How to Obtain the Paraguayan ID: Complete Guide for Foreigners

What is the Paraguayan ID?

The Paraguayan Identity Card is the official identification document issued by the Identification Department of the National Police.

For foreigners residing in Paraguay, the ID becomes the main identification document within the country and facilitates a large number of daily, commercial and administrative procedures.

Although residency grants you the right to live legally in Paraguay, the ID is the document that will allow you to function much more easily in your daily life.

What is the Paraguayan ID for?

The Paraguayan ID allows:

• Officially identify yourself within the country.
• Open bank accounts (subject to the requirements of each financial institution).
• Sign rental contracts.
• Buy real estate and vehicles.
• Establish companies and societies.
• Obtain public and private services.
• Hire telephone lines and internet.
• Carry out procedures before public organizations.
• Register with tax authorities when applicable.
• Facilitate future immigration procedures.

For many foreigners, obtaining the ID is one of the most important steps after obtaining residency.

Who Can Apply for the Paraguayan Identification Card?

Generally, foreigners can apply for the Paraguayan Cédula once they have obtained a Temporary Residence or a Permanent Residence approved by the National Directorate of Migration.

Step 1: Obtain Paraguayan Residency

Before applying for the ID, it is necessary to obtain a valid immigration residence.

Currently, most foreigners start with a Temporary Residence, granted under Law No. 6984/2022 on Migration. This residence can be valid for up to two years and constitutes the previous step to obtaining Permanent Residence.

Among the main benefits of temporary residence are:

• Live legally in Paraguay.
• Work legally.
• Study legally.
• Open companies.
• Obtain the Paraguayan ID.
• Enter and leave the country freely.

Step 2: Gather Required Documentation

Documents normally required to begin the residency process include:

• Valid passport.
• Apostille birth certificate.
• Apostilled criminal record certificate.
• Marriage certificate (if applicable).
• Documentation proving legal residence in a third country, when applicable.

All foreign documents that are not in Spanish must be translated in accordance with the requirements established by the Paraguayan authorities.

Step 3: Complete Local Procedures in Paraguay

Once in Paraguay, the applicant will need to complete some local requirements, which generally include:

• Interpol certificateRequired for applicants over 14 years of age.
• Background Certificate for ForeignersIssued by the National Police.
• Copies Authenticated by Notary OfficeCertified copies of the documents required for immigration filing are prepared.

Step 4: Submit the Residency Application

The residency application is submitted in person to the National Migration Directorate.

Once the application is submitted, the foreigner receives a certificate known as:

Precarious Residence

The Precaria allows:

• Stay legally in Paraguay.
• Work.
• Study.
• Leave and re-enter the country while the residency is in process.

Step 5: Obtain the Residency Resolution

After the review of the file by Migrations, the resolution is issued approving the residence.

Currently, the process usually takes approximately 90 days from the submission of the application, although times may vary depending on each case.

Step 6: Request the Paraguayan ID

Once the residence is approved, the next step is to request the Paraguayan Identity Card from the Identification Department of the National Police.

During this process, biometric verifications and the issuance of the identity document are carried out.

The ID will normally have a validity aligned with the residence granted.

Does the Paraguayan ID Replace the Passport?

No.

The cédula is a national identification document for use within Paraguay.

For international travel, foreigners will normally need to continue using their current passport.

Does the Paraguayan ID Make Me a Paraguayan Citizen?

No.

The ID does not grant Paraguayan citizenship.

Citizenship is obtained only through the procedures established by Paraguayan legislation, generally after having obtained Permanent Residence and meeting the corresponding legal requirements.

How Can Complete Visas Paraguay Help?

Our team accompanies clients from all over the world throughout the entire immigration process, including:

• Document review.
• Advice on apostilles.
• Translations.
• Interpol certificates.
• Police certificates.
• Preparation of immigration applications.
• Accompaniment to public institutions.
• Obtaining Temporary Residence.
• Obtaining the Paraguayan ID.
• Permanent Residence.
• Paths to Paraguayan citizenship.

If you are considering moving to Paraguay, our team can help you navigate the process clearly, efficiently and safely.