Paraguay Country Guide
Your Complete Guide to Moving, Living & Working in Paraguay
Important: This guide provides essential relocation information for individuals and families moving to Paraguay. Known for its peaceful lifestyle, low cost of living, straightforward residency programs and growing economic opportunities, Paraguay is an increasingly attractive destination for expatriates. Visa regulations and residency rules can change—always verify details through official Paraguayan government sources.
Home To Home Relocations supports clients relocating to Paraguay from Canada and worldwide, offering expert export packing, shipping coordination, customs support and final delivery to major destinations including Asunción, Ciudad del Este, Encarnación and other key regions.
1. Before You Move to Paraguay
1.1 Visa Types & Residency Options
Paraguay is known for its relatively simple and accessible residency pathways. Main visa and residency types include:
- Temporary Residence – issued for employment, study, investment or family reasons
- Permanent Residence – often available after meeting initial requirements; popular among long-term expatriates
- Retirement or Independent Income Residency – for individuals with stable monthly income
- Work Visa – typically requires employer sponsorship
- Tourist Entry – short stays (does not permit work)
1.2 Working in Paraguay
Paraguay’s economy offers opportunities in:
- Agriculture and livestock production
- Hydroelectric energy (Itaipu Dam)
- Manufacturing and textiles
- Technology and IT services (growing sector)
- Retail, logistics and distribution
- Education and language instruction
1.3 Housing & Accommodation
Most expatriates settle in urban centres such as:
- Asunción: Villa Morra, Carmelitas, Las Lomas, Mburucuyá
- Ciudad del Este: City centre and residential suburbs
- Encarnación: Waterfront and modern residential zones
Typical rental requirements:
- One to two months’ deposit
- Proof of income or employment
- ID or residency documentation
- Contracts usually written in Spanish
1.4 Banking & Finances
Currency: Paraguayan Guaraní (PYG). Opening a bank account typically requires:
- Passport and residency documents
- Tax identification (RUC or personal tax number)
- Proof of local address
1.5 Healthcare & Insurance
Healthcare in Paraguay includes:
- Public healthcare institutions – accessible but may have long wait times
- Private hospitals and clinics – preferred by expatriates
- Private insurance plans offering broad coverage
1.6 Key Documents to Prepare Before Moving
- Passport (valid for at least 6 months)
- Criminal background check (apostilled)
- Birth & marriage certificates (apostilled)
- Income or employment statements
- Medical records and vaccination documents
- International Driving Permit
2. Your First Weeks in Paraguay
2.1 Immigration Registration
After arrival, expatriates must complete their residency formalities through the Dirección General de Migraciones (National Immigration Office).
2.2 Everyday Setup
- Get a local SIM card (Tigo, Personal, Claro)
- Open a bank account with residency documentation
- Arrange housing, utilities and internet
- Access private healthcare clinics and insurance providers
- Register children in schools or bilingual institutions
3. Paraguay at a Glance
3.1 Geography & Regions
Paraguay is divided into two main geographical regions:
- Oriental Region: Asunción, Ciudad del Este, Encarnación
- Chaco Region: Sparsely populated plains and agricultural lands
3.2 Politics & Economy
Paraguay is a democratic republic with an economy centered on:
- Agriculture and livestock exports
- Hydropower (Paraguay is a major electricity exporter)
- Manufacturing and textiles
- Retail and trade with Brazil and Argentina
- Logistics hubs near Ciudad del Este
3.3 Climate & Weather
The climate is generally warm throughout the year.
- Hot summers with high humidity
- Mild to warm winters
- Rainy season varies by region
4. Why Many Newcomers Choose Paraguay
- Simple and accessible residency programs
- Low cost of living compared to neighbouring countries
- Warm, relaxed and family-oriented culture
- Growing investment opportunities
- International schools and modern malls in Asunción
5. Housing, Cost of Living & Daily Life
Paraguay is one of the most affordable countries in South America. Asunción is the most modern and developed urban centre, offering good amenities and services.
- Affordable rent and utilities
- Inexpensive groceries and dining
- Reasonable private healthcare costs
- Reliable home internet and mobile services
- Private and bilingual schools available
6. Transportation & Getting Around
6.1 Public Transport
- Local buses operate throughout major cities
- Taxis and ride-sharing (e.g., Uber, MUV)
- Intercity buses connect all regions of the country
6.2 Driving in Paraguay
Paraguay drives on the right-hand side. While roads in Asunción are paved and well maintained, rural roads may vary in condition.
6.3 Domestic & International Travel
Airports include:
- Silvio Pettirossi International Airport (Asunción)
- Guaraní International Airport (Ciudad del Este)
7. Culture, Lifestyle & Places to Visit
7.1 Everyday Life & Culture
- Spanish and Guaraní are both official languages
- Paraguayan cuisine features corn, beef and traditional dishes like sopa paraguaya
- Social gatherings and family life are highly valued
- Warm hospitality is a hallmark of Paraguayan culture
7.2 Popular Cities & Attractions
- Asunción: Historic centre, museums, parks and dining
- Encarnación: Beaches on the Paraná River
- Ciudad del Este: Trade hub and gateway to Iguazú Falls
- Jesuit Missions: UNESCO World Heritage Sites
- Chaco Region: Wildlife and nature experiences