Paraguay cédula: the Paraguayan ID card for foreigners
The cédula is Paraguay's national ID card. With temporary residency under Law 6.984/2022 or with permanent residency, a foreigner can apply for the cédula. Temporary residency through Mercosur does not give the right to the cédula. It is the document used most in daily life, for example at banks, in contracts, and in registrations.
Who issues it
The ID card is issued by the Departamento de Identificaciones of the Policía Nacional. For foreigners, the application starts from temporary residency under Law 6.984/2022 or from permanent residency, granted by the Dirección Nacional de Migraciones.
How the application works, in general terms
The application is made in person, with a photo and fingerprints, and builds on the granted residency. The current list of documents and fees is on the official sources.
Why plan it together with residency
Thinking about the cédula from the start helps you organize your trips to Ciudad del Este and not forget any document for the next stage.
How Legaliza Paraguay helps
- Help with the ID card stage on the Guided and VIP In-Person plans. Essential does not include that stage.
- Trip planning for the ID card stage.
- Coordination of the ID card stage with VIP In-Person.
Official fees are separate and paid by the client. This guidance does not decide the application and does not promise approval or a timeline.
Questions
Who issues the Paraguay cédula?
The Departamento de Identificaciones of the Policía Nacional. Residency is granted by the Dirección Nacional de Migraciones; the cédula is a separate application, made afterwards, in person, with a photo and fingerprints.
At what point in the process do I apply for the cédula?
After residency is granted. Under Law 6.984/2022, already with temporary residency. Through Mercosur, only after the change of category to permanent residency. In our experience, the cédula usually comes 60 to 150 days after residency, but the timing is not guaranteed: it depends on the Policía Nacional.
Does the cédula have to be renewed?
Yes. For temporary residency under Law 6.984/2022, the cédula is valid for as long as the residency, up to 2 years. When the residency is renewed or changes category to permanent, you apply for the cédula again, based on the new residency, also in person. The validity of a permanent resident's cédula is the one stated by the Policía Nacional when it is issued.
Can I get the cédula without residency?
No. For foreigners, the ID card starts from temporary residency under Law 6.984/2022 or from permanent residency. Temporary residency through Mercosur does not give the right to the ID card.
Is the cédula part of the plans?
Guided and VIP In-Person include help with the ID card stage, which comes after residency. VIP In-Person coordinates that stage. Essential covers temporary residency only. Issuance and timing depend on the Policía Nacional.
Are official fees included?
No. Official fees are separate and paid by the client.
Check the current rules on the official pages. They can change.
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