Paraguay has recorded a significant rise in foreign residency applications in 2025, underlining the country’s growing appeal as a destination for newcomers. According to the National Directorate of Migration (DNM), updated to 31 December 2025, a total of 47,687 residency applications were submitted in 2025, 63% more than in 2024. During the same period, 40,600 residencies were granted, marking a 42% increase from the previous year.
Permanent residency benefits
The Secretariat for the Development of Repatriated and National Refugees (SEDERREC) has reminded returning Paraguayans that permanent residency is available for other family members. Spouses, children, children’s spouses, and grandchildren can get their permanent residency via the Repatriation Certificate. This certificate allows exemption from fees for obtaining permanent residency for foreign family members through the DNM and the National Police. Applications are handled digitally through the official portal.
Brazil leads in residency applications
Brazil tops the list of nationalities settling in Paraguay, followed by Argentina, and Germany.
- Brazil: 23,526 residents,
- Argentina: 4,366.
- Germany 1,652.
- Bolivia: 1,357.
- Spain: 1,023.
- Venezuela: 847
- The Netherlands: 772.
- United States: 736.
- Russia: 509.
- France :492).
The data highlights Paraguay’s increasingly diverse migrant community, drawing both regional and extra-regional residents.
Simplifying migration services across Paraguay
To support the growing number of residents, state institutions are streamlining migration procedures for both foreigners and returning Paraguayans.
The DNM has announced the 2026 schedule for the MigraMóvil programme, which brings migration services to local communities. The first edition for this year is planned for Ciudad del Este in the second week of February. MigraMóvil offers temporary and permanent residency processing, ID renewals, and migration certificates. The programme is supported by the National Police, SEDERREC, and the National Refugee Commission (CONARE).
Dynamic migration trend
The steady growth in applications and approved residencies in 2025 reflects a more dynamic migration trend in Paraguay. Both temporary and permanent residency processes are seeing increasing demand, signalling Paraguay’s status as an attractive and accessible destination.
