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Temporary residency in Paraguay for international students: documents, deadlines and fees
Published · Golden Keys
Students moving to Paraguay need temporary residency. Citizens of Mercosur countries (Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay, Bolivia, Chile, Peru, Colombia and Ecuador) can use the Mercosur route: 2 years, non-renewable, with a fee of Gs. 2,230,040 according to Paraguay's migration office in May 2026. Everyone else uses the general route: up to 2 years, renewable, Gs. 2,787,550. Applications are made in person, and foreign documents must be legalized or apostilled.
This article summarizes official sources; it isn't legal advice.
The two routes at a glance
Figures as published by Agencia IP, the Paraguayan government's news agency, on 4 May 2026. They can change, and extra costs for fines or certificates may apply. Confirm on the day you apply.
| Mercosur residency | General temporary residency | |
|---|---|---|
| Who can apply | Citizens of Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay, Bolivia, Chile, Peru, Colombia and Ecuador | Foreigners of any nationality |
| Validity | 2 years, non-renewable | Up to 2 years, renewable once for the same period |
| Fee (May 2026) | Gs. 2,230,040 | Gs. 2,787,550 |
| Basis | Mercosur Residence Agreement | Law No. 6,984/2022 |
Documents for the general route
The migration office's list for general temporary residency:
- Valid ID from your country (national ID card or passport)
- Birth certificate
- Proof of entry into Paraguay
- Marital status certificate, if applicable
- Criminal or police record certificates from your country of origin or recent residence
- Interpol record certificate
- Foreigners' record certificate issued by Paraguay's National Police
- Sworn statements on compliance with national laws, your planned activity and your address in Paraguay
While your application is processed
Under the general route, applicants receive "residente precario" status while the application is processed, which lets them leave and re-enter the country and study and work legally. Submitting documents does not guarantee approval. Mercosur residency can't be renewed: to stay longer, apply for Mercosur permanent residency within the deadlines.
Overstaying the 90-day entry permit leads to a fine when you finally apply; in 2024 the regional migration office in Alto Paraná quoted Gs. 618,000 (Última Hora). Check current figures.
What Golden Keys does (and doesn't)
Golden Keys is a real-estate agency, not a migration agent: we don't file residency applications. We handle housing near your university. Still choosing a school? See the official list of accredited medical schools.