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Paraguay Residency by Investment

Residency in a tax-friendly nation: guided by NTL Trust’s local team in Asunción.

STEP LATAM Official Sponsor
On-Ground Presence in Paraguay
Licensed Agent

Paraguay Residency by Investment Program Summary & Requirements

Fast, Simple Application Process
Family-Friendly Residency
10-Year Residency + Cedula
No Minimum Stay Requirement
MERCOSUR Access

Partners, authorizations, press mentions

Our company served as an official sponsor of the STEP LatAm Conference in Bogotá (2023), continued its presence as sponsor and participant at the Buenos Aires event (2024), was featured in IMI Daily for expert insights on Paraguay’s Residency by Investment, and hosted the thought-leadership webinar “LatAm Unveiled: Paraguay & Uruguay Residency” for global investors.

What is Paraguay’s Residency by Investment Program and How it Works?

Paraguay’s Residency by Investment Program offers a fast, simple, and affordable route to long-term legal residency in one of South America’s most stable and tax-friendly countries.

With just a 5-day visit and a reasonable investment (or a business setup via the SUACE program), applicants receive a 10-year permanent residence and a national ID card (Cedula), allowing them to:

  • Live, work, and open a business in Paraguay
  • Enjoy full access to local services and the financial system
  • Qualify for citizenship in just 3 years of permanent residence

The process is clear, well-defined by law, and backed by NTL Trust’s on-the-ground legal support in Asunción, capital of Paraguay.

Key Benefits of Paraguay Residency by Investment Program

  • Paraguay is the world’s largest exporter of electricity, thanks to its massive renewable hydroelectric capacity, offering long-term energy stability and independence.
  • The country sits atop the Guarani Aquifer, one of the largest underground freshwater reserves in the world, ensuring long-term water security and agricultural sustainability.
  • As the fifth-largest exporter of beef globally, Paraguay is a major food producer with a strong, export-driven agricultural sector that supports national economic resilience.
  • The economy is stable and open, with no currency or exchange controls, making it easy to conduct business and move capital in and out of the country.
  • Paraguay offers a highly favorable tax environment, including a 10% flat personal and corporate income tax and no taxation on worldwide income, capital gains, wealth, or inheritance.
  • The country does not participate in CRS (Common Reporting Standard), meaning no automatic exchange of banking or asset information with foreign tax authorities.
  • The residency application process is fast and simple, requiring only a short visit to Paraguay, and typically results in a 10-year residency within 90 days.
  • The program allows applicants to include their spouse and dependent children, providing a long-term solution for the entire family.
  • There is no minimum physical presence requirement, making Paraguay an ideal option for digital nomads, business owners, or retirees who value flexibility.
Sunset over a landscape with tall palm trees silhouetted against a colorful sky.

Who Should Apply for Paraguay Residency by Investment?

Paraguay’s Residency by Investment Program is designed for individuals and families seeking secure options and greater connectivity in Latin America. It offers long-term legal status without excessive requirements making it an excellent fit for a wide range of profiles.

This program is ideal for:

Entrepreneurs and business owners who want to expand operations in LatAm, reduce tax exposure, or establish a South American base with no exchange controls.
Digital nomads and location-independent professionals looking for a stable residency option with no minimum stay requirements and low cost of living.
Retirees and early planners seeking a peaceful, affordable lifestyle with access to private healthcare and no tax on pensions or offshore income.
High-net-worth individuals and global investors who need a fast plan B solution granted the application process is relatively short.
Families seeking stability who want to secure a long-term Plan B in a safe, welcoming country that allows dependent spouse and children to be included.

Paraguay Residency by Investment - Key Facts & Fast Overview

Mercosur Access
Fast processing
10-year legal residency
Family friendly
Tax friendly

Paraguay Residency Investment Options & Minimum Cost

Option 1: Traditional Route (2-Step Residency)

Minimum Investment: None
Residency Type: Temporary (2 years) → Permanent (10 years)

This is Paraguay’s most accessible route to residency with no business investment or property purchase required.

You begin by applying for a 2-year temporary residency, which typically gets approved in about 90 days. The process is straightforward: you’ll need to travel to Paraguay for just 3 to 5 business days, where NTL Trust’s local team will personally guide you through every step, from document submission to local registration.

With your temporary residency, you’ll receive a Cedula (national ID) and a Tax ID, allowing you to:

  • Live and work in Paraguay
  • Start a business
  • Open bank accounts
  • Buy real estate
  • Enjoy the same practical rights as a permanent resident

There’s no physical presence requirement, though it’s recommended to return at least once more during the two-year period. To strengthen your ties (and speed up the move to permanent residency), many applicants choose to form a company, purchase property, or engage in local economic activity, all of which our team can help you facilitate.

When your temporary residency nears expiration, you’ll apply for 10-year permanent residency and this transition is always approved, provided you’ve maintained your ties.

