Temporary Residence in Paraguay: Benefits, Requirements and How to Obtain It

Are you thinking about moving to Paraguay?

Temporary Residence is currently one of the most popular ways for foreigners to live legally in Paraguay, work, study, undertake and begin their path towards permanent residence and eventually Paraguayan citizenship.

In this guide we explain what Temporary Residence is, what it is for, what its benefits are and how you can obtain it.

What is Temporary Residence?

Temporary Residence is an immigration authorization granted by the National Directorate of Migration to foreigners who wish to legally establish themselves in Paraguay to carry out legal activities within the country.

It is currently regulated by Law No. 6984/2022 on Migration and constitutes the previous step to access Permanent Residence.

Residency can be valid for up to two years and, in certain circumstances, can be renewed or later converted to Permanent Residence.

What is Temporary Residence for?

Temporary Residence allows you to legally establish yourself in Paraguay and access numerous immigration, personal and commercial benefits.

Among its main advantages are:

• Live Legally in ParaguayYou may reside in Paraguay legally for the duration of your residency.
• Work LegallyTemporary Residence allows you to carry out work and professional activities within the country.
• Study in ParaguayYou can enroll in Paraguayan universities, institutes and educational centers.
• Open a CompanyMany investors and entrepreneurs use Temporary Residence as the first step to develop businesses in Paraguay.
• Obtain the Paraguayan IDOnce the residence is approved, you can request the Paraguayan Identity Card, facilitating banking, commercial and administrative procedures.
• Enter and Leave the Country FreelyTemporary residents can travel in and out of Paraguay as long as their residence is valid.
• Path to Permanent ResidenceTemporary Residence constitutes the previous step to request Permanent Residence in Paraguay.

What Are the Benefits of Paraguay for Foreign Residents?

Paraguay has become one of the most attractive destinations in Latin America for expatriates, investors and international families due to:

• Low cost of living.
• Relatively simple immigration system.
• Strategic location in South America.
• Competitive real estate market.
• Investment opportunities.
• Favorable climate for entrepreneurs.
• Possibility of later accessing Paraguayan citizenship.

What Documents Are Needed?

In most cases it is required:

For adults

• Valid passport.
• Apostille birth certificate.
• Apostilled criminal record certificate.
• Marriage or divorce certificate (if applicable).

If you live in another country

Besides:

• Visa, residence, immigration permit or document that demonstrates your legal residence in that country.

For Minors

• Valid passport.
• Apostille birth certificate.
• Criminal record if you are 14 years or older.
• Parental authorization when applicable.

How to Obtain Temporary Residence?

Step 1 – Gather Documents

Before traveling to Paraguay you must obtain and apostill the required documentation.

Step 2 – Travel to Paraguay

Enter the country legally and keep the entry stamp or immigration record.

Step 3 – Complete Local Requirements

They generally include:

• INTERPOL certificate.
• Background Certificate for Foreigners.
• Copies authenticated by notary.
• Translations when applicable.

Step 4 – Submit the Application

The application is submitted to the National Migration Directorate in Asunción.

Step 5 – Obtain Precarious Residence

Once the application is submitted, the Precarious Residence is issued, which allows you to legally remain in Paraguay while the file is processed.

Step 6 – Residency Approval

Currently the processing time is usually around 90 days from the submission of the application.

Step 7 – Obtain the Paraguayan ID

Once the residence is approved, you will be able to process your Paraguayan Identity Card.

How to Maintain Temporary Residence?

One of the most frequently asked questions is whether it is necessary to live permanently in Paraguay.

In practical terms, temporary residents should enter Paraguay at least once a year to adequately maintain their immigration link with the country.

This is especially important for those who later wish to apply for Permanent Residence.

Can Temporary Residence Be Renewed?

Yeah.

Immigration legislation allows Temporary Residence to be extended for a similar period or subsequently converted to Permanent Residence when the corresponding requirements are met.

The most convenient strategy will depend on each particular case.

Do I need to deposit money in a Paraguayan Bank?

No.

One of the most important changes in current legislation is that there is no longer the obligation to make bank deposits to obtain residency.

This has significantly simplified the process for new residents.

Is It Worth Getting Temporary Residence?

For many people, the answer is yes.

Temporary Residence allows:

• Live legally.
• Work.
• Study.
• Undertake.
• Obtain a Paraguayan ID.
• Create a foundation for future investments.
• Later access Permanent Residence.
• Start an eventual path towards Paraguayan citizenship.

How Can Complete Visas Paraguay Help?

At Complete Visas Paraguay we accompany foreigners from all over the world throughout the immigration process.

Our services include:

• Document review.
• Advice on apostilles.
• Translations.
• INTERPOL procedures.
• Police certificates.
• Presentation before Migrations.
• Obtaining Temporary Residence.
• Paraguayan Identification Processing.
• Permanent Residence.
• Paraguayan Citizenship.

If you are considering moving to Paraguay, our team can help you design a clear, efficient immigration strategy adapted to your personal, family or investment objectives.