Benefits
Benefits for youBenefits for you
Live in Paraguay indefinitely
Permanent residence lets you live in Paraguay indefinitely.
You receive a Paraguayan identity card, which you can use for identification instead of your residence card.
Study in Paraguay
You have equal access to education in Paraguay.
Work in Paraguay
You can work legally without discrimination for being an immigrant, with the usual protections for workers.
A migrant worker can also send money needed by family to another country.
Bring your belongings
As an admitted resident, you can bring personal belongings and household goods into Paraguay under the rules for bringing them in.
Vote in local elections
Permanent foreign residents can vote in municipal elections in Paraguay, but not in national presidential or congressional elections.
Use public healthcare
You have equal access to healthcare in Paraguay, including emergency and ordinary care.
Use public services
You have equal access to social security, justice, culture and recreation in Paraguay.
How to apply
Applying at an officeApplying at an office
Find an immigration office
Choose a Paraguayan immigration office that accepts applications and confirm that it can take yours.
Find an immigration officeGather your documents
Prepare the required documents for the immigration office.
See required documentsGet a repatriation certificate
If you are applying as the spouse of a repatriated Paraguayan, obtain a repatriation certificate from SEDERREC. If you are applying through the general spouse route, you can obtain one if you qualify for it.
Get the certificateSearches DuckDuckGo for “How do I obtain a Paraguay repatriation certificate for permanent residence for spouses of Paraguayans?”
Get your Paraguayan ID
If you are using the general spouse route, apply for your Paraguayan identity card at the National Police Identification Department. Once it is issued, start your residence application within 90 days to avoid possible penalties.
Apply for your IDSearches DuckDuckGo for “How do I obtain a Paraguay identity card for permanent residence for spouses of Paraguayans?”
Hand in your application
Bring your documents in person to the immigration office and pay the fee in cash if it applies. A repatriation certificate gives you a fee exemption unless your marriage took place in Paraguay.
Find an immigration officeWait for the decision
Follow up with the immigration office yourself or through a legal representative, and respond to any requests for more documents.
Follow up your applicationSearches DuckDuckGo for “How do I follow up a Paraguay permanent residence application for spouses of Paraguayans?”
Collect your residence card
Once approved, collect your permanent residence card from the office indicated by immigration. It lets you live permanently in Paraguay; renew the card every 10 years.
Collect your cardSearches DuckDuckGo for “How do I collect my Paraguay permanent residence card as the spouse of a Paraguayan?”
Documents needed
Family certificates and recordsFamily certificates and records
Birth certificate *
Bring your birth certificate from the country where you were born. Bring the original and a certified copy.
* Only if you apply as the spouse of a repatriated Paraguayan under article 48.
May need apostille/legalisationMarriage certificate *
Bring your marriage certificate, showing your marriage to your Paraguayan spouse. Bring the original and a certified copy; the marriage must have taken place outside Paraguay for this route.
* Only if you apply as the spouse of a repatriated Paraguayan under article 48.
May need apostille/legalisationSpouse's identity document *
Bring your Paraguayan spouse's identity document. Bring the original and a certified copy.
* Only if you apply as the spouse of a repatriated Paraguayan under article 48.
Considerations
Things to think aboutThings to think about
Residence card renewal
Your residence card must be renewed every 10 years so that you can renew your Paraguayan identity card.
Residence can be lost
Your residence can be cancelled after more than three consecutive years away from Paraguay without good reason; get prior permission for a longer absence.
It can also be cancelled for false documents, immigration fraud or breaking immigration rules, or if you ask for it to be cancelled.
Cancellation ends your right to stay and can lead to an order to leave.
Discuss
Online communitiesOnline communities
Paraguay Expat Residency Support Group
Facebook group for people living in Paraguay interested in Paraguayan visas (English & Spanish)
Request to joinExtranjeros 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 FacebookConsultation
Talk to a professionalTalk to a professional
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