Eligibility quiz
Were you born in Paraguay?
Benefits
Benefits for youBenefits for you
Paraguayan passport and ID
Paraguayan citizens can have an identity card and passport.
A valid Paraguayan ID can also be used for travel within Mercosur where the document rules allow it.
Live in Paraguay for life
Paraguayan citizens can live in Paraguay without a visa or residence renewal.
Live and work in 9 countries
Study in Paraguay
Everyone has a right to education throughout life.
Basic school education is free in public schools.
Work in Paraguay
Paraguayan citizens can work and pursue lawful activities without a foreigner's work or residence permission.
Get help abroad
Paraguayan consulates can help with travel documents and guidance, accidents, detention and the protection of children or people unable to care for themselves.
Mercosur consulates may also help where Paraguay has no representation, when the regional agreement applies.
Vote and run for office
Paraguayan citizens can vote and run for office from age 18, with restrictions.
Citizens abroad can vote if registered and not legally barred.
Limits on voting include some prisoners, people whose political rights a court has restricted, and certain military and police conscripts and trainees.
Use public healthcare
Everyone can use public assistance to prevent or treat illness and for emergencies caused by accidents or disasters.
Access social security
Social security covers dependent workers and their families.
The benefits available depend on the rules and a person's work and insurance history.
How to apply
Applying at a registry officeApplying at a registry office
Find a registry office
You are Paraguayan by birth and become a Paraguayan citizen at age 18, without applying. If your birth has not been registered, find a Civil Registry office in Paraguay, even if you live abroad.
Find a registry officeSearches DuckDuckGo for “Where can I register a birth in Paraguay at a Civil Registry office?”
Gather your documents
Prepare the required documents for the registry office.
See required documentsRegister your birth
Bring the documents to a Civil Registry office in Paraguay, with the people required to declare the birth and any required witnesses. The first registration and first birth certificate are free.
Find birth registrationSearches DuckDuckGo for “How do I register a birth at a Civil Registry office in Paraguay?”
Collect your birth certificate
You or the people declaring the birth sign the registry documents as the registrar directs, then receive the registration and first birth certificate. You can use the certificate to apply for Paraguayan identity documents.
Find certificate informationSearches DuckDuckGo for “How do I get my first birth certificate after registering a birth in Paraguay?”
Get another birth certificate
If you need a later certificate, sign in to the electronic birth-certificate service, choose Generar nuevo, check the preview and pay the fee as instructed; you can then get it from your citizen folder. If your record is not digitized, request the certificate in person at the registry, where it may be issued physically or you may be given a password to obtain it later.
Get a birth certificateDocuments needed
Family certificates and recordsFamily certificates and records
Parents’ marriage certificate *
Bring your parents’ marriage certificate or their family record book.
* Only if your birth has not been registered and your parents were married when you were born.
Parents’ residence record *
Bring your parents’ current certificate of life and residence. Ask the Civil Registry how to provide it in your circumstances.
* Only if your birth has not been registered, you are over 18 and your parents have died, are unknown or cannot be found.
Considerations
Things to think aboutThings to think about
Military service
Paraguayan citizens must prepare for and contribute to the country's defence; compulsory military service is limited to 12 months in peacetime.
Women serve only in support roles when needed during an international armed conflict.
Those who object on grounds of conscience serve instead at designated civilian centres.
Citizenship rights can end
Citizenship rights are suspended upon gaining another nationality unless countries recognise each other's citizenship, or during a prison sentence or certain court-declared incapacity.
The rights return when the reason for suspension ends.
Paraguayan nationality cannot be taken away, but can end by voluntary renunciation before the Supreme Court.
Discuss
Online communitiesOnline communities
Extranjeros en Paraguay
Spanish Facebook group for people living in Paraguay
Join on FacebookExpat Families in Paraguay - Share & Connect
English Facebook group for people living in Paraguay interested in Paraguayan local life
Join on FacebookParaguay Expat Residency Support Group
Facebook group for people living in Paraguay interested in Paraguayan visas (English & Spanish)
Request to joinConsultation
Talk to a professionalTalk to a professional
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