The Definitive 2025 Guide to Obtaining Your Paraguayan Cédula (ID Card)

Introduction: Your Key to Life in Paraguay

Congratulations on successfully obtaining your Paraguayan residency. You have received your Carnet de Radicación (Residency Card) from the Dirección Nacional de Migraciones (DNM), which is a significant achievement. However, the process of establishing yourself in Paraguay is not yet complete. The next, and arguably most critical, step is to obtain your Cédula de Identidad Paraguaya.

The Cédula is Paraguay's national identity card. It is the single most important document for daily life in the country, far more so than the residency card itself. Without a Cédula, you will find it nearly impossible to perform essential functions like opening a bank account, signing a rental agreement, getting a local mobile phone plan, or obtaining a tax identification number (RUC).

Following the implementation of the new migration law (Ley N° 6984/22), both temporary and permanent residents are now able to—and required to—obtain a Cédula. This guide provides a detailed, step-by-step process for securing this vital document in 2025.

The Process Unlocked: A Step-by-Step Walkthrough

The Cédula application is managed by a different government body than the residency application. While residency is handled by the DNM, the Cédula is issued by the National Police's Department of Identifications (Departamento de Identificaciones de la Policía Nacional). The process begins only after your residency has been formally approved.

Prerequisite: Your Residency Approval

Before you can begin, you must have your temporary or permanent residency card (Carnet de Radicación) issued by the DNM. The Cédula application is a separate and subsequent procedure.

Step 1: Assemble Your Document Dossier

Careful preparation of your documents is essential for a smooth application. You will need to present the original versions of the following documents, along with photocopies that have been authenticated by a Paraguayan notary (escribano público).

Required Documents Checklist

1. Certificate of Permanent Residence

• Original Certificate of Permanent Residence issued by the General Directorate of Migrations (you get this when you receive your two year Visa)
• Make sure to Get an Authenticated photocopy by Public Notary of the Permanent Admission Card (the laminated card with your photo on it)

2. Passport or National ID

• Authenticated photocopy by Public Notary of valid identity document from country of origin

3. Birth Certificate

• What: Authenticated photocopy by Public Notary of Birth Certificate
• Must be: Endorsed by Paraguayan Consulate in country of origin + legalized by Paraguay's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (May 14 palm and star seal) OR with Hague Apostille seals
• ** You should have this from your visa application already**

4. Civil Status Documents

If Married:

• In Paraguay: Original Marriage Certificate
• Foreign country: Authenticated photocopy by Public Notary, endorsed by Paraguayan Consulate + legalized by Paraguay's Ministry of Foreign Affairs OR with Hague Apostille seals

If Divorced:

• In Paraguay: Authenticated photocopy by Public Notary of the Divorce Sentence
• Foreign country: Authenticated photocopy by Public Notary, endorsed by Paraguayan Consulate + legalized by Paraguay's Ministry of Foreign Affairs OR with Hague Apostille seals

If Widowed:

• In Paraguay: Original Death Certificate of spouse

• Foreign country: Authenticated photocopy by Public Notary, endorsed by Paraguayan Consulate + legalized by Paraguay's Ministry of Foreign Affairs OR with Hague Apostille seals

• ** You should have this from your visa application already**

5. Criminal Background Certificate (home country)

• Who needs: Anyone over 18 years old

• What: Original Certificate of Criminal Background from country of origin

• Must be: Endorsed by Paraguayan Consulate + legalized by Paraguay's Ministry of Foreign Affairs OR with Hague Apostille seals

• ** You should have this from your visa application already**

6. INTERPOL Background Report

• Where to get: Interpol Information Department (Colonel Gracia & Lieutenant Colonel Rody)
• IMPORTANT Your interpol certificate only has a validity of three months, so if it is very possible that by the time you get your residency it will have expired and you'll need a new one!***
• 📖 Detailed Guide: Complete INTERPOL Certificate Requirements & Process

The INTERPOL report requires a 4-step legalization process:

1. First: Get the report from Information Department (Colonel Gracia & Lieutenant Colonel Rody)
2. Second Take it to Personnel Department (Juliana India and Foresst) for certification
3. Second: Comandancia
4. FINALLY (WTF, RIGHT?): Take it to Ministry of Interior for final legalization (this is on the ground floor of the same building where you will lodge your cedula application )

** Note:** This multi-step process is commonly overlooked and causes application delays. On the final step you will need to pay $115,000 Guaraní"

Complete addresses and contact details are listed in the Directory section below.

7. Certificate of Foreign Background/Criminal Check

• Where to get: Information Department of the National Police
• You already made one of these for your visa - this only has a 3 month validity so if you might also need to redo this.

8. Certificate of Life and Residence

• Where to get: Your local Police Station OR Justice of Peace

The Certificate of Life and Residence report requires a 3-step legalization process:

1. First: Get the report from Information (Informatica) Department, just up the street from Identificaciones (Colonel Gracia & Lieutenant Colonel Rody)
2. Second Take it to Personnel Department (Juliana India and Foresst) for certification
3. Third: Comandancia de la Policía Nacional

9. Foreigner Registration Card

• What: Authenticated photocopy by Public Notary of the Foreign Registry Card

• Where to get: INTERPOL National Police site, in the basement of the building you have been many times now for your Interpol certificates.

• Cost (as of 1 August 2025): $115,000 Guaraní for 10-14 days or $215,000 Guaraní for same day.

  ** THIS IS ANOTHER SUPER RANDOM THING YOU HAVE TO DO: **

• With your LEGALIZED Interpol certificate and certificate of life and death, you'll need to GO BACK to INTERPOL and get your Foreign Registration card"

📝 Critical Document Requirements

Important Notes:

• All documents must be translated by a public translator registered with the Supreme Court of Justice (C.S.J.) if not in Spanish (Portuguese documents are exempt)
• All original documents must be presented for verification (photocopies are also requested)
• Photocopies must be on uncut sheets and all authenticated by public notary
• New Chip Identity cards can ONLY be withdrawn by the holder

Step 2: The Visit to the Department of Identifications

With your complete document package in hand, you must apply in person at an office of the Departamento de Identificaciones.

Main Location: The central office is located at Avenida Boggiani corner with R.I. 2 Ytororó, Asunción, Paraguay.

Office Hours: The main office operates Monday to Monday from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM. Arriving early is advisable to avoid long queues.

Contact Information:

• Phone: (+595 21) 605-618/9
• Call Center: (+595 976) 200-472
• Email: dpto.identificaciones@pn.gov.py or dpto.identificaciones.pn@gmail.com
• Official Website: Departamento de Identificaciones
• Additional contacts: INTERPOL: (+595 21) 422-426/7 – MIGRATIONS: (+595 21) 446-066/7

The Procedure: During your visit, an official will verify your original documents against the authenticated copies. You will then provide your biometric data, which includes having your photograph taken and your fingerprints scanned electronically. You will also be asked to provide a digital signature. You may be asked if you wish to be an organ donor.

Step 3: Payment of Fees

The cost for the Cédula is minimal. As of July 205 2025, the fee for renewal or first-time issuance for a resident is G. 8,500 (approximately $1.20 USD). This fee is paid at the time of application.

Step 4: The Waiting Period and Collection

After submitting your application and paying the fee, there is a processing period.

Timeline: The standard processing time for the Cédula to be printed and ready for collection is 30 business days.

Collection: Identity cards can only be withdrawn by the holder. You must collect the Cédula in person with your original receipt (contraseña). For biometric Cédulas with electronic chips, only the titular can collect the document. Alternatively, you can grant a special power of attorney (poder especial) to a legal representative, family member, or lawyer to collect it on your behalf, provided they present the original receipt and the signed authorization.

Critical Information for a Smooth Process

Validity Period: The validity of your Cédula is tied to your residency status. If you have Temporary Residency, your Cédula will be valid for the same two-year period. If you have Permanent Residency, your Cédula is valid for 10 years and must be renewed thereafter.

The New Biometric Card: As of late 2024, Paraguay issues a modern, biometric Cédula that includes a microchip. This requires the collection of electronic fingerprints and a digital signature during the application process.

Additional Requirements for Foreigners: The Department of Identifications may conduct interviews and request additional documentation in the following cases:

• When the applicant is a child of a foreign resident
• When the applicant does not speak Spanish or Guaraní (Paraguay's official languages)
• When civil registry inscription was done recently and not through judicial order
• When civil registry inscription was done through personal declaration

Document Translation: All foreign documents not written in Spanish must be translated by a public translator registered with the Supreme Court of Justice (C.S.J.), except for documents in Portuguese which do not require translation.

The Role of a Facilitator: While it is possible to navigate the process independently, the requirement to visit multiple police departments (Interpol, IT, Investigations, local precinct) for various certificates can be complex and time-consuming. A reputable local lawyer or facilitator can manage this entire process, ensuring all documents are correct and often expediting the timeline. Some facilitators can even arrange for you to apply for the Cédula during your initial residency trip, before the residency card itself is printed, saving you a return journey.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I apply for the Cédula and residency simultaneously?

No. Officially, the Cédula application is a subsequent step that can only begin after your residency is approved. However, experienced facilitators can sometimes submit the Cédula application before the physical residency card is printed, allowing you to complete all necessary in-person steps in a single trip to Paraguay.

What if my personal details, like my marital status, change?

You must update your Cédula. This requires presenting the official, apostilled, and translated document proving the change (e.g., a new marriage certificate) at the Department of Identifications and paying the renewal fee.

Is the process the same for my children?

Yes, minor children who are granted residency must also obtain a Cédula. The application requires their personal documents as well as the valid ID of their parents or legal guardians. If one parent is absent, a special power of attorney is required. Parents or legal guardians can collect the Cédula for minors, even biometric ones with chips.

What if I lose my receipt (contraseña)?

If you lose your original receipt, you must file a police report (denuncia de extravío) at your local police station before you can collect your Cédula. This report will serve as proof of the lost receipt.

Conclusion: Your Cédula as the Final Step to Full Integration

Obtaining your Paraguayan Cédula is the final and most important administrative step in your journey to becoming a fully-fledged resident. It is the document that unlocks day-to-day life and commerce in Paraguay. With your Cédula in hand, you are officially integrated into the national system, ready to open bank accounts, conduct business, and enjoy all the benefits that your new residency status confers.

📍 Complete Directory of Offices and Addresses

Department of Identifications (Main Office)

• Address: Avenida Boggiani corner with R.I. 2 Ytororó, Asunción, Paraguay
• Phone: (+595 21) 605-618/9
• Hours: Monday to Sunday, 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM
• Services: Cédula applications, renewals, and collection
• Website: Department of Identifications
• 📍 Google Maps: View Location

Deprtment of Information (Informatica)

• 📍 Google Maps: View Location

INTERPOL Information Department

• 📍 Google Maps: View Location

Personnel Department (National Police)

• 📍 Google Maps: View Location

** Comandancia de la Policía Nacional**

• 📍 Google Maps: View Location

Ministry of Foreign Affairs

• 📍 Google Maps: View Location

General Directorate of Migrations (DNM)

• 📍 Google Maps: View Location

Supreme Court of Justice (Translator Registration)

• Address: Alonso y Testanova between Oliva and Chile, Asunción
• Phone: (+595 21) 420-2000
• Services: Public translator registration verification
• Website: Supreme Court of Justice
• 📍 Google Maps: View Location

Helpful Online Resources

• National Police Portal - Official police services
• Paraguay Government Portal - General government information
• Civil Registry - Birth, marriage, death certificates
• Tax Department (SET) - RUC registration after getting Cédula

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