The law and the process of becoming a resident in Paraguay have already changed (18.10.2022), instead of February 2023. There is good news, as the advantages remain the same.
What happened to the Paraguay Permanent Residency Program?
Let’s summarize this answer, as it is the most important for you and then let’s see the details. When you apply for settlement in Paraguay, you will become a temporary resident instead of a permanent resident. After two years of temporary residency, you can apply for permanent resident status or can extend your temporary resident status in Paraguay for another two years.
Highlights of the amended Paraguay Residency Program 2022
- It begins with two years of temporary residency; you can become a permanent resident after two years.
- If you wish to prove your solvency through a deposit (instead of a university degree, pension, etc.), there is no deposit to leave in the bank for the temporary residency. You must DECLARE that you have a profession/money to survive in Paraguay but must not prove it for the temporary resident status.
- Temporary residents also have an ID card and have the same rights regarding everyday life as permanent residents.
Nothing changes regarding tax residency, tax number, or international tax compliance issues.
The official fee for the temporary residence permit is the same as that for the permanent residence permit, 2452.225 guaranís.
Are there any adverse effects of the immigration law amendment in Paraguay?
- Instead of the two processes (permanent residency/ID card), there will be four processes until you become a permanent resident (Temporary residency/ID card + Permanent residency/ID card).
- The renewed law does not affect permanent residents and those applicants who have already submitted their documents for the permanent residence permit.
- Interestingly, permanent residents of Mercosur countries can easier settle in the other Mercosur Member States. It does not apply to temporary residents. (this issue became more than miscellaneous because the relevant official information disappeared. I will research this solution and will write about it)
- The application fee increased to 2.452.225 Guaraníes.
Can you become a permanent resident in Paraguay instead of a temporary resident for two years?
The SUACE residency by investment program does not change at all. Investors will become permanent residents without spending two years as temporary residents. If you wish to move to Paraguay, this option is worth considering. If you plan to invest, register a company, and start a business, the SUACE residency by investment program is a great tool. You have to immigrate and register a company. The minimum investment amount is 70,000 USD, but you do not have to directly invest the amount or show that you have this amount in your bank account.
Please, note that the Paraguayan residency by investment program aims to maintain companies and create jobs. It means that you must spend the investment amount in ten years. You can start any business and pay this amount in ten years. If you bring two containers of anything, that can be enough (goods + shipping + customs fee), or if you create a restaurant, the venue’s rental fee will be more than 70k USD over ten years. And the cost is the same as when you become a temporary resident and register a unipersonal or another company type.
What happens to the deposit option during the Paraguayan residency process?
There was no deposit option. However, it was one of the options to prove your solvency but not an entire immigration stream. So, nothing changed for the permanent residency process in Paraguay. When you apply for permanent status, you can prove your solvency with the deposit, pension, university degree, etc.
However, there is no need to deposit during the temporary residency process. You must declare your profession. It means that after the temporary resident status, you will have to prove your solvency as before the law amendment of 2022. Please, take care of what you declare during the temporary residence process. Because after two or four years, you must justify this during the permanent residency process. For example, if you are a cook, you must declare and pay the deposit when applying for permanent status.
Proof of solvency with a university degree for the Paraguayan resident status
You do not have to show the Apostilled copy of your university degree during the initial phase to prove solvency. But you must declare that you have the degree. However, you will need the Apostilled degree during the permanent residency process.
One more hint: There was an exciting option to prove your solvency in the previous permanent residency process. You could qualify by renting or purchasing more than ten hectares of land. This option vanished from the official requirements even before the law amendment.
Which documents do you need for the temporary residency process in Paraguay?
Regarding the necessary documents, nothing changed. We obtain several papers for you, and you must bring the following:
- original birth certificate (Apostilled)
- original and clean police certificate (Apostilled)
- certificate of marriage or divorce, if it applies (Apostilled)
- your passport.
Do you have questions about the new and amended Paraguay Temporary Residence process? Contact us for our guides, or set up a consultation with our experts.
Thanks for the information. In your article you said: “Interestingly, permanent residents of Mercosur countries can easier settle in the other Mercosur Member States.”
