Wanting to live abroad or secure a backup plan? Getting foreign residency often seems expensive or complicated. But in 2025, there’s a surprising, easy way to get residency. This option is very affordable and offers great freedom. It’s not widely known, making it a valuable secret for smart people and remote workers looking for a simple path to living internationally.
A Hidden Gem in South America
Paraguay is a very accessible country for gaining long-term residency in 2025. Many popular places are making their immigration rules tougher or more expensive. But this nation offers a direct and budget-friendly way to get residency. It also comes with many good benefits that go beyond just paperwork.
How to Get Residency in Paraguay in 2025
Paraguay’s immigration rules changed recently (Law 6984/2022, fully active since late 2022). These rules are still in place for 2025. It’s important to know that the old rule about a $5,000 bank deposit for direct permanent residency is no longer used. Now, there are clear ways to get residency:
1. Temporary Residency First (Best for Remote Workers)
This is the most common and cheapest way to start, especially if you’re not making a large investment.
- The Process: You first get a temporary residency permit. This permit lasts for two years. After these two years, you can apply for permanent residency.
- Costs: Government fees for the temporary residency permit are very low, usually between $363 and $400 USD. You will also pay for document apostilles, official Spanish translations, and local police checks. Hiring a lawyer is smart for help with the process, but the main government fees are small.
- What You Need: You will need an apostilled birth certificate. Also, a clean criminal record from your home country (and any country you lived in for the last three years). Include marriage or divorce papers if they apply to you. You must also show you can support yourself financially or declare your job.
- Visiting Paraguay: You need to visit Paraguay briefly (usually a few days). During this visit, you submit your application, provide fingerprints, and have a short interview. To keep your temporary status, it’s good to make a quick trip back (e.g., 3 days) every 12 months. After two years, you’ll need another visit to apply for permanent residency.
2. Direct Permanent Residency (SUACE Program for Investors)
If you want immediate permanent residency and are ready to invest in the country, the SUACE program offers a direct path.
- The Process: This way lets you apply directly for permanent residency. You skip the temporary stage. It’s for people who want to invest in a business in Paraguay.
- Investment Amount: You need to invest at least $70,000 USD in a real business activity in Paraguay. This money does not have to be paid all at once. Instead, you commit to investing this sum over 10 years, based on a business plan.
- Other Costs: Besides the investment, there are government application fees, company setup fees, and legal costs. These can add up to about $14,000 USD.
- Key Benefits: This path often has much faster approval times (sometimes as fast as 45-90 days). You get permanent residency right away once approved.
3. Residency for Retirees
If you have a steady, proven monthly pension income, you can also get permanent residency. Your income needs to be about $1,022 USD per month (which is 10 times the minimum monthly wage in Paraguay).
Great Benefits of Choosing This Country
- Very Low Living Costs: Beyond the small government fees, living in Paraguay is much cheaper than in many other countries. A comfortable monthly budget for one person, including rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Asunción (which can be around $350-$750), might be $800-$1,200. This makes it perfect for those on a budget.
- Favorable Tax System: This is a big plus for digital nomads and remote workers. Paraguay uses a territorial tax system. This means that the income you earn outside Paraguay is generally not taxed in Paraguay. This can save you a lot on taxes if your income comes from outside the country. Income earned inside Paraguay has a low 10% tax rate.
- Flexible Stay Rules: Both temporary and permanent residency come with very flexible rules about how long you need to stay. You only need short, occasional visits to apply and keep your status. For permanent residents, there’s no strict yearly stay requirement. The main rule is not to be away for more than three years in a row. This gives you huge freedom if you want residency without fully moving there.
- Path to Citizenship: After two years as a temporary resident and then two years as a permanent resident (a total of four years), you can apply for Paraguayan citizenship. You usually need to know basic Spanish (A1 level) and some facts about Paraguayan history and culture. A Paraguayan passport lets you travel without a visa or get a visa on arrival to over 140 countries, including the Schengen Area.
- Mercosur Advantages: Paraguay is a full member of Mercosur. This means residents can move freely within other member countries like Argentina, Brazil, and Uruguay. This makes travel and business easier within South America.
- Simple Application Process: While you need to prepare documents carefully (apostille, translation) and attend in-person appointments, the overall residency process in Paraguay is usually seen as less complex and less tied up in red tape than similar programs elsewhere.
Why This Opportunity Isn’t Widely Known
This valuable residency option often goes unnoticed for several reasons:
- Not a Tourist Hotspot: Paraguay doesn’t have the famous beaches or big tourist attractions that draw many digital nomads or large groups of travelers. This keeps it off the main travel lists.
- Developing Infrastructure: While always getting better, some parts of its infrastructure might not be as advanced as in Western countries. However, major cities have good modern facilities and the internet.
- Language Barrier: Spanish and Guarani are the main languages. While some people speak English in business areas, knowing basic Spanish really helps with daily life.
- Underestimated Global Role: In the past, the country might not have been seen as a big player in international opportunities. But its recent stable economy and new immigration rules are changing this view. For more advice on making the most of living abroad, check out our Budget Travel Hacks for Digital Nomads.
Your Next Step to Global Freedom
For digital nomads, remote workers, or anyone looking for a flexible and truly affordable long-term residency, Paraguay is a very strong choice. It’s highly recommended to hire a good local law firm that specializes in immigration. They can guide you through all the document needs, official translations, and appointments. This will make the process much smoother and more efficient.
If you are looking for an easy and cheap way to get residency that offers great value and freedom, Paraguay is a country that truly deserves your close attention.
