If you’re moving to Paraguay or planning to start a business here, you’ll quickly realize that proper documentation is key. From renting a place to opening a bank account or operating a company, nothing happens without the right papers.
Unfortunately, the process can be confusing, time-consuming, and – at times frustrating. That’s why many newcomers choose to work with experienced service providers who know the system inside and out. In this guide, we break down the main documents you need and how we can help you get them smoothly.
How to Get a Cedula (ID) in Paraguay
The cedula de identidad is the national ID card in Paraguay. It’s a must-have for legal and financial matters: you need it to open a bank account, sign contracts, buy property, or even register utilities.
Who Can Get a Cedula?
Only those with legal residency can apply. If you’re on a tourist visa, the cedula is out of reach. That’s why the first step is securing permanent residency.
Step-by-Step: From Residency to Cedula
- Apply for Permanent Residency
- Submit your application through the Dirección General de Migraciones (DGM).
- Required documents include:
- Valid passport
- Apostilled and translated birth certificate
- Clean criminal record (home country + Paraguay)
- Proof of income or local sponsor
- Health certificate
- Application fees
- Wait for Approval
- It typically takes 3–6 months, though it can vary.
- Once approved, you receive a residency card (carnet de radicación).
- Apply for Your Cedula
- Go to the Department of Identifications with your residency card, passport, and photos.
- Your fingerprints and photo will be taken on-site.
- You pay a small fee (around $15–$20 USD).
- Pick Up Your Cedula
- It’s usually ready in 5–10 business days.
Don’t want to deal with confusing paperwork or bureaucratic surprises? Let our team guide you through the process and handle the legwork for you.
RUC Number – What It Is and Why You Need It
The RUC (Registro Único del Contribuyente) is Paraguay’s taxpayer identification number. You need it to:
- Work legally as a freelancer or contractor
- Register and run a business
- Invoice clients
- Buy property as an investment
- Pay taxes
- Open certain types of bank accounts
It’s essentially your fiscal identity in Paraguay.
Who Needs a RUC?
- Foreign residents starting a business
- Digital nomads or remote workers invoicing from Paraguay
- Property investors renting out real estate
- Anyone earning income in the country
Even if you’re not planning to start a company, having a RUC can make many financial and legal tasks easier.
How to Get a RUC Number
- Visit the Tax Office (SET – Subsecretaría de Estado de Tributación)
You’ll need to go in person or appoint a representative with power of attorney. - Prepare Your Documents
- Cedula (you must have it first)
- Proof of address
- Business info (if registering a company)
- Signature registration form
- Complete the Application
After approval, you’ll be assigned your RUC number and receive login credentials to Paraguay’s online tax platform (called Marangatu).
Need a hand with registering or managing your RUC account? We offer full support—from setup to monthly compliance—so you can stay focused on growing your business, not filling out forms.
How to Open a Bank Account as a Foreigner
Opening a bank account in Paraguay is possible as a foreigner, but it comes with red tape. Local banks often require in-person visits, ID verification, and documentation that may not be obvious to non-residents.
Types of Bank Accounts
- Savings accounts: Basic, limited transactions, lower requirements.
- Current/checking accounts: Needed for business or regular payments, but stricter conditions.
- Corporate accounts: Required for companies or freelancers billing with RUC.
What You’ll Typically Need
- Cedula
- RUC (optional but recommended)
- Proof of address
- Proof of income or explanation of fund source
- Minimum deposit (varies by bank)
Which Banks to Consider?
Some banks are friendlier to foreigners than others. For example:
- Banco Itaú and Sudameris are known for international clients.
- Bancos regionales like Visión or Familiar may have fewer requirements but offer limited services.
We can help you choose the right bank based on your situation, prepare your documents, and even accompany you to the appointment.
Other Documents and Registrations You Might Need
Depending on your plans in Paraguay, there are a few other documents you may want to obtain:
1. Driver’s License
- Once you have a cedula, you can convert your foreign license or apply for a Paraguayan one.
- A local license is often required for insurance and car rentals.
2. Health Insurance or IPS Registration
- If you’re working or running a company, contributing to the Instituto de Previsión Social (IPS) may be required.
- Private insurance options are also available for expats.
