Living in Paraguay
How to obtain criminal records, residence permits, identity cards and other local procedures for British nationals living in Paraguay.
Overview
This guide sets out essential information for British nationals residing or planning to reside in Paraguay, including quick links to local and UK official websites for advice on residence requirements and more. We are unable to provide any guidance on general lifestyle enquiries apart from the information and links listed below. See our information on what consulates can and cannot do for British nationals.
Entry and residence requirements
For advice on entry requirements, for Paraguay, please visit our Travel Advice pages.
For residence requirements and information on obtaining an identity card known as Cedula de Identidad (CI), you should visit the Direccion Nacional de Migraciones website (in Spanish).
When applying for residency in Paraguay you might be asked to obtain a certificate from the Embassy with information about criminal records which might be held about you. The British Embassy cannot issue any type of certificate in relation to personal information which might be held about you in the UK. You should contact the following UK based agencies for advice on how to apply for this type of information:
- Disclosure and Barring Service
- Association of Chief Police Officers Criminal Records Office (ACRO)
- Metropolitan Police
- Disclosure Scotland
- Northern Ireland Direct
Once you have obtained this information you should get it legalised by the Legalisation Office in the UK before submitting it to the Paraguayan authorities.
Passports and travel
See our Travel Advice for up-to-date information on local laws and customs, safety and emergencies.
See moving or retiring abroad.
See overseas British passports applications and get an emergency travel document (sometimes called an emergency passport).
Healthcare
Paraguay and the UK do not have reciprocal healthcare agreements.
You should buy comprehensive travel and medical insurance before you enter the country.
The NHS has information for people moving abroad.
You should check your prescriptions are legal in Paraguay.
Employment and recognised qualifications
For information on whether you are able to work and requirements to work in Paraguay please visit the Paraguayan Consulate in London website.
Money and tax
See tax if you leave the UK to live abroad and tax on your UK income if you live abroad.
We recommend you get professional advice on paying tax in Paraguay.
National Insurance
You may be able to pay National Insurance while abroad in order to protect your State Pension and entitlement to other benefits and allowances.
Pensions
If you retire in Paraguay you can claim:
Life certificates for UK state pensions
If you get a ‘life certificate’ from the UK Pension Service, you need to respond as soon as possible – your payments may be suspended if you don’t.
Benefits
You will need to tell the UK government offices that deal with your benefits, pension and tax if you are moving or retiring abroad.
Check which benefits you can claim while abroad and how to claim them.
Many income-related benefits such as pension credit and housing benefit cannot be paid to you if you’re abroad for more than 4 weeks.
Driving licences and vehicles
See driving abroad.
For information on how to obtain a Paraguayan driving licence please contact the City Hall’s town where you will be residing to find out about the requirements, as it varies from one city to other.
For a confirmation certificate of your UK driving licence you need to get in touch with the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency.
You can apply for a temporary international driving permit or exchange your UK licence
See taking a vehicle out of the UK.
Voting
You may be able to vote in some UK elections. You can:
Births, deaths and getting married
See register a birth abroad.
If someone dies in Paraguay you can:
- read our guidance on what to do after someone dies abroad.
- read guidance for UK nationals on bereavement in Paraguay
- find a list of English-speaking funeral directors in Paraguay
Find out how you can get married abroad.
Notarial and documentary services for British Nationals in Paraguay are provided by the British Embassy in Buenos Aires. See the full list of notarial and documentary services they provide.
Accommodation and buying property
Pets
See travelling with pets.
For information on entering with pets to Paraguay, please contact the Paraguayan Consulate in London website.
Customs
For Paraguayan Customs related information please visit the National Custom’s website.
Returning to the UK
Read the guidance on returning to the UK permanently which includes information on, amongst other things, tax, access to services and bringing family members.
Emergencies
If you need urgent help, contact your nearest British embassy or consulate.
British Embassy Asunción
Edificio Citicenter, Piso 5Av. Mariscal López y Cruz del Chaco
Asunción
1892
Paraguay
Email UkinParaguay@fcdo.gov.uk
Contact form https://www.gov.uk/con...
Switchboard + 595(0)21614589/+44 20 7008 5000
Alternative line 1 + 595(0)21665250
Alternative line 2 + 595(0)21665258
Use our contact form for consular enquiries:
www.gov.uk/contact-consulate-asuncion
For enquiries that are not about consular issues, email: UKinParaguay@fcdo.gov.uk
Disclaimer
This information is provided as a general guide and is based upon information provided to the embassy by the relevant local authorities and may be subject to change at any time with little or no notice. The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, and the British Embassy will not be liable for any inaccuracies in this information. British nationals wishing to obtain any further information must contact the relevant local authority.
Last updated 15 February 2021 + show all updates
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Updated guidance with new information on passports and travel, healthcare, money and tax and pensions and benefits.
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Information added about COVID-19 and accessing vaccines in Paraguay
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Excluding FCO references
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Updated general information
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First published.