Document Requirements Overview
Paraguay's residency application requires a specific set of documents, all of which must be properly authenticated. For citizens of Hague Convention countries, this means apostilling your documents. For non-Hague countries, consular legalization is required instead. Every document not originally in Spanish must be translated by a certified translator in Paraguay.
The requirements are the same whether you are applying for temporary residency or permanent residency. The difference lies in the processing time and the type of permit you receive. For a breakdown of costs and fees, see our dedicated cost guide.
Complete Document Checklist
1. Birth Certificate (Apostilled)
Your original birth certificate or a certified copy issued by the vital records office of your home country. The document must be recent -- some lawyers recommend obtaining a new certified copy rather than using an old one. The birth certificate must bear an apostille from the competent authority in your country of birth.
2. Police Clearance Certificate (Less Than 6 Months Old)
A criminal background check from your country of citizenship and/or residence. This document must be less than 6 months old at the time of submission. This is the most time-sensitive document in your application -- in some countries, obtaining a police clearance can take 4-12 weeks.
United States
FBI Identity History Summary (form FD-258). Processing: 4-12 weeks. Can be expedited through approved FBI channelers for faster results. Must be apostilled by the US Department of State.
United Kingdom
ACRO Police Certificate. Processing: 2-4 weeks. Apply online through the ACRO Criminal Records Office. Apostille from the UK Foreign Office (FCDO).
European Union
Varies by country. Germany: Fuhrungszeugnis (2-3 weeks). France: Extrait de casier judiciaire (2-4 weeks). Each must be apostilled by the respective national authority.
Australia
National Police Check through Australian Federal Police or accredited body. Processing: 2-4 weeks. Apostille from DFAT (Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade).
3. Medical Certificate
A medical examination certificate issued by an authorized physician in Paraguay. This is obtained in Asuncion and is a straightforward health check. The exam typically includes a general physical examination, blood tests (HIV, Hepatitis B/C, syphilis), and a chest X-ray to rule out tuberculosis. The exam takes about 1-2 hours and costs approximately $50-$100.
Your immigration lawyer will direct you to an approved medical facility. The certificate is valid for 30-90 days depending on the issuing facility, so this should be one of the last documents you obtain before submission.
4. Passport (Original + Notarized Copies)
Your valid passport with at least 6 months of remaining validity. You will need the original for inspection plus notarized copies of the bio page, all visa pages with stamps, and the entry stamp into Paraguay. The notarization must be done by a Paraguayan notary (escribano publico).
Ensure your passport has blank pages for the residency stamp. If your passport is close to expiring, renew it before starting the process -- changing your passport mid-application can cause significant delays.
5. Passport-Size Photos
You will need approximately 4-6 passport-size photos (4x4 cm, white background, recent). These can be taken at any photo studio in Asuncion for about $5-$10. Some immigration offices have photo booths on-site. Bring extras -- you may need them for your cedula application and bank account opening as well.
6. Bank Deposit Proof (Approximately $5,000)
A bank certificate (certificado bancario) from a Paraguayan bank showing a deposit of approximately $5,000 USD or equivalent in Guaranies. This deposit demonstrates your financial solvency and ability to support yourself in Paraguay. The money is fully yours -- it is not a fee or a payment to the government. You can withdraw it after your residency is approved.
To make this deposit, you first need to open a bank account in Paraguay. This typically requires your passport, proof of address (a MyPyMail virtual address works for this), and a brief interview at the bank. Major banks that accept foreigners include Banco Continental, Itau, and Vision Banco.
7. Proof of Address in Paraguay
You need to demonstrate a physical address in Paraguay. This can be a rental contract, utility bill in your name, or a virtual address service. For applicants who are not yet living full-time in Paraguay, a virtual address is the most practical solution.
