What is the Cedula?
The Cedula Paraguaya is the official identity and residence document for foreigners who wish to live legally in Paraguay. It is issued by the Ministerio del Interior and is the first and most important step towards Paraguayan residency.
The Cedula is more than an ID card – it is your key to Paraguay and much of South America.
Benefits of the Cedula at a Glance
- Legal residence: With the Cedula you are officially registered as a resident in Paraguay and may stay in the country permanently.
- Travel in South America: In many South American countries the Cedula is accepted as an identity and travel document. You can travel within the region without a passport – e.g. to Argentina, Brazil and Uruguay. For travel outside South America, your home-country passport is still required.
- Access to bank accounts: Paraguayan banks prefer to grant accounts to persons with a valid Cedula. This greatly facilitates financial transactions.
- Legal basis: Cedula holders can work in Paraguay, set up companies, buy property and use public services.
- Path to citizenship: After several years of valid residency, Paraguayan citizenship can be applied for.
How does the application work?
Applying for the Cedula follows a clearly defined process:
- Document preparation: Birth certificate, valid passport, police clearance – all documents must be apostilled and translated.
- Submission: The application is submitted in person to the competent authority (Migraciones).
- Biometric capture: Fingerprints and photo are taken on site.
- Issuance: After successful review, the Cedula is issued.
We describe documents, costs and the exact process in the article Applying for the Cedula: step by step. ParaguayJoker supports you with preparation and organisation.
