Work permits and visas in Paraguay: An employer’s guide

Hiring in Paraguay? Whether you’re bringing on a new team member or relocating someone from your existing workforce, you’ll need to follow the country’s immigration and work permit rules.

Understanding which type of work permit applies is key, since every worker needs the right documentation before they can legally work in Paraguay. Add in local laws around immigration, tax, and employment, and things can get complicated quickly.

That’s why we’ve put together this guide. Here, you’ll find a comprehensive breakdown of work permits in Paraguay, from the different options available to practical tips. So let’s jump straight in.

Why is it important to obtain the right work visa in Paraguay?

If you’re hiring or relocating employees in Paraguay, it’s important to stay compliant with the country’s immigration and work permit rules. Failing to do so can expose your business to financial penalties, legal risks, and even reputational damage.

To avoid complications, it's crucial to make sure that every team member has the right legal status to live and work in the country before they start, and that you seek professional advice where necessary.

See also: The complete employer’s guide to hiring in Paraguay

Who needs a work visa in Paraguay?

All foreign nationals (i.e., anyone who is not a Paraguayan citizen or permanent resident) must obtain a valid visa and work permit to live and work in Paraguay.

However, citizens of MERCOSUR countries (i.e., Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, and Uruguay) benefit from regional agreements that facilitate living and working in Paraguay. These individuals generally do not require a formal visa and can reside and work in Paraguay upon passing standard background checks.

Remote’s Relocation service can help advise on whether your employee is eligible to work in Paraguay, and provide tailored guidance on visa and immigration requirements. Learn more.

What types of work visas are available in Paraguay?

For foreign workers, Paraguay offers several types of work visas, as follows:

Short-term residence visa

The short-term residence visa is the most common entry route for foreign nationals who intend to work in Paraguay on a temporary basis.

This visa is generally granted for an initial period of up to 90 days, making it suitable for business travelers, consultants, or professionals carrying out project-based assignments. It can be extended once, usually for an additional 90 days, allowing a maximum stay of 180 days in a 12-month period. Importantly, this visa is tied to specific short-term employment or service contracts rather than long-term work arrangements.

From a legal standpoint, this visa provides temporary work authorization without committing the applicant to long-term residence obligations. However, applicants must still meet standard visa requirements such as presenting a valid passport, proof of employment or assignment in Paraguay, and evidence of financial means during their stay. As the employer, it’s typically your responsibility to initiate the process with the Dirección General de Migraciones (DGM), which ensures that the foreign national’s work complies with Paraguayan labor law.

Because of its limited duration and scope, the Short-Term Residence Visa is not considered a pathway to permanent residence and is best suited for foreign professionals engaged in time-bound activities.

Temporary residence visa

The Temporary Residence Visa is the primary option for foreign nationals who wish to live and work in Paraguay for a longer period.

Valid for two years, this visa can be renewed once, effectively granting up to four years of residence and work authorization. During this period, holders enjoy most of the same employment rights as Paraguayan citizens, provided their employment contract complies with national labor laws, including wage, benefits, and social security contributions. This makes it the most practical solution for expatriates, employees on long-term assignments, or those seeking a foothold in Paraguay’s labor market.

Applying for a Temporary Residence Visa involves a more rigorous documentation process than the short-term visa. Applicants must typically provide a criminal record certificate, medical certificate, and proof of professional qualifications, all of which must be translated into Spanish and legalized (apostilled or notarized). In addition, they must demonstrate a valid job offer from a Paraguayan employer, as the visa is generally tied to sponsored employment.

This route also serves as a pathway to permanent residence. Foreigners who hold this visa for the required period (about 21 months) may apply for indefinite status, provided they maintain good legal standing. Because of its longer duration, it is a strong option for individuals aiming to establish a medium- to long-term presence in Paraguay.

Permanent residence visa

The permanent residence visa grants foreign nationals the right to live and work in Paraguay indefinitely. It is usually available after holding a temporary residence visa for the required period (around two years), though in some cases investors or individuals with special qualifications may qualify sooner.

Permanent residents enjoy broad employment rights, including the ability to work without needing ongoing employer sponsorship. They may also engage in self-employment or entrepreneurial activities, making it a flexible option for those who wish to fully integrate into Paraguayan society and economy.

While the status is indefinite, there are maintenance requirements. To retain permanent residency, holders must enter Paraguay at least once every three years, or the government may revoke the status. This rule ensures that residents maintain a genuine connection with the country. Applicants must also show continued good conduct, meaning no criminal record in Paraguay or abroad.

Obtaining permanent residency is also the first step toward eventual naturalization, as time spent under this status counts toward the residency period required to apply for Paraguayan citizenship. For foreign nationals looking to make Paraguay a long-term home, permanent residency is the most secure and advantageous option.

What are the work visa requirements in Paraguay?

Foreign nationals intending to engage in paid employment must obtain the appropriate visa or residence permit. Tourist entry — even if extended — does not legally authorize individuals to work.

As the employer, you generally play a crucial role in the sponsorship process. As a result, you will be required to submit documentation to the Dirección General de Migraciones (DGM) and/or the Ministry of Labor, Employment and Social Security.

While making the application, your employee will also need to provide:

• A job offer letter or signed employment contract
• A clean police clearance certificate
• A complete visa application form
• A health certificate
• A valid passport
• Their birth certificate
• Proof of academic or professional qualifications
• Passport-sized photos meeting biometric standards

All documentation must be properly translated into Spanish, and apostilled where required.

What does the work visa application process look like in Paraguay?

In Paraguay, the work visa application process looks like this:

1. Employer sponsorship

First, you will need to initiate the application with the Dirección General de Migraciones (DGM) and/or the Ministry of Labor, Employment and Social Security. Your employee will need to submit their visa application at their local Paraguayan embassy or consulate.

You must confirm that the foreign hire complies with labor law obligations, including minimum wage, social security contributions, and working conditions.

2. Document preparation

Your employee must gather and legalize the documents listed above. As mentioned, any foreign documents must be translated into Spanish by a certified translator and legalized (i.e., apostilled or notarized). Note that failure to meet these requirements is one of the most common reasons for delays.

3. Application submission

Your employee applies at their local Paraguayan embassy or consulate, where the full visa application package is then submitted to the Dirección General de Migraciones (DGM). You (or your employee) must also pay the relevant government fees.

In many cases, biometric data (such as fingerprints, photos, and signatures) may be taken at the immigration office.

4. Background checks and review

Next, the Paraguayan authorities conduct criminal and security background checks (both locally and internationally). They also verify the authenticity of the employment contract and supporting documents.

Processing times vary depending on the visa.

5. Issuance of residence card and work authorization

Once approved, applicants receive a residence permit (cédula de identidad para extranjeros), which serves as proof of their legal status. This card confirms both residency and work rights and, without it, your employee cannot legally be employed.

In the case of short-term visas, the approval is stamped in the passport instead of issuing a full residence permit.

6. Post-arrival registration

Foreign nationals must register with the Social Security Institute (Instituto de Previsión Social, or IPS) to access healthcare and retirement benefits.

They must also ensure tax compliance, as Paraguayan residents are subject to local income tax obligations.

For employees on a temporary residence visa, it’s important to apply for renewal at least a few months before the permit expires. Those with permanent residency must re-enter Paraguay at least once every three years to maintain status.

Does Paraguay offer a digital nomad visa?

No. Paraguay does not currently offer a digital nomad visa, and it is not legal for individuals to work on a tourist visa.

See also: Which other countries offer digital nomad visas?

How can Remote help?

To hire or relocate employees to Paraguay, you’ll need to have your own local entity there. This is a process that can be complex, lengthy, and expensive.

You also need to comply with relevant immigration laws and regulations to avoid potential penalties, as well as handle payroll, benefits, and all other HR requirements.

This is where Remote’s employer of record (EOR) service can be invaluable. We act as the legal employer in Paraguay on your company’s behalf, and handle onboarding, payroll, and benefits. We help ensure that you are fully compliant with all local employment and payroll tax laws, and can onboard your employee in a matter of days, too, saving you time, money, and resources.

Alternatively, if you already have an entity in Paraguay, we can assist in international employee relocation with case-by-case immigration assessments, and guidance on the visa process.

To learn more about the processes involved in relocating international employees, download Remote's Relocation Guide, or contact our Relocation team today.