Complete Guide to Paraguay: Visa, Travel, Investment & Important Facts
Paraguay is the quiet over-achiever of South America: 10% flat tax, permanent residency for as little as USD 70K real estate or USD 100K bank deposit, visa-free entry for 140+ countries, Iguazu Falls on the doorstep, Jesuit ruins, and the most relaxed lifestyle on the continent. No crowds, no stress, just pure value.
The Easiest Plan B in the Americas
Paraguay has the cheapest and most straightforward residency program in South America — no minimum stay, 0% tax on foreign income, and a 10% flat tax on everything earned locally. Asunción is modernising fast, the countryside is pure peace, and you’re 30 minutes from Iguazu Falls and 2 hours from Brazil or Argentina.
Visa Policy 2025
Visa-free 90 days for 140+ countries (USA, Canada, EU, UK, Australia, Japan, all of MERCOSUR). Easy extensions or direct residency path.
Residency by Investment (One of the World’s Cheapest)
- USD 70,000 real estate purchase → permanent residency
- OR USD 100,000 bank deposit (5-year fixed)
- OR USD 150,000 business investment
- Processing: 3–6 months, no physical presence required
- Citizenship possible after 3 years (basic Spanish test)
- 0% tax on foreign income forever
Unmissable Paraguay
- Iguazu Falls (Paraguay side) — fewer crowds than Brazil/Argentina
- Jesuit Ruins (Trinidad & Jesús) — UNESCO World Heritage
- Asunción — laid-back capital, great steak, growing expat scene
- Ciudad del Este — wild shopping border town
- Chaco — Mennonite colonies & wildlife
- Lake Ypacaraí — weekend escape from Asunción
- San Bernardino — summer lake town, German-Paraguayan vibe
Safety in 2025
Very safe for tourists and expats. Asunción and tourist areas have low crime rates. Normal city precautions apply — safer than most regional capitals.
How to Buy SIM Card
Tigo, Personal, or Claro at Silvio Pettirossi Airport or any kiosk — PYG 20,000 starter + data. Tigo has best coverage outside Asunción.
Current President
Santiago Peña (Colorado Party) — in office since August 2023.
Getting Here
Asunción (ASU) has direct flights from Miami, São Paulo, Buenos Aires, Lima, Panama. Overland from Brazil/Argentina/Bolivia is easy and cheap.
Final Thought
Paraguay doesn’t shout — it just delivers. The easiest residency in the Americas, rock-bottom taxes, friendly people, and a lifestyle that feels like South America 30 years ago. Come for the residency, stay because life suddenly got very, very good.