Quick Answer
Italy and Paraguay signed a bilateral dual nationality agreement in 2019 (Law 6479). Paraguay's Congress approved it, and Italy's Foreign Ministry has described the treaty as concluded. Before relying on it for a specific case, confirm current implementation with qualified counsel or the Italian Embassy in Asunción.
See the Treaty DetailsWhat Is the Status of the Italy-Paraguay Treaty?
Paraguay approved the agreement as Law 6479, and Italy's Foreign Ministry describes the bilateral treaty as concluded. However, confirm current implementation with qualified counsel or the Italian Embassy in Asunción before relying on it for a specific case.
Paraguay: Law 6479 promulgated
Signed February 26, 2019. Approved by Senate (Dec 5) and Deputies (Dec 11). Promulgated by President Abdo Benítez on December 30, 2019. Published January 3, 2020.
ABC Color: Congress sanctioned the dual nationality bill
Paraguay's Deputies approved the dual nationality agreement with Italy on December 11, 2019, following Senate approval. The article quotes the agreement's purpose and congressional support, but does not independently verify entry into force.
Italy MFA: "Conclusione del trattato bilaterale"
Italy's Ministry of Foreign Affairs published a press release in February 2025 referencing the "conclusione del trattato bilaterale sul reciproco riconoscimento della doppia cittadinanza" - which can be read as the conclusion of the bilateral treaty on mutual recognition of dual citizenship. This is the strongest official Italian acknowledgment found, but it does not explicitly state "in force."
Why the uncertainty?
Paraguay's side of the process is well-documented (Law 6479). The Italian side is less transparent - there is no publicly available Italian parliamentary act or Gazzetta Ufficiale entry clearly confirming ratification or entry into force. The MFA's 2025 press release is the strongest Italian-source signal found, but it does not use the phrase "in force." Before relying on this treaty, confirm with qualified counsel or the Italian Embassy in Asunción.
Two Directions, One Treaty
The treaty works in both directions. Here's what each path looks like.
Italian → Paraguayan
Italians move to Paraguay, obtain residency, and naturalize after 3 years - keeping their Italian passport.
- •Timeline: 3 years residency minimum
- •Key benefit: 0% tax on foreign income
- •Cost of living: Significantly lower than Italy
- •Entry: Italian passport holders can enter visa-free for tourism
Paraguayan → Italian
Paraguayans of Italian descent claim citizenship through jus sanguinis, or naturalize after 10 years in Italy - keeping their Paraguayan passport.
- •Jus sanguinis: Descent-based (now restricted by 2025 reform)
- •Naturalization: 10 years residency in Italy
- •Key benefit: EU passport, Schengen access
- •Community: Large Italian-descendant population in Paraguay
The Treaty: What It Actually Says
The Acuerdo por Notas Reversales (Exchange of Notes) between Paraguay and Italy was signed on February 26, 2019, in Asunción, concluding 18 years of negotiations. Here's what it provides, in plain language:
Retention of original nationality
Citizens of both countries may acquire or reacquire the other's nationality without losing their original nationality.
Full civil and political rights
Dual nationals may exercise civil and political rights of both nationalities, per each country's internal laws.
Indefinite duration
The agreement has no expiry. Either party may withdraw with 6 months' written diplomatic notice.
Disputes via diplomacy
Any disputes are resolved through direct diplomatic consultations between the two governments.
Important distinction
The agreement does not create a fast-track or special citizenship pathway. Italians still follow Paraguay's standard naturalization process (3 years of residency). The agreement is intended to ensure your Italian citizenship is retained when you do.
150 Years of Italian-Paraguayan Ties
The 2019 treaty didn't come from nowhere. Italy and Paraguay share one of the deepest bilateral relationships in South America.
Post-War Immigration Wave
After the devastating War of the Triple Alliance (1865-1870), which decimated Paraguay's male population, European immigration was actively encouraged. Italian immigration was a significant part of this wave.
Scuola Dante Alighieri
An Italian bilingual school has operated in Asunción since the late 19th century, serving the Italian community. It still operates today with two campuses.
150 Years of Diplomatic Relations
Today, a large portion of Paraguay's population is estimated to have some Italian ancestry. The Italian Embassy in Asunción actively celebrates this bond, hosting annual events like the Giornata dell'Immigrante Italiano at Plaza Italia.