This route is the best for: Investors who need a simple and expeditious solution to a residency in Latin America and who need a quick plan B.

Option 2: SUACE Program (Direct Permanent Residency)

Minimum Investment: US$70,000 (over 10 years)
Residency Type: Immediate 10-Year Permanent Residency

The SUACE program is Paraguay’s business-focused residency route, designed for investors and entrepreneurs who want to go straight to permanent residency without the two-year temporary phase.

This route is ideal if you’re looking to:

  • Start a business in Paraguay
  • Open a branch or representative office of your existing company
  • Launch a consulting firm or family office

There’s no need to invest the full amount upfront, and you don’t have to show proof of funds in a bank account. Instead, you submit a basic business plan showing that you will spend at least US$70,000 over 10 years around US$7,000 per year. Our legal and advisory team will help structure this plan and handle the local registration process.

With SUACE, you’ll receive a 10-year permanent residency card and a Cedula from the start, no interim status or waiting periods. You can live, work, and operate a business in Paraguay immediately.

While this program is not specifically designed for retirees, it can be a smart fit for those seeking to establish a small consultancy or lifestyle business in a low-tax, low-regulation environment.

This route is the best for: Entrepreneurs, business owners, and investors who want a committed, investment-based solution and are ready to engage locally through a lean business structure.

How the Paraguay Residency Process Works

NTL Trust’s ground team will guide you every step of the way from your first consultation to long-term success.

Initial Consultation

Speak with our advisors to choose the right route: Traditional or SUACE. We’ll walk you through timelines, documents, and expectations.

Sign NTL Trust as Your Agent

You’ll sign a Professional Service Agreement and make the initial downpayment. From this point forward, our team manages the process for you.

Document Collection

Our legal team will help you gather and legalize the required documents in your home country, including apostilles and certified translations.

Travel to Paraguay

Spend 3–5 business days in Paraguay to submit your application in person. Our local team handles all appointments and paperwork on the ground.

Residency Approval

Receive your Cedula and residency card in as little as 90 days (Traditional) or immediately (SUACE). We’ll ship them securely to your address if needed.

Long-Term Residency Freedom

Your Paraguay residency has no minimum stay requirement. Whether you relocate or use it as a strategic Plan B, you’re fully covered and legally secure.

Aftercare & Permanent Residency Upgrade

If you applied through the Traditional Route, we’ll assist you again when your 2-year temporary residency is nearing expiration. Our team will handle the transition to 10-year permanent residency.

Paraguay Residency by Investment Program Document Checklist

Whether you apply through the Traditional Route or the SUACE business program, the required documents are the same:

  • Birth certificate
  • Marriage certificate (if applicable)
  • Police clearance certificates from:
    • Your country of birth
    • Any country where you’ve lived in the past 10 years

These documents must be either:

  • Apostilled, or
  • Legalized by the Paraguayan consulate in the country of issuance.

 

What NTL Trust Handles for You:

  • Certified Spanish translations of all required documents
  • Local Interpol clearance
  • Paraguayan white card (local police registration certificate)
  • All on-the-ground legalizations and submissions

*Note: As of November 2022, a medical certificate is no longer required.

Banking & Investment Access in Paraguay

While opening a bank account is not required to apply for Temporary Residency in Paraguay, it is strongly recommended once your residency is approved. A local account helps establish financial ties and supports your everyday needs during your time in the country.

Banking in Paraguay

  • Local banks offer deposit accounts in both US Dollars and Paraguayan Guaraníes (PYG).
  • Interest rates are often attractive, reflecting Paraguay’s status as a growing, stable economy.
  • NTL Trust can assist you with the account-opening process, whether in person or online, depending on the institution’s requirements.

Investment Without Residency

Those not holding residency status may still invest in Paraguay through authorized brokerage firms:

  • Brokerage accounts can be opened by non-residents.
  • These accounts offer access to Paraguayan stocks, bonds, and fiduciary deposits in local banks.

This pathway offers a flexible way to engage with Paraguay’s economy before making any long-term relocation decisions.

Note: Direct bank account access is typically limited to residents, but investment options remain open to international clients.

NTL Trust can also assist you in navigating both personal and business banking or investment options in Paraguay as part of your residency journey.

