Republic of Paraguay · residence general · Leads to settlement
Temporary Residence (Residencia Temporal, Law 6984/2022)
By Sam Parks · Last reviewed:
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.
- 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
- Granted for up to two years and renewable for an equal period; it is a prerequisite for changing category to permanent residence. Confirm current validity on the official page.
- Sponsorship required
- No
- Leads to permanent residency
- Yes
Overview
Temporary residence (residencia temporal) is the residency authorisation granted by the Direccion Nacional de Migraciones under Law 6984/2022 to foreign nationals who enter Paraguay intending to establish themselves and carry out a lawful activity. It replaced the old route that granted permanent residence almost immediately: today most applicants take temporary residence first, then change category to permanent residence. It is granted for up to two years and is renewable; while it is processed you hold "precarious resident" status, letting you leave and re-enter, study and work, and obtain a Paraguayan ID card.
Eligibility
Typical criteria
- ✓The applicant enters Paraguay intending to establish themselves and carry out a lawful activity.Direccion Nacional de Migraciones (Paraguay) ↗
- ✓A qualifying ground or category under Law 6984/2022 (such as work, pension or own income) is met.Direccion Nacional de Migraciones (Paraguay) ↗
- ✓A valid passport and a criminal-record certificate, legalised or apostilled, are presented.Direccion Nacional de Migraciones (Paraguay) ↗
- ✓Supporting documents for the chosen category are provided as required.Direccion Nacional de Migraciones (Paraguay) ↗
Common blockers
- !No qualifying category or lawful activity under Law 6984/2022 can be shown.Direccion Nacional de Migraciones (Paraguay) ↗
- !Required civil-status or criminal-record documents are not legalised or apostilled.Direccion Nacional de Migraciones (Paraguay) ↗
- !Expecting immediate permanent residence, which the 2022 law generally no longer grants up front.Direccion Nacional de Migraciones (Paraguay) ↗
Typical evidence
- ·Valid passport and a recent criminal-record certificate, legalised or apostilled.Direccion Nacional de Migraciones (Paraguay) ↗
- ·Documents evidencing the qualifying category (e.g. employment, pension or own-income proof).Direccion Nacional de Migraciones (Paraguay) ↗
- ·Birth and, where relevant, marriage certificates, legalised or apostilled.Direccion Nacional de Migraciones (Paraguay) ↗
- ·Proof of address or other supporting documents the category requires.Direccion Nacional de Migraciones (Paraguay) ↗
Application pathway
Check the route fit
Confirm which Law 6984/2022 category fits and that you understand the temporary-to-permanent path, using the official Migraciones page.
Build the evidence pack
Gather your passport, apostilled or legalised criminal-record and civil-status documents, and the category-specific supporting documents.
Submit through the official channel
File the temporary-residence application with the Direccion Nacional de Migraciones following the official requirements.
After approval
Obtain your Paraguayan ID card, then later apply to change category to permanent residence within the required window before your temporary card expires.
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 Temporary Residence (Residencia Temporal, Law 6984/2022) route page ↗
Use this official page to confirm requirements and follow the government filing route for Temporary Residence (Residencia Temporal, Law 6984/2022).
Direccion Nacional de Migraciones (Paraguay) · verified
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Related routes
Permanent Residence (Residencia Permanente, 10-year card)
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.
Temporary Residence - Pensioner (Pensionado / Jubilado)
For retirees: this category lets you settle in Paraguay on a certified pension or retirement income, starting as temporary residence and later converting to permanent residence.
Temporary Residence - Independent Means (Renta Propia)
For people with stable passive income: this category lets you settle in Paraguay on your own recurring foreign income, beginning as temporary residence and converting to permanent residence later.
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
Does Paraguay still offer instant permanent residence?+
Generally no. Law 6984/2022 replaced the old near-instant permanent-residence route, so most applicants now take temporary residence first and convert to permanent residence later. Good to know: the SUACE investor track is the main direct-to-permanent option. Confirm the current rules on the official Migraciones page.
Can I work while my temporary residence is processed?+
Yes. While your temporary-residence application is processed you hold "precarious resident" status, which lets you leave and re-enter Paraguay, study and work for the duration. Confirm the current scope 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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