Paraguay has launched the Investor Pass, a program that grants permanent residency directly to qualifying foreign investors, eliminating the previous requirement to first obtain temporary residency.
Investment Options and Minimum Amounts
- Tourism projects: USD 150,000
- Stock market or real‑estate sector: USD 200,000
These thresholds are intended to channel capital into sectors the government identifies as drivers of economic growth.
Tax Benefits and Application Process
- Dividend tax for residents can be reduced from 15 % to 8 % for investors who qualify under the program.
- Applications are processed primarily online; the only in‑person step is the issuance of the national ID card.
- Migration, tax, and identification authorities will operate through a coordinated “single‑window” system.
Recent Residency Demand
- Applications rose from 28,000 in 2024 to over 47,000 in 2025.
- Projections estimate around 80,000 applications in 2026.
- A large share of applicants originates from Brazil, indicating strong regional interest.
Government Objectives
- Attract long‑term foreign capital.
- Support job creation and development in tourism, finance, and real‑estate.
- Strengthen Paraguay’s integration into global markets.
Industry Reaction
Philippe May, CEO of EC Holdings, highlighted Paraguay’s “strong fundamentals” such as energy and food self‑sufficiency, the absence of capital export restrictions, and a clear pathway to citizenship. He noted a shift among high‑net‑worth investors toward jurisdictions like Paraguay and Panama for permanent residency, contrasting with lifestyle‑driven applicants who favor destinations such as Mexico and Colombia.
Implications for Investors
The Investor Pass reduces procedural friction and ties residency directly to capital deployment in targeted sectors, offering a faster, more structured route for investors seeking permanent status in Paraguay.
Source article: outboundinvestment.com
