Quick Answer
Brazilians can use the RG (Registro Geral) instead of a passport, and Portuguese-language documents are accepted without translation. The MERCOSUR temporary residency is valid for 2 years and is not renewable, so you must upgrade to permanent within 90 days before it expires. The Interpol certificate is required, as for any nationality. Service packages start at $2,290.
Source: Dirección Nacional de Migraciones
MERCOSUR Advantage
Advantages for Brazilians
Simplified Process
- ✓ Use your RG or passport
- ✓ Regional work and travel rights
- ✓ No bank deposit required
- ✓ Portuguese documents accepted
Tax Benefits
- ✓ 0% tax on foreign income
- ✓ Territorial tax system
- ✓ No global taxation
- ✓ Stable economy (~4% inflation)
Required Documents
RG or Passport
Brazilians can use the RG (valid and in good condition) or a passport. The RG must be legible and current.
Birth Certificate
Birth certificate apostilled at a Cartório de Notas. Cost: R$ 100-200 for the apostille.
Criminal Record Certificate
Criminal record certificate from the Polícia Federal, apostilled. Brazilians also need the Interpol certificate (issued in Asunción), as every nationality does, plus the MERCOSUR sworn declaration.
Important: 2-Year Validity
Tip: Document Order
Criminal Record Certificate: Step by Step
Go to the Federal Police Site
Visit pf.gov.br and look for "Certidão de Antecedentes Criminais". The service is free and issuance is immediate in digital (PDF) format.
Print and Take to a Notary
Print the digital certificate and take it to an authorized Cartório de Notas for apostille. Confirm the cartório is accredited to issue Hague apostilles.
Receive the Apostille (1-3 days)
The cartório issues the Hague apostille, which authenticates the document for international use. Cost: R$ 100-200 depending on the state. Some cartórios do it on the spot.
Alternative: Court of Justice
Cost
Our Paraguay residency package starts at $2,290 USD, all-inclusive. Government fees, sworn translations where required, document handling, and processing are all covered in a single package price. The only separate cost is courier delivery of your cards and documents afterward. See pricing for what each package tier includes.
FAQ
Can I use my RG for Paraguay residency?
Yes. Brazilian citizens can use the RG (Registro Geral, the Brazilian national ID) instead of a passport to apply for Paraguay residency through the MERCOSUR agreement. The RG must be valid and in good condition.
How long does Paraguay residency take for Brazilians?
The temporary residency card takes about 60-120 days (90 is common), the same timeline as for citizens of any country. The MERCOSUR advantage for Brazilians is in the documentation, not the speed: you use your RG instead of a passport and your Portuguese-language documents are accepted without translation.
Do Brazilians need an Interpol background check for Paraguay residency?
Yes. The Interpol certificate, issued in Asunción, is required for all applicants, including Brazilians under MERCOSUR. MERCOSUR nationals also provide a sworn declaration (declaração juramentada) alongside the Interpol check and your apostilled antecedentes criminais from Brazil. The sworn declaration is additional, not a replacement for the Interpol check.
What is the total cost of Paraguay residency for Brazilians?
Our Paraguay residency package starts at $2,290 USD, all-inclusive. Government fees, translations, document handling, and processing are all covered in the package price. No bank deposit is required. See our pricing page for package tiers.
Where do I apostille documents in Brazil?
In Brazil, apostilles are done at authorized Cartórios de Notas (notary offices). Major cities have multiple enabled cartórios. The cost ranges from R$ 100-200 per document. The process usually takes 1-3 business days.
Is the Federal Police background certificate free?
Yes. The Certidão de Antecedentes Criminais from the Polícia Federal is free and issued instantly in digital format through the pf.gov.br site. The only cost is the apostille, which ranges from R$ 100-200 depending on the state.
Can I use a state-level background certificate?
No. Paraguay requires a federal-level criminal record certificate. State certificates (such as the one from SSP-SP) are not accepted. You need the Polícia Federal certificate, which covers the entire national territory.