Visa & Residency

No. US citizens enter Paraguay visa-free for up to 90 days. You receive a tourist stamp on arrival at Silvio Pettirossi Airport or any land border crossing. During this 90-day period, you can begin either a SUACE investor residency application or a temporary residency application from within Paraguay - there is no requirement to return to the US first.

The all-in cost is approximately $14,000 in company formation, legal, and registration fees, plus a commitment to invest $70,000 over 10 years ($7,000 per year). You do not need to show $70,000 in a bank account upfront. So the immediate out-of-pocket cost is roughly $14,000–$21,000 (first year's investment + fees). This grants you immediate permanent residency with a 10-year residency card and Cedula.

Yes. Paraguay permits full dual citizenship with no restrictions. After 3 years of permanent residency, you can apply for naturalization. There is no requirement to renounce your existing nationality. The Paraguayan passport provides visa-free access to 140+ countries including all EU Schengen states.

Technically, there is no legally mandated minimum stay requirement for permanent residency maintenance. However, extended absence without entering Paraguay at least once per year may result in your status being flagged as inactive. Most immigration attorneys recommend visiting Paraguay at least once annually and maintaining active banking and a registered address. For citizenship, you will need to demonstrate genuine ties to Paraguay during the naturalization hearing.

For most expats, the SUACE investor route is superior. It grants immediate permanent residency (vs. 2 years of temporary status), processes faster (~45 days vs. 2–4 months), and the total cost difference is not dramatic when you factor in the investment being in your own company. The Rentista is mainly suitable for retirees on a fixed pension who do not want to form a company.