Frequently Asked Questions
Get answers to the most common questions about Paraguay residency and tax benefits
Residency Process Questions
Paraguay permanent residency typically takes 90 days from application submission to card delivery with our streamlined process. This is significantly faster than most other jurisdictions which can take 6-24 months.
The timeline breaks down as:
- 30-45 days: Temporary residency card (you can start enjoying tax benefits)
- 60-75 days: Permanent residency approval
- 90 days: Permanent residency card delivery
No, you do not need to live in Paraguay full-time. Paraguay has one of the most flexible residency programs in the world.
Physical presence requirements:
- Initial visit: 1-2 weeks for application and biometrics
- Ongoing: Visit once every 3 years minimum to maintain residency
- Duration: No minimum stay requirement per visit
You can maintain tax residency while living anywhere in the world, as long as you visit Paraguay periodically.
Required documents include:
- Passport: Valid for at least 6 months
- Birth Certificate: Apostilled and translated
- FBI Background Check: Apostilled (or equivalent from your country)
- Medical Certificate: Health clearance from approved physician
- Bank Statement: Showing $5,000 USD minimum deposit
- Marriage Certificate: If applying with spouse (apostilled)
We handle all apostille, translation, and submission processes for our clients.
Yes, you can include your family members in your Paraguay residency application:
- Spouse: Included with marriage certificate
- Children under 18: Included with birth certificates
- Adult children: Can apply independently or as dependents if studying
- Additional deposit: $2,000 USD per additional family member
All family members receive the same tax benefits and residency rights as the main applicant.
Rejection is extremely rare when working with our experienced team. We maintain a 99% approval rate due to:
- Thorough document review before submission
- Direct relationships with immigration officials
- Pre-qualification screening process
In the unlikely event of rejection:
- We identify and resolve the issue
- Resubmit the application at no additional cost
- Provide full support until approval is obtained
Tax Benefits Questions
Yes, Paraguay residents pay 0% tax on foreign-sourced income. This is guaranteed by Paraguay's territorial tax system, which only taxes income generated within Paraguay's borders.
Foreign income that is tax-free includes:
- Remote work and consulting income
- Online business revenue
- Investment gains and dividends
- Rental income from foreign properties
- Royalties and licensing fees
- Cryptocurrency gains (from foreign exchanges)
This applies regardless of income amount - whether you earn $50,000 or $5,000,000 annually.
Tax benefits begin immediately upon receiving your temporary residency document, typically within 30-45 days of application.
Timeline for tax benefits:
- Day 1: Application submitted
- 30-45 days: Temporary residency card received - tax benefits active
- 90 days: Permanent residency card received - benefits continue indefinitely
You can start structuring your income for tax optimization as soon as you receive temporary residency status.
Yes, but it's simple. Paraguay residents must file annual tax returns, but the process is straightforward:
- Due date: March 31st each year
- Foreign income: Declared as exempt (0% tax)
- Paraguay income: Subject to local tax rates if applicable
- Cost: Typically $200-500 USD with a local accountant
We provide referrals to qualified Paraguay tax professionals who specialize in expat returns.
Documentation to prove foreign source includes:
- Client contracts: Showing work performed outside Paraguay
- Bank records: Demonstrating foreign source of funds
- Business registration: In foreign jurisdictions (if applicable)
- Employment letters: From foreign employers
- Invoice records: For consulting and freelance work
The key is that economic activity generating the income must occur outside Paraguay. Remote work for foreign clients/employers clearly qualifies.
You may still owe taxes in other jurisdictions:
- Previous tax residence: Until you properly exit their tax system
- US citizens: Must still file US returns (but may qualify for Foreign Earned Income Exclusion)
- Source country taxes: Some countries tax at source regardless of residency
Paraguay's double taxation treaties help minimize or eliminate double taxation. We recommend consulting with international tax specialists for complex situations.
Costs & Investment Questions
The minimum bank deposit is $5,000 USD for the standard permanent residency process.
Investment options:
- Bank deposit: $5,000 USD (can be withdrawn after residency approval)
- Real estate: Any amount - property purchase qualifies
- Business investment: Starting a local business qualifies
- Family members: Additional $2,000 USD per person
This is one of the lowest investment requirements worldwide for permanent residency with tax benefits.
Total costs typically range from $8,000-12,000 USD including:
- Government fees: $1,500-2,000 USD
- Legal services: $3,500-5,000 USD
- Document processing: $500-800 USD (apostilles, translations)
- Required deposit: $5,000 USD (recoverable)
- Travel costs: Varies by location
Our comprehensive packages include all government fees, legal representation, and document processing for transparent pricing.
Yes, the $5,000 USD deposit can be withdrawn after your permanent residency is approved.
Deposit details:
- Required period: Must remain in bank during application process
- Withdrawal timing: After permanent residency card is issued
- Account control: You maintain full control of your bank account
- Interest earned: Any interest earned is yours to keep
Many clients choose to maintain the account for banking convenience, but withdrawal is permitted once residency is secured.
Ongoing costs are minimal:
- Card renewal: $100-200 USD every 10 years
- Annual tax filing: $200-500 USD (if using an accountant)
- Periodic visits: Travel costs every 1-3 years
- No minimum income: No ongoing investment requirements
- No wealth reporting: No annual wealth tax filings
Paraguay residency is designed to be low-maintenance and cost-effective long-term.
Legal Matters Questions
Yes, Paraguay residency is completely legal and safe. The program is:
- Government-sanctioned: Official immigration program established by Paraguay law
- Internationally recognized: Respected by major countries and financial institutions
- Stable: Program has operated successfully for decades
- OECD compliant: Meets international tax transparency standards
Paraguay maintains diplomatic relations with 170+ countries and is a member of Mercosur, UN, and other international organizations.
Residency loss is rare but can occur if you:
- Fail to visit: Don't enter Paraguay for more than 3 consecutive years
- Commit serious crimes: Convicted of major felonies
- Voluntary renunciation: Formally request to give up residency
Protection measures:
- Flexible visits: Any brief visit resets the 3-year clock
- Automatic renewal: No bureaucratic renewal process
- Legal support: We provide ongoing support to maintain compliance
No, Paraguay allows dual citizenship and does not require you to renounce your current citizenship.
Dual citizenship benefits:
- Keep current passport: Maintain all existing citizenship benefits
- Paraguay passport option: Eligible after 3 years of residency
- Travel freedom: Use whichever passport is more convenient
- Tax optimization: Structure residence for optimal tax treatment
Always verify dual citizenship is permitted by your current country of citizenship.
Paraguay participates in international tax transparency:
- FATCA: Paraguay banks report US person accounts to IRS
- CRS: Automatic exchange of account information with participating countries
- Tax compliance: This supports legitimate tax planning, not evasion
This transparency actually strengthens the legitimacy of Paraguay's tax benefits by ensuring compliance with international standards while maintaining territorial taxation principles.
Still Have Questions?
Our Paraguay residency experts are here to answer your specific questions and guide you through the process.