A Paraguay business visa gives you access to one of the economies in Latin America with the highest monetary and fiscal stability, lower tax rate, and free trade agreements like Mercosur. Biz Latin Hub can help you with a Paraguay business visa or anywhere else within Latin America and the Caribbean, thanks to our network of dedicated local offices across the region. Our office in Asuncion can also help you with starting a business in Paraguay if you decide to expand your operations in the country. This guide explains the visa exemption rules, the process for obtaining a visa on arrival, and the requirements for those who need to apply at a consulate before traveling.
Key Takeaways: Obtaining a Paraguay Business Visa
| Does everyone need a visa? | Many nationalities can enter Paraguay for business visa-free for up to 90 days. |
| What are the main documents required for a business visa? | Original passport, which has to be valid for at least 6 months. A visa application form duly completed and signed. One (1) passport picture, standard size (2” x 2”), with a clear background and without glasses. A postage prepaid envelope. A valid mail with a tracking number. A deposit receipt. |
| Can you work on a business visa? | A business visa does not permit long-term employment. |
| What is the SUACE one-stop shop for investors? | The SUACE (Unified System for the Opening and Closing of Companies) is a government one-stop shop designed to simplify the process of registering a business and obtaining residency for investors. |
Paraguay’s Visa Policy: Who Needs a Visa?
Paraguay allows citizens of many countries, including the UK and all EU member states, to enter for up to 90 days for business or tourism without a visa.
Citizens of other specified countries can obtain a visa upon arrival at the main international airport in Asunción. All other nationalities must obtain a visa from a Paraguayan consulate in advance.
The Application Process for a Business Visa
Expert Tip: The “Visa on Arrival” for Specific Nationalities
From our experience, the “visa on arrival” option is a highly convenient feature for citizens of the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. It saves the time and effort of a consular application. However, to ensure a smooth process, we advise travelers to have all their supporting documents ready for inspection at the airport immigration counter in Asunción.
This includes a letter of invitation or proof of business meetings and evidence of sufficient funds. While you may not be asked for all of them, having a complete file ready demonstrates you are a legitimate business visitor and can prevent any potential issues or delays upon entry.
1. Applying for a Visa on Arrival
- Who is eligible: Citizens of the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.
- Process: Upon arrival at the international airport in Asunción, proceed to the immigration counter. Present your passport, pay the required fee, and the visa will be placed in your passport.
- Required Documents: Valid passport and the visa fee. It is also advisable to carry a letter of invitation and proof of funds.
2. Applying at a Paraguayan Consulate
- Who is eligible: Citizens of countries that are not visa-exempt and not eligible for visa on arrival.
- Process: You must apply in advance at the nearest Paraguayan embassy or consulate in your country of residence.
- Required Documents: This is a more formal process requiring a completed application form, passport photos, a letter of invitation from a Paraguayan company, a criminal record check, and proof of financial solvency.
When to apply for a Paraguay business visa?
- Citizens of the United States of America, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the Republic of China can obtain a Paraguay Business Visa upon arrival
- Citizens of other countries must apply in person before arrival
Requirements to obtain a Paraguay business visa
You can apply for a Paraguay business visa in person or by mail. In both cases, foreign executives looking to do business in Paraguay must know that this process can take up to a week.
If you want to apply in person, you must schedule an appointment at the Paraguayan Immigration Department.
If you want to apply by mail you must present the following documents:
- Original passport, which has to be valid for at least 6 months.
- A visa application form duly completed and signed.
- One (1) passport picture, standard size (2” x 2”), with a clear background and without glasses.
- A postage prepaid envelope.
- A valid mail with a tracking number.
- A deposit receipt.
To activate your Paraguay business visa you must travel within (6) six months after it was issued. If during this period the visa is not activated, you need to submit a new application.
Frequently asked questions when applying for a visa in Paraguay:
Based on our experience these are the common questions and doubts of our clients.
The types of visas in Paraguay include humanitarian or emergency visas, as well as tourist and business visas; these last types of visas are divided in temporary residency and permanent residency.
The investor visa in Paraguay is called Residency by Investment and is a permanent visa process.
The requirements for an investor visa in Paraguay are as follows:
– A written application.
– 1 passport-sized photograph.
– A passport valid for at least 3 months.
– Copy of the passport’s information page.
– Proof of a clean criminal record.
– Outbound flight reservation or ticket.
– Proof of prior connection to Paraguay or an investment project.
– Bank account statement demonstrating sufficient funds to support the applicant.
– Copy of the applicant’s birth certificate.
– All foreign documents must be apostilled, and documents in a language other than Spanish must be translated by an official translator.
Business visas in Paraguay are called Business and Tourism visas and also temporary and permanent residency.
The requirements for a business visa in Paraguay include:
– A written request directed to the Immigration Office.
– One recent passport-sized photograph.
– The applicant must have a passport valid for at least 3 months.
– A copy of the passport’s main page.
– A clean criminal record.
– An outbound flight reservation or ticket.
– Civil and marital status
– Bank account statements that demonstrate sufficient funds to support the applicant in Paraguay.
– A copy of the applicant’s birth certificate.
You may apply for a working visa in Paraguay if a Paraguay-based company is willing to sponsor you.
Paraguay-based companies can sponsor a working visa if they meet the requirements established by the Immigration Office.
Foreign investors do not need a visa to buy property in Paraguay. They can use their own passport as their means of identification.
To commence the visa processing service in Paraguay, the following needs to be provided:
– Two recent passport-sized photographs.
– Proof of a clean criminal record.
– Certified copy of all passport pages.
– A one-time payment of a USD$440 government tax.
– A written request directed to the Immigration Office.
– A signed power of attorney.
– A fingerprint scan performed by the local INTERPOL
– A copy of the applicant’s birth certificate and marital status support.
The visa on arrival is a simplified process available to citizens of a few designated countries. It allows them to obtain their visa directly at the Silvio Pettirossi International Airport (ASU) in Asunción by presenting their passport and paying a fee, without needing to apply in advance.
The fee for the visa on arrival varies by nationality. For example, for US citizens, the fee is typically USD $160 and allows for multiple entries over a 10-year period.
No, a business visa is for temporary, non-remunerated activities like meetings and negotiations. To be legally employed, you must apply for a temporary residency permit.
The SUACE (Unified System for the Opening and Closing of Companies) is a government one-stop shop designed to simplify the process of registering a business and obtaining residency for investors. It streamlines procedures with multiple government agencies.
Biz Latin Hub can help with a Paraguay business visa
Paraguay is a popular choice for foreign executives looking to incorporate their business into the Latin American markets. However, If you plan to do business in Paraguay and remain in the country for more than 3 months (90 days), then you will need extra documentation. Non-residents must obtain a multiple entry visa valid for (90) ninety days.
At Biz Latin Hub, our multilingual team of immigration experts will guide you through the process on how to obtain a Paraguay business visa. With our full suite of market entry and back-office services, we are your single point of contact to understand your immigration needs to do business in the region.
Contact us now to receive personalized assistance and learn more about how to obtain a business visa for other countries in Latin America.
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