Investment guide · Paraguay

Why Paraguay: the numbers without the polish.

The market, the taxation, the neighborhoods, the strategies, the yