Moving to Paraguay from the US: which visa or residence route fits

Paraguay's residence system is run by the Dirección Nacional de Migraciones (DNM) under Law 6984/2022 on Migration. The DNM publishes each residence type with its own page, validity period and checklist, which makes it easier to compare than many countries. For a US citizen the realistic routes are temporary residence followed by permanent residence, the short occasional residence for specific activities, and a special permanent residence for investors who use the SUACE single window.

This guide sets out what each route is, how long it lasts, and where a consular visa enters the picture.

Visiting first: no visa for up to 90 days

The DNM's visa information table lists the United States under Law 7314 of 13 August 2024, valid until 13 August 2027: no visa is required to enter as a tourist for stays of up to 90 days. The same table says a visa is required for US citizens for extending a stay, residence or paid activities. The US Embassy in Asunción also states that private US citizens need a valid passport and no visa for visits of up to 90 days for tourism.

The Foreign Ministry's list of countries that do not need a visa also includes the United States.

Law 7314 extended an earlier temporary measure (Law 6790/2021) by three years, according to the DNM. Because the exemption has an end date, check the DNM table again before you travel.

If you need more time as a visitor, the DNM's Prórroga de Permanencia Transitoria lets people on a transitory stay, including tourists, extend once by up to 90 calendar days, at the DNM's discretion. It can be done in person or online through paraguay.gov.py.

Where the consular visa comes in

Every DNM residence checklist includes the same item: the original and an authenticated copy of the consular visa and its verification by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, "in the cases where it is required". Read alongside the DNM table, which marks US citizens as needing a visa for residence and for paid activities, this means a US applicant should expect to get a consular visa from a Paraguayan consulate before travelling to apply for residence. Confirm the visa type with the consulate that covers your US state before you book.

Occasional residence (Residencia Espontánea u Ocasional)

This is the DNM authorization for foreigners who enter to carry out occasional lawful activities. The DNM states:

• The card is valid for up to 90 days, extendable once by the same period within the year.
• Accepted activities include public performers, people invited by public or private bodies for their art or profession, interns, professionals, academics, technicians, researchers, scientists, journalists, athletes, and business owners, directors, managers and administrative staff transferred from abroad to fill specific posts.

Requirements include your passport, the consular visa where required, proof of entry (the stamped entry slip or the entry stamp in your passport), and a sworn statement of your activity and temporary address issued by the DNM system when you file.

This route suits a short assignment. It is not a path to settling.

Temporary residence (Residencia Temporal)

Temporary residence is for foreigners who enter intending to settle and carry out a lawful activity. According to the DNM:

• The card is valid for up to two years, extendable for the same period.
• Temporary residence is a prerequisite for permanent residence.
• While the application is processed you hold "residente precario" status, which lets you leave and re-enter the country, study and work for its duration.
• You get access to the Paraguayan Cédula de Identidad, issued by the National Police Identification Department, valid for the same period as your temporary residence.

The general requirements include:

1. Your passport, original and authenticated copy
2. The consular visa and its Foreign Ministry verification, where required
3. Proof of entry to Paraguay
4. A birth certificate, legalized or apostilled
5. A civil status certificate if applicable (marriage certificate, divorce decree or spouse's death certificate), legalized or apostilled
6. A criminal or police record certificate with national or federal coverage, legalized or apostilled, from age 14

For a US citizen, the national or federal record means an FBI Identity History Summary with an apostille. If you lived in another country for more than a year during the last three years, the DNM asks for that country's certificate as well, plus proof you lived there.

The MERCOSUR temporary residence on the DNM site is limited to MERCOSUR nationals, so a US passport alone does not qualify.

Permanent residence after temporary residence

The standard permanent route is the change of category from temporary residence. The DNM describes it as the authorization to reside indefinitely for foreigners who want to settle for good, after completing the temporary residence period.

• When to apply: within the three months before your temporary card expires. Up to one month after expiry you can still apply, paying a fine for overstaying. After that only an extension of temporary residence is possible.
• Validity: permanent, with the card renewed every 10 years.
• Benefit: access to the Paraguayan Cédula de Identidad, valid for 10 years.

Requirements include your passport, your Paraguayan Cédula, your temporary residence card, Paraguayan police and court record certificates and an INTERPOL certificate (from age 14), and proof of economic solvency. The DNM wants documents that show real income or available resources, according to the categories in an annex to its checklist.

The DNM also lists permanent residence for children and spouses of Paraguayans, and for foreign family members of returning Paraguayan nationals.

Permanent residence for investors (SUACE)

The SUACE route is a special permanent residence procedure for foreigners who come to Paraguay as investors and use the Sistema Unificado de Apertura y Cierre de Empresas. SUACE is a single window made up of several public institutions for opening, formalizing and closing businesses.

• Validity: permanent, with the card renewed every 10 years.
• Benefit: access to the Cédula de Identidad and the other documents needed to open a company.
• Key document: a certificate of investor status showing you are under the SUACE regime, issued by Paraguay's Vice Ministry of Industry and Commerce.

The other requirements mirror temporary residence: passport, consular visa where required, proof of entry, apostilled birth and civil status certificates and an apostilled criminal record certificate, with two authenticated copies of each instead of one. The DNM page does not state a minimum investment amount, so get the figure from the Vice Ministry before planning around this route.

Which route fits

• Scouting trip: visa-free entry for up to 90 days, with one possible extension.
• Short professional assignment: occasional residence.
• Moving to live and work: temporary residence, then the change of category to permanent.
• Married to a Paraguayan or a Paraguayan's child: the family permanent residence.
• Opening a business with capital: the SUACE investor permanent residence.

Before you leave the US

• Get your FBI record and birth certificate apostilled, plus your marriage or divorce documents if relevant.
• Contact the Paraguayan consulate about the visa for residence.
• Collect proof of income or savings, since the permanent route asks for solvency documents.
• Keep your passport stamped on entry. Every DNM checklist asks for proof of entry.

Keep up your US filings

Living in Paraguay does not end your US tax filing. The IRS page linked below sets out the rules for citizens living abroad.

Common questions

Do US citizens need a visa to visit Paraguay? No, for tourist stays of up to 90 days. The DNM lists the exemption under Law 7314 of 2024, valid until 13 August 2027, and the US Embassy confirms no visa is needed for visits of up to 90 days.

Do I need a visa to apply for residence in Paraguay? The DNM visa table marks US citizens as requiring a visa for residence and paid activities. Residence checklists ask for the consular visa and its Foreign Ministry verification where required, so contact a Paraguayan consulate before you travel.

How long is Paraguayan temporary residence valid? Up to two years, extendable for the same period. It is a prerequisite for the standard permanent residence.

How often is a Paraguayan permanent residence card renewed? Every 10 years, according to the DNM pages for permanent residence and the SUACE investor route.

What is SUACE? The Sistema Unificado de Apertura y Cierre de Empresas, a single window of public institutions for opening and closing businesses. Investors under it can apply for a special permanent residence with a certificate from the Vice Ministry of Industry and Commerce.