Quick Answer
Paraguay residency requires only 4 documents: valid passport, apostilled birth certificate, apostilled criminal background check, and passport photos. No bank deposit or investment is required since October 2022 (Ley 6984). US citizens need an FBI background check (not state-level). All documents must be apostilled in the country of origin and translated into Spanish in Paraguay.
Updated January 2026 | Source: Dirección General de Migraciones
Good News: Simplified Requirements
As of 2022, Paraguay removed the $5,000 bank deposit requirement and medical exam. The application process is now simpler than ever with just 4 core documents needed. See our complete cost breakdown for current fees.
4 Core Documents Required
Valid Passport Required
Must have at least 6 months validity from your application date. Original passport is required.
- * Color copy of bio page needed
- * Some nationalities require visa
Birth Certificate Required
Original or certified copy, apostilled in your country of birth.
- * Must be apostilled
- * Will be translated in Paraguay
Criminal Background Check Required
National-level police clearance from your home country, apostilled.
- * Valid 3-6 months
- * FBI check for US citizens
- * Start this document LAST
Passport Photos Required
Recent passport-sized photos on white background.
- * 4 photos typically needed
- * Can be taken in Paraguay
Understanding the Apostille Process
An apostille is an international certification that authenticates your documents for use in Paraguay. Each country has a designated apostille authority:
Apostille Authorities by Country
United States (Federal) US Department of State
United States (State) State Secretary of State
United Kingdom Foreign, Commonwealth & Dev. Office
Canada Global Affairs Canada
Australia DFAT
Pro Tip: Document Order Matters
Start your criminal background check LAST since it has the shortest validity (3-6 months). Get your birth certificate apostilled first while you wait for the background check.
What You DON'T Need
Paraguay has some of the simplest residency requirements in Latin America. Here's what you don't need:
No bank deposit required
No medical exam
No income proof
No investment required
Country-Specific Variations
While the core requirements are the same for everyone, some countries have specific considerations:
🇺🇸 United States
- • Background check: FBI Identity History Summary (federal, not state)
- • FBI check apostille: US Department of State in Washington DC ($8)
- • Birth certificate apostille: State Secretary of State where issued ($5-20)
- • Timeline: Allow 4-6 weeks for FBI + apostille
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
- • Background check: ACRO Police Certificate (from acro.police.uk)
- • Apostille: FCDO (Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office) (£45)
- • Same authority for all UK documents
- • Timeline: 2-4 weeks for ACRO + apostille
🇧🇷 🇦🇷 MERCOSUR Nations
- • No Interpol check required (simplified MERCOSUR process)
- • Can use national ID (RG/DNI) instead of passport
- • Faster processing: 30-45 days vs 60-90 days
- • Documents in Portuguese/Spanish often accepted with minimal translation
🇨🇦 Canada
- • Background check: RCMP Criminal Record Check (federal only)
- • Canada is NOT in Hague Convention—no apostilles
- • Requires: Global Affairs Canada authentication + Paraguay Embassy legalization
- • Timeline: 4-8 weeks (longer than apostille countries)
🇦🇺 Australia
- • Background check: AFP National Police Check (online at afp.gov.au)
- • Apostille: DFAT (Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade) ($80 AUD)
- • Birth certificate: State Registry, then DFAT apostille
- • Timeline: 2-4 weeks for AFP + apostille
Not Sure About Your Country?
We provide document preparation guidance for all nationalities as part of our service packages. Book a free consultation to discuss your specific situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
You need 4 core documents: a valid passport (6+ months validity), apostilled birth certificate, apostilled criminal background check from your home country, and passport-sized photos. No bank deposit, medical exam, or income proof is required.
No. The $5,000 bank deposit requirement was eliminated in October 2022 under Law 6984. Paraguay residency now requires only the basic documents listed above with no financial requirements.
Each country has a designated apostille authority. In the US, federal documents (FBI check) are apostilled by the US State Department, while state documents (birth certificates) are apostilled by the state Secretary of State.
US citizens need an FBI Identity History Summary (FBI background check), not a state-level check. Request it at fbi.gov, allow 2-4 weeks processing, and get it apostilled by the US State Department.
Criminal background checks are typically valid for 3-6 months from issue date. Birth certificates do not expire but apostilles should be recent (within 1 year). Start your background check LAST to avoid expiration.
Yes, all documents must be translated to Spanish by a certified translator in Paraguay. We coordinate this process as part of all service packages.
Dual citizens can apply using either passport. However, your background check must be from your country of residence (where you've lived most recently), not just your citizenship country. If you've lived in multiple countries, you may need checks from each.
Yes, each adult files a separate residency application with their own documents. However, you can include your apostilled marriage certificate to establish family connection. Children under 18 are included in their parents' applications with birth certificates showing parentage.