Quick Answer
MERCOSUR nationals (Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay, Bolivia, Chile, Peru, Colombia, Ecuador) can apply using their national ID instead of a passport. The Interpol certificate is required, as for any nationality. 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.
Source: Dirección Nacional 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 - Residency benefits
- 🇵🇪 Peru - Residency benefits
- 🇨🇴 Colombia - Residency benefits
- 🇪🇨 Ecuador - Residency benefits (cédula after permanent)
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 Certificate | ✓ Required | ✓ Required |
| MERCOSUR Sworn Declaration | ✓ Additional | — |
| 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 under Resolution 407, using the category that matches your actual circumstances
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 process cost?
Our residency packages for MERCOSUR nationals start at $2,290 (Premium) 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. Under the MERCOSUR Residence Agreement and Paraguay Migraciones rules, MERCOSUR nationals can enter and apply for residency using their national ID card (cédula, DNI, RG) instead of a passport. A passport is not required, though it is useful for travel to non-MERCOSUR countries after you obtain Paraguay residency.
Do MERCOSUR nationals skip the Interpol background check?
No. The Interpol certificate, issued in Asunción, is required for all residency applicants, MERCOSUR nationals included. MERCOSUR applicants also provide a sworn declaration (Declaración Jurada) of no international criminal record alongside the Interpol check. The sworn declaration is additional, not a replacement for the Interpol check.