Answer First
Yes, in practice, you can hold dual citizenship with Paraguay. Article 149 of the Constitution addresses multiple nationality but does not require enforced renunciation for naturalized citizens. In practice, naturalized Paraguayans commonly retain their original citizenship where their home-country law allows it. Paraguay's Constitution addresses multiple nationality through reciprocity, but the practical effect depends heavily on your original country's rules. Confirm your position with qualified counsel before applying.
Spain has a bilateral dual nationality treaty with Paraguay (in force since 1960). Italy signed a bilateral agreement (Law 6479) in 2019. Paraguay's side is well-documented, but Italy's implementation status should be verified with counsel. See our Italy Treaty guide for the full deep dive.
Does Paraguay allow dual citizenship?
Officially, Paraguay recognizes dual nationality only by constitutional reciprocity or international treaty. Spain has such a treaty (in force since 1960); Italy is sometimes cited, but its current implementation status should be verified. In practice, naturalized Paraguayans are typically not required to demonstrate renunciation of their prior citizenship, and most applicants keep both passports. Your home country's rules decide whether you keep your original citizenship. Confirm with qualified counsel before applying.
The Official Rule: Article 149
Constitution Article 149: Dual Nationality
"Multiple nationality may be admitted through an international treaty establishing reciprocity of constitutional rank between the state of origin and the state of adoption."
In plain language: Paraguay admits multiple nationality through an international treaty establishing reciprocity of constitutional rank between the state of origin and the state of adoption. Spain has a confirmed treaty (in force since 1960). Italy signed a bilateral agreement (Law 6479) in 2019, but its implementation status should be verified with counsel.
Countries WITH Treaties
- Spain: Confirmed treaty in force
- Italy: Sometimes cited, status unclear · Full guide
Countries WITHOUT Treaties
USA, UK, Germany, Australia, Canada, France, and all other countries do not have reciprocity treaties with Paraguay.
Note: Treaty and reciprocity status is most often cited for Spain and Italy; for other countries, the practical effect depends on your home country's rules. This page reflects what our practitioners observe and is not legal advice. Verify with qualified counsel.
Sources & References
- Constitución de la República del Paraguay - Artículo 149: Nacionalidad Múltiple - Multiple nationality may be admitted through an international treaty establishing reciprocity of constitutional rank between the state of origin and the state of adoption.
- Spain-Paraguay Dual Nationality Treaty (BOE-A-1960-5626) - Bilateral reciprocity treaty, in force since 1960 (ratifications exchanged in Asunción on 10 March 1960). Confirms dual citizenship between Spain and Paraguay.
- Ley N.6479/2019 - Italy-Paraguay agreement on dual nationality (SILPy) - Ley 6479/2019 approves the Paraguay-Italy Notas Reversales agreement on dual nationality (2019). The Paraguay side is well-documented; Italian implementation status should be verified with counsel.
Dual-citizenship recognition depends on your home country's law and any reciprocity treaty. This page reflects practitioner observations and is not legal advice; verify with qualified counsel before applying.
The Practical Reality: "Don't Ask, Don't Tell"
While the law requires renunciation, Paraguay doesn't actually enforce it. Here's what the law says versus what actually happens:
| Legal Requirement | What We Observe in Practice |
|---|---|
| Renounce previous citizenship in oath | Verbal declaration, generally not independently verified by Paraguay |
| Only Spain/Italy have reciprocity | No systematic verification of nationality status |
| Should surrender old passport | Generally not demanded or collected |
| Other country should be notified | Paraguay generally does not notify other countries |
Practitioner Observations (Not Legal Advice)
- Paraguayan practitioners we work with commonly report that applicants are not asked to provide proof of actual renunciation of their prior citizenship.
- Day-to-day interactions with Migraciones generally do not involve verification of other nationalities held by the applicant.
- Statutory text and observed enforcement can diverge. This page reflects what our practitioners observe; it is not legal advice and is subject to change.
