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Law FirmJosé Soria & Asociados

Foreign nationals in Paraguay

Residency in Paraguay for foreigners

Temporary residency is the authorization that the Dirección Nacional de Migraciones (National Migration Directorate, DNM) grants for a set period to foreign nationals who enter the country to settle and carry out a lawful activity. After completing that period, those who wish to settle permanently can apply for permanent residency. At Estudio Jurídico José Soria & Asociados, in San Lorenzo, we handle temporary and permanent residency applications under Law No. 6984/2022 “De Migraciones” (On Migration). We also handle the Paraguayan identity card (cédula) and the certificate of life and residence (certificado de vida y residencia), and we assist you with the legalization and apostille of your documents.

Format
At the office, by phone or on WhatsApp
Applicable laws
Information reviewed in
September 2026

Who is it for?

  • Foreign nationals who wish to settle in Paraguay and carry out a lawful activity here.
  • Temporary residents who want to move to permanent residency.
  • Foreign residents who need a Paraguayan identity card (cédula) or a certificate of life and residence.
  • People who must submit foreign documents for their application and need to have them legalized or apostilled.

What we do

  • We handle temporary residency applications with the Dirección Nacional de Migraciones.
  • We handle permanent residency applications for those who have completed the temporary residency period.
  • We handle the process to obtain the Paraguayan identity card (cédula).
  • We handle the process to obtain the certificate of life and residence.
  • We assist you with the legalization and apostille of your documents throughout the process.

What the law says

Foreign documents

Documents in another language must be translated into Spanish by a public translator. Paraguay approved the Hague Apostille Convention through Law No. 4987/2013. The Convention has been in force for Paraguay since 30 August 2014.

Residencia Temporal establecida por la Ley N.º 6984/2022 de Migraciones (DNM) (opens in a new tab) · Ley N.º 4987 / Aprueba el Convenio suprimiendo la exigencia de legalización de los documentos públicos extranjeros (BACN) (opens in a new tab) · Conferencia de La Haya (HCCH): estado del Convenio de 5 de octubre de 1961 (Apostilla) (opens in a new tab)

Documents usually required

During the consultation, we review the documents for your case with you. Documents in a foreign language must be translated into Spanish in one of these two ways:

  • By a public translator registered in the Republic of Paraguay.
  • By an authorized foreign public translator. In this case, the translation must be apostilled or legalized.

How the process works

  1. Initial consultationYou tell us about your situation: whether you are arriving for the first time, already have temporary residency, or need a cédula or a certificate. We explain which procedure applies.
  2. Document reviewWe review your documents. Documents in another language must be translated into Spanish by a public translator. Where applicable, we assist you with legalization or apostille.
  3. Filing with MigracionesWe file your application for temporary or permanent residency with the Dirección Nacional de Migraciones (DNM).
  4. Follow-upWe follow up on your case file and assist you throughout the process.
  5. Cédula and certificateOnce temporary residency is granted, we handle the process to obtain your Paraguayan identity card (cédula) with the Departamento de Identificaciones de la Policía Nacional (Identification Department of the National Police). If you need it, we also handle your certificate of life and residence.

Frequently asked questions

How long does temporary residency last?

It is valid for up to 2 years. It can be renewed for the same period.

When can I apply for permanent residency?

After completing the temporary residency period. The change is requested within the 3 months before your temporary card expires. If the card has already expired, it can still be requested up to 1 month after expiry, by paying the applicable fine.

Can I get a Paraguayan cédula if I am a temporary resident?

Yes. Temporary residents can obtain the Paraguayan identity card (cédula). It is issued by the Departamento de Identificaciones de la Policía Nacional and is valid for the same period as the temporary residency. The firm can handle it for you.

Where do I get the certificate of life and residence?

It is issued by the police station (comisaría) of the Policía Nacional (National Police) with jurisdiction over your actual place of residence (domicilio real). The firm can handle it for you.

Sources consulted

This page provides general information and does not replace advice on your case. Laws and requirements may change; we confirm them at the consultation.