Moving to Paraguay

Economic Situation in Paraguay and Opportunities for Expats

Paraguay’s economy has developed steadily and strongly in recent years. Solid macroeconomic conditions and reforms have resulted in an average per capita growth rate of around 2.8% per year for over two decades. In 2023, GDP grew by about 5%, and solid growth was also forecasted for 2024. International confidence is reflected in Paraguay’s upgrade to investment-grade by the rating agency Moody’s in 2024. Paraguay’s economy is heavily influenced by agriculture, with around 30% of its GDP coming from agricultural products. The country is one of the largest soybean exporters worldwide and is also known for its beef production. Additionally, Paraguay has enormous hydropower resources: With the Itaipú and Yacyretá hydroelectric plants, Paraguay produces more electricity than it consumes and exports the surplus abroad. This inexpensive energy and a young population provide a solid foundation for future development. For expats and professionals, Paraguay offers a variety of opportunities: Specialists in agriculture, construction, the energy sector (hydropower), and the emerging service sector are particularly in demand.

In the tourism sector (such as in ecotourism and the hospitality industry), new opportunities are emerging as Paraguay slowly gains more attention as a travel destination. Many Swiss and Europeans in Paraguay also choose to become self-employed – whether by starting a small business, agricultural operations, or freelancing. The bureaucratic hurdles for this are relatively low, and the costs for company formation (e.g., notary fees) are inexpensive. A particularly attractive aspect is the tax situation: Paraguay only levies 8–10% income tax on locally earned income and completely exempts foreign income from taxation. Moreover, there is no wealth tax and no inheritance tax in the country. For digitally working expats, retirees with Swiss pensions, or entrepreneurs with foreign income, Paraguay can therefore be a true tax paradise. This combination of low tax burden, low cost of living, and a growing economy makes Paraguay particularly interesting for Swiss expats. Of course, one should be aware that local wages and the general income level are significantly lower than in Switzerland, and many jobs are informal. However, those with good qualifications, entrepreneurial spirit, or financial independence from Switzerland will find an environment in Paraguay with much potential and freedom for innovation.

Moving Services for Your Relocation to Paraguay

• Personalized support by a moving expert: Our professional team will plan and monitor your move to Paraguay based on your individual needs.
• Detailed assessment: We provide an in-depth assessment of moving volume, timeline, and budget through a pre-move consultation or video call.
• Professional packing & pickup: We ensure your belongings are securely packed and picked up from your location in Switzerland.
• Safe loading & transportation: We load your items into the moving truck and transport them via the optimal route to Paraguay (including possible intermediate storage or transshipment if needed).
• Handling of all necessary documentation & customs formalities: We take care of all export and import documents for your move from Switzerland to Paraguay.
• Delivery, unloading & unpacking: Upon arrival at your new home in Paraguay, we deliver your items, unload them, and unpack them if required, including furniture assembly and installation of appliances.
• Additional services: We offer additional services such as cleaning the old apartment, storage, or insurance based on your needs (details below).

Move to Paraguay – Shipping Options

For your move from Switzerland to Paraguay, we offer various suitable transportation options. In general, we can transport nearly everything important to your household or office – from everyday household goods to office inventory and furniture to vehicles and electronic devices – provided that Paraguayan import regulations allow it. We will be happy to advise you in advance on what can be brought along and what you may need to reconsider or handle separately.

Since a move to Paraguay is an intra-European transport, most of the journey is done by land and sea. Usually, your belongings are transported by truck from Switzerland to the French Atlantic coast and then shipped by ferry to Paraguay. Common routes include ferry connections from France (Cherbourg) to Paraguay (Dublin or Rosslare). The moving truck travels with the ferry, so it is essentially a continuous land transport with a short sea passage. This method is usually the most efficient and cost-effective because it allows for direct transport without transshipment. Alternatively, sometimes a route via Great Britain is considered (transit through France and England with ferry crossings over the English Channel and Irish Sea). Due to post-Brexit customs formalities when transiting through the UK, we prefer the direct ferries from the EU to Paraguay to save time and bureaucracy.