MyPyMail: Your Proof of Address Solution
MyPyMail provides a real street address in Asuncion that is accepted by immigration authorities, banks, and government agencies as valid proof of address. You get a physical mailbox where official correspondence is received, scanned, and forwarded to you digitally -- managed entirely online from anywhere in the world.
View plans from $99/year →8. Power of Attorney (Poder Especial)
A special power of attorney authorizing your Paraguayan immigration lawyer to act on your behalf. This document allows your lawyer to file your application, attend hearings, respond to requests from immigration authorities, and pick up your completed documents -- including your cedula -- while you are not physically in Paraguay.
The power of attorney can be executed before a Paraguayan notary (if you are in Paraguay) or before a notary in your home country (in which case it must be apostilled and translated). Many applicants execute this document during their initial 3-5 day trip to Asuncion to file their application.
9. Certified Spanish Translations
Every document not originally in Spanish must be translated by a certified public translator (traductor publico matriculado) registered with the Paraguayan Supreme Court. Translations done in your home country are generally not accepted -- they must be done in Paraguay by a registered translator.
Documents that typically need translation include your birth certificate, police clearance, passport bio page, medical records from abroad, and any supporting documents such as marriage certificates or educational credentials. Translation costs range from $30-$80 per document depending on length and complexity.
10. Additional Documents (Case-Specific)
Depending on your personal situation, you may also need:
- - Marriage certificate (apostilled, translated) if applying with a spouse
- - Children's birth certificates (apostilled, translated) if including dependents
- - Divorce decree if applicable and relevant to the application
- - Proof of income or employment for certain residency categories
- - Educational credentials if applying under professional categories
- - Interpol clearance (obtained in Paraguay through your lawyer)
The Apostille Process Explained
An apostille is an international certification that authenticates the origin of a public document. It was established by the Hague Convention of 1961 and is recognized by over 120 countries. For Paraguay residency, all foreign-issued documents must bear an apostille from the country that issued them.
| Country | Apostille Authority | Cost | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States | US Dept of State (federal) / Secretary of State (state) | $20-$100 | 1-6 weeks |
| United Kingdom | Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) | GBP 30 | 2-5 business days |
| Germany | Regional court (Landgericht) or district government | EUR 13-25 | 1-2 weeks |
| Australia | Dept of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) | AUD 86 | 2-4 weeks |
| Canada | Global Affairs Canada | CAD 30 | 2-4 weeks |
| France | Court of Appeal (Cour d'appel) | Free | 1-2 weeks |
For countries that are not members of the Hague Apostille Convention (such as some Middle Eastern and African nations), you will need to go through a consular legalization process instead. This involves authenticating your documents through the foreign ministry of the issuing country and then through the Paraguayan consulate or embassy. This process is more complex and can take 4-8 weeks.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
After helping hundreds of applicants navigate the Paraguay residency process, these are the most common mistakes we see -- and how to avoid them:
Expired Police Clearance
The police clearance has a strict 6-month validity window. Many applicants get their clearance too early, then face delays with other documents, and by the time they submit everything, the clearance has expired. Get your police clearance last among home-country documents, or allow enough buffer time.
Wrong Apostille Authority
In the US, the apostille authority depends on which state issued the document (for state-level docs) or the US Department of State (for federal docs like FBI checks). Getting an apostille from the wrong authority will result in rejection. Check our apostille guide for country-specific details.
Using Non-Registered Translators
Translations must be done by a traductor publico matriculado registered in Paraguay. Translations done by general translators, online services, or translators registered in other countries will be rejected. Always use a translator recommended by your Paraguayan lawyer.
No Proof of Address
Many applicants arrive in Paraguay without having secured a local address, then scramble to find one. Secure your virtual address with MyPyMail before you travel so this is ready from day one.
Need a proof of address for your application?
A MyPyMail virtual address gives you a real, verified street address in Asuncion, Paraguay. Accepted by immigration, banks, and government agencies. Set up takes just minutes, and you can manage everything online from anywhere in the world.
View plans from $99/year