What does that mean? How does this easier settling in other Mercosur countries work?
Most welcome! So, I wanted to show you the exact text on the site of the Migraciones. Still, it vanished recently as I read it almost every day (that site changes without any legal notice, explanation, or anything). I wanted to write about this issue long ago. The Mercosur free movement agreement somehow allowed the permanent residents (and, of course, the citizens) of the Mercosur countries to settle in the other member states. More or less the same way as in the EU. It was an excellent tool for those who wished to settle in Brazil. Because, for example, Brazil is one of the most challenging countries to immigrate to, this structure made it straightforward, fast and affordable. I will research it and write about it for sure. Please, follow my Facebook; I always post there my research articles.
Update: I now checked the amended law, and it does not contain any related information.
Hello, I am a Nigerian interested in the two years temporary residency program. I wish to relocate my mother and half sister with me. Can I learn more about this program
Good morning; for clients from Nigeria, we can not offer the simple scheme, because you need an invitation letter to get your entry visa. For Nigerian clients, we offer only the residency by investment program.
Greetings
Can Iranians obtain a temporary residency only y declaring their university degree or leaving a bank deposit?
Regards,Pedram
Hi, sorry, no. Because citizens of Iran need a registered invitation letter, it needs a different process. Usually, for Iranians we can offer only the residency by investment program:
https://tucanoprod.com/en/paraguay-residency-investment-program-registration-investor/
Hello, thank you very much for the update on the law.
Are the temporary residents obliged to stay in Paraguay for at least 183 days a year to retain the status and to be allowed to renew the temporary residence or apply for the permanent residence in two years or they are free to not spend more than one day in Paraguay like it used to be with the previous deposit-based permanent residence program?
Best regards,
Alex
Hi Alex,
Most welcome!
There is nothing in the new law about this, so we can assume that the residents must return only after two years to extend their temporary status or apply for permanent residency. A permanent resident must visit the country every three years; nothing has changed regarding this issue.
Temporary resident should visit Paraguay every year.
No, but this will practically happen.
For example, you become a resident in January 2023. You must return in December 2024 to apply for permanent residency or extend your temporary status.
Dear,
How can someone from The Netherlands learn more about the temporary residency program?
Hi, you just arrived at the best place to get the info. If you want to live in Paraguay, I offer a free consultation. If you wish to plan your international tax compliance issues, I charge 99 euros for a consultation, but we deduct it from the payment if you choose our services.
Hi,
Had a question, is the temporary residency process active or its on hold? If it’s on hold when will it start again?
Hi
“If you plan to invest OR register a company and start a business, the SUACE residency by investment program is a great tool.”
This implies that you don’t even need to start a company. And in your article about the steps to citizenship, you mention that opening a unipersonal company is enough.
However, suace.gov.py clearly says that you need to sign an affidavit that states that you will open a company and that “The amount of labor generated by the company must be at least five employees.”. So which is it?
Good day . am Wayne , living in the USA. What is the cost for your service to process a temporary resident visa and how long is the processing time?
I am a USA Citizen, my wife is a Citizen of South Africa, and my daughter is a both a USA Citizen and a Citizen of South Africa. Do we qualify for the simple process as a family?
Yes, of course. The process is the same for citizens of the US and SA.
Hi Wayne, sorry for the late answer, I was travelling, sending you an email now.
Sorry, in this case, I did not write clearly.
The SUACE program aims to register and maintain companies to create jobs, taxes, etc.
So, the SUACE program is usually the single qualifying solution for those applicants who need an entry visa in exchange for an invitation letter. Citizens of most African and Asian countries can settle here through the SUACE program.
However, if the applicant/investor can go through the more straightforward temporary residence process BUT they want to do business here, then SUACE is a great tool for them as well. Because they receive the company and the processing time is only 1,5 months. Meanwhile, the ordinary route now takes 5-7 months instead of the three months (according to law).
Hi, it’s on since the last week of October!
Good morning, I’d like to clarify a few points as I understood them:
– the first temporary residence permit is always issue for 2 years term
– after that time one is eligible for permanent residency (no presence requirements)
Also I’m wondering what’s the average processing time and what’s the cost of your services?
