When structuring a relocation or investment into Paraguay, foreign capital faces a critical decision: choosing the correct legal framework for entry.
At OpenParaguay, we approach immigration not merely as a bureaucratic procedure, but as a strategic asset. The choice between the Ordinary Residency (Ley 6984) and the SUACE Investor Program determines your tax status, banking capabilities, and operational flexibility.
1. The SUACE Investor Program: The "Direct Path"
Target Profile: Industrial Investors and High-Net-Worth Individuals.
The SUACE (Sistema Unificado de Apertura y Cierre de Empresas) is the premium immigration channel designed specifically to attract foreign capital.
The Major Advantage: Direct Permanent Residency
Unlike standard migration channels, the SUACE program allows qualified investors to bypass the temporary waiting period. Upon approval, the applicant is granted Permanent Residency immediately. This provides a significantly higher level of stability for banking compliance.
The Capital & Labor Commitment
To access this expedited status, you must submit a formal project to the Ministry of Industry with two binding commitments:
- Capital: A commitment to invest $70,000 USD over 10 years.
- Labor (The Hidden Risk): The project must explicitly project the creation of at least 5 direct jobs.
Eligible Capital Allocation
Funds must be deployed into productive assets directly linked to the economic activity.
- Accepted: Machinery, commercial vehicles (registered to the company), industrial equipment, and real estate for commercial use (e.g., warehouses, offices).
- Excluded: Personal residential property and personal vehicles are not eligible investments under this regime.
2. The Ordinary Residency (Ley 6984): The "Flexible Path"
Target Profile: Remote Workers, Digital Nomads, and Holding Companies.
This is the standard migration channel updated under the current immigration framework (Ley 6984). It operates on a "Step-Up" model.
The Process: Temporary First
Under this regime, applicants are first granted Temporary Residency valid for two years. Crucially, applicants do not need Permanent status to operate. The Temporary ID (Cédula) grants full legal rights to live, work, open bank accounts, and obtain a Tax ID (RUC).
Solvency & Efficiency
This route maximizes liquidity. There is no minimum capital investment and zero obligation to hire employees.
Comparative Analysis
| Feature | SUACE (Investor) | Ordinary (Ley 6984) |
|---|---|---|
| Residency Status | Direct Permanent | Temporary (2 Years) → Permanent |
| Capital Required | $70,000 (Committed) | None |
| Labor Liability | Must hire 5 Employees | None (0 Employees) |
Recommendation
Choose SUACE if:
You are establishing a genuine operational company (factory, call center). If you already plan to hire staff and purchase commercial assets, the SUACE route justifies the cost because the "commitments" are simply part of your natural business plan.
Choose Ordinary if:
You are a solo entrepreneur, consultant, or digital nomad. Warning: If you choose SUACE but fail to hire the required 5 employees, you risk revocation. The Ordinary route offers the same legal access (ID, RUC, Banking) with zero employment liabilities.
Ready to execute?
OpenParaguay specializes in end-to-end management for both pathways. We handle the Ministry filings, legal drafting, and migration logistics.
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