What about Paraguay's Golden Visa?

The investment migration sector witnessed the introduction of a new Golden Visa program in 2026: the Paraguay Investor Pass program. Initiated on April 16, 2026, by Paraguay’s Ministry of Industry and Commerce (MIC) and the Dirección Nacional de Migraciones, this program offers direct permanent residency in Paraguay.

The Paraguay Investor Pass program provides three investment pathways: tourism projects, real estate, and investments in Paraguayan securities and the stock market. The minimum investment required is $150,000, making it attractive to investors seeking tax efficiency. Paraguay’s territorial tax system exempts foreign-source income from taxation. However, further clarification from the authorities is awaited.

Waterfalls

What is the Paraguay Investor Pass Visa?

Introduced in 2026, the Paraguay Investor Pass Visa is designed to attract direct foreign investment into the Paraguayan economy, granting direct permanent residency to eligible investors. It complements, rather than replaces, Paraguay’s traditional residency route, SUACE.

The SUACE program required a $70,000 productive investment, a business plan, and the creation of five jobs. The new framework expands investment options, allowing investments in tourism projects, real estate, Paraguayan securities, and the stock market.

Requirements: Who Can Apply for the Paraguay Investor Pass?

To qualify for a Golden Visa in Paraguay, the main applicant must:

• Be at least 18 years old and have a clean criminal record.

• Make a qualifying investment of at least $150,000 in an approved tourism project, $200,000 in securities listed on the Paraguayan stock exchange, or $200,000 in Paraguayan real estate.

• Enter Paraguay at least once every three years to maintain permanent resident status.

There is no official clarification on family inclusion. However, standard Paraguayan immigration law allows inclusion of:

• The spouse

• Children under 18 and dependent children of any age

• Dependent parents

Official guidelines for family inclusion are still pending. If updated, this section will be revised. Otherwise, family members may need to apply for separate temporary residency.

Paraguay Golden Visa: Is It Suitable for Every Foreign Investor?

Paraguay’s Golden Visa combines low tax jurisdictions, direct permanent residency, and a relatively low investment threshold, making it suitable for:

• High-net-worth individuals seeking tax optimization. Paraguay does not tax foreign income under its territorial tax policy, taxing only domestic income at a flat 10% rate.

• Investors aiming to expand their reach into Latin American countries.

• Those seeking a Plan B residency due to political uncertainty. The Paraguay Investor Pass is attractive as it grants direct permanent residency without requiring years of temporary status. A visit to Paraguay is required at least once every three years.

• Those seeking an affordable path to citizenship. Citizenship can be granted after three years of permanent residency, meeting legal requirements.

• Real estate investors. The real estate route is appealing as investments can be made in development projects.

However, it is not suitable for those seeking visa-free EU access and European citizenship. A significant drawback is that the Investor Pass primarily grants permanent residency to the main applicant, while spouses and children may need separate residency processes. For broader global mobility and family planning, European Golden Visa programs may be a better fit.

Visa

Paraguay Investor Pass Investment Options

To obtain immediate permanent residency in Paraguay, an investment must be made in one of the following:

• Tourism Projects: Requires a minimum investment of USD 150,000 in an approved tourism project, the lowest threshold among the options.

• Paraguayan Securities: Requires a minimum investment of USD 200,000 in securities listed on the Paraguayan stock exchange, a passive investment option.

• Paraguayan Real Estate Investment: Requires a minimum investment of USD 200,000, providing direct ownership of a tangible asset. An Investor Certificate can be applied for once USD 60,000 (30% of the total investment) is invested, with the remaining balance committed through documented payment obligations.

Once an investment type is chosen, eligibility to apply for Paraguay permanent residency status is granted.

Benefits of Investing in the Paraguay Residency by Investment Program

Investor demand in Paraguay has surged across 2025-2026, with residency applications increasing significantly year-on-year. Early 2026 has already accounted for a large share of the previous year’s total.

The benefits of the Paraguay Investor Pass explain this growing demand.

1. Direct Permanent Residency

Direct access to permanent residency in Paraguay is available through a qualifying investment, bypassing temporary residence permits.

2. Multiple Investment Options

Investment pathways include tourism projects, securities on the Paraguayan stock exchange, and real estate, expanding beyond the original SUACE framework.

3. Paraguay’s Tax Regime

Paraguay’s territorial tax system offers additional investor-friendly policies, such as:

• A reduced dividend tax rate (about 8% instead of 15%) for residents

• Favorable treatment of foreign-sourced income in many cases

4. Simple and Mostly Remote Application Process

The process is streamlined:

• Handled through a “one-stop” system (SUACE)

• Minimal physical presence required (often just for ID issuance)

5. Pathway to Long-Term Stability and Citizenship

While the Investor Pass focuses on residency, Paraguay generally allows naturalization after three years of permanent residency by investment.

A Paraguayan passport offers visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to around 140 destinations, including the Schengen Area and the United Kingdom.

6. Access to MERCOSUR

Located in Latin America, Paraguay is part of MERCOSUR, a South American economic bloc, offering settlement rights in member countries like Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay, and Bolivia.

Latin America Golden Visa Programs: Panama vs Paraguay

Panama’s Qualified Investor Visa is generally more attractive for investors seeking financial stability, banking services, and international credibility. With a minimum investment of around $300,000, it grants permanent residency in one of Latin America’s most developed business hubs, appealing to entrepreneurs, retirees, and high-net-worth individuals.

Paraguay’s Investor Pass, on the other hand, focuses on affordability and efficiency, requiring a lower investment starting from $150,000. It offers a cost-effective route to permanent residency in a country with territorial taxation and low living costs.

In summary, Panama offers a more established scheme, while Paraguay provides a lower-cost entry point for investors open to a newer framework.

Does Paraguay Allow Dual Citizenship?

Yes, Paraguay generally permits dual citizenship. Paraguayan citizenship can be acquired without renouncing existing nationality.

However, dual citizenship depends on the applicant’s home country laws. Some countries restrict or do not recognize multiple nationalities, so applicants should verify their home country’s rules before pursuing naturalization in Paraguay.