Are two visiits required to get a ceduala and initially apply for temporary residency?
yes, according to the law. There is a biometric check during the application for the temporary residency permit at the Interpol and there is another during the second process (application for the cedula) at the Department of Identification.
Hi Alex,
– the first temporary residence permit is always issue for 2 years term
yes
– after that time one is eligible for permanent residency (no presence requirements)
Yes, you fulfil that during the applications
Also I’m wondering what’s the average processing time and what’s the cost of your services?
It depends on the chosen program, but you find all our quotes, under the services.
Hi
“If you plan to invest OR register a company and start a business, the SUACE residency by investment program is a great tool.”
This implies that you don’t even need to start a company. And in your article about the steps to citizenship, you mention that opening a unipersonal company is enough.
However, suace.gov.py clearly says that you need to sign an affidavit that states that you will open a company and that “The amount of labor generated by the company must be at least five employees.”. So which is it?
I am from Pakistan doing government job my salary is 50 thousand I want to come to Paraguay I have 17 years bank statement please guide me can I come
Hi I am from Singapore, my nationality is Bangladeshi. I do job in Singapore as a Senior Software Engineer. I have around 8 years of experiences in Software Industry. I want to get Paraguay PR by investment. My question is, do I need to come Paraguay to apply for PR ?. If I need to come to Paraguay, I do not have any known person of family members. How can I achieve and apply PR for Paraguay?.
“If you plan to invest OR register a company and start a business, the SUACE residency by investment program is a great tool.”
This implies that you don’t even need to start a company. And in your article about the steps to citizenship, you mention that opening a unipersonal company is enough.
Yes, you are right, I changed
However, suace.gov.py clearly says that you need to sign an affidavit that states that you will open a company and that “The amount of labor generated by the company must be at least five employees.”. So which is it?
Yes, company registration is a must.
Good morning, please send an email to info@tucanoprod.com and I send you our brochures.
Please, write an email to info@tucanoprod.com, and I send you our brochures. We can register an invitation letter so you can come and start the residency by investment program.
Hi
I’m Brazilian citizen. Do I have to prove that I have sufficient money to live in Paraguay holding a temporary residence visa? How much money do I need in my account?
Buenos Dias! I’m a British citizen, mid 40s and looking to do some travelling. I’ve just completed a Teaching English as a Foreign Language course. Paraguay appeals to me as it’s beautiful and in the middle of South America where I want to spend a good 4-5 years. Looking to take the plunge at the end of this year. Any help would be appreciated!
Hi John, we are here to help for sure. Let’s talk at info@tucanoprod.com.
Hi,
No, not at all.
You must only declare that
– you will have the money or
if you have a uni degree.
After two years you can extend the temporary status or apply for permanent residency. A deposit or university degree is needed then.
The requirement to open a business rules Paraguay out for my wife and me. We have ZERO desire to start a business like this. Too complicated, risky and time-consuming for our circumstances.
We are also too busy. We have five children and are already pursuing permanent residence elsewhere.
If Paraguay offered the option to deposit money in a Certificate of Deposit or invest in an existing corporation, we might be interested. Beautiful relaxing friendly place that we hope to visit in a couple years. Hope they offer residence-by-investment options that are suitable for more people.
Can Indian citizen move to Paraguay with simple scheme?
Hello sir hope you well i wanna know if i enter in paraguay on tourist visa can i be able to get temporary residency?
Hi, what is the amount that needs to be deposited after two years?
Thanks..Suzanne
Hi, it is bounded to the minimum salary, now it’s around 5,000 USD.
Hi, no.
It is the law. Tourist visa does not qualify for immigration and can not be changed from inside the country.
Hi, no.
The visa requirements do not let it.
Good afternoon,
The objective of the residency by investment visa is to register and maintain businesses. The investment amount is not direct; it is the amount you should spend on your business in ten years’ time. If you do not wish to do business, you do not qualify for the residency by investment program. Moreover, if you register your spouse as well as an investor, then the investment amount and related fees double.
During the temporary residency are we considered tax residents?
How long does it take to get approved for Temporary Residency? Would it be necessary to go back to home country (US) and wait, or could it be granted and approved during one trip?
