In the competitive world of citizenship-by-investment, certain countries steal the spotlight with glossy brochures and premium-priced passports.

But behind the scenes, a quieter, more pragmatic player has been steadily gaining attention from global entrepreneurs, high-net-worth individuals, and freedom-seeking families.

That country is Paraguay.

With a minimum investment of just $70,000, one of the fastest tracks to citizenship in South America (only 3 years), and a tax system that exempts all foreign income, Paraguay offers a highly compelling alternative to traditional investment migration programs.

This isn’t a flashy “buy a passport” scheme, it’s a legitimate, sustainable path to a second citizenship through business investment and real integration. And for those willing to engage with the process, the long-term benefits, economic freedom, personal security, and generational planning, are profound.

Why Paraguay Is the Hidden Gem of Investment Migration

If you’ve been exploring second citizenship options, you’ve likely encountered costly programs in Europe or the Caribbean. But there’s one country quietly offering an exceptional deal, Paraguay.

With a minimum investment of $70,000, fast-track permanent residency, and citizenship after just 3 years, Paraguay has become one of the most affordable and efficient routes to a second passport in the world.

Add to that territorial taxation, no wealth or inheritance taxes, and an incredibly family-friendly policy, and it becomes clear: Paraguay offers one of the most underrated citizenship-by-investment pathways available in 2025.

How Paraguay’s Citizenship Program Works

Paraguay doesn’t sell citizenship outright. Instead, it offers permanent residency through investment, which serves as a bridge to naturalization after a short qualifying period.

The key advantage? Investors are granted permanent residency immediately, bypassing the 2-year temporary stay required in most other cases. From there, the clock to citizenship begins, just 3 years of residency are required before you can apply.

Investment Requirements: Enter Through the SUACE Program

Minimum Investment: $70,000 USD

This is one of the lowest thresholds globally, and the investment can be staged over a 10-year period. However, most investors frontload the funds to show credibility and get quicker processing.

Accepted Forms of Investment:

  • Launching a new Paraguayan company (any legal sector)
  • Acquiring real estate through a business entity
  • Investing in an existing local enterprise

All investments must contribute to the local economy and be accompanied by a legitimate business plan.

Application Process and Documentation

To apply, you’ll need:

  • Proof of investment under SUACE (issued by the Ministry of Industry and Commerce)
  • Valid passport, entry visa/stamp, birth certificate, marriage/divorce documentation
  • Clean criminal records from your country and any country lived in for the past 3 years
  • Interpol clearance and a police check in Paraguay
  • Medical certificate and conduct declaration
  • All documents translated to Spanish and apostilled

Processing Time:

  • 2–3 months for permanent residency approval
  • ID card (Cédula) issued ~45 days after that

Residency is valid for 10 years, and there's no minimum stay requirement, as long as you don’t leave Paraguay for more than 3 consecutive years.

Citizenship Timeline: From Residency to Passport in Just 3 Years

After obtaining permanent residency, the path to citizenship begins:

  • 3 years of continuous residency
  • Physical presence of 183+ days per year recommended
  • Proof of economic activity and integration into Paraguayan life
  • Conversational level of Spanish or Guaraní required
  • Citizenship test/interview covers history, culture, and national values

Expect 6–12 months for naturalization approval once you apply.

Dual Citizenship: Can You Keep Your Current Passport?

Officially, Paraguay allows dual citizenship only with select countries (e.g. Spain, Italy). However, in practice, renunciation is rarely enforced. If your home country allows it, you’ll likely be able to keep both.

Tax Benefits: Paraguay’s Ultra-Favorable Regime

Paraguay runs on territorial taxation, meaning:

  • Foreign income is completely tax-exempt
  • Only Paraguayan-source income is taxed (flat 10% after ~$13,000)
  • No capital gains tax on foreign assets
  • No inheritance, gift, or wealth taxes
  • VAT is a low 10%
  • Corporate tax: 10%

You qualify as a tax resident with just 120 days/year in Paraguay.

This makes Paraguay especially attractive for:

  • Remote entrepreneurs
  • Crypto investors
  • Traders and HNWIs
  • Retirees with offshore pensions

Family Inclusion: Residency for the Whole Household

The $70,000 investment covers:

  • Spouse
  • Minor children
  • Dependent children up to age 30
  • Dependent parents
  • In some cases, dependent siblings

Each dependent applies separately but under the same umbrella investment, no extra investment required.

Citizenship clocks start individually for each family member upon receiving residency.

