Embassy Active in Pretoria
Why South Africans Choose Paraguay
0% Foreign Tax
Income from outside Paraguay is not taxed
Low Cost of Living
$1,500-2,500/month for comfortable life
Stable Economy
No load shedding, stable currency
Document Requirements for South Africans
1. South African Passport
- • Valid for at least 6 months beyond intended stay
- • Ensure sufficient blank pages
- • Passport itself doesn't need apostille
2. Unabridged Birth Certificate
- • Must be unabridged (full version showing parents' details)
- • Obtained from Department of Home Affairs
- • Processing: 4-8 weeks (can be longer)
- • Cost: R75
- • Must be apostilled by DIRCO
3. SAPS Police Clearance Certificate
- • Apply at any SAPS police station
- • Fingerprints taken at application
- • Processing: 6-8 weeks (officially; often longer)
- • Cost: Free
- • Must be apostilled by DIRCO
- • Valid for 6 months
4. DIRCO Apostille
- • Department of International Relations and Cooperation
- • Submit in person at DIRCO offices or by post
- • Cost: ~R100 per document
- • Processing: 2-4 weeks
- • Both birth certificate and SAPS clearance need apostilles
Document Timeline
SAPS Police Clearance: Step-by-Step
Visit Any SAPS Station
Go to your nearest SAPS police station with your ID book or smart ID card. Request a Police Clearance Certificate application. Fingerprints are taken at the station—no appointment needed, but go early to avoid queues.
Wait for Processing (6-8 Weeks)
Official timeline is 6-8 weeks, but can take longer. The SAPS Criminal Record Centre in Pretoria processes all applications. There's no reliable way to track status—you simply wait.
Collect Certificate & Apostille Immediately
Collect from the same station where you applied. Certificate is valid for 6 months from issue. Take it to DIRCO for apostille immediately—don't delay, as the clock is ticking on validity.
Home Affairs Reality Check
Plan for Delays
Home Affairs is notoriously slow. While the official timeline for an unabridged birth certificate is 4-8 weeks, many applicants report waiting 3-4 months. Tips to improve your chances:
- • Apply at a smaller Home Affairs office (less crowded)
- • Go in person rather than online (faster tracking)
- • Follow up every 2 weeks in person
- • Consider using a registered document service
FAQ
Is there a Paraguay embassy in South Africa?
Yes. Paraguay maintains an embassy in Pretoria that handles visa and residency matters for South African citizens. This is the primary contact point for South Africans seeking Paraguay residency.
How do I get a SAPS police clearance for Paraguay?
Apply for a Police Clearance Certificate from the South African Police Service (SAPS). Submit fingerprints at any police station. Processing takes 6-8 weeks. The certificate must then be apostilled by DIRCO.
How do I apostille South African documents?
South African documents are apostilled by the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO). Submit documents in person at DIRCO offices or by post. Cost is approximately R100 per document.
What Home Affairs documents do I need?
You need an unabridged birth certificate from Home Affairs (the abridged version is not accepted). If married, you need an unabridged marriage certificate. Processing can take 4-8 weeks.
Can I apply from South Africa or must I travel to Paraguay?
You can start the process through the Pretoria embassy, but final processing must be done in Paraguay. Most South Africans gather documents in SA, then travel to Asunción to complete the application.
What is the total cost for South African document preparation?
Approximate costs: SAPS clearance (free) + Unabridged birth certificate R75 + Two DIRCO apostilles R200 (2 × R100) = Approximately R275 (~$15 USD) for documents. South Africa has the lowest document costs of any country. Our service fees ($2,290-$4,495) are separate.
Can I speed up the Home Affairs process?
There's no official expedited service, but some strategies help: apply in person at smaller offices (avoid major metros), follow up every 2 weeks, and consider using a registered document agent who has relationships with Home Affairs staff. Budget 3-4 months to be safe.