Paraguay, Uruguay and Panama Residency by Investment Program Comparison Table

 

Feature Paraguay Uruguay Panama
Program Type Residency by Investment (Traditional or SUACE) Residency by Physical Presence Friendly Nations Visa (Business/Work Tie)
Minimum Investment US$70,000 (SUACE) or none (Traditional) None, but proof of income and presence required ~US$5,000 in bank + local tie
Processing Time ~90 days (Traditional) / Immediate (SUACE 6–12 months 4–6 months
Residency Validity 10 years 2 years (renewable) 2 years (renewable)
Path to Citizenship After 3 years of Permanent Residency After 3–5 years (physical presence required) After 5 years (presence required)
Physical Presence Needed No annual stay requirement Must live full-time Partial presence required
Tax on Worldwide Income No Yes (progressive system) No (territorial tax system)
CRS Reporting Not yet participating Yes Yes
Family Inclusion Yes — spouse & dependents Yes Yes
Best For Quick Plan B, flexible investors Full relocation Digital nomads & offshore earners

Citizenship in Paraguay through Residency Program: Timeline & Requirements

While Paraguay does not offer a formal Citizenship by Investment program, it does allow individuals who have held permanent residency for at least three years to apply for naturalization. This pathway is available to those who have established genuine ties to the country and wish to deepen their integration.

You are expected to demonstrate fluency in one of Paraguay’s official languages: Spanish or Guaraní, and show familiarity with the country’s political constitution. More importantly, you must present a track record of physical presence and participation in the life of the nation. In other words, citizenship is granted not simply by residence, but by proven integration and commitment.

Dual and Multiple Citizenship in Paraguay

Under Paraguay’s Constitution, holding more than one nationality is permitted only when supported by an international treaty or reciprocal constitutional agreement with the applicant’s country of origin. Currently, Spain is the only country that has such a treaty in force with Paraguay.

However, in practice, Paraguay rarely enforces the renunciation of other nationalities, and dual or multiple citizenship is generally tolerated on a de facto basis. Since citizenship matters are nuanced and often handled on a case-by-case basis, we strongly recommend speaking with a qualified Paraguayan attorney before pursuing dual nationality.

 

Paraguayan Citizenship Requirements Checklist

To apply for citizenship through naturalization in Paraguay, you must:

  • Hold Permanent Residency status for at least 3 years
  • Demonstrate physical presence and integration in the country during that period
  • Be fluent in Spanish or Guaraní, the two official languages
  • Show basic knowledge of Paraguay’s Constitution
  • Provide evidence of economic or social ties, such as employment, property, or community participation

Trust the Experts on the Ground

With nearly 20 years of experience in Paraguay, NTL Trust handles every step: from paperwork to residency to aftercare. We don’t just guide you through the process. We stay with you long after it’s done.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • How long does it take to get Paraguay residency?

    Temporary residency is usually granted within 90 days of application. The expedited SUACE route can also lead to permanent residency in a similar timeframe.

  • Do I need to invest to obtain Paraguay residency?

    No investment is required for the traditional residency route. However, the SUACE program involves a projected business spending of US$70,000 over 10 years.

  • Can I include my family in the application?

    Yes. Your spouse and dependent children can apply alongside you. Each applicant must provide the required documents, but the process is coordinated together.

  • Is there a physical presence requirement in Paraguay?

    There is no mandatory minimum stay for maintaining residency. However, applying for citizenship requires a track record of physical presence and integration over three years.

  • What kind of tax system does Paraguay have?

    Paraguay has a territorial tax system: only local income is taxed at a flat rate of 10%. There are no taxes on foreign income, wealth, inheritance, or capital gains.

  • Does Paraguay participate in CRS financial reporting?

    No. Paraguay has not implemented the OECD Common Reporting Standard (CRS), so your financial data is not automatically shared with foreign tax authorities.

  • Can I open a bank account in Paraguay as a non-resident?

    Generally, no. Residency is required to open a local bank account. Once your residency is approved, NTL Trust can assist you in setting up personal or business accounts.

  • How do I qualify for citizenship in Paraguay?

    You may apply after three years of permanent residency. Requirements include fluency in Spanish or Guaraní, basic knowledge of the Constitution, and proof of local integration.

  • Does Paraguay allow dual or multiple citizenships?

    Officially, dual citizenship is recognized only through reciprocity (currently with Spain). However, in practice, Paraguay does not enforce renunciation of other nationalities.

  • Is Paraguay a safe and attractive place to live?

    Yes. Paraguay offers political stability, a low cost of living, and a welcoming lifestyle. Cities like Asunción are favored by expats, digital nomads, and entrepreneurs.

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Legal Disclaimer

The information provided on this page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or tax advice. While NTL Trust strives to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the information, laws and regulations regarding immigration, residency, and taxation are subject to change without notice and may vary by individual circumstances.

NTL Trust is not a law firm and does not provide legal representation. All residency and investment services are conducted in compliance with applicable Paraguayan laws and in coordination with licensed local professionals and government-authorized partners.

Residency approval is at the discretion of the Paraguayan immigration authorities and cannot be guaranteed. Applicants are solely responsible for ensuring the accuracy and authenticity of the documents submitted as part of their application

We recommend that prospective applicants seek independent legal and financial advice tailored to their individual situation before making any decisions regarding immigration, investment, or relocation.

NTL Trust disclaims any liability for actions taken based on the information provided herein.

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