How long does it take to get set up in Paraguay?

Most expats are functionally settled within 4–6 weeks: apartment secured (week 1–2), bank account opened (week 2–3), SUACE residency application submitted (week 1–2, with Cedula issued within 30–60 days), internet installed (week 2–3), and routines established. The SUACE permanent residency card typically arrives within 45 days of application. Paraguay is one of the fastest countries in the world for full legal and practical setup.

Should I ship my belongings or buy new in Paraguay?

For most expats, buying locally is more practical and cost-effective. A 20ft shipping container costs $3,000–6,000 plus $500–1,000 in customs fees and takes 6–10 weeks. Given that furnished apartments are readily available and household goods are cheap in Paraguay, shipping only makes sense for high-value items with sentimental or functional significance that cannot be replaced locally.

Can I bring my pet to Paraguay?

Yes. Dogs and cats require a health certificate from a licensed vet (issued within 10 days of travel), proof of rabies vaccination (at least 30 days old), and SENACSA approval. There is no mandatory quarantine for pets arriving with valid documentation. Airlines require IATA-compliant carriers. The process is straightforward — budget 2–3 weeks for paperwork before travel.

What are the best airlines to fly to Asuncion?

Copa Airlines (via Panama City), LATAM (via Lima or Santiago), and Amaszonas are the main carriers serving Silvio Pettirossi International Airport (ASU). From the US, Copa offers the most frequent connections. Flight time from Miami is approximately 6 hours. From Europe, connections via Sao Paulo (GRU) or Buenos Aires (EZE) are the most common routes.

What should I pack for Paraguay?

Pack light cotton clothing for the subtropical climate. Essential items: sunscreen (expensive locally), insect repellent, prescription medications (3-month supply), important documents (originals + copies), a good laptop and phone, and a universal power adapter. Paraguay uses 220V outlets with Type C (two-pin European) plugs. Leave heavy winter clothing behind — even winter in Asuncion rarely drops below 10°C.

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🇵🇾 Paraguay

Moving Guide

~6 hours

Flight from Miami

Direct flights via Copa, LATAM, Amaszonas

~45 days

Residency Processing

SUACE investor permanent residency

$2,500–4,000

Startup Costs (first month)

Flights, deposit, first month rent, setup

$3,000–6,000

Shipping Container (US → ASU)

20ft container; 6–10 weeks transit

Health cert + rabies

Pet Import

SENACSA approval required; straightforward

Last updated: March 2026

Overview🌆Asuncion 🌉Ciudad del Este

🛂Visa 🏥Healthcare 💰Finance 🏠Housing 💼Working 🌆Daily Life ✈️Moving 📚Education 🌅Lifestyle 📈Investing

Overview

Moving to Paraguay is logistically simpler than most South American destinations. The SUACE permanent residency can be processed in as little as 45 days, housing is abundant and affordable, and the cost of setting up a new life is low. The main challenges are language (English is rare), infrastructure outside Asuncion (basic), and the adjustment to a slower bureaucratic pace. Most expats fly into Silvio Pettirossi International Airport (ASU) and spend their first weeks in an Airbnb while apartment hunting.

Key Takeaways

Apostille your criminal background check (FBI in the US) and birth certificate — this takes 8–12 weeks; begin immediately
SIM card: buy a Tigo or Personal SIM at the airport or any phone shop; prepaid plans from PYG 30,000 ($4); excellent 4G coverage in Asuncion
Sign your apartment lease and move out of Airbnb — most leases in Villa Morra/Carmelitas require 2 months' deposit + first month's rent ($1,200–1,800 initial outlay)
Shipping container (20ft, US → Asuncion): $3,000–6,000 including door-to-door service; transit time 6–10 weeks; route typically via Buenos Aires or Santos (Brazil) with overland transfer

Before You Go: Pre-Move Checklist

Preparing for a move to Paraguay requires less paperwork than many destinations, but a few critical items need attention months in advance — particularly document apostilles and the criminal background check.

