Embassy Closure Notice
Your Options After the Embassy Closure
Option 1: Apply in Paraguay (Recommended)
Enter Paraguay as a tourist (90-day visa-free for Australians), then apply directly at Migraciones in Asunción with your apostilled documents.
- ✓ Most straightforward process
- ✓ No third-country complications
- ✓ We handle all local requirements
Option 2: Third-Country Consulate
Apply through Paraguay's consulate in a third country like Argentina (Buenos Aires) or Brazil (São Paulo) before traveling to Paraguay.
- • Requires visiting the third country
- • Additional travel costs
- • May suit those already traveling
Document Requirements for Australians
1. Australian Passport
- • Valid for at least 6 months beyond intended stay
- • Color photocopy of data page (to be certified)
- • No apostille needed for passport itself
2. Birth Certificate
- • Full birth certificate from Registry of Births, Deaths & Marriages (your state)
- • Must be issued within the last 6 months for some applications
- • Must be apostilled by DFAT
- • Cost: ~AUD$60 for certificate + AUD$93 for apostille
3. AFP National Police Certificate
- • Apply online at afp.gov.au
- • Select purpose: "Immigration/Visa purposes - other country"
- • Processing: 10-15 business days
- • Cost: AUD$42
- • Must be apostilled by DFAT
- • Valid for 6 months from issue date
4. DFAT Apostille
- • Apply online through DFAT Authentication Services
- • Cost: AUD$93 per document
- • Processing: 5-10 business days
- • Both birth certificate and AFP check need apostilles
Timing Tip
AFP Online Application: Step-by-Step
Create Account & Start Application
Go to afp.gov.au/npc and create an account. Select "Immigration/Visa purposes – Other country" as your purpose. Have your passport and 100 points of ID ready.
Complete Identity Verification
You'll verify identity via the Document Verification Service (DVS). Requires documents like Australian passport, driver's license, or Medicare card. Most applicants complete this digitally without visiting a post office.
Pay & Submit (AUD$42)
Pay online via credit card. Your application is submitted for processing. Processing typically takes 10-15 business days. Urgent processing is not available for overseas immigration purposes.
Receive Certificate & Apostille
Certificate arrives by post (digital copies not accepted for Paraguay). Immediately submit to DFAT for apostille (AUD$93, 5-10 days). Your apostilled AFP check is valid for 6 months.
Common Mistake
FAQ
Is the Paraguay embassy in Australia still open?
No. The Paraguay Embassy in Canberra closed in 2024. Australian citizens must now apply for residency either through a Paraguay consulate in a third country (like Argentina or Brazil) or directly at Migraciones in Asunción, Paraguay.
How do I get an AFP background check for Paraguay?
Apply for a National Police Certificate from the Australian Federal Police (AFP). Use the online application at afp.gov.au. Select "Immigration/Visa purposes". Processing takes 10-15 business days. The certificate must then be apostilled by DFAT.
How do I apostille Australian documents for Paraguay?
Australian documents are apostilled by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT). Apply online through DFAT's Authentication Services. Cost is approximately AUD $93 per document. Processing takes 5-10 business days.
Can I apply for Paraguay residency directly in Asunción?
Yes, and this is often the most practical option for Australians. Enter Paraguay as a tourist (90-day visa-free), then apply directly at Migraciones in Asunción with all your apostilled documents. Total processing takes 60-90 days.
Do I need to go through a third country embassy?
No. While you can apply through Paraguay consulates in Argentina or Brazil, most Australians find it simpler to apply directly in Paraguay. The in-country application is straightforward and avoids the complication of visiting a third country.
What is the total cost for Australian document preparation?
Approximate costs: AFP National Police Certificate AUD$42 + Birth certificate ~AUD$60 (varies by state) + Two DFAT apostilles AUD$186 (2 × $93) = Total approximately AUD$290-320 for documents. This is separate from our service fees ($2,290-$4,495).
Can I use a state police check instead of AFP?
No. Paraguay requires a national-level police clearance. State police checks from NSW Police, Victoria Police, etc. are not accepted. You must obtain the AFP National Police Certificate, which covers all states and territories federally.