Residency applications in Paraguay surge as the country begins 2026 with a sharp rise in foreign applications. Authorities report a 79% increase during the first weeks of the year. The trend builds on a record-breaking performance in 2025, and officials say Paraguay is consolidating its position as a regional migration hub.
According to the National Directorate of Migration, 2,817 applications were submitted in the first 20 days of January. This represents a significant jump compared with the same period in 2025. The figures confirm a sustained upward movement. Demand continues to grow across different nationalities and residency categories.
Record growth consolidates after a strong 2025
The previous year set a historic benchmark for migration services. In 2025, Paraguay received 47,687 residency applications. This marked an increase of more than 63% compared with 2024. The steady flow reflects growing confidence in the country’s stability. During the same period, authorities granted 40,600 residencies. This figure represented growth of over 42% year on year. Temporary permits accounted for the majority of approvals. However, permanent residency also showed consistent expansion.
Of all applications submitted in 2025, 34,875 were for temporary residency. A further 12,812 requested permanent status. Among approved permits, 29,976 were temporary and 10,624 were permanent. The balance suggests many newcomers initially choose short-term integration. Officials say this structure allows migrants to test economic and social opportunities. Many later convert their status to permanent residency.
Residency applications in Paraguay surge: Brazilians lead nationality rankings
Brazilian citizens topped the ranking of granted residencies in 2025. A total of 23,526 Brazilians obtained residency permits. This represented 58% of all approvals. Cross-border trade and cultural proximity continue to drive this movement. Argentina followed with 4,366 residents. Germany ranked third with 1,652 approvals. Bolivia, Spain, and Venezuela also featured strongly. The Netherlands, the United States, Russia, and France completed the top ten.
The diversity highlights Paraguay’s widening international appeal. Migrants arrive for investment, employment, and lifestyle reasons. Some also seek lower operating costs for regional businesses. Others value the country’s relaxed pace and connectivity.
Migration services expand to meet rising demand
Beyond residency permits, migration services handled growing volumes of documentation. In 2025, the authority processed 57,735 additional migration documents. This represented a 57% increase compared with 2024. Demand continues to rise alongside residency applications. These procedures include certificates of settlement and ID replacements. They also cover extensions of stay and card renewals. Other categories include spontaneous or occasional residency. Provisional permits are issued under Law No. 6984/22.
The National Directorate of Migration operates a headquarters in Asunción. It also maintains nine regional admission offices nationwide. These are located in Ciudad del Este, Santa Rita, Encarnación, and Pedro Juan Caballero. Additional offices operate in Concepción, Salto del Guairá, Nueva Esperanza, Pilar, and Mariscal Estigarribia.
MigraMóvil programme strengthens regional access in 2026
Mobile services remain a key pillar of the migration strategy. The MigraMóvil programme offers simplified documentation services for migrants. In 2026, authorities plan 22 mobile editions. These will operate across 14 interior locations. As migration continues to grow, authorities expect operational demands to increase further. Digitalisation and decentralisation remain priorities. Officials also plan further staff training. The objective is to maintain service quality despite rising volumes.
Paraguay’s migration momentum reflects broader regional shifts. Economic diversification and remote work continue to reshape mobility patterns. For now, the country remains an attractive gateway for new residents. The early figures suggest 2026 could surpass previous records.