Apostille your criminal background check (FBI in the US) and birth certificate — this takes 8–12 weeks; begin immediately
Gather proof of income/investment documentation: bank statements, investment account summaries, or pension letters — apostilled and certified
Research and contact a Paraguayan immigration attorney for SUACE processing — fees of $1,500–3,000 are standard
Book accommodation for the first 2–4 weeks: Airbnb in Villa Morra or Carmelitas; $25–50/night for a comfortable 1BR
Arrange international health insurance for the arrival period: SafetyWing, Cigna Global, or AXA for the first 3 months
Download Uber, Bolt, Wise, and WhatsApp — these are essential daily apps in Paraguay
Pack for subtropical climate: light clothing, sunscreen, insect repellent; bring a light jacket for winter evenings
Specialty medications: bring a 3-month supply of any prescriptions; some brands may not be available in Paraguay

Your First Week in Asuncion

The first week in Asuncion should focus on practical logistics: SIM card, orientation, initial apartment viewings, and your first meetings with the immigration attorney.

SIM card: buy a Tigo or Personal SIM at the airport or any phone shop; prepaid plans from PYG 30,000 ($4); excellent 4G coverage in Asuncion
Currency: withdraw PYG from ATMs (Banco Continental, Itau have the most); Wise card works at most POS terminals; USD cash is widely accepted at cambios (exchange houses) at competitive rates
Orientation: spend a day walking Villa Morra, Carmelitas, and Las Mercedes to feel the neighborhoods; visit Shopping Mariscal and Paseo La Galeria for orientation
Immigration attorney: schedule your first meeting within the first 3 days; hand over apostilled documents and begin the SUACE process immediately
Apartment hunting: start viewing furnished apartments through your attorney's referrals, Facebook groups, and Clasipar.com; target 5–8 viewings in the first week
Grocery shopping: visit Superseis or Stock in Villa Morra for provisions; excellent produce at municipal markets (Mercado 4, Mercado de Abasto)
Cultural tip: accept every invitation for terere — it is the fastest way to build genuine connections with Paraguayans

Your First Month: Getting Established

By the end of your first month, you should have your apartment, bank account, Cedula application underway, and a routine established. Here is what to prioritize.

Sign your apartment lease and move out of Airbnb — most leases in Villa Morra/Carmelitas require 2 months' deposit + first month's rent ($1,200–1,800 initial outlay)
Open a bank account: Banco Continental or Itau Paraguay; bring your passport, Cedula (or receipt of application), proof of address, and income documentation
SUACE residency: your attorney should have the application in process; biometric appointment at Migraciones typically within 2–3 weeks of submission
Internet setup: arrange Tigo or Personal fiber installation at your apartment; expect 3–7 days from request to activation
Health insurance: enroll in a local private plan (ASIS, APS) or continue international coverage during the transition
Join expat communities: 'Expats in Paraguay' Facebook group, 'Paraguay Expat Forum', and InterNations Asuncion for events and networking
Begin Spanish classes if your level is basic — immersion + classes accelerates learning dramatically in the first month
Expected first-month total spend (excluding flights): $2,500–$4,000 including deposits, setup costs, legal fees, and living expenses

Shipping Belongings & Pet Import

Shipping to Paraguay is possible but the logistics and customs clearance are more complex than shipping to larger South American ports. Many expats choose to arrive with suitcases and buy locally, given the low cost of goods.

Shipping container (20ft, US → Asuncion): $3,000–6,000 including door-to-door service; transit time 6–10 weeks; route typically via Buenos Aires or Santos (Brazil) with overland transfer
Customs clearance: requires a Paraguayan customs broker (despachante de aduanas); expect $500–1,000 in customs fees and brokerage
Personal effects exemption: new residents bringing household goods may qualify for reduced import duties; your immigration attorney can advise on the specific exemption applicable to your visa type
Electronics and appliances: Paraguay uses 220V electricity; bring adapters or purchase locally — appliances are affordable at Shopping del Este (Ciudad del Este) or Asuncion malls
Most expats recommend buying furniture and household goods locally — prices are very low and the shipping hassle is rarely worth it for standard items
Pet import: requires a health certificate from a licensed vet (within 10 days of travel), proof of rabies vaccination, and SENACSA (Paraguayan animal health authority) approval; airlines require IATA-compliant carriers; process is straightforward but paperwork-intensive
Pet quarantine: Paraguay does not impose mandatory quarantine for dogs and cats arriving with valid documentation

FAQs