Paraguay Residency by Investment: Investor Visa Requirements, Benefits, and Process

Paraguay offers a pathway for foreign investors to secure legal residence through financial contributions to the country’s economy.

The Paraguay residency by investment program provides a relatively low-cost and straightforward route compared to other nations.

This guide covers how the program works, qualification criteria, minimum investment, golden visa requirements, benefits, disadvantages, and the process of obtaining permanent residency.

This article explores how foreign investors can obtain residency in Paraguay through investment, covering:

• What are the requirements for Paraguay Residency by Investment?
• How long does it take to get a Paraguay residency?
• What are the advantages and disadvantages of Paraguay Residency by Investment program?
• How does Paraguay Residency by Investment compare to other RBI programs?

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The information in this article is for general guidance only. It does not constitute financial, legal, or tax advice, and is not a recommendation or solicitation to invest. Some facts may have changed since the time of writing.

What is the residency by investment program in Paraguay?

Paraguay offers a residency by investment (sometimes referred to as a Golden Visa) under its SUACE program.

Foreign investors can secure immediate permanent residency by establishing or investing in a Paraguayan company with a business plan committing a specific amount over a certain period.

How do you qualify for the Paraguay investor visa?

To qualify, applicants must:

• Business Investment Requirement – Applicants must submit a viable business plan demonstrating an investment of at least $70,000 over a 10-year period in a company registered under Paraguay’s Unified System for Opening and Closing Companies (SUACE). This plan should outline the nature of the business, projected returns, and its contribution to Paraguay’s economy.
• Clean Criminal Record & Valid Documents – A police clearance certificate from the applicant’s home country (and any country where they have resided in the past three years) is required, along with a valid passport, birth certificate, and a medical certificate proving good health.
• In-Person Application – The residency application must be submitted personally at the SUACE office in Asunción, ensuring compliance with local procedural requirements and verification of documents.

Additional factors, such as demonstrating financial stability and meeting immigration compliance standards, may also be evaluated during the process.

What is the minimum investment to get a golden visa in Paraguay?

• A minimum of USD 70,000, invested over a maximum of 10 years, is required. The applicant doesn’t need to provide the full amount upfront but must include it in a credible investment plan.
• Additional administrative and setup fees amount to approximately USD 14,000.

Paraguay Golden Visa Requirements

Key requirements include:

• Investment Commitment via SUACE – Applicants must present a clear commitment to invest at least $70,000 over a 10-year period in a Paraguayan company registered under the Unified System for Opening and Closing Companies (SUACE). A comprehensive business plan detailing the nature of the enterprise, projected financial returns, and potential economic impact is required.
• Submission of Identity and Status Documents – This includes a valid passport, birth certificate, clean criminal record (from the applicant’s home country and any country of residence in the past three years), and a medical certificate confirming good health.
• In-Person Application and Process Completion – Residency applications must be submitted in person at the SUACE office in Asunción. After initial approval, the company must be formally set up and registered in Paraguay to maintain residency status.
• Proof of Financial Capability – Evidence of sufficient funds to cover the investment and demonstrate financial stability may be required, such as bank statements or proof of income.
• Residency Maintenance Obligations – Applicants may need to fulfill minimum stay requirements or periodic compliance checks to keep their residency valid.

How Long Does It Take to Get Permanent Residency In Paraguay?

The processing generally takes up to 90 days (3 months) from application submission.

After approval, the investor must travel to Paraguay within six months to finalize their ID card and business registration.

What Are the Benefits of Residency in Paraguay?

• Immediate Permanent Residency – Paraguay offers one of the fastest residency processes in South America, granting permanent residency directly without requiring temporary visas or probationary periods.
• Pathway to Citizenship – After three years of continuous residence, eligible applicants may apply for Paraguayan citizenship, provided they meet language proficiency and cultural integration requirements.
• No Minimum Stay Requirement – Residency holders are not obligated to live in Paraguay full-time. Renewal is required only every ten years, making it highly flexible for global investors.
• Visa-Free Travel Across MERCOSUR – Residents enjoy visa-free travel to member states such as Argentina, Brazil, and Uruguay, with ID-based entry simplifying regional mobility.
• Favorable Tax System and Low Living Costs – Paraguay imposes a flat tax rate of about 10% and does not tax foreign-sourced income. Coupled with low property costs and affordable living expenses, it is an attractive base for expats and retirees.
• Business-Friendly Environment – Residency grants access to Mercosur markets and provides opportunities for trade, agriculture, real estate, and other ventures in a growing economy.

What Are the Disadvantages of A Golden Visa in Paraguay?

• Limited Expat Infrastructure – Paraguay has a smaller expat community and fewer international schools, medical facilities, and lifestyle services compared to countries like Brazil, Argentina, or Uruguay.
• Restricted Flight Connectivity – Direct international flights are limited, with no non-stop routes to the U.S. or many major global hubs, requiring layovers in neighboring countries for long-haul travel.
• Underdeveloped Regional Infrastructure – While Asunción and major cities offer modern amenities, rural areas may experience slower internet speeds, limited healthcare services, and transportation difficulties, which may affect remote workers or retirees seeking convenience.
• Language Barrier – Spanish and Guaraní are the primary languages; English is not widely spoken, which can present challenges for new residents unfamiliar with the local language.
• Slower Bureaucracy – Administrative processes can be slower compared to other residency programs, particularly for setting up businesses and finalizing documentation.

Paraguay Residency vs Other Residency-by-Investment Programs

Paraguay Investor Visa stands out for its low investment threshold, straightforward process, and fast track to permanent residency.

Compared to other programs:

• Argentina requires higher financial commitments and a longer residency period before citizenship eligibility, often five years or more.
• Uruguay offers a well-developed expat infrastructure but demands proof of substantial income or property ownership, making it costlier.
• Caribbean programs (such as Saint Kitts and Nevis or Dominica) grant citizenship directly, but investment requirements start at $200,000–$250,000, significantly higher than Paraguay’s $70,000 over 10 years.

Paraguay appeals to investors seeking an affordable entry into South America with a pathway to citizenship in just three years, while others may prefer countries with larger expat communities or immediate citizenship options.

Conclusion

Paraguay’s residency-by-investment program is uniquely accessible and investor-friendly, offering immediate permanent residency, low investment requirements, and a smooth path to citizenship.

Its minimal physical presence requirements and favorable tax climate make it a standout option in Latin America.

Potential applicants, however, should weigh the relative remoteness, limited expat services, and infrastructure gaps before choosing this path.

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