Hi there,
We are looking at moving to South America and Paraguay looks very attractive. I’m a UK citizen but my wife is Malaysian. If i wish to apply for temporary residency I can do it there – correct? Can my wife? She needs a tourist visa to enter the country I think (even though she has Permanent Residence in the UK). She has enough savings to apply for a Permanent Residency however I am unsure if she would necessarily like to start a business. Would we need 2 different application routes?
If not – how would she apply and I apply? Or would it need to be 2 different processes?
Or “cannot be changed from inside the country” – does this mean that one can spend 90 days in Argentina and apply for Temporary Residency from there?
This applies to applicants from Asia and Africa. You submit your residency application and can stay or travel, leave or enter, whatever you wish.
Ah, okay, now I understand the question. So, she needs a visa else than a tourist visa. Tourist visas do not qualify for the settlement process and a new visa can be obtained only outside of Paraguay; please contact us at info@tucanoprod.com and we can support her visa application.
My wife is a Brazilian citizen and a u.s. citizen and I am a u.s. citizen and both with a retirement pension. What requirements do each of us need to get temporary or permanent residency and can it be done at Paraguayan embassy in Los Angeles or must we be in Paraguay to do the process.
Do you still receive a Cedula with temporary residency as you would with permanent residency? Is there any difference with regards to freedom of movement in Mercosur countries between the two?
So much good info here. I’m very curious because I’m reading conflicting information on other sites. Is it possible to apply for Paraguayan citizenship following 3 years of 183+ days residence, temporary OR permanent (ex: 2 years temp and 1 year permanent, 1 year temp and 2 years permanent, etc), or can we only apply for citizenship following 3, 183+ day-years of PERMANENT residency (2 years temp, 3 years perm, for a total of 5 years of all “residency”)? It seems that many don’t bother physically residing in the country until after having permanent residence. I’m open to residing there nearly full time even as a temporary resident, IF it goes towards my 3 year citizenship residency requirement.
hello can retired person from czech rep. apply for temporary/permanent residency? not planning to work.. and would buying a house count as an investment? how long would the temporary residency process take? are there more visits required or can an agent with power of attorney collect/forward the papers? thank you
Hello Sir, I would like to clarify that after 2 years of temporary residence permit, do I need to provide some proofs of close link with the country in order to apply and obtain the permanent residence, such as purchase of at least 10 hectres of land ? secondly, if those proofs are required, can I continuously apply temporary residence every 2 years during a certain number of years before we definatively move to Paraguay ? thanks
Hello. What is the case when one has no university degree on hand? PR not possible then?
Hi, according to the new law, the first step is to become a temporary resident and later a permanent resident. The uni degree is only one option to prove solvency during the permanent process. Meanwhile, under the temporary process, you do not have to prove solvency at all, only do a declaration.
Hello,
You do not need to prove close links, only under the naturalisation process, to become a citizen. The temporary resident status expires after 2 years and can be extended only once for another 2 years.
Hi,
During the temporary residency, you do not have to provide proof of solvency, only declare. Later, during the permanent process, you must provide proof that you are retired and receive a pension (or deposit, or uni degree, etc).
Hi,
So, according to the law, you must reside for three years in Paraguay, staying more than 183 days every year. There is no mention of the kind of residency permit. The temporary permit is a new step, but we are definitely sure that two years as a temporary and one year as a permanent resident is enough to qualify for the naturalisation process.
Yes, the rights of the temporary resident are the same as the permanent residents regarding travel and stay in the Mercosur. However, do not forget that if you need an entry visa in a Mercosur country with your passport, the cedula does not help as it must be used together with your passport.
Hi, we need you in Paraguay usually two times during the processes, once during the application for the temporary permit and then biometric check again during the ID card application.
Sorry for the late answer. No, it means that you must go to another country and buy the visa at the consulate or embassy and come back to apply for resident status.
sorry for the late answer!!!! according to the law, it takes a maximum of three months. But practically, it takes 6 to 7 mmnonths. You can stay or travel, as you wish.
yes, if you register at the tax authority and maintain your active taxpayer status.
