Moving to Paraguay

Moving Guide

Visa & Residence

Navigating the visa and residence process for Paraguay largely depends on your nationality. Citizens from certain regions, such as the European Union, may enjoy more straightforward entry and initial stay options compared to those from non-EU countries.

Typical routes to obtaining residence include:

• Work Permits: If you have a job offer from a Paraguayan company, they will typically sponsor your work permit, which is a common pathway to temporary and then permanent residence.
• Family Reunification: If you have immediate family members who are Paraguayan citizens or legal residents, you may be eligible for residence based on family ties.
• Study Visas: Enrollment in an accredited educational institution in Paraguay can grant you a student visa, which can be extended for the duration of your studies.
• Residence Permit (Pensionado/Rentista): Paraguay offers options for individuals demonstrating a stable income from abroad (pensioners or those with passive income) to obtain residence. This often involves proving a consistent financial stream without necessarily needing to work in Paraguay.

It is crucial to verify the most current requirements directly with the Paraguayan consulate or embassy in your home country, or with the National Directorate of Migrations in Paraguay, as regulations can change.

Housing & Rental

Finding suitable housing in Paraguay typically involves a mix of online resources, real estate agents, and local word-of-mouth. Major cities like Asunción, Ciudad del Este, and Encarnación offer a wider range of options, from apartments to houses.

How to find housing:

• Online Portals: Websites specializing in real estate listings are a good starting point.
• Real Estate Agents (Inmobiliarias): Engaging a local real estate agent can be highly beneficial, especially if you are not familiar with the local market or Spanish. They can help navigate cultural nuances and legalities.
• Social Media Groups: Expat groups and local community pages on social media often feature rental listings.

Typical rental process:

Once you find a property, the rental process generally involves signing a lease agreement (contrato de alquiler). This document will outline the terms of the tenancy, including rent amount, duration, and responsibilities of both landlord and tenant.

Deposits: It is standard practice to pay a security deposit, usually equivalent to one or two months' rent, which is refundable at the end of the tenancy, provided the property is returned in good condition. You may also be asked for the first month's rent in advance.

Temporary vs. Long-term: For your initial arrival, consider temporary accommodation such as an Airbnb or a serviced apartment. This allows you to explore different neighborhoods and finalize your long-term housing decision without pressure. Long-term leases typically range from one to three years.

What Affects the Cost of Your Move

The total cost of your relocation to Paraguay is influenced by several key factors. Understanding these can help you budget effectively, though exact figures will always depend on a personalized assessment.

• Volume of Goods: The more items you move, the higher the cost. This includes furniture, appliances, personal belongings, and vehicles.
• Distance: Your origin country's distance from Paraguay will significantly impact shipping costs. Ocean freight is typically more economical for larger volumes over long distances, while air freight is faster but more expensive.
• Seasonality: Peak moving seasons (often summer months in many countries) can sometimes lead to higher demand and potentially higher prices for moving services.
• Access at Origin and Destination: Difficult access for moving trucks at either your current home or your new residence in Paraguay (e.g., narrow streets, high-rise apartments without adequate service lifts) can incur additional charges for shuttle services or manual carrying.
• Extra Services: Opting for services such as professional packing, unpacking, disassembly and reassembly of furniture, storage solutions, or specialized handling for fragile or valuable items will add to the overall cost. Insurance for your belongings is also an important consideration.

For an accurate estimate tailored to your specific needs, it is always best to request a free quote.

Timeline & Packing Tips

A well-organized timeline is crucial for a smooth relocation. Aim to start planning 4-8 weeks before your desired move date.

4-8 Weeks Before Moving:

• Declutter and Downsize: Go through all your belongings. Decide what to keep, sell, donate, or discard. Moving less means spending less.
• Research and Book Movers: Obtain quotes from reputable relocation companies. Confirm services, insurance, and estimated delivery times.
• Gather Important Documents: Collect passports, birth certificates, marriage licenses, medical records, school records, financial statements, and any documents required for your visa/residence application. Keep these in a secure, easily accessible folder that you will carry with you.
• Research Schools/Healthcare: If applicable, begin researching schools for children and healthcare providers in Paraguay.

2-4 Weeks Before Moving:

• Notify Utilities and Services: Inform your current utility providers (electricity, water, gas, internet, phone) of your move-out date. Arrange for final readings.
• Forward Mail: Set up mail forwarding to a temporary address or a trusted contact.
• Start Packing Non-Essentials: Begin packing items you don't use daily, such as books, seasonal clothing, and decorative items. Label boxes clearly with contents and the room they belong to.
• Arrange Pet Transport: If moving with pets, research Paraguay's import requirements and arrange for necessary vaccinations and travel logistics.

1 Week Before Moving:

• Pack Essentials Bag: Prepare a bag with items you'll need immediately upon arrival in Paraguay (toiletries, a few changes of clothes, medications, important documents, chargers).
• Confirm Travel Arrangements: Reconfirm flights, temporary accommodation, and ground transportation.
• Empty and Clean: Start emptying refrigerators, freezers, and pantries. Plan for a final clean of your old residence.

Moving Day:

• Supervise Movers: Be present to answer any questions and ensure all items are loaded.
• Final Walk-Through: Do a final check of every room, closet, and drawer to ensure nothing is left behind.
• Hand Over Keys: Return keys to your landlord or real estate agent.

Ready to make your move to Paraguay a reality? Request a free quote on relocation123.com today!

Visas, immigration & documents

Moving to this country often involves visas, residence permits, document translation/legalization and customs paperwork. Our verified partners handle the move itself; for visa or immigration help, send the request below and we'll point you the right way.

