Republic of Paraguay · residence general · Leads to settlement
Permanent Residence (Residencia Permanente, 10-year card)
By Sam Parks · Last reviewed:
For people already settled in Paraguay: this is the indefinite permanent residence you reach by converting from temporary residence, with a resident card renewed every 10 years.
- Processing time
- Indicative only - confirm current timelines on the official Migraciones page.
- Government fees
- Indicative only - government processing fees apply; confirm current amounts on the official page.
- Typical duration
- Indefinite settled status; the permanent resident card is renewed every 10 years. Confirm current renewal and absence rules on the official page.
- Sponsorship required
- No
- Leads to permanent residency
- Yes
Overview
Permanent residence (residencia permanente) is the authorisation from the Direccion Nacional de Migraciones to reside indefinitely in Paraguay. Under Law 6984/2022, the usual path is to change category from temporary residence after completing the temporary-residence period - the change must be requested in the months before your temporary card expires. The resulting permanent resident card is renewed every 10 years. Permanent residents may live and work in Paraguay, and permanent residence is a step toward eligibility for naturalisation.
Eligibility
Typical criteria
- ✓The applicant has completed the temporary-residence period required under Law 6984/2022.Direccion Nacional de Migraciones (Paraguay) ↗
- ✓The change-of-category request is made within the required window before the temporary card expires.Direccion Nacional de Migraciones (Paraguay) ↗
- ✓Intention to establish definitively in Paraguay and to meet the legal admission conditions is shown.Direccion Nacional de Migraciones (Paraguay) ↗
- ✓A valid passport and the required supporting documents are presented.Direccion Nacional de Migraciones (Paraguay) ↗
Common blockers
- !The temporary-residence period has not been completed, or status lapsed.Direccion Nacional de Migraciones (Paraguay) ↗
- !The change-of-category request is made outside the required window.Direccion Nacional de Migraciones (Paraguay) ↗
- !Required documents are not legalised or apostilled where needed.Direccion Nacional de Migraciones (Paraguay) ↗
Typical evidence
- ·Proof of completed temporary residence and a valid temporary resident card.Direccion Nacional de Migraciones (Paraguay) ↗
- ·Valid passport and a recent criminal-record certificate, legalised or apostilled.Direccion Nacional de Migraciones (Paraguay) ↗
- ·Updated civil-status documents where the category requires them.Direccion Nacional de Migraciones (Paraguay) ↗
- ·Proof of address or other supporting documents as required.Direccion Nacional de Migraciones (Paraguay) ↗
Application pathway
Check the route fit
Confirm you have completed the temporary-residence period and the window to request the change of category, using the official Migraciones page.
Build the evidence pack
Gather your temporary resident card, passport, apostilled criminal-record and civil-status documents, and proof of address.
Submit through the official channel
File the change-of-category application to permanent residence with the Direccion Nacional de Migraciones before your temporary card expires.
After approval
Obtain your permanent resident card and Paraguayan ID, and renew the card every 10 years; permanent residence is also a step toward naturalisation.
Official application links
Where to actually go next
These are the official pages to use for this route. Open them before preparing documents: the forms, fees, appointment systems, and sponsor steps can change without warning.
- Official guidanceApplicantUse official Permanent Residence (Residencia Permanente, 10-year card) route page ↗
Use this official page to confirm requirements and follow the government filing route for Permanent Residence (Residencia Permanente, 10-year card).
Direccion Nacional de Migraciones (Paraguay) · verified
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Related routes
Temporary Residence (Residencia Temporal, Law 6984/2022)
For most people moving to Paraguay: under the 2022 migration law this is now the usual first step - temporary residence for up to two years, which later converts to permanent residence.
Permanent Residence for Investors (SUACE)
For investors: the SUACE route is Paraguay's fast lane - it grants permanent residence directly, without first going through temporary residence, for foreign investors who register a qualifying business.
Frequently asked questions
How do I get permanent residence in Paraguay now?+
Under Law 6984/2022 the usual route is to hold temporary residence first and then change category to permanent residence, requesting the change in the months before your temporary card expires. Good to know: investors can instead use the direct SUACE route. Confirm the current period and window on the official Migraciones page.
How often do I renew the Paraguayan permanent resident card?+
The permanent resident card is renewed every 10 years, although the underlying permanent residence is for indefinite stay. Confirm the current renewal and any absence rules on the official Migraciones page.
Need tailored advice?
We do not provide legal advice. For an application that depends on your exact circumstances, consult a regulator-listed immigration advisor.
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