In the first six months of 2026, Paraguay granted 29,765 residence permits, which is 81% more than in the same period last year (16,456). The total number of applications submitted also showed a significant increase to 33,243, which is 62% higher than in 2025. These data were published by the country's National Directorate of Migration (DNM).
The main influx of migrants was provided by Brazilian citizens who received 22,628 permits, which is 76% of the total number. Argentina was in second place in terms of the number of residence permits received (2,210 permits), followed by Germany (1,132) and Spain (821).
The analysis of quarterly data shows multidirectional trends. Although the number of applications filed in the second quarter decreased by 16% compared to the first, the number of permits issued, on the contrary, increased by 8.5%. At the same time, the approval of temporary residence permits increased by 15.4%, while the issuance of permanent residence permits decreased by 15.3%.
The authorities attribute the decline in permanent residence permit approvals to two recent legislative changes. Since November 2025, the possibility of obtaining immediate permanent status through a $5,000 deposit has been canceled. Now applicants must first obtain a temporary permit for two years. In addition, Resolution 407 came into force on July 6, 2026, tightening the requirements for proof of financial viability.
Note that in April 2026, Paraguay launched the Paraguay Investor Pass program. This is a new mechanism that allows foreign investors to obtain a permanent residence permit (permanent residence) for 10 years, bypassing the stage of temporary residence.
The program offers four investment categories with different conditions:
- Investments in manufacturing/commercial enterprises: from $70,000. It is required to create at least 5 jobs for Paraguayan citizens and submit a business plan.
- Investments in tourism: from $150,000. They assume a business plan and technical support for the project.
- Investments in securities: from $ 200,000. The funds are invested in the Paraguayan stock market for a period of at least 2 years; no job creation is required.
- Investment in real estate (economic activity, not personal use): from $200,000.
Along with the Investor Pass, there is also a standard way of legalization, through obtaining a temporary residence permit.This is a traditional procedure that is available to anyone who wants to move to a country without major investments.
A temporary residence permit is issued for a period of up to 2 years with the possibility of extension. It does not require large investments to obtain it, it is enough to confirm the existence of a legal income or profession.After living as a temporary resident for 2 years, you can apply for a permanent residence permit for a period of 10 years.Starting in 2026, the procedure for the transition from temporary to permanent status has been tightened. To obtain permanent residence in the standard way, you now need not only to live in the country for 2 years, but also to prove real economic activity that generates income (for example, an employment contract, doing business, paying taxes).
Source: IMI