3. Municipal Business License (Patente Comercial)
- If you open a local shop, café, or office, you’ll need a city-issued license.
- We assist with the full business setup process, including municipal compliance.
4. Migraciones Certificate of Entry and Exit
- Useful for visa runs, tax residency proof, and legal procedures.
With years of experience helping expats navigate Paraguayan bureaucracy, we know how to avoid delays and move things forward—fast and legally.
Final Thoughts: Start Your Paraguay Residency the Smart Way in 2026
Securing your legal status in Paraguay whether it’s temporary residency, permanent residency, a cédula (national ID), a RUC tax number, or opening a local bank account—is absolutely achievable.
But let’s be realistic.
The Paraguayan administrative system is still largely paper-based. Regulations may change without advance notice. Many procedures require in-person visits, correct sequencing of documentation, and fluent Spanish communication with public institutions. A single missing apostille, outdated police clearance, or incorrect translation can delay your application for weeks.
For investors, digital nomads, retirees, and entrepreneurs, that delay can mean:
- Lost investment opportunities
- Delayed property purchases
- Inability to open bank accounts
- Compliance risks
- Unnecessary travel expenses
Why Professional Guidance Matters in Paraguay
Paraguay operates on a civil law system where documentation precision is critical. Immigration procedures involve multiple institutions, including:
- Dirección Nacional de Migraciones (DNM)
- Ministerio del Interior
- Interpol Paraguay
- Local notaries and civil registries
Each step must be handled in the correct order.
More and more international clients in 2026 are choosing to work with experienced local professionals who understand:
- The exact documentation required for Paraguay residency
- How to structure applications efficiently
- How to avoid unnecessary delays
- How residency connects with taxation, banking, and property ownership
- How to legally optimize your move under Paraguay’s territorial tax system
Instead of guessing which office to visit or risking rejection due to incomplete paperwork, you move forward with clarity and confidence.
Complete Paraguay Residency & Investment Support
We provide end-to-end legal and strategic support for international clients relocating to Paraguay.
Our services include:
✔ Legal Residency & Immigration
- Temporary Residence (2-year validity)
- Permanent Residence
- Cédula issuance
- Interpol coordination
- Apostille and document preparation guidance
✔ Tax & RUC Registration
- RUC (Registro Único del Contribuyente)
- Understanding Paraguay’s 10% tax structure
- Territorial taxation framework
- Rental income compliance
- Corporate structuring
✔ Real Estate Investment
- Purchase of apartments, land, and investment properties
- Due diligence verification
- Notary coordination
- Escritura pública process
- Risk assessment for developer purchases
✔ Company Formation
- SRL & corporate structuring
- Legal representation
- Banking preparation
- Compliance strategy
✔ Banking & Local Integration
- Assistance with local bank account setup
- Compliance documentation
- Long-term stay planning
- Practical relocation support
Why International Investors Choose Paraguay in 2026
Paraguay has become increasingly attractive due to:
- Territorial tax system (foreign income generally not taxed)
- 10% VAT (5% on certain rental activities)
- No wealth tax
- Relatively low public debt levels
- Stable macroeconomic framework
- Growing real estate market in Asunción and Las Mercedes
- Strategic Mercosur location
However, tax residency, immigration residency, and banking residency are not the same thing—and structuring them correctly matters.
That’s where strategic guidance makes the difference.
Local Presence. Multilingual Support. Structured Execution.
With on-the-ground presence in Asunción and multilingual support in:
- English
- Spanish
- Polish
we provide professional, confidential assistance tailored to:
- U.S. citizens
- EU citizens
- Mercosur applicants
- Investors
- Entrepreneurs
- Retirees
- Digital nomads
Ready to Relocate or Invest in Paraguay?
If you’re considering:
- Obtaining legal residency in Paraguay
- Securing your Paraguayan cédula
- Structuring tax residency properly
- Investing in real estate
- Forming a company
- Relocating with confidence
Now is the time to start the process the smart way.
Avoid costly mistakes.
Avoid unnecessary delays.
Avoid compliance risks.
Contact us today for a confidential consultation.
We handle the bureaucracy—so you can focus on building your life, business, or investment strategy in Paraguay.Contact us to discuss your goals and receive expert guidance tailored to your needs.
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