Paraguay offers direct permanent residency with $150,000 investment

ASUNCIÓN, Paraguay, April 20 (UPI) -- Paraguay has launched the "Investor Pass" program, which allows foreigners to obtain direct permanent residency through a minimum investment of $150,000 and eliminates the requirement of job creation, officials said.

Local media reported that the Paraguayan government presented the initiative in Brazil as part of a strategy to attract foreign capital and position the country as a competitive destination for international investors.

The program, promoted by the Ministry of Industry and Commerce and the National Directorate of Migration, allows access to permanent residency without fulfilling the prerequisite of two years of temporary residency.

The program introduces a structural change to the immigration regime for investors. Those who invest at least $150,000 in tourism projects or $200,000 in the stock market or real estate sector will be able to obtain permanent residency directly.

Minister of Industry and Commerce, Marco Riquelme, said Friday the change responds to demands from foreign investors who questioned the previous requirement to generate employment.

The previous plan required an investment of $70,000 and creating at least five jobs.

"Many investors had no issue with the amount, but they did object to the requirement to create jobs, especially in cases involving the purchase of properties that do not require direct labor," Riquelme said.

He said the new program aims to offer greater flexibility and facilitate capital inflows, adding that investment in the stock market will allow resources to be channeled toward local industries, while the real estate sector could boost the sale of homes, offices, and apartments.

The program is integrated into the Unified System for Opening and Closing Businesses and the National Directorate of Migration with a largely digital process. However, authorities clarified that residency is not granted automatically.

"The investor must meet all documentary requirements, undergo Interpol checks and complete the administrative process before final approval," Riquelme stated.

The director of migration, Jorge Kronawetter, said the initiative aims to attract people with a long-term commitment.

"We seek to streamline procedures through a one-stop shop that integrates immigration, tax and identification processes," he said.

The country granted 40,600 residencies last year, with applicants mostly coming from Brazil (23,526), and a projection of reaching 80,000 by 2026, according to data from the local newspaper El Nacional.

In addition, the plan includes tax incentives for resident investors, including a reduction in the dividend tax rate to 8% from 15%.

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This story was originally published April 20, 2026 at 8:29 AM.