After a day or two break, it’s time to resume our journey into the Latin American citizenship and the different requirements of each country. This time we are looking at Paraguay citizenship. Paraguay is an interesting country in South America. It offers many unique opportunities and is well off the tourist trail. While it is located right in the middle of South America, some people think of it as isolated. Nevertheless, there are great opportunities in the landlocked country.
CITIZENSHIP: (HCE) Citizenship is based upon the Paraguayan Constitution.
BY BIRTH: Child born within the territory of the Republic of Paraguay, regardless of the nationality of their parents.
BY DESCENT:
- Child born abroad, one of whose parents is a natural-born Paraguayan, and who is in the service of the Republic.
- Child born abroad, one of whose parents is a natural-born Paraguayan, if the child takes up permanent residency in Paraguay and has not exercised rights or complied with obligations inherent in the citizenship of the country of birth.
BY NATURALIZATION: Persons seeking Paraguayan citizenship through naturalization fall into two different categories:
Has Ties to Paraguay: (Must declare intention to become citizen.)
- Child born abroad, one of whose parents is a native-born Paraguayan, but who has exercised rights or complied with obligations required of their country of birth.
- Child born abroad to non-Paraguayan parents, who are in the service of the Republic and have established residency in Paraguay.
No Ties to Paraguay: Must meet the following requirements:
- Must be at least 18 years of age, have resided in Paraguay for at least three years, exhibited good conduct and have continued gainful employment.
DUAL CITIZENSHIP: RECOGNIZED. (Only native-born Paraguayans may hold dual citizenship.)
LOSS OF CITIZENSHIP: No native-born Paraguayan may be deprived of their citizenship, but may voluntarily relinquish it. Neither marriage, nor the dissolution of a marriage, shall alter the nationality of the spouses or that of their children.
VOLUNTARY: Letters of renunciation may be sent to the nearest Paraguayan Embassy abroad.
INVOLUNTARY: The following are conditions for the involuntary loss of naturalized Paraguayan citizenship:
- Voluntarily acquisition of a foreign citizenship.
- For naturalized citizens, unjustified absence from the country for more than three years.
ANY QUESTIONS concerning citizenship, or requests for renunciation of citizenship, should be sent to the address below:
Embassy of the Republic of Paraguay
Consular Section
2400 Massachusetts Ave., NW
Washington, DC 20008
Embassy/Consular Telephone: 202-483-6960/61/62
Fax: 202-234-4508
