Required documents for residency in Paraguay 2026: Updated List

Starting a migration process requires, above all, order and precision. In 2026, the National Directorate of Migrations of Paraguay maintains rigorous standards regarding the validity and authenticity of documentation. A single error in an apostille or a translation can delay your file for months.

At Legal Migration Paraguay, as experts in residency services in Paraguay, we have prepared this definitive list of required documents for residency in Paraguay, updated according to the latest administrative provisions.

Mandatory Basic Documentation

Regardless of whether you are applying for temporary residency or seeking to obtain permanent residency in Paraguay, these are the documents that form the core of your application:

1. Valid Identity Document

MERCOSUR Countries: Can present their original Identity Card or Passport.
Rest of the World: It is mandatory to present a valid Passport.
Important note: The document must have a minimum validity of 6 months at the time of submitting the application.

2. Birth Certificate

It must be the original certificate issued by the Civil Registry of your country of origin. It is essential that this document clearly includes the names of both parents.

3. Criminal Record Certificates

This is where most mistakes are made. In 2026, two types are required:

From the country of origin: Issued by the competent national/federal authority.
From countries of residence: If you have lived in a country other than your own for more than one year in the last three years, you must also provide said certificate.

4. Civil Status Certificate

If married: Marriage Certificate.
If divorced: Divorce Decree or Marriage Certificate with the corresponding marginal note.
If widowed: Death Certificate of the spouse.

Validity Requirements: Apostille and Translation

It is not enough to have the documents; they must comply with international formalities to be accepted in Paraguay.

Hague Apostille: All documents issued abroad must carry the Hague Apostille. If your country is not part of the convention, they must be legalized by the corresponding Paraguayan Consulate.
Sworn Translation: If your documents are in English, French, German, or any language other than Spanish, they must be translated in Paraguay by a sworn translator registered with the Supreme Court of Justice. In our legal consultancy, we manage this step to ensure correct legal terminology.

Accreditation of Activity and Solvency

Paraguayan law requires the applicant to demonstrate how they will support themselves in the country. Documents vary according to the profile we explain in our post on residency requirements and types:

Professionals: Original university degree (also apostilled).
Investors: Documentation accrediting the opening of a company or available capital (SUACE system).
Rentiers/Pensioners: Proof of income or recurring bank deposits that guarantee subsistence.

Documents obtained in Paraguay

Once you arrive in the country, our team accompanies you to obtain the necessary local documentation to complete your file:

Interpol Background Certificate: Issued at the headquarters in Asunción.
Background Certificate for Foreigners: Issued by the Computer Department of the National Police.
Life and Residency Certificate: Issued by the local police station in the neighborhood where you are staying.

Frequent errors when preparing your documentation

Based on our daily experience, these are the failures you should avoid:

Expiration of background checks: Criminal record certificates usually have a validity of 90 days. If they arrive in Paraguay close to their expiration, they could be rejected.
Incomplete apostilles: Sometimes the document is apostilled but not the signature of the corresponding authority.
Discrepant names: If there are differences of one letter in your name between the birth certificate and the passport, a prior rectification or declaration process is required.

Conclusion: The key lies in the prior review

Having all the documents for residency in Paraguay in 2026 is a task that requires time and technical precision. Paraguayan regulations reward organized files with faster processes and favorable resolutions.

At Legal Migration Paraguay, we perform an exhaustive documentary audit before you travel, ensuring that every stamp and every translation complies with what Migrations requires today.

Want to make sure your documentation is correct? Contact us for a profile review and avoid last-minute surprises. Our legal team will ensure your transition to Paraguay is professional, safe, and efficient.