Treaty Signed After 18 Years of Negotiations
Negotiations began in 2001. The agreement was finally signed on February 26, 2019 by Italian Foreign Minister Enzo Moavero Milanesi and Paraguayan Foreign Minister Luis Alberto Castiglioni. Paraguay's Congress approved it as Law 6479 in December 2019.
Italy's 2025 Citizenship Reform: What Changed
Reported: Italy restricted jus sanguinis in 2025
Italy's Decreto-Legge 36/2025 (commonly cited as converted to Law 74/2025, effective May 24, 2025) reportedly restricts citizenship by descent for people born abroad who hold another citizenship. Practitioner reports and Italian legal commentary should be confirmed with the Italian Embassy in Asunción.
Reported effect: Paraguayans of Italian descent applying for Italian citizenship through jus sanguinis. If you were born abroad and hold Paraguayan citizenship, you may be considered to have never acquired Italian citizenship unless you meet specific conditions.
Reported grandfathering: Applications presented by 23:59 Rome time on March 27, 2025, with required documentation and listed appointment or judicial exceptions, are generally described as following the prior rules. Verify current status with the Italian Embassy in Asunción.
Direction commonly reported as not affected: Italians naturalizing in Paraguay (the Italian to Paraguayan direction). The bilateral framework is intended to support retention of Italian citizenship, but confirm with qualified counsel.
Contact the Italian Embassy in Asunción for current procedures and eligibility.
Step-by-Step: Italian Citizen → Paraguayan Citizenship
The bilateral agreement is intended to protect your Italian citizenship throughout this process. Here's the path from Italian passport to dual citizen.
Enter Paraguay visa-free
Italian passport holders can generally enter Paraguay visa-free for tourism. Check current entry requirements before traveling.
Apply for temporary residency
Under Law 6984/2022. Italians need apostilled documents from Italy (birth certificate, criminal record from Casellario Giudiziale). See our EU Citizens Residency guide for the apostille process.
Convert to permanent residency
After 2 years of temporary residency, apply for permanent status. This is the same process for all nationalities.
Apply for naturalization after 3 years
Once you have 3 years of residency, submit your citizenship application through a licensed Paraguayan lawyer. Gather the 12 required documents, pass the Spanish language test and civics exam.
Take the citizenship oath
The oath includes a verbal renunciation of previous citizenship. Under the bilateral agreement (Law 6479), your Italian citizenship is intended to be protected - Paraguay doesn't contact Italy, confiscate your passport, or verify renunciation. Confirm with qualified counsel.
Dual citizen: Italian 🇮🇹 + Paraguayan 🇵🇾
Receive your naturalization certificate. Apply for your Paraguayan passport. Under the bilateral agreement, both citizenships are intended to be retained.
Paraguayan Citizen → Italian Citizenship
The agreement is intended to ensure you don't lose Paraguayan citizenship when acquiring Italian nationality. But the path depends on your circumstances.
Jus Sanguinis (Descent)
The traditional path for Paraguayans of Italian descent. Prove unbroken lineage to an Italian ancestor. Now significantly restricted by Italy's 2025 reform: applications presented by 23:59 Rome time on March 27, 2025, subject to listed appointment or judicial exceptions, are generally described as following the prior rules if they meet the Embassy's conditions.
Naturalization (10 Years)
Reside legally in Italy for 10 years, demonstrate income above the social allowance threshold, and pass a language test (B1 level). The agreement is intended to ensure your Paraguayan citizenship is retained.
Marriage (2-3 Years)
Marriage to an Italian citizen + 2 years of residency in Italy (3 years if living abroad). Reduced by half if children are involved. Same B1 language requirement.
Contact the Italian Embassy in Asunción for eligibility assessment and current procedures.
Italy vs Spain: The Only Two Treaty Countries
Paraguay's Constitution (Article 149) only recognizes dual nationality through bilateral treaties. Only Spain and Italy have such agreements (Spain's is confirmed in force; Italy's status is described by both governments as concluded). Here's how they compare.
| 🇮🇹 Italy | 🇪🇸 Spain | |
|---|---|---|
| Treaty signed | 2019 | 1959 (modified 1999) |
| Paraguayan law | Law 6479 | Earlier bilateral treaty |
| Negotiation period | 18 years (2001-2019) | N/A (earlier era) |
| Retention of original nationality | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| Diaspora in Paraguay | Large (widely cited estimates) | Significant (post-colonial ties) |