Paraguay Permanent Residence (lower financial bar)

Key requirements

We dropped the old planning figures of about $700 a month and $5,000 in savings. The 6 July 2026 notice does not publish a dollar floor. Match one of 12 categories and show the income is real.

• Income we use for estimatesNot set in data
• SavingsNot modeled as required
• Accepted income typesPassive income, Pension, Savings only, Remote salary, Freelance income
• Remote work allowedYes
• Local employment allowedYes
• Health insuranceNot flagged in model
• Criminal record checkUsually required
• Accommodation proofUsually required
• Bank accountUsually required
• Processing (rough)Often months, depending on document quality and office load

Card renewal timing and physical presence rules can change. Read current migration notices before you file.

1. 1

   Choose your permanent-residence route

   Decide among MERCOSUR, temporary upgrade, or investor (SUACE) paths using the official Migraciones PY checklists.

2. 2

   Download the current checklist and fees

   Confirm document lists, appointment rules, and fees for your nationality group on migraciones.gov.py.

3. 3

   Gather income proof for your category

   From 6 July 2026, match one of 12 categories and show real income. A job title alone is not enough.

4. 4

   Request police and civil records

   Obtain criminal background checks and civil status papers from each country that asks for them.

5. 5

   Apostille and translate documents

   Stamp foreign papers and arrange certified Spanish translations before your appointment.

6. 6

   Prepare accommodation proof

   Collect lease, ownership, or address papers in the format migration staff expect.

7. 7

   Open a local bank account if needed

   Some routes ask for Paraguayan banking records. Keep balances and account names aligned with your file.

8. 8

   Book your migration appointment

   Schedule filing with the Directorate General of Migration and bring originals plus copies.

9. 9

   Submit the permanent-residence application

   Hand in the full packet, pay fees, and track processing until you receive a decision.

10. 10

    Collect your card and stay compliant

    Pick up your residence card, renew on time, and follow presence and tax rules for long-term status.

This is general information, not legal advice. Paraguay migration rules, fees, and office practice can change. Check Migraciones PY before you apply.

Pathway last reviewed: 2026-10-10

Citizenship & nationality

Paraguay still has more than one way to permanent residence. MERCOSUR citizens, people upgrading from temporary stay, and investors do not use the same first form. From 6 July 2026 they do share one income-proof rule.

• •New files from that date must fit one of 12 categories. Remote workers and digital nomads are on the list, along with employees, retirees, and property owners.
• •You show real income and that you actually do the work you declare. A job title on its own is not enough.
• •The printed admission card no longer shows your profession. Migration still stores that detail in its computer system.
• •Fees, stamps, and how long you must stay in the country still depend on the route. Check the current notice before you file.

Read the 6 July 2026 income notice on the National Migration Directorate site, then use the checklist for your route.

Best for

• •People planning to stay several years with a clear residence record
• •Anyone weighing tax context alongside lifestyle and logistics

Long-term path

• Permanent residence: Yes
• Citizenship: Possible, but depends on your case

You keep permanent residence by renewing documents and following stay rules. Citizenship is a separate process with its own timeline.

Practical difficulty

easy

Rough guide only. Your case depends on papers, timing, and rule changes.

Rated easy because the notice does not set a dollar floor. It is not easy if your papers do not match the work or income you declare.

Visa updates

Policy notes that mention this pathway on Country To Live.

• Paraguay permanent residence now checks real income, not a set savings floorOct 10, 2026