For smaller moves or urgent shipments, airfreight is also an option. While airfreight is considerably more expensive, it will get your belongings to the Green Island within one to two days – a good option for important documents or a few suitcases, while the rest follows by truck. In practice, however, most of our customers choose the direct truck transport with ferry, as it brings their entire household safely to Paraguay within just a few days to a week.

Depending on the size of your household, we can organize your move as part load or full load. With part load, you share the truck’s cargo space with other customers and only pay for the space your items occupy – a very cost-efficient solution, especially for medium-sized and smaller moves that don’t require a whole truck. For very large moving volumes, we provide a dedicated truck exclusively for your move (direct or full load), so your household is transported directly without detours. To compare: The combined land/ferry transport from Switzerland to Paraguay usually takes just a few days to about a week (depending on the route and possible stops), while a separate sea freight container – if used at all – would take much longer. Pure sea freight plays a minimal role in relocations within Europe and is typically not used by us, as the truck route already ensures fast and reliable handling.

Shipping Process for Your Move to Paraguay

To ensure that the move goes smoothly, we take care of careful preparation and execution. At the start, our experienced moving team comes to your home to pick up your belongings and pack them professionally. For every item, we use the appropriate packaging materials to ensure your goods are optimally protected during transport. From sturdy standard moving boxes for books, dishes, and clothes to custom-made wooden crates for delicate or valuable pieces – your possessions are in safe hands with us. If requested, we also disassemble furniture, lamps, and appliances on-site and reassemble them in your new home in Paraguay.

Altaventura handles all customs formalities and necessary documentation for you, both for export from Switzerland and import to Paraguay. We prepare all required paperwork and stay in close contact with the customs authorities to ensure that your belongings are processed quickly and correctly. While we handle the bureaucracy, you can focus on other aspects of your fresh start – such as saying goodbye in Switzerland or looking forward to your new home.

Once the transport route is completed, we deliver your belongings to your new address in Paraguay. On-site, we carefully unload the vehicle and, if desired, unpack all boxes and furniture. You don’t have to worry about anything and can start settling into your new home right away. We are also happy to take back the packaging materials, so your house or apartment is move-in ready and free from empty boxes. This way, you can focus entirely on settling into Paraguay while we professionally complete the move.

Moving to Paraguay – Additional Services

• Moving & Transport Insurance: If desired, we can advise you on the best insurance for your move to Paraguay. This ensures that your belongings are fully protected during transport and possible storage. We will explain the different options and organize the appropriate insurance coverage if needed.
• Cleaning Service: We are happy to arrange a final cleaning of your old apartment or house in Switzerland so that you can hand it over in pristine condition. A professional cleaning team will ensure that you don’t have to worry about this time-consuming task.
• Handyman Service: Our team can help with handyman tasks such as furniture disassembly and assembly, installations (e.g., assembling lamps, shelves, or appliances), and minor renovation and painting work. This ensures that your new home in Paraguay is ready for you in no time.
• Storage: If you don’t want to take furniture or boxes with you immediately, we offer secure storage options at many locations, thanks to our worldwide partner network. We can also arrange secure intermediate storage for your belongings in Paraguay until you are ready to pick them up.
• Pet Transport: We care about your pets. We support you in safely bringing your four-legged friends to their new home – including advice on transport boxes, necessary vaccinations, health certificates, and paperwork. If desired, we can organize pet transport with specialized partners to ensure a stress-free journey for your pet.
• Support After the Move: Even after your move, we don’t leave you alone. If desired, we can provide support and advice to make settling into Paraguay easier. We offer helpful tips and local information – whether it’s advice on apartment searches, school and kindergarten options, language courses, or information on insurance and banking services. You’ll have a reliable point of contact from the start.

