Your Paraguay residency card was just the beginning. Now comes the game-changer: securing your Cédula de Identidad Paraguaya — the golden key that transforms you from a temporary visitor into a fully integrated Paraguay resident with access to banking, driving, and countless other essential services.
Why Your Paraguay Cédula Changes Everything
This isn't just another piece of plastic in your wallet. Your Cédula is your official Paraguay identity document that opens doors previously locked to foreigners. Without it, you're stuck in bureaucratic limbo — unable to open local bank accounts, get a driver's license, or access many government services that make life in Paraguay truly comfortable.
Before You Start: Essential Prerequisites
This guide assumes you've already conquered the first major hurdle and completed your Paraguay temporary residency process. You'll need these documents already in hand:
- Residency Card (Carnet de Radicación) — your proof of legal status
- Apostilled Birth Certificate — translated into Spanish by a certified translator
- Apostilled Criminal Record Certificate from your home country — also translated
- Valid Passport — with at least 6 months remaining validity
Step 1: Gather Your Paraguay-Specific Documents
Here's where most expats hit roadblocks. These four local documents must be obtained from specific Paraguay institutions, and the process demands precision.
1. Certificado de Vida y Residencia (Life and Residence Certificate)
Where to go: Your local Jurisdictional Police Station (Comisaría)
What you'll need:
- Residency card or passport
- Proof of current address (utility bill works perfectly)
- Two Paraguay national witnesses with photocopies of their Cédulas
- Possibly your Interpol Criminal Record copy
The process: A police officer will call or visit your home for verification — yes, they actually check that you live where you claim.
Cost: Free
Timeline: 24 hours after verification
2. Interpol Criminal Record Certificate (Local Version)
Address: Cnel. Gracia No 468, Asunción
Requirements: Original passport plus photocopy
Cost: Approximately Gs. 104,000
Processing time: 72 business hours
3. Carnet de Registro de Extranjeros (Foreigner Registration Card)
Address: Cnel. Gracia No 468, Asunción
Insider navigation tip: Enter the building and go through the kitchen, then down the stairs to the left until you reach the basement — most people get lost here.
Requirements:
- Notarized passport copy
- Notarized copy of your local Interpol Certificate
- Notarized copy of your Certificado de Vida y Residencia
Pro tip: Request "express" service and pay the express fee. Otherwise, your certificate might be outdated by the time it's ready.
Cost: Gs. 105,000
Processing time: 10 business days (express recommended)
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4. Certificado de Antecedentes para Extranjeros (Police Record for Foreigners)
Address: Av. Boggiani esq. Ytororo, Asunción
Requirements: Original passport and notarized copy
Cost: Gs. 63,000
Processing time: Immediate (same day)
Your Complete Document Checklist
Print this list and check off each item as you collect it:
- ✓ Original Residency Card (Carnet de Radicación)
- ✓ Notarized photocopy of Residency Card (both sides)
- ✓ Original valid Passport & notarized photocopy
- ✓ Apostilled and translated Birth Certificate
- ✓ Apostilled and translated Criminal Record Certificate (home country)
- ✓ Original Certificado de Vida y Residencia
- ✓ Original Interpol Criminal Record Certificate (Local)
- ✓ Original Certificado de Antecedentes para Extranjeros
- ✓ Original Carnet de Registro de Extranjeros & notarized photocopy
- ✓ 2 passport-sized photos
- ✓ Copy of passport entry visa/stamp
Step 2: Submit Your Application Like a Pro
Address: Departamento de Identificaciones, Boggiani esq. Campos Cervera, Asunción
The winning strategy:
- Go to the 2nd Floor first for document review
- After approval, head to Ground Floor (Planta Baja), Box 7 or B1
- Complete photo, fingerprints, and payment process
Application fee: Gs. 8,500
Step 3: Collect Your New Paraguay Identity
Processing time: 30-45 business days typically
Collection: Return with your application receipt (contraseña) to collect your shiny new Cédula
Investment Breakdown: Costs and Timelines
| Document/Process | Cost (PYG) | Processing Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Document Notarization | ~Gs. 216,000+ | Same day | Multiple documents require notarization |
| Certificado de Vida y Residencia | Free | ~24 hours | Requires two Paraguay witnesses |
| Interpol Criminal Record (Local) | ~Gs. 104,000 | ~72 business hours | From Interpol Department |
| Certificado de Antecedentes | Gs. 63,000 | Immediate | Police IT Department |
| Carnet de Registro de Extranjeros | Gs. 105,000 | ~10 days | Express service recommended |
| Cédula Application Fee | Gs. 8,500 | 30-45 business days | Final step at Identificaciones |
Why This Matters for Your Paraguay Journey
Getting your Cédula isn't just about paperwork — it's about unlocking your full potential as a Paraguay resident. This document connects you to everything from Paraguay's favorable tax system to local banking services that make managing your finances seamless.
Many expats who successfully navigate the step-by-step guide to Paraguay residency find that the Cédula process, while detailed, represents the final bridge to their new life in South America's best-kept secret.
Ready to fast-track your Paraguay Cédula process? Our expert team has guided hundreds of expats through every bureaucratic maze Paraguay has to offer. Don't waste months figuring this out alone.