Paraguay Investor Pass (Res. MIC 283/2026): Direct Permanent Residency for Investors, Explained
How the Paraguay Investor Pass works: USD 70,000 to 200,000 investment routes, Investment Certificate via SUACE, 90–120 day timeline, 8% dividend tax…
From Temporary to Permanent Residency in Paraguay: the 90/30-Day Window, Requirements and Costs
Why almost everyone goes through the change of category
Under Law 6984/22 the ordinary path for a foreigner settling in Paraguay has two stages: a temporary residency of up to 2 years, renewable, and then a change of category to permanent residency. Direct permanent residency is reserved for investors under the Investor Pass and a few special cases.
The change of category is not a renewal: it is a new application, decided by the Dirección Nacional de Migraciones (DNM), that converts your 2-year status into an indefinite one with a card renewed every 10 years. Doing it on time, and with the same solvency basis you declared two years earlier, is what keeps the process smooth.
The filing window: 90 days before to 30 days after expiry
Migraciones sets a precise window for the change of category: the application can be filed from 90 days before the expiry date printed on your temporary card until 30 days after it. Within that window your legal status is protected while the file is processed.
Outside the window two things can happen. If you file late but within a reasonable period, DNM applies the fine for overstaying (Gs. 702,462 in the 2026 scale) and may request additional explanations. If the card has been expired for long, DNM can consider the residency lapsed and require a new temporary application from scratch, with all documents apostilled again. Our practice is to open the file about 100 days before expiry so that the Interpol and police certificates, which are valid for 90 days, are fresh at filing.
Requirements for the change of category (2026)
The DNM checklist for a permanent residency by change of category includes:
- Valid temporary residency card and the temporary residency certificate.
- Identity document from your country of origin, valid, notarised copy.
- Proof that you kept your solvency basis: employment contract and payslips, company registration and tax returns, property title, pension statements, proof of remote income, enrolment for students, etc. The category must be consistent with the one you used for the temporary residency.
- Criminal records: Interpol report and National Police certificate issued in Paraguay (age 14 and over). A new criminal record from your country of origin is generally not required if you have been residing in Paraguay, but DNM may request it if you spent long periods abroad.
- Certificado de Vida y Residencia from your local police station or Justice of the Peace.
- Sworn declaration of compliance with Paraguayan law, signed at DNM.
- Migration movement record (Certificado de Movimiento Migratorio), which DNM uses to check your entries and exits.
Birth and civil-status certificates already in your file do not need to be apostilled again unless your civil status changed (marriage, divorce) during the two years.
Government fees in 2026
Since 1 July 2026 (Decree 6225/2026 and DNM Resolution 478/2026) the fee for permanent residency, including change of category, is 25 minimum daily wages: Gs. 2,926,925 in cash (slightly more by card). Add Gs. 234,154 for the residency certificate you will need for the new cédula, and Gs. 702,462 if a fine applies. Sworn translations, notarised copies and legal fees are separate; see our fees.
Timeline and what changes once you are permanent
The administrative phase of the change of category usually takes 90 to 120 days from filing. During that time you keep all the rights of your temporary status. Once approved you collect the permanent admission card, valid 10 years, and request a new cédula reflecting the permanent status (same number).
- No more biennial renewals or solvency reviews.
- To keep the residency you only need to enter Paraguay at least once every 3 years.
- Three years of permanent residency open the door to naturalisation.
- Tax residency remains a separate matter (RUC and, generally, 120 days a year).
Frequent problems and how we prevent them
- Changed solvency basis without updating DNM (for example, you came as an employee and now run a company). Solution: file a change of information before the change of category.
- Long absences that DNM reads as abandonment of residency. Keep your movement record consistent and be ready to explain trips.
- Expired local certificates at filing. Sequence Interpol, police and Vida y Residencia in the last 90 days.
- Waiting for the card to expire before starting. The window opens 90 days before; use it.
If your temporary card expires in the next six months, this is the moment to plan. See how we work or send us the expiry date and we will build the calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Change from Temporary to Permanent Residency
When can I apply for permanent residency after temporary?
From 90 days before the expiry date of your 2-year temporary card until 30 days after it. Filing inside that window preserves your legal status while DNM decides.
Do I have to live two full years in Paraguay?
No minimum days are required, but the temporary card must have run its 2-year term and your solvency basis must be maintained. Very long absences may be questioned by DNM.
How much does the change of category cost?
The DNM fee is Gs. 2,926,925 (25 minimum daily wages) plus Gs. 234,154 for the residency certificate. Late filing adds a fine of Gs. 702,462. Translations, notary and legal fees are extra.
What if I miss the 30-day grace period?
DNM may accept the file with a fine if the delay is short, but a long-expired card can be treated as a lapsed residency, forcing a new temporary application with fresh apostilled documents.
Do I need a new criminal record from my home country?
Usually not if you have been living in Paraguay; DNM relies on the Interpol and National Police certificates issued locally. It may ask for one if you spent long periods abroad.
Can I switch to the Investor Pass instead of changing category?
Yes. If you make a qualifying investment you can file directly for permanent residency as an investor, regardless of when your temporary card expires.
Want to review your case with a specialist?
Tell us your situation and we will explain the exact route, costs and timeline for your residency or company in Paraguay.
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