Directions for the entry and the stay

Directions for the entry and the stay

Owner of a valid passport from Germany, Austria and Switzerland do neither need a visa for the entry into Paraguay nor any vaccinations. Entering the country the tourist is asked to fill and sign a tourist card which is distributed in the plane. The questions are in Spanish, English or Portuguese. Foreigners living in Paraguay (not tourists) who leave Paraguay for a certain time need a Certificate to Return (Certificado de Retorno) which has to be ordered at the immigration's office. This certificate authorizes to re-enter Paraguay. At the departure the airport tax of 18 US$ or the same amount in Guaranis has to be paid, showing your boarding card at the desk.

Instructions for immigration

Instructions for immigration

Instructions for immigration in Paraguay are still simple and uncomplicated. Normally immigrants enter into the country as tourists (authorizes to stay three months) and during this time they apply for the residence permit. They are asked for the following documents which must be authenticated by the Paraguayan General Consulate in your native country: a certificate of conduct of the police (extract of the penal record) not older than three months, a passport which is valid for at least the next six months, your birth-certificate, marriage certificate or certificate of divorce, and possibly the proof of receiving a pension.documents authenticated by the Consulate (passport: an authenticated copy of the two most important pages) must be translated into Spanish of a licensed translator. It is much cheaper to have it done in Paraguay (Paraguayan authorities sometimes do not accept translations made in Europe).
For divorced people the certificate of divorce is very important because the spouse's signature is needed when carried out any sale, for example of cars, landed properties or other valuable things, which demands a notarial assignment (not for purchase).
Further is required a certificate of health which is issued after some examinations in Paraguay. And finally an investment proof or a bank return in the amount of 5'000 US$. The account can be dissolved afterwards.
Normally immigrants fit out with all the necessary documents receive for the present the residence permit for (normally) five years (Residencia Temporal). With that card one has to apply for the identity card (Cedula de Identidad) which is the most important document in Paraguay. With the residence permit the identity card is received very easily and quickly. After expiration of the five years one can apply for the permanent residence permit presenting the same documents as before and a certificate of conduct of the police of Paraguay. The permanent residence permit is valid for ten years.
It is advisable to take a Paraguayan expert (could be an agency, too) along with you going to the authorities. (Our daughter and her agency are offering that kind of service. She translates and helps getting the necessary documents and deal with the customs clearance. Foreigners living in Paraguay with a valid residence permit have the same rights and obligations as Paraguayans. It is not necessary to give up the own citizenship. After four years it can be applied for the Paraguayan citizenship, which requires quite good knowledge in Spanish and about the country.