Residency in Paraguay (2026): What You Actually Need

Starting a migration process can be a bit overwhelming — but it actually requires a solid structure and precision.

So let me break it down to you.

In 2026, the National Directorate of Migrations in Paraguay applies strict standards when it comes to documentation.

And that matters.

Because even a small mistake — like an incorrect apostille or translation — can delay your process by months.

At MyParaway, they guide there clients true this process every day.

Below is the complete and up-to-date list of documents you’ll need to apply for residency in Paraguay.

The Core Documents (Required for Everyone)

Whether you're applying for temporary or permanent residency, these documents form the foundation of your application:

1. Valid Identity Document

• MERCOSUR countries: You can use your national ID or passport

• Rest of the world: A valid passport is required

• Important: Your document must be valid for at least 6 months at the moment of application.

2. Birth Certificate

You’ll need your original birth certificate, issued by the civil registry in your country of origin.

It must clearly show the names of both parents — this is not optional.

3. Criminal Record Certificates

This is where things often go wrong. In 2026, you’ll need:

• A criminal record certificate from your country of origin

• And if applicable, from any country where you’ve lived for more than 1 year in the last 3 years

• Both must be issued by the appropriate national authority.

4. Civil Status Certificate

Your marital status must be officially documented:

• Married: Marriage certificate

• Divorced: Divorce decree or updated marriage certificate

• Widowed: Death certificate of your spouse

Making Your Documents Valid (Apostille & Translation)

"Having the documents is one thing. Having them accepted in Paraguay is another."

Here’s what makes them valid:

Hague Apostille

All foreign documents must be apostilled.

If your country is not part of the Hague Convention, the documents must be legalized through a Paraguayan consulate.

Certified Translation

If your documents are not in Spanish, they must be translated.

Depending on your country of origin, this can be done either in your home country or in Paraguay by a certified translator registered with the Supreme Court of Justice.

At MyParaway, they handle this step for you — ensuring everything meets the exact legal requirement

Proving Income or Financial Stability

This part is often misunderstood — and the rules have changed in recent years.

Since the introduction of Law 6984 (2022) and the updates in 2025/2026, the requirements have become more flexible than before.

For temporary residency, there is generally no strict minimum income or fixed bank deposit required anymore.

However, when transitioning to permanent residency (typically after around 2 years), you will need to demonstrate economic solvency.

The good news: how you do this is quite flexible.

Documents You’ll Get in Paraguay

Once you arrive, you’ll need to obtain a few important local documents. This is where having the right guidance really helps:

• Interpol Background Certificate
  Issued in Asunción at the Interpol office of the National Police.

• Foreign Background Certificate
  (Certificado de Antecedentes del Extranjero)
  Issued by the National Police Informatics Department.

• Life and Residency Certificate
  (Certificado de Vida y Residencia)
  Issued by your local police station (Comisaría) in the area where you live.

Common Mistakes (That Cause Delays)

We see these mistakes all the time — and fortunately, they’re completely avoidable, says MyParaway:

• Expired Documents
  Many background certificates (especially the Interpol and Foreign Criminal Record) are only valid for 90 days. Submitting an expired document almost always causes delays.

• Incorrect or Incomplete Apostilles
  The document itself may be apostilled, but the apostille is missing a signature, official stamp, or is not attached to the right page. This is one of the most common reasons for rejection.

• Name Inconsistencies
  Even small differences in spelling, order of names, or accents between your passport, birth certificate, and other documents can lead to additional requests or legal fixes.

During the preparation phase, MyParaway carefully reviews your documents to make sure everything is correct before you travel to Paraguay.

Final Thought: Preparation Makes the Difference

So it all starts with the right preparation.

Getting your residency in Paraguay is all about doing each step correctly.

The system rewards clean, complete, and well-structured applications — that’s what leads to faster approvals and fewer complications.

But in practice, this is where most things go wrong.
Small mistakes, missing documents, or unclear requirements can quickly lead to delays, extra costs, or even having to start over.

That’s why preparation matters — and why having the right guidance makes a difference.

Want to make sure everything is correct?

At MyParaway, they review your entire file before you travel — checking every detail, every document, and every translation.

So when you arrive in Paraguay, everything is already in place.
No guesswork, no surprises — just a smooth and efficient process from start to finish.