Colonia Independencia (Guairá)

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Moving here

Six steps, from preparing your trip to permanent residence. Separate rules apply to families of Paraguayan citizens, investors and the MERCOSUR residence scheme.

1. 1

   Step 1

   Check entry requirements

   Enter your passport and reason for travel to check visa requirements and how long you may stay.

   Enter passport and travel purpose

   More details

   Tourism and relocation may require different visas. If a visa is required, arrange it through the consulate before travelling.

   Official requirements

   Publication checked on 23/10/2026

2. 2

   Step 2

   Prepare your documents

   Prepare your passport, birth certificate and police clearance (usually from age 14). Add family documents if applicable. Get foreign certificates apostilled in the issuing country, or legalised if an apostille does not apply. Arrange a Spanish translation where required. Lived abroad for over a year within the last three years? Prepare police clearance from that country and proof that you lived there.

   More details

   Police clearance is generally required from age 14. If you lived in your country of origin, obtain its certificate. For residence abroad described above, use the country of your most recent such residence. National or federal coverage is required; Mexico requires both federal and state certificates. See the official list for teenage exceptions. Ask immigration which proof of previous residence it accepts: there is no single document for every country. This proves residence, not new citizenship. Bring the original passport and a certified copy. Depending on your situation, family documents include a marriage certificate, divorce decree or spouse’s death certificate. Use an authorised translator. Translations made outside Paraguay also need an apostille or legalisation. Portuguese-language documents issued in Brazil do not need translation. Check the separate requirements for children. With one parent, notarised permission from the other for the child to live in Paraguay or a court order is required; if a parent has died, provide the death certificate.

   Official requirements

   Publication checked on 23/10/2026

3. 3

   Step 3

   Keep your entry record

   At the border, keep your passport entry stamp or the immigration entry slip you receive.

   (Constancia de ingreso)

   More details

   You will need this record for the residence application. Check the date until which you are authorised to stay.

   Official requirements

   Publication checked on 23/10/2026

4. 4

   Step 4

   Apply for temporary residence

   Collect the local certificates and apply in person at the immigration authority. The permit is valid for up to two years.

   (Residencia Temporal · Dirección Nacional de Migraciones)

   More details

   A provisional status allows work and study while the application is processed. Applying does not guarantee approval. Find the office in your city guide.

   Official requirements

   Publication checked on 23/10/2026

5. 5

   Step 5

   Get your local ID card

   Once you have temporary residence, apply separately for a Paraguayan identity card.

   (Cédula de Identidad · Departamento de Identificaciones)

   More details

   Apply at the police identity documents department. The card expires with your temporary residence permit. Request a residence certificate separately only if it is needed.

   Official requirements

   Publication checked on 23/10/2026

6. 6

   Step 6

   Apply for permanent residence

   Submit a new application for permanent residence during the final three months of your temporary permit.

   (Residencia Permanente)

   More details

   The change is not automatic. You need documents and proof of financial means for your circumstances. If the permit has expired, check the official procedure promptly: eligibility and penalties depend on the delay.

   Official requirements

   Publication checked on 23/10/2026