How to Get Your Paraguayan Temporary ID (Cédula) in 2026 – Step-by-Step Guide

By easyco Updated October 10, 2026

Paraguay’s temporary residence lets foreigners live, work and do business in the country, and gives access to a Paraguayan ID card, the cédula. This guide follows the current rules under Migration Law 6984/2022.

Temporary residence at a glance

Granted by the National Directorate of Migration (DNM) for up to 2 years, and can be extended once for the same period.
It is the step before permanent residence.
It gives the right to work, study, and leave and re-enter Paraguay.
With it you can apply for the cédula, valid for the same period as the residence.
MERCOSUR nationals can apply under the MERCOSUR Residence Agreement instead.

Documents to prepare

A valid passport or national ID, with your entry stamp
A consular visa, if your nationality requires one
A birth certificate, and a marriage certificate if applicable
A criminal record certificate from your country of origin, or of residence over the last 3 years

Foreign documents must be apostilled or legalized, and translated into Spanish by a registered translator if needed.

Step by step

INTERPOL certificate from INTERPOL at the National Police in Asunción.
Police certificate for foreigners from the National Police.
File the application with Migraciones (DNM): submit the documents, sign the sworn statements on your activity and address in Paraguay, and pay the fee.
Residence granted: collect the resolution and your residence card.
Cédula: apply at the Department of Identification of the National Police, which takes your fingerprints and issues the card.

Good to know

Filing the documents does not guarantee approval; Migraciones reviews each case.
Apply for the extension before the residence expires to keep your status.
Residence and tax residence are different. Being a tax resident depends on DNIT’s criteria, so check before relying on it.
To work in Paraguay, see the work visa and residence guide.

Using your cédula for business

A cédula makes many steps easier, such as opening bank accounts or acting as a company’s legal representative. For example, the online EAS filing in SUACE is signed by a main legal representative who is Paraguayan or holds a cédula. See how to set up a company in Paraguay.

Get help from Easyco

Easyco coordinates the company setup in Paraguay up to the issue of the RUC, and supports companies afterwards with tax, accounting, payroll and company compliance, including a registered office address. Contact us to discuss your project.