Quick Answer
MERCOSUR nationals (Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay, Bolivia, Chile, Peru, Colombia, Ecuador) can use their national ID instead of a passport and don't need Interpol certification. Temporary MERCOSUR residency is valid for 2 years. You must upgrade to permanent within 90 days before expiration or lose MERCOSUR pathway eligibility. Service packages start at $2,290.
Updated January 2026 | Source: Dirección General de Migraciones
Your Regional Advantage
Eligible Countries
Full MERCOSUR Members
- 🇧🇷 Brazil - Full benefits since 2009
- 🇦🇷 Argentina - Full benefits since 2009
- 🇺🇾 Uruguay - Full benefits since 2009
- 🇧🇴 Bolivia - Full member since 2024
Associate States (MERCOSUR Residence Agreement)
- 🇨🇱 Chile - Full residency benefits
- 🇵🇪 Peru - Full residency benefits
- 🇨🇴 Colombia - Full residency benefits
- 🇪🇨 Ecuador - Full residency benefits
Required Documents (Temporary MERCOSUR)
According to official Migraciones requirements, MERCOSUR nationals need the following documents:
| Document | MERCOSUR | Standard |
|---|---|---|
| Valid ID or Passport | National ID OK | Passport required |
| Birth Certificate (Apostilled) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Civil Status Certificate | ✓ | ✓ |
| Criminal Record (Home Country) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Paraguay Police Certificate | ✓ | ✓ |
| Interpol Check | Sworn Declaration | ✓ Required |
| Proof of Entry to Paraguay | ✓ | ✓ |
| Validity | 2 years (non-renewable) | 2 years (renewable) |
Important: Must Upgrade to Permanent
Upgrading to Permanent MERCOSUR Residency
Requirements for Permanent Upgrade
- • Valid MERCOSUR temporary residency card (or police report if lost)
- • Valid national ID or passport
- • Current Paraguay police certificate
- • Economic solvency proof (employment, business, investments, or retirement income)
Validity: Permanent (card renewal every 10 years)
No Financial Requirement for Temporary
Criminal Background Check by Country
🇧🇷 Brazil: Certidão de Antecedentes Criminais
- • Request from Polícia Federal online at pf.gov.br
- • Free of charge, immediate digital issuance
- • Must be apostilled at cartório (notary) or TJ (Court)
- • Apostille cost: ~R$80-150 depending on state
🇦🇷 Argentina: Certificado de Antecedentes Penales
- • Request from Registro Nacional de Reincidencia online
- • Cost: ~ARS 2,500 (subject to inflation adjustments)
- • Apostille through Colegio de Escribanos or Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores
- • Processing: 1-2 weeks total
🇺🇾 Uruguay: Certificado de Antecedentes Judiciales
- • Request from Dirección Nacional de Identificación Civil
- • Available online with cédula digital
- • Cost: Free or minimal fee
- • Apostille through Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores
🇧🇴 Bolivia: Certificado de Antecedentes Penales (REJAP)
- • Request from REJAP (Registro Judicial de Antecedentes Penales)
- • In person at regional REJAP offices
- • Apostille through Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores, La Paz
- • Budget 1-2 weeks for complete process
🇨🇱 Chile: Certificado de Antecedentes
- • Request online from Servicio de Registro Civil
- • Free of charge, immediate issuance
- • Apostille through Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores
- • Chile process is one of the fastest in the region
FAQ
Which countries are part of the MERCOSUR Residence Agreement?
Eight countries: Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay, Bolivia (full members), plus Chile, Peru, Colombia, and Ecuador (associate members). All citizens can access the simplified MERCOSUR residency pathway in Paraguay.
How long is MERCOSUR temporary residency valid?
MERCOSUR temporary residency is valid for 2 years and is non-renewable. You must apply to upgrade to permanent residency within 90 days before your temporary card expires, or you lose eligibility for the MERCOSUR pathway.
Do I need a criminal background check from my home country?
Yes, all MERCOSUR applicants need a criminal background certificate from their country of origin, plus a Paraguay police certificate. For Brazilians, this is the Certidão de Antecedentes Criminais; for Argentines, the Certificado de Antecedentes Penales.
Can I work in Paraguay with MERCOSUR residency?
Yes, MERCOSUR residency grants full work authorization in Paraguay. You can be employed or self-employed without any additional permits, enjoying the same labor rights as Paraguayan citizens.
What does the MERCOSUR residency service cost?
Our service packages for MERCOSUR nationals start at $2,290 (Essential) and include all processing, document handling, and government liaison. All fees are included in the package price.
Do MERCOSUR documents need apostilles?
Yes, all foreign documents must be apostilled. Brazil uses cartórios, Argentina uses Colegio de Escribanos, Uruguay and Chile use their foreign affairs ministries. Portuguese documents from Brazil are exempt from Spanish translation.
Can I use my MERCOSUR ID instead of passport?
Yes. MERCOSUR nationals can enter and apply for residency using only their national ID card (cédula, DNI, RG). A passport is not required but can be useful for travel to other countries after obtaining Paraguay residency.
What is the sworn declaration for international records?
Instead of Interpol certification required for non-MERCOSUR nationals, MERCOSUR citizens provide a sworn declaration (Declaración Jurada) stating they have no international criminal record. This document is provided by Migraciones during the application.