A1-A2
Level Required
2
Exams Total
95%+
Pass on First Try
3-6mo
Typical Prep Time
Quick Answer
Two Exams Required
Paraguay requires citizenship applicants to pass two oral examinations. Both are conducted in Spanish.
Exam 1: Language Proficiency
- • Language: Spanish OR Guarani (your choice)
- • Level: Basic conversational (A1-A2)
- • Format: Oral interview with examiner
- • Duration: 10-20 minutes
- • Conducted by: Immigration authority
Exam 2: History & Civics
- • Topics: Paraguayan history, government, symbols
- • National Anthem: Must know and recite
- • Format: Oral questions
- • Duration: 10-15 minutes
- • Language: Conducted in Spanish
Language Test: What Level Do You Really Need?
The test is designed to verify basic communication ability, not fluency. Here's what "basic conversational" actually means:
What You Should Be Able to Do
- Introduce yourself (name, origin, age)
- Describe your work or profession
- Talk about your family
- Describe where you live in Paraguay
- Explain why you want citizenship
- Answer simple follow-up questions
- Understand spoken questions
- Ask for clarification if needed
CEFR Level Reference
Minimum Required
Very basic phrases, limited vocabulary
Recommended Level
Elementary conversations, common situations
Comfortable Level
More than enough—intermediate proficiency
Good News
Spanish vs. Guarani: Which to Choose?
Spanish (Recommended)
- Abundant learning resources
- Useful for daily life in Paraguay
- Useful across Latin America
- 99% of applicants choose Spanish
Guarani
- • Limited learning resources
- • Only spoken in Paraguay
- • Still need Spanish for daily life
- • Rarely chosen by foreigners
Only consider Guarani if you have a specific cultural connection or already speak it.
History & Civics Exam
This exam tests basic knowledge of Paraguayan history, government, and national symbols. You'll also need to know the national anthem.
Key Topics to Study
| Topic | Date | What to Know |
|---|---|---|
| Independence | May 14-15, 1811 | When Paraguay gained independence from Spain |
| War of the Triple Alliance | 1864-1870 | Devastating war against Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay |
| Chaco War | 1932-1935 | War with Bolivia over the Chaco region |
| Current Constitution | 1992 | Democratic constitution after Stroessner dictatorship |
| Government Structure | - | Executive, Legislative, Judicial branches |
| Current President | Verify at time of exam | Know who is currently in office |
The National Anthem
Title: "Paraguayos, República o Muerte!" (Paraguayans, Republic or Death!)
You should know at least the first verse and chorus. Here's the opening:
"¡Paraguayos, República o Muerte!
Nuestro brío nos dio libertad;
Ni opresores, ni siervos alientan,
Donde reinan unión e igualdad."
Tip: You can recite it—you don't need to sing. Practice pronunciation and meaning.
How to Prepare
Spanish Preparation
Timeline: 3-6 months if starting from zero
- 1. Apps: Duolingo, Babbel, Pimsleur
- 2. Classes: iTalki, local Spanish schools
- 3. Practice: Conversation with locals in Paraguay
- 4. Media: Spanish podcasts, YouTube, Netflix
History & Civics Preparation
Timeline: 2-4 weeks of focused study
- 1. Wikipedia: "History of Paraguay" article
- 2. YouTube: Paraguay history videos (in Spanish)
- 3. Anthem: Listen and practice reciting daily
- 4. Current events: Know the current president
Study Tip
Create flashcards with key dates, events, and vocabulary. Practice answering common questions out loud in Spanish. The exam is oral, so speaking practice matters more than written exercises.
What to Expect on Exam Day
Location
Immigration authority office (Migraciones) or designated exam center
What to Bring
Cédula de Identidad, passport, appointment confirmation
Format
One-on-one oral interview with examiner. Typically 20-30 minutes total for both exams.
Atmosphere
Generally friendly and relaxed. Examiners want you to pass—they're not trying to trick you.
Results
Usually communicated shortly after the exam. Your lawyer will follow up on next steps.