More and more people from Europe are searching for alternative destinations for living, investing, and protecting their capital. In this context, Paraguay stands out as one of the most attractive places for those looking for a second plan – not just as a reserve, but as a real and beneficial alternative. Why? Because obtaining residency in Paraguay is relatively simple, legal, and stable, and the additional benefits are truly significant.
Why Residency in Paraguay?
Paraguay is a country with a liberal approach to foreign residents, streamlined bureaucracy, and a favorable tax environment. Residency provides not only the right to reside and work, but also the ability to start a business, hold a bank account, and full access to local and international investment opportunities.
The main benefits include:
- Legal residence and unlimited work rights
- No requirement to reside permanently in the country – residency can be maintained even when living abroad
- No tax on income earned outside of Paraguay
- Ability to obtain a local identification card (cédula) and tax registration (RUC)
Temporary and Permanent Residency – How Does It Work?
The process of obtaining residency in Paraguay is divided into two stages:
1. Temporary Residency (2 years)
The first step is to obtain temporary residency, valid for 2 years. After obtaining it, you can legally reside and work in Paraguay.
2. Permanent Residency
After two years, you can apply for permanent residency, which is valid for life. Importantly, you only need to appear physically in Paraguay once every 3 years to maintain it.
Required Documents
To start the process, you need the following documents:
- Birth certificate
- Certificate of no criminal record
- Marriage certificate (if applicable)
All documents must be apostilled and translated into Spanish by a local sworn translator in Paraguay.
How Long Does the Entire Process Take?
- Residency approval: up to 90 days
- The entire process of obtaining documents along with cédula: from 3 to 6 months
If you plan to stay in Paraguay for less than 2 months, it is advisable to divide the process into two separate visits:
First – submit an application for residency
Second – application for cédula (ID card)
Property Purchase and Residency
Although purchasing a property is not mandatory to obtain residency, it can significantly facilitate many formalities – from opening a bank account to building an economic history in the country.
Importantly:
- You do not need to be a resident to buy property – just a passport is sufficient
- A resident, when selling property, is subject to a lower tax rate
How We Help?
We offer comprehensive support at every stage:
- Advice on residency, documents, and travel
- Sworn translation of documents in Paraguay
- Organization of the entire bureaucratic process
- Appointment booking, logistics, on-site translation
- Assistance in opening a bank account and registering the RUC
- Possibility to obtain residency remotely – with document preparation and trusted notaries
We cooperate with the renowned law firm Colab Abogados, whose team speaks fluent English and understands the specifics of working with foreign clients. This means quality, transparency, and security.
Security and Legal Stability
Unlike countries such as Spain or Poland, where evictions can be complicated and time-consuming, in Paraguay, the law is on the side of the owner. Thanks to a properly structured agreement, a quick eviction in case of non-payment can be made – without lengthy court cases.
Summary
Paraguay is an ideal alternative for those looking for peace, stability, a second residency, and investment opportunities outside of Europe. Residency in Paraguay offers:
✅ A simple and transparent process
✅ No obligation to reside permanently
✅ Tax benefits and full legality
✅ Freedom to operate in South America
If you want to know how to start, contact us – we will answer basic questions for free, and if you are planning investments, we invite you for a consultation.