Portugal NHR Alternative
Country-Specific Apostille Authorities
Each EU country has different authorities for apostilling documents. Here are the most common:
| Country | Apostille Authority | Cost | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🇩🇪 Germany | Landgericht / Amtsgericht | €15-25 | 1-2 weeks |
| 🇫🇷 France | Cour d'appel | Free | 1-2 weeks |
| 🇪🇸 Spain | Ministerio de Justicia | Free | 1-2 weeks |
| 🇮🇹 Italy | Procura della Repubblica | €16 | 2-3 weeks |
| 🇳🇱 Netherlands | Rechtbank | €22 | 1 week |
| 🇵🇱 Poland | Ministry of Foreign Affairs | 60 PLN (~€14) | 1-2 weeks |
| 🇦🇹 Austria | Landesgericht / Bezirksgericht | €15 | 1 week |
| 🇧🇪 Belgium | FPS Foreign Affairs | €20 | 1 week |
Country-Specific Process Details
🇮🇹 Italy
Italian documents require apostille from the Procura della Repubblica (Public Prosecutor's Office) in the district where the document was issued. For birth certificates, this is usually where you were born. Police clearances (Certificato del Casellario Giudiziale) are requested online and apostilled separately.
Tip: Italian bureaucracy moves slowly—allow 3-4 weeks total. Consider using a registered service (agenzia) to expedite.
🇵🇱 Poland
Poland centralizes apostilles through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Warsaw. Police clearances (Zaświadczenie o niekaralności) from the National Criminal Register (KRK) can be requested online. All documents apostilled at the same office makes the process efficient.
Tip: Request documents in English directly where possible—Poland offers bilingual certificates from KRK.
🇳🇱 Netherlands
Dutch apostilles are issued by the Rechtbank (District Court) in your region. The process is quick (often same-day in person). Police clearances (Verklaring Omtrent het Gedrag - VOG) are requested through Justis and take 2-4 weeks.
Tip: Many Dutch expats use post services to handle apostille requests remotely while abroad.
Tax Exit Considerations
Important: Tax Exit Planning
🇩🇪 Germany
Extended tax liability (§2 AStG) can apply for 10 years after departure to low-tax countries. Applies to certain German-source income. Requires proper Abmeldung (de-registration).
🇫🇷 France
Exit tax on unrealized capital gains over €800,000 in securities. Deferral available if moving within EU/EEA; immediate taxation if moving to Paraguay.
🇪🇸 Spain
Must prove 183+ days outside Spain to break tax residency. Spain also has an exit tax on shareholdings over €4M. Watch for the "Beckham Law" implications if previously used.
The Schengen + Paraguay Strategy
Many EU citizens maintain a dual-base strategy:
- 1. Obtain Paraguay residency and establish tax residency there (120+ days/year)
- 2. Properly exit tax residency in your EU country
- 3. Use your EU citizenship to spend up to 90 days per 180 days in Schengen
- 4. Enjoy 0% tax on foreign income while maintaining EU travel flexibility
FAQ
Can EU citizens get Paraguay residency?
Yes. EU citizens from all 27 member states can apply for Paraguay residency. The process takes 60-90 days and service packages range from $2,290-$4,495. EU passports are accepted, and no investment is required.
How does the apostille process work for EU documents?
Each EU country has different apostille authorities. Germany uses Landgericht or Amtsgericht, France uses the Cour d'appel, Spain uses the Ministerio de Justicia, Italy uses the Procura della Repubblica, and the Netherlands uses the Rechtbank. All documents must be apostilled before translation in Paraguay.
Do I need to leave the EU to get Paraguay residency?
You need to visit Paraguay for 5-7 days to complete the biometric enrollment and application submission. After that, you can return to the EU while your application is processed. Many EU residents maintain a Schengen + Paraguay dual-base strategy.
What about EU tax exit requirements?
Tax exit requirements vary significantly by EU country. France has an exit tax on unrealized gains over €800,000. Germany has extended tax liability for 10 years after departure. Spain requires proving 183+ days outside. Consult a cross-border tax advisor for your specific situation.
Can I keep my EU residency while having Paraguay residency?
Yes. Paraguay residency does not affect your EU citizenship or right to live in the EU. Many Europeans maintain a Schengen + Paraguay dual-base strategy, splitting time between Europe and South America while optimizing their tax situation.
Is Paraguay a good alternative to Portugal NHR?
Yes. With Portugal's NHR regime ending for new applicants, Paraguay offers a permanent alternative. Paraguay's territorial tax system (0% on foreign income) is enshrined in law, not a temporary program. Cost of living is also significantly lower than Portugal.
How long does the EU apostille process take?
Most EU countries process apostilles within 1-2 weeks. Netherlands is fastest (often same-day in person), while Italy can take 2-3 weeks. France and Spain offer free apostilles. Plan for 3-4 weeks total including obtaining the underlying documents.
Can I apostille documents from abroad?
Most EU countries allow postal requests for apostilles. Some (like Netherlands and Germany) have online request systems. You can also authorize a family member or service agency to handle the process on your behalf. This is particularly useful for expats already living abroad.