Popular Cities for Expats in Paraguay

Paraguay welcomes not only tourists but also new residents from all over the world every year. While the expat community is relatively small, there are several cities and regions that are particularly popular among expats, and where international communities have already formed. For Swiss expats, it is worth taking a look at the following locations, each offering its own charm and different opportunities:

Asunción

Asunción is the vibrant capital of Paraguay and by far the largest metropolitan area in the country. The city itself is home to around 500,000 people, and the metropolitan area has about 1.9 to 2.3 million inhabitants. Here, politics, business, culture, and education are concentrated. Asunción blends colonial heritage with modern influences: In the historical center, you can find old churches, colorful colonial buildings, and the National Palace, while modern skyscrapers, shopping malls, and international hotels dominate the business districts. The city offers an infrastructure unique to Paraguay – from the international airport to universities, private clinics, and large shopping centers. For expats and professionals, Asunción provides the most employment opportunities, especially with international companies, embassies, or NGOs. In fact, several multinational companies and banks have their headquarters in Asunción, providing high-level jobs. The city life is diverse: There is a strong gastronomy scene with restaurants for every taste, cultural events, theaters, museums, and a lively nightlife with bars and clubs. Expats appreciate the blend of urban life and Paraguayan tranquility in Asunción. Despite being a large city, much of life here feels more relaxed – people meet in the evenings on their terraces for Tereré (cold mate tea) and enjoy the sunset over the Paraguay River. It’s important to know that while the cost of living in Asunción is the highest in the country, it remains far below Swiss levels. Rent in the best neighborhoods (e.g., Villa Morra, Carmelitas) may be high by local standards but is still affordable by Swiss standards. Those who find employment in the private sector in Asunción can often expect higher salaries than in other parts of the country. At the same time, one should be prepared for the hot summer climate – temperatures over 35 °C are common. Asunción offers Swiss expats a high quality of life, provided they are ready to embrace the Latin American way of life. The city has a growing expat community, including some from Switzerland and Germany, which can help newcomers settle in more easily.

Encarnación

Encarnación, located in the south of Paraguay on the banks of the Río Paraná, is known as the “Pearl of the South.” With about 130,000 inhabitants (around 200,000 in the metropolitan area), Encarnación is much smaller and quieter than Asunción. In recent years, the city has experienced a remarkable boom, largely due to the newly redesigned riverside promenade (Costanera) and the wide sandy beach by the river, which attracts both locals and foreigners on warm weekends. Encarnación is known for its pleasant climate, cleanliness, and relatively good infrastructure for a city of this size. The quality of life is high: There are beautiful parks (such as Plaza de Armas, see image), a modern shopping center, hospitals, and restaurants, but life remains manageable and relaxed. The international bridge San Roque González de Santa Cruz connects the city to the Argentine border town of Posadas, which promotes cultural exchange and allows for shopping trips to Argentina. Expats living in Encarnación are often retirees or digital nomads who appreciate the peace and charm of the province. The cost of living is even lower than in Asunción – rent and utility costs are extremely affordable. Job opportunities for foreigners are mainly in tourism (Encarnación is famous for its annual carnival and its proximity to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Jesuit ruins of Trinidad and Jesús) and in trade with Argentina. Spanish-speaking teachers and medical professionals may also find jobs here. For those seeking a quieter life with plenty of sunshine, cultural festivals, and nature (lakes, green hills, and river landscapes) around, Encarnación is ideal. The city offers a safe environment and a close-knit community – everyone knows their neighbors. For Swiss expats who want to escape the hustle and bustle of big cities, Encarnación is a place where tradition and modernity combine pleasantly.

