cédula
  • •Keep your Residencia Precaria safe - it's your temporary permit
  • •Start tax registration (RUC) if you want full banking access
⭐Recommended for Digital Nomads
Special Program

Permanent Residency (Residencia Permanente)

Permanent residency in Paraguay, valid for 10 years and renewable. Can be obtained after 21 months of temporary residency, OR directly as an investor (USD 70,000 minimum). Grants all rights except voting. Only need to visit Paraguay once every 3 years to maintain status.

3650 days
Duration
$450
— fee
+$1,300 additional

✅ Key Benefits

✓10-year validity
✓Only need to visit every 3 years
✓Full right to work and do business
✓All benefits of temporary residency
✓Path to citizenship after 3 years (naturalization)
✓10-year Cédula
✓Greater stability and recognition
📋 Requirements (6)
  • •Temporary residency for 21+ months, OR
  • •Investment of USD 70,000 (investor path)
  • •Local police clearance (from Paraguay)
  • •Valid tax ID (RUC) or university diploma
  • •Proof of address in Paraguay
  • •Updated passport
📝 Application Process
Embassy Required⏱ Approximately 90 days
  1. 1Complete 21 months of temporary residency (or qualify as investor)
  2. 2Gather updated documents
  3. 3Apply at Dirección Nacional de Migraciones about 3 months before temporary expiry
  4. 4Wait for approval (approximately 90 days)
  5. 5Receive permanent residency card
  6. 6Apply for new 10-year Cédula
Apply Online

💡 Pro Tips

  • •Apply about 3 months before temporary residency expires
  • •Having a tax ID (RUC) speeds up the process
  • •Keep records of your visits to Paraguay
  • •Consider citizenship after 3 years of permanent residency

Visa on Arrival

TouristPopular

Citizens of USA, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand can obtain a visa on arrival at Silvio Pettirossi International Airport for stays up to 90 days. Qatar and Oman citizens can also get VOA at any port of entry for 30 days. Fee ranges from USD 50-160 depending on nationality.

90d
Duration
$210
— fee
+$50 additional
📍Apply: On Arrival
⏱Immediate on arrival
🔄Extendable +90d
View full details
💰 Cost Breakdown
USDUSD
Required
Visa on arrival fee (US citizens)Payable at airport, cash or card
$160—
Visa on arrival fee (other eligible)Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Qatar, Oman
$50—
Additional (estimated)
Travel insuranceRecommended
$50—
Required Total
$210—
+ Additional (estimated)
$50—
Estimated Total
$260—
💡 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 (6+ months validity)
  • •Proof of onward/return travel
  • •Proof of sufficient funds
  • •Accommodation details
  • •Payment for visa fee (USD cash or card)

📝 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

💡 Tips

  • •Bring USD cash for visa fee as backup
  • •US citizens pay more due to reciprocity policy
  • •Keep receipt for visa fee
  • •This is the standard entry for Americans

Investor Residency (SUACE)

Special Program

Direct path to permanent residency through investment. Minimum USD 70,000 investment in a legitimate business. Skips the 2-year temporary residency period. Processed through SUACE (Sistema Unificado de Apertura y Cierre de Empresas). Must create approximately 5 local jobs.

3650d
Duration
$72,500
— fee
+$5,000 additional
📍Apply: Embassy
⏱As fast as 45 days after investment declaration
🔄No extension
View full details
💰 Cost Breakdown
USDUSD
Required
Minimum investmentIn legitimate business, NOT personal real estate
$70,000—
Migration and SUACE feesGovernment processing
$500—
Company formationS.A. or E.A.S. registration
$2,000—
Additional (estimated)
Professional assistanceLegal and business setup
$5,000—
Required Total
$72,500—
+ Additional (estimated)
$5,000—
Estimated Total
$77,500—
💡 Costs may vary. Additional costs are estimates and may not all apply to your situation. Always verify current fees with official sources.

📋 Requirements

  • •Proof of USD 70,000 available for investment
  • •Business plan with job creation (approximately 5 jobs)
  • •Paraguayan bank account with deposited funds
  • •Valid passport
  • •Apostilled birth certificate and criminal record
  • •Company formation documents (S.A. or E.A.S.)

📝 Application Steps

  1. 1Prepare investment capital and business plan
  2. 2Open Paraguayan bank account and deposit funds
  3. 3Register with MIC/SUACE and declare investment
  4. 4Form company (S.A. or E.A.S.) or purchase shares
  5. 5Obtain Constancia de Inversionista
  6. 6Apply for permanent residency
  7. 7Receive approval in approximately 45 days
  8. 8Obtain Cédula

⚠️ Restrictions

  • •Requires USD 70,000+ capital
  • •Must create real jobs
  • •Personal real estate does not count
  • •Business must be legitimate and operational

💡 Tips

  • •Can invest through company shares rather than starting new business
  • •Real estate investment company CAN qualify (not personal property)
  • •Work with experienced local lawyer
  • •Investment must be maintained

Standard Visa (Embassy Application)

Tourist

Required for nationalities not eligible for visa-free entry or visa on arrival. Must be obtained through Paraguayan embassy or consulate before travel. Requires invitation letter from Paraguayan company or host. Processing takes 25-30 days.

90d
Duration
$50
— fee
+$150 additional
📍Apply: Embassy
⏱25-30 working days
🔄Extendable +90d
View full details
💰 Cost Breakdown
USDUSD
Required
Visa application feeStandard consular fee
$50—
Additional (estimated)
Document translationIf required
$50—
Invitation letter serviceIf using professional service
$100—
Required Total
$50—
+ Additional (estimated)
$150—
Estimated Total
$200—
💡 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 (6+ months validity, 2 blank pages)
  • •Completed visa application form
  • •Passport-size photo (white background)
  • •Invitation letter from Paraguayan company or host
  • •Flight itinerary
  • •Proof of accommodation
  • •Proof of financial means
  • •Criminal record (for some nationalities)

📝 Application Steps

  1. 1Obtain invitation letter from Paraguayan host/company
  2. 2Host submits letter to Ministry of Foreign Affairs
  3. 3Gather all required documents
  4. 4Apply at nearest Paraguayan embassy/consulate
  5. 5Pay visa fee
  6. 6Wait for processing (25-30 days)
  7. 7Receive visa and travel to Paraguay

⚠️ Restrictions

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

💡 Tips

  • •Start process early due to 25-30 day processing
  • •Invitation letter can be from individual or company
  • •Some countries have no Paraguayan embassy - check which embassy covers your region

📊 Quick Facts

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

🔗 Official Resources

Immigration BureauEmbassy Website

❓ 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

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