What Happens at the Paraguay Naturalization Oath Ceremony
What You Do
- 1Appear before a judge at the Supreme Court
- 2Recite the citizenship oath in Spanish
- 3Verbally renounce previous citizenship
- 4Receive naturalization certificate
- 5Apply for your Paraguay passport
What Paraguay Does NOT Do
- Demand proof of renunciation
- Contact your home country
- Confiscate your old passport
- Verify you've followed through
- Maintain any enforcement mechanism
Guidance by Country
What matters most is your home country's rules, not Paraguay's. Paraguay citizenship requirements are straightforward, but whether you can hold two passports depends on where you're from. Here's guidance for common nationalities:
Important: Country snapshots are high-level guidance and can change. They are not legal advice. Always verify current law with qualified counsel in your home country before naturalizing. Your home-country citizenship law controls whether acquiring Paraguayan nationality affects your original citizenship.
United States
SafeUS allows dual citizenship. Verbal oath has no US effect.
Verify current US law. Process observations suggest dual citizenship is generally retained, but legal outcomes depend on your specific situation.
United Kingdom
SafeUK allows dual citizenship by default.
Verify current UK law. Process observations suggest dual citizenship is generally retained, but legal outcomes depend on your specific situation.
Canada
SafeCanada allows dual citizenship.
Verify current Canadian law. Process observations suggest dual citizenship is generally retained, but legal outcomes depend on your specific situation.
Australia
SafeAustralia allows dual citizenship since 2002.
Verify current Australian law. Process observations suggest dual citizenship is generally retained, but legal outcomes depend on your specific situation.
France
SafeFrance generally allows dual citizenship.
Verify current French law. Process observations suggest dual citizenship is generally retained, but legal outcomes depend on your specific situation.
Spain
TreatyHas reciprocity treaty with Paraguay.
Dual citizenship officially recognized under treaty. Verify current implementation.
Italy
TreatySometimes cited in practitioner discussions. Paraguay side well-documented (Law 6479); Italian implementation status should be verified with counsel.
<a href="/citizenship/italy-dual-citizenship/" class="text-brand-terracotta hover:underline">See our Italy Treaty guide</a> for the full deep dive.
Germany
Check RulesMay lose German citizenship!
Apply for Beibehaltungsgenehmigung BEFORE naturalizing. Strict rules apply.
Austria
Check RulesStrict rules on dual citizenship.
Consult Austrian law before proceeding. Retention generally requires special permission.
Japan
Check RulesDoes not allow dual citizenship.
Japan requires choosing one citizenship at age 22. Acquiring another citizenship before then may require special declaration.
China
Check RulesDoes not recognize dual citizenship.
Acquiring foreign citizenship typically results in automatic loss of Chinese nationality. Verify current law.
Special Warning: German Citizens
Germany has strict rules about acquiring foreign citizenship. If you voluntarily naturalize in another country without permission, you may automatically lose your German citizenship.
What You Should Do:
- 1. Apply for Beibehaltungsgenehmigung (retention permit) BEFORE naturalizing in Paraguay
- 2. This permit allows you to acquire foreign citizenship while keeping German
- 3. Apply at the German embassy or consulate well in advance
- 4. Consult a German immigration lawyer for your specific situation
Risks to Consider
Your Home Country May Object
Some countries have strict rules about dual citizenship. Just because Paraguay doesn't enforce renunciation doesn't mean your home country won't object.
Action: Always check your home country's citizenship laws before naturalizing anywhere.
Laws Could Change
Paraguay's current permissive enforcement could change. A new government or policy shift could tighten rules.
Action: Don't rely solely on the "don't ask, don't tell" approach for long-term planning.
Loss of Paraguayan Citizenship
Under Article 150, naturalized citizens may lose Paraguayan citizenship for:
- • "Voluntary acquisition of a foreign citizenship" (ironic given current enforcement)
- • "Unjustified absence from the country for more than three years (declared by a court)"
Action: Maintain presence in Paraguay and avoid acquiring additional citizenships after naturalization.