Foto: Migraciones.
The National Directorate of Migration recorded a record number of residency applications in 2025, with a strong presence of Brazilians, Argentines and Europeans and a 63% jump.
Paraguay closed 2025 with a historic record for residency applications. According to the National Directorate of Migration, 47,687 applications were filed, representing growth of more than 63% compared with the previous year. The head of the institution, Jorge Kronawetter, presented these figures at a press conference and stressed that the increase consolidates an upward trend in the arrival of foreigners who choose the country as a place of residence.
Of the total applications, 34,875 corresponded to temporary residence permits, which are the initial step before obtaining permanent residence. Kronawetter explained that people who enter the country and submit the required documentation are first admitted under this transitional regime. He pointed out that, if they wish, after two years they may request an extension for an additional two-year period. This framework allows the migration authority to assess the activities they carry out and how they contribute to the country before deciding on permanent residence.
Brazil leads the ranking
Brazil clearly tops the list, followed by Argentina and Germany. Spain, the Netherlands, France and other European states also appear among the main origins. In addition, almost half of all recorded residencies are of Brazilian origin, reflecting the strong economic and social integration between the two countries, especially in border areas.
Kronawetter also reported that the trend has continued at the start of 2026. In the first 20 days of the year, the migration authority received 2,817 new residency applications. This represents a 79% increase compared with the same period of the previous year. For the institution, these figures confirm that Paraguay continues to position itself as an attractive destination for people seeking stability and opportunities in the region.
In this context, the National Directorate of Migration is moving forward, together with the Ministry of Information and Communication Technologies (Mitic), with the implementation of a digital residency system. The aim is for applications to be processed entirely online, with greater speed, traceability and transparency. The official plan foresees the launch of a pilot phase around mid-2026, according to the national director’s presentation.
According to the authorities, the sharp increase in new residents goes hand in hand with the country’s stronger international profile and the economic dynamism seen in recent years. The rise in residency applications, combined with the project to digitalise procedures, creates a scenario in which Paraguay aims to streamline and modernise its migration policy. In this way, the country seeks to make it easier for foreigners to obtain formal residency and, at the same time, to improve the information available on their contribution to the economy and society.
Read the article in Spanish here
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