• Residence permit / visa (work, study, family)
• Document translation & apostille
• Customs clearance for personal effects
• Travel & goods insurance

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Customs & Import Rules

Moving to Paraguay: Your Essential Customs & Import Guide

Relocating to a new country can be exciting, and understanding customs regulations is key to a smooth transition. This guide provides a clear overview of importing your belongings into Paraguay, whether you're a new resident, a returning citizen, or a diplomat.

If you're relocating as a new resident

New residents (non-citizens) can import used household goods without paying taxes if they complete the process within six months of receiving their temporary residence. These goods must have been in your possession and use abroad for at least one year and intended for continued use in your new home.

What you'll need

• Original ID card
• Temporary residence card (Carnet)
• Certificate of Customs
• Two copies of the packing list
• Two copies of the original Bill of Lading (OBL) or Air Waybill (AWB) showing the real weight of the cargo and container tare weight
• Commercial invoice for your car (if applicable)

Good to know

• Your temporary residence card must be issued within six months of your shipment's arrival.
• The packing list, Bill of Lading/Air Waybill, and any car commercial invoice must bear the stamp of the Paraguayan Consulate at origin.
• A US$90.00 charge applies to all OBLs.
• If you are coming for work, you'll need an employment letter from your local company and the receipt from your permanent residency application.
• If you are immigrating without a labor contract, you will need your temporary residence card.
• The procedure to obtain a radiation permit (related to residence) can take approximately 3 months.

Returning citizens

Paraguayan citizens returning after a minimum of two years abroad are eligible to import their household goods duty-free. You must visit the repatriation office with the required documents to benefit from this tax exemption.

What you'll need

• Paraguayan identification documents
• Document from your country of origin
• Packing list and Bill of Lading stamped by the Paraguayan Consulate at origin
• Letter/Certificate of residence issued by the Paraguayan Consulate at origin
• Repatriation identification
• Sworn declaration
• Passport copy
• Copy of application for temporary residence
• Certificate of not being a taxpayer in Paraguay
• Note from the company (if you are returning for work)
• Copy of your passport with entry stamp to Paraguay
• Rental house contract or property title

Good to know

• Customs clearance for returning citizens typically takes 8-10 days, provided all required information is ready.

Diplomatic moves

Diplomats benefit from duty-free entry for their removals and can import alcohol and food. Specific diplomatic franchises are required for large quantities.

What you'll need

• Diplomatic passport
• Diplomatic accreditation by the Paraguayan Government
• Diplomatic Franchises (especially for large quantities of alcohol or food)

Good to know

• To begin the diplomatic franchise procedure, you must be accredited by the Paraguayan Government and be in Paraguay at least four weeks before your shipment arrives.
• Alcohol should be mentioned in the packing list as "rest of winery."
• Food should be mentioned in the packing list as "rest of warehouse."
• Customs clearance for diplomats takes approximately 4 days.

Inherited belongings

Inherited goods are subject to duty payments.

What you'll need

• Legalized inheritance certificate
• All documents required for general immigrants/returning citizens (as applicable)

Bringing special items

Vehicles

Only diplomats can import vehicles duty-free. Immigrants and returning citizens must pay duties and taxes, which are approximately 35-37% of the value assessed by customs authorities. Vehicles older than 10 years cannot be imported into Paraguay.

What you'll need

• Original Bill of Lading (OBL) or Air Waybill (AWB)
• Commercial invoice
• Pre-shipment inspection certificate
• Original commercial invoice of the vehicle
• Title or certificate of the vehicle
• Copy of the client’s passport
• Country where the car was manufactured
• Complete car details

Good to know

• A new gas inspection is required at customs for all car shipments (diplomatic or not), with an extra fee of approximately USD 150.00. This inspection is mandated by the Environmental Secretary (MADES).
• Without the correct documents, your vehicle cannot be cleared.

Pets

When bringing pets like cats and dogs, specific health documentation is required.

What you'll need

• Health and vaccination certificates visaed by the Paraguayan Consulate
• Certificate free of leishmaniasis
• Air Waybill (AWB)
• Copy of the client’s passport

Restricted & prohibited items

• Plants: Importation with removal is prohibited.
• Alcohol: Generally prohibited for import, except for diplomats with specific franchises.
• Food (Tins and other): Requires health inspection, which may prolong the customs clearance process. Diplomats can import food with specific franchises.
• Arms, Ammunitions, Dangerous Objects: Military equipment is prohibited. Authorization from Police authorities is required for other arms.
• Wooden Crates: All imported and exported wooden crates must comply with ISPM-15 guidelines for regulating wood packaging material in international trade.

Alcohol & tobacco

Import of alcohol is generally prohibited for non-diplomats. Diplomats can import alcohol, but large quantities require specific diplomatic franchises.

Frequently asked questions

What is the typical timeframe for customs clearance?
For immigrants and returning citizens, it usually takes 8 to 10 days. For diplomatic shipments, it's approximately 4 days.

Do I need to get my documents stamped by a Paraguayan Consulate?
Yes, your packing list and Bill of Lading must have the stamp from a Paraguayan Consulate or Embassy at origin. If none is in your country, legalize them at the nearest one.

Are there any shipping lines I should avoid?
It's advised to avoid shipping with MAERKS, SAFAMARINE, and SEALAND, as their local representatives may not allow personal effects or transshipment.

What happens if my shipment's weight differs significantly at the Paraguayan port?
All shipments are re-weighed. If there's a difference of more than 4%, a manifest correction will be required, incurring a cost of USD 90.00.

Can I import new furniture or household appliances?
Yes, new furniture and household appliances can be imported, similar to works of art, if they are part of your household effects. They are subject to duty payments.

Are works of art or antiques treated differently?
If they are part of your household effects, no special documents are required, but they are subject to duty payments.

For personalized assistance with your move to Paraguay, please contact relocation123.com.

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