How old can my criminal background check be? I am from Canada and the process to get it authenticated and legalized – equivalent to apostille since we are not a signatory of the Apostille convention – is roughly 1 month. Will I have to rush to Paraguay as soon as I get the documents so they don’t expire?
Hi Nathan,
As fresh as it can be. However, as the Migrations is in a severe backlog, your criminal check will expire anyway. You will need it two times, and now you need to think about a second one. Because the first you submit for the temporary residency permit will expire until you need it again for the ID card.
Dear,
How can someone from Bangladesh learn more about the temporary residency program?
Dear Minhaz, the temporary residency is very challenging for Bangladeshi citizens, you should become an investor to qualify and the SUACE program grants permanent residency.
Hi,
I am from Pakistan and i want to know can i apply with the family of three for permanent residency and later we can go for PR??
Good morning,
I got a requisite list from the Migration website, and point number 10 says the following:
“Declaracion jurada ante la Direccion Nacinal de Migraciones del domicilio fijado en el territorio nacional (expedida por la Direccion Nacinal de Migraciones al momento del ingreso de la solicitud)”
Does it mean that I need to have already a home in Paraguay at the moment of the application, or can it be also my hotel address? Since the application will take months to be finalized I was planning to come just for the application and then come back to get the ID.
Also, is there any confirmation that coming to the country once per year is enough also with the temporary residence permit?
Thank you for all the information you always provide and kind regards.
Marco Lucidi
Hi, I answered this in email, good luck and do not forgot to get the visa under the new rule from tomorrow!!!!
Hi, we can support the applications from Pakistan only under the residency by investment program!
What is about retirement visa for 28 years old man from the USA with disabled in Paraguay?
How possible is it to get temporary or permanent residency if you’re from the Philippines (a Filipino) ?
Hi Alex, Please write to info@tucanoprod.com. Please attach any document you have and we will ask the Migrations. I believe it is possible, but it’s better to have an official answer.
Hi Jay, as Filipinos need an entry visa to Paraguay the only option we can support is the residency by investment program. There are a lot of false info online, but you will need an invitation letter to get a visa that qualifies for immigration (not tourist). And we can register invitation letters only for investors.
Hi, I am an Indian citizen living in US for 11 years, thinking of Paraguay as another destination for residency as I work online and travel around the world. Can I use this 2 year temporary residence path or not?
Hi, if you have a US citizenship, then the process is straightfoward. However, if you have only the Indian passport, then you can apply throughus only as an investor.
Hi. My wife id Brazilian and I’m British. We’re planning to move to Paraguay. I would like to know what’s the easiest way to get temporary residency and how long would that take. We’re not retired.
Thank you for any information. It will be of great help.
Hi Rob, with Brazilian and UK documents it’s a straightofrward process, write please to info@tucanoprod.com or reserve a consultation and I explain you all the details.
Hello, Is there a way I can stay in Paraguay for a year without losing my citizenship in USA?
Thanks
Hi Stephen, you do not lose your USA citizenship if you stay abroad.
Hi , how long does it take for an Austrian to get the temporary residency? Is it possible to open a bank account with the temporary residency or only possible with the Cedula? Does the bank need more papers besides the passport and the cedula or temporary residency? Thank you very much
Hi Sabine, sorry for the late answerinfg you. So, it usually takes 3 + months but we can fasten up the process. You can open bank account with your ID card and tax number. However, banking in Paraguay is difficult. The best is to become a resident in Paraguay and open bank accounts abroad to stay tax exermpt.
Hello,
Can I come through the Sauce program from pakistan. If I’m allowed in Paraguay so what I need to know can you tell me all the detail’s please,
hello, I am Canadian. I lived in Paraguay from 1994 to 1998 and obtained my PY permanent residence and cedula. I left Paraguay in 98 and have been working in the United States. My wife is Paraguayam. she does not have American or Canadian citizenship. does any of the above info allow me to directly obtain a Permanent Residence again without having to go through the Temporary Residence part? Thank you for any thoughts you may have.
Hi Richard!
Yes, family members of Paraguayan citizens can obtain the PR without any problems and no temporary phase needed.
Thank you, please send an email to info@tucanoprod.com and let me know what wish you do in Paraguay and I gladly send you the details.