Paraguay Lets Residents Extend Absence Limits for a Small Fee

Paraguay has created a formal procedure that lets foreign residents spend longer periods abroad without automatically losing their immigration status. Under Resolution DNM N° 376/2026, published Aug. 10, temporary and permanent residents can apply in advance for permission to exceed the country's statutory absence limits — a meaningful protection for globally mobile remote workers who base their residency in Paraguay but travel frequently.

What changed

Paraguay's Law Nº 6.984/2022 cancels permanent residency after more than three consecutive years of unjustified absence, and temporary status lapses after more than one year. The new resolution gives residents a way to request an extension rather than risk automatic revocation.

Permanent residents can request up to one additional year abroad, allowing a maximum unbroken absence of four years. Temporary holders can seek authorization covering travel up to their deadline for extending status or converting to permanent residency. Importantly, a single physical re-entry into Paraguay resets the absence counter, which authorities calculate from the date of last exit.

How to apply

The process requires a physical application to the Dirección Nacional de Migraciones before crossing the absence limits. Timing matters:

• Permanent residents must apply up to three months before hitting their three-year cutoff.
• Temporary permit holders must file within one month before reaching their 12-month threshold.

The administrative fee is two jornales, set at ₲234,154 (around $39). Applicants submit a formal letter explaining the reasons for the prolonged absence, along with copies of their passport, residence card and national cédula.

The agency also requires documented proof of local ties — such as residential leases, property titles, local tax registrations or active bank accounts — to confirm applicants maintain a genuine connection to the country.

What it means for nomads

Paraguay has long been popular with location-independent workers seeking an accessible residency path, but the risk of losing that status through extended travel was a real concern. This resolution removes some of that uncertainty: instead of quietly risking revocation, residents can now proactively secure permission for longer stints abroad at a modest cost.

The key takeaway is to plan ahead. Because the application must be filed before you exceed the limit — and physically submitted in Paraguay — anyone approaching their absence threshold should factor the paperwork and timing into their travel plans well in advance.

Originally reported by Stamped Nomad.