Paraguay Investor Visa – 2026 Guide

The Paraguay Investor Visa via SUACE (Unified System for Opening and Closing Companies) is one of the most interesting residency-by-investment visas in South America. 

Also known as the Paraguay Residency-By-Investment, this visa program allows foreign investors to gain immediate permanent residency in Paraguay in exchange for committing to invest capital in a local Paraguayan business venture.  

This is an excellent immigration pathway for investors who want to bypass the usual temporary residency required by other immigration pathways, such as the Paraguay Independent Means Visa, and enjoy direct permanent residency. 

But what exactly is the Paraguay Investor Visa? Who is eligible, and what are the requirements? Let’s find out in this post! 

Key Takeaways 

• Paraguay’s Investor Visa via SUACE grants immediate permanent residency (no temporary stage) to investors who commit to a qualifying business investment and job creation. 
• Applicants must invest USD 70,000 in a Paraguayan business (or USD 40,000 in approved film/creative projects) and commit to creating at least five local jobs through a structured business plan. The investor must also maintain the  business and job creation requirements for at least five years to show economic roots necessary for future Paraguay Citizenship applications.  
• The investment must go into a company or project registered under SUACE, not real estate, and applicants typically form or invest in a Paraguayan company to qualify. 
• Investors gain the right to live and work in Paraguay, and benefit from a territorial tax system, enjoying tax exemptions on foreign income. Investors only face minimal physical presence requirements. 
• Spouses, children, and certain dependent relatives may be included, and investors may pursue Paraguayan citizenship after 3 years of permanent residency, subject to meeting the legal requirements and demonstrate sufficient proficiency in Spanish and a basic understanding of Guaraní (Paraguay’s two official languages).  
• Paraguay also allows dual citizenship under reciprocity, so investors from eligible countries can retain their original citizenship while enjoying visa-on-arrival or visa-free travel to 140-150+ destinations including the surrounding MERCOSUR countries and global mobility.    

The Paraguay Investor Visa is a residency-by-investment program in which an investor obtains direct permanent residency in return for committing to invest at least USD70,000 in a Paraguayan business or USD40,000 in the film/creative industry and to create at least 5 formal jobs for Paraguayan citizens.  

Often called the Paraguay Golden Visa, this program is operated by the Unified System for Opening and Closing Companies (SUACE) and allows investors to skip temporary residency and obtain Paraguay permanent residency immediately.  

Highlights of the Paraguay Investor Visa 

• This visa is administered jointly by Paraguay’s Ministry of Industry and Commerce (MIC) through SUACE and the National Directorate of Migration to attract foreign investment and boost the Paraguayan economy. 
• Applicants must invest a minimum of USD70,000 in a Paraguayan business and then apply for direct permanent residency once they receive a SUACE investment certification proving an authenticated business plan, proof of investment funds, and evidence of job creation commitments. 
• Some eligible investment sectors under SUACE include traditional industries and emerging sectors such as film, creative services, and cultural production. 
• On approval, investors will receive a Paraguay permanent residence card with indefinite validity (subject to standard renewals) and a cédula de identidad. 
• Family members can be included as dependents in the application. 
• Successful applicants enjoy visa-free access to MERCOSUR countries, allowing them to invest and do business in some of the biggest economies in Latin America.  
• Paraguayan citizenship via naturalization is possible under strict judicial discretion in rare cases after three years of permanent residency, provided the applicant meets other standard requirements under Paraguayan law.  
• To build a strong case for Paraguay citizenship, applicants are expected to reside in Paraguay during the three-year PR period without being absent for more than three consecutive months without justification. They must also demonstrate that Paraguay is their genuine center of life through physical presence, social and economic ties, lawful and stable income, and a verifiable local domicile.  

This visa is best for: 

• Foreign entrepreneurs with genuine business plans in Paraguay 
• Investors targeting sectors with strong growth potential 
• Creatives and film producers looking to activate a local industry presence 
• Individuals seeking fast-track permanent residency 
• Families seeking long-term settlement options in Paraguay 

The Paraguay Investor Visa offers a wide range of benefits that are attractive to foreign investors seeking a Plan B residency in Latin America.  

• Immediate permanent residency: Investors can qualify for and obtain permanent residency right away, without first having to hold temporary residence for 2 years, unlike with the Paraguay Independent Means Visa. 
• Live and work freely in Paraguay: As a permanent resident, you’re allowed to enter Paraguay, live, work and run a business in a stable economy. 
• Attractive tax system: Paraguay has a territorial tax system, so generally, only income earned inside the country is taxed. Investors can enjoy their foreign income tax-free. 
• Bring your family: You can include your spouse and dependent children in your Paraguay residency application. 
• Flexible investment options: With SUACE, you don’t have to invest the entire required amount at once. You can spread your investment over a ten-year period, as long as it’s clearly outlined and approved in your submitted business plan. 
• Opportunities in film & creative projects: Investing USD 40,000 or more in a Paraguayan film production company or creative venture may qualify, provided it meets job creation, business plan, and compliance requirements. 
• Minimal stay requirements: You only need to visit Paraguay at least once every 36 months to maintain residency. 
• Possible citizenship: Investors may apply and obtain citizenship by naturalization after 3 years of permanent residency in Paraguay and get their Paraguay passport provided they meet all standard requirements.   

