Breaking News: Asunción – Important change for foreigners in Paraguay
Starting today, the Paraguayan migration authority is systematically checking the actual physical presence in the country when processing applications for permanent residency.
Authorities now directly verify in their computer system how long applicants have stayed outside Paraguay.
The verification is carried out using the official “Movimiento Migratorio”, the migration record that registers all entries and exits from the country.
BREAKING NEWS ON THE 365-DAY RULE: NOW BEING STRICTLY APPLIED
According to the current administrative practice:
Anyone who has spent more than 365 consecutive days outside Paraguay during their temporary residency period cannot transition directly to permanent residency.
Instead, in such cases only an extension of the temporary residency for an additional two years will be granted.
This means in practical terms:
- Authorities electronically review all entry and exit records.
- If an absence of more than one year is detected, the temporary residency period is considered interrupted.
- A direct transition to permanent residency is therefore not possible.
BACKGROUND: NEW MIGRATION PRACTICE SINCE THE REFORM
The basis for this stricter control is the current migration framework under Law 6984/2022, which restructured the path toward permanent residency.
In most cases, foreigners must first hold a two-year temporary residency before they are eligible to apply for permanent residency.
Additionally, the administrative practice now requires that temporary residents actually spend time in Paraguay and do not live permanently abroad.
WHAT APPLICANTS SHOULD CHECK NOW
Anyone planning to apply for permanent residency in Paraguay should carefully review the following points:
- Date of the last departure from Paraguay
- Total time spent outside the country during the temporary residency period
- Possible exceeding of the 365-day limit
If this limit has been exceeded, an applicant must first request a Prórroga (extension) of the temporary residency, before a new application for permanent residency can be submitted later.
NOTE:
Anyone planning to obtain residency in Paraguay, or who already holds temporary residency, should seek advice early in order to avoid problems when transitioning to permanent residency.