Life in Paraguay: What to Expect

Quality of Life

  • Low cost of living: housing, food, healthcare, and education are all affordable
  • Private services (schools, clinics) available in major cities like Asunción

Strategic Location

  • Landlocked but well-connected to Brazil, Argentina, and Bolivia
  • Free movement across MERCOSUR countries

Language & Culture

  • Spanish is essential, Guaraní widely spoken
  • Culture values family, tradition, and trust
  • Slower pace of life, strong expat support networks

Infrastructure

  • Modern services in cities, developing in rural areas
  • Good internet, electricity is hydro-based and cheap
  • Roads vary in quality

What You Get as a Paraguayan Citizen

Travel Freedom

  • Visa-free access to 140+ countries
  • Includes Schengen Area, UK, Russia, and most of Latin America
  • No visa-free access (yet) to the US or Canada

E-2 Visa Treaty with the US

  • Paraguayan citizens can apply for a 5-year renewable E-2 investor visa
  • Allows you to live and work in the US via business investment

Regional Perks

  • Access to MERCOSUR trade and residence rights
  • Easy setup for cross-border businesses

Property Rights & Inheritance

  • Foreigners can own property, but citizenship gives extra protections
  • No inheritance taxes or forced heirship under proper planning

How Paraguay Compares Globally

CountryMin InvestmentTime to CitizenshipTax SystemBest For
Paraguay$70,0003 yearsTerritorial (0% foreign)Entrepreneurs, families
St. Lucia$100,0004–6 monthsNo tax benefitsFast Caribbean passport
Turkey$400,0001 year (CBI)Global taxReal estate + regional access
Portugal€250,0005 years (residency)Global taxEU access, long-term planning
UruguayN/A5 yearsWorldwide taxRelocation & retirement

Is Paraguay Right for You?

Paraguay's citizenship by investment program isn’t for everyone. But if you’re:

  • Willing to engage with the country for 3 years
  • Looking for a legitimate path to citizenship (not a “passport in a box”)
  • Interested in favorable taxation and regional mobility
  • Wanting to include your family at minimal cost

…then Paraguay may be one of the best-value investment migration options in the world.

7 Next Steps

If Paraguay sounds like a fit for your goals, here’s how to begin your journey—step by step.

1. Schedule a Strategic Consultation

Start by speaking with a migration advisor or legal expert experienced in Paraguay’s SUACE program. They can:

  • Confirm your eligibility
  • Clarify tax implications
  • Help outline the ideal investment strategy
  • Provide a roadmap tailored to your personal situation

We recommend working only with advisors who have on-the-ground connections in Paraguay and a proven track record with investor clients.

If you're considering Paraguay, one of the smartest ways to start is through CitizenX, a secure and private platform that combines Swiss engineering with 24/7 concierge support. As they put it: “Invest in your citizenship. Become truly free.”

With CitizenX, you can speak directly to a migration advisor or legal expert experienced in Paraguay’s SUACE program. They’ll help you:

  • Confirm your eligibility
  • Clarify tax implications
  • Outline the ideal investment strategy
  • Build a roadmap tailored to your personal goals

CitizenX works exclusively with professionals who have deep, local connections in Paraguay and a proven track record assisting international investors.

2. Begin Document Preparation

You’ll need time to gather, apostille, and translate essential documents (e.g. police records, marriage certificates, proof of funds). These can take weeks or months to process depending on your home country.

A licensed attorney in Paraguay will assist with compiling and submitting your SUACE and residency applications once your documents are in order.

3. Visit Paraguay (Optional, but Encouraged)

Although you don’t need to live in Paraguay to maintain residency, we strongly recommend visiting at least once:

  • Open your local bank account
  • Meet with lawyers and accountants
  • Scout business or real estate opportunities
  • Familiarize yourself with local infrastructure and lifestyle

This trip will also help demonstrate intent and economic presence, which are useful during your future citizenship application.

4. Establish Your Investment Vehicle

Whether you're starting a new company, acquiring property via a corporation, or investing in an existing business, this step will formalize your economic contribution to the Paraguayan economy.

Your SUACE registration and investment approval are essential for securing permanent residency.

5. Apply for Permanent Residency

Once your investment is verified and your documentation is complete, your legal team will submit your application to the National Migration Directorate.

Approval typically takes 1–3 months. Once approved, you’ll receive your 10-year ID card (Cédula), your official proof of permanent residence.

6. Maintain Residency & Prepare for Citizenship

To qualify for citizenship:

  • Spend at least 183 days/year in Paraguay for 3 consecutive years
  • Continue developing your investment project
  • Learn Spanish to at least a conversational level
  • Maintain clean legal standing and good conduct
  • Engage culturally (community events, business ties, local knowledge)

Use this period to build your life and credibility in Paraguay, it will make the citizenship process smoother and more defensible.

7. Apply for Naturalization

After three years of residency, you can apply for citizenship through the Paraguayan Supreme Court.

You’ll need to:

  • Submit updated police clearances and proof of economic activity
  • Take a basic citizenship test or interview
  • Show language and cultural understanding
  • Receive final approval from the Paraguayan President

Once granted, you’ll obtain your Carta de Naturalización, followed by your Paraguayan passport.

Ready to Begin?

If you’re serious about securing Paraguayan residency and citizenship, our team of regional legal experts and migration strategists can guide you from start to finish.

Contact us today to:

  • Evaluate your eligibility
  • Receive a personalized migration plan
  • Begin preparing your documents
  • Connect with licensed attorneys and accountants in Asunción
  • Start building your Paraguayan investment strategy

We’ll help you navigate every step of the process, ethically, efficiently, and with your long-term freedom in mind.

Your second citizenship is closer than you think. Start building it in Paraguay.

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