To qualify for the Paraguay Investor Visa via SUACE, applicants must meet the following requirements: 

1. Demonstrate a genuine and clear commitment to Paraguay’s economic growth. You can do this by: 
   • Investing USD70,000 (minimum) into a local business or 
   • Investing USD40,000 (minimum) into filmmaking and creative industries, provided the project meets specific sector-specific integration criteria. 
2. You must submit a detailed business plan that guarantees the creation of at least five formal jobs for Paraguayan nationals. This business plan enables you to obtain an Investor Letter from the Ministry of Industry and Commerce, which is what grants you Paraguay permanent residency. 
3. Provide legal and accurate documents, including a passport, criminal records from your country of origin, and proof of funds (bank statements) to show the legal source of investment. 

Who are eligible dependents for this visa? 

Paraguay allows investor visa applicants to include close family, provided the main applicant can financially support them. Dependents generally receive the same type of residence status as the main investor, allowing them to live in Paraguay. 

Eligible family members usually include: 

• Spouse or legally recognized partner. Common-law partners are recognized to some extent, but applicants may need to demonstrate a legitimate and stable relationship. 
• Children under 18 
• Adult children who are unmarried and financially dependent (case-by-case) 
• Dependent parents (if financial reliance is proven) 

Extended family members (siblings, cousins, aunts, uncles, grandparents, etc.) are not normally eligible 

Each family member must provide standard documents such as birth or marriage certificates, properly legalized/apostilled, and translated into Spanish if needed. 

Investment requirements 

To qualify for Paraguay Residency By Investment, you have to invest in a local business or approved  project registered under SUACE. Alternatively, you can also invest in the filmmaking and creative industries if the project meets specific sector-specific criteria.  The qualifying investment routes for the Paraguay Investor Visa are as follows: 

• USD 70,000  for general business ventures or company formation 
• USD 40,000 for film or creative industry projects (if sector rules are met) 

Note that you need a detailed business plan that explains operations, investment schedule, and job creation.  You must also commit to creating at least 5 local jobs outlined in your business plan. 

After approval, the Ministry of Industry and Commerce issues an Investor Letter, which is the most important document in the process. 

To keep the Paraguay residency status, it’s required that the business and the five jobs are maintained for about five years, especially if you later plan to apply for citizenship. You must also follow the investment timeline stated in your business plan. 

Your Paraguayan ID card is renewed every 10 years, provided you meet your investment obligations. 

You must show that your funds are legally obtained and personally owned through: 

• Recent bank statements or financial solvency certificates (usually within 3 months) 
• Funds are typically transferred from abroad 
• Transfers must go through official banking channels to meet anti-money-laundering rules 

Minimum stay requirements 

A permanent resident should enter Paraguay at least once every 36 months to maintain residency. 

Here are the required documents for the Paraguay Investor Visa application process: 

• Valid passport.   
• Investor business plan and proof of funds 
• Company registration documentation (SUACE) 
• Proof of job creation plan 
• Clean criminal-record certificates from the country of nationality and any country of residence for a defined period; documents must be apostilled/legalized and translated if needed. 
• Proof of accommodation in Paraguay or evidence of intention to reside (for example, local address, rental contract, hotel booking) or some local tie.   
• Standard civil documents such as a birth certificate, marriage certificate (if applicable), and identity photos.   
• Documents for dependents (spouse, children), if they are included in the application.   
• All foreign documents must typically be apostilled/legalized and translated into Spanish where required. 

Below is a step-by-step process for the Paraguay Investor Visa application. 

1. Confirm eligibility & collect documents: Verify your eligibility and gather your passport, identity documents, and proof of funds. 
2. Prepare business plan & investment project: Create a business plan explaining your investment, timeline, and job creation. 
3. Submit application through SUACE: Your investor application is filed under Paraguay’s SUACE system at the Paraguay immigration office. 
4. Once approved, you receive a Foreign Investor Certificate confirming your status. 
5. Apply for permanent residency: Using the Investor Certificate, you apply directly for permanent residency with Paraguay’s Migration Department. 
6. Receive Paraguayan ID (Cédula) & start business: After approval, you receive your Paraguayan residency card and national ID, and you can officially begin operating your business. 

Where to apply 

You must travel to Paraguay and apply in person at the immigration office (or, in some cases, through a Paraguayan consulate). During the first visit, which often lasts two days, you will submit your application to the immigration office.  

Your residency card and ID are typically ready in about 45 business days, so you may leave Paraguay after submission.  During the second visit, you will collect your residency admission card and apply for your Paraguayan ID (Cédula) at the Identification Office.  

Processing times for Paraguay’s Investor Visa may vary depending on document completeness. You may receive approval for your residency permits in about 1-3 months.