Ciudad del Este

Ciudad del Este, the second-largest city in Paraguay with about 325,000 inhabitants, is located in the far east of the country, on the border with Brazil and near Argentina. The city is mainly known as a trade and economic hub – it is often described as a shopping paradise since many Brazilians and Argentinians shop here for electronics, clothing, and imported goods at lower prices. The cityscape of Ciudad del Este is dynamic and busy: markets, shopping malls, and constant activity characterize everyday life. For expats and immigrants, Ciudad del Este can be attractive for several reasons: On the one hand, its location on the border offers interesting business opportunities in import/export and trade. Entrepreneurs who want to get involved in wholesale or retail will find a huge market here, extending beyond the country’s borders. On the other hand, one of the largest hydroelectric power plants in the world – Itaipú – is located nearby, jointly operated by Paraguay and Brazil. There and in surrounding industrial zones, there are technical and engineering jobs where foreign professionals are occasionally needed. The quality of life in Ciudad del Este differs from the slower pace of other Paraguayan cities: life here is bustling, traffic is denser, and the cultural mix (due to the proximity to Brazil, much Portuguese is heard alongside Spanish) gives the city a cosmopolitan flair. Those who enjoy hustle and urbanity will feel at home here. However, the city center is less green and aesthetic than Asunción or Encarnación; away from the major shopping streets, there are, however, nice residential areas in the outskirts that are quieter. Expats in Ciudad del Este often work in business or for international companies benefiting from the active border trade. Some maquiladora industries (manufacturing plants for export) are also based here and offer jobs. The cost of living in Ciudad del Este is on a similar level to Asunción, sometimes even lower. The region offers plenty of recreational activities: The famous Iguazú Falls are just about 30 km away (on the Brazilian and Argentine sides), and the Itaipú Lake invites weekend trips. Overall, Ciudad del Este is ideal for expats who want to establish themselves in a dynamic economic environment and are okay with a somewhat more chaotic city life. With many foreign traders and immigrants, there is a vibrant mix of cultures here – as a Swiss expat, you will definitely find a connection, even though the German-speaking community is smaller than in Asunción or the Mennonite colonies of the Chaco.

Why Move to Paraguay with Altaventura?

Altaventura GmbH has many years of experience in international relocations and works worldwide with carefully selected, highly trusted partner companies. This expertise and our proven network guarantee top-notch service and a smooth process for your move to Paraguay – whether it’s a private move or a company relocation. Your furniture and personal belongings are in the best hands with us: we transport everything securely and efficiently from Switzerland to Paraguay. Our goal is to provide you with a complete peace-of-mind package so you can move abroad with confidence.

To make your move to Paraguay as stress-free as possible, we keep you informed about the status of your shipment and are available for any questions. Thanks to our extensive experience, we can give you a realistic overview of what’s feasible and what costs to expect for your individual move during the first consultation. Afterward, we’ll create a customized moving plan tailored to your needs, budget, and timeline. Our staff will handle your belongings with care, especially valuable or delicate items. With Altaventura by your side, your move to Paraguay will be in the best hands.

Customs & Import Regulations for Paraguay

• Household Goods (Personal Effects): Personal belongings and household goods can be imported to Paraguay duty-free under certain conditions. If you have received permanent residency (a “Cédula”), you are entitled to bring in your used household goods duty-free within the first six months after receiving the Cédula. It is generally required that these goods have been in your possession for at least 12 months and are intended for personal use. However, in practice, customs duties are sometimes levied despite the exemption. It is advisable to list all items in a detailed inventory with value declarations, and have this certified by the Paraguayan Embassy in Switzerland. Our moving experts can help you prepare the correct documentation to speed up customs clearance.
• Vehicles: The importation of private vehicles (cars, motorcycles) into Paraguay is possible but subject to strict regulations. Only left-hand drive vehicles are accepted (right-hand drive vehicles are prohibited). The vehicle must not be older than 10 years (7 years for motorcycles). There are also relatively high import duties (around 35–37% of the estimated vehicle value) for non-diplomats. Diplomats enjoy full duty exemption. To import a vehicle, you must submit the original documents (vehicle registration, purchase invoice certified by the Paraguayan Consulate, export license plates, etc.). Before shipping, we can provide you with a cost-benefit analysis to determine if importing your vehicle makes sense or if purchasing a car locally is a better option.
• Pets: Pets such as dogs and cats are allowed to be brought into Paraguay, provided they are healthy and comply with the import regulations. A veterinary health certificate issued within 10 days of travel and a valid vaccination record for rabies are required. These documents must be certified by the local authorities (in Switzerland, this would be the Veterinary Office and the Paraguayan Embassy). Upon arrival in Paraguay, the animals are usually briefly inspected by a veterinary officer at the airport. There is no quarantine required for pets from Switzerland if the documentation is correct. Birds and other exotic animals may be subject to additional requirements or import restrictions – it is essential to check this in advance. We recommend beginning preparations for pet transport at least two months before departure.

(Information subject to change – as of May 2025. Moving to Hungary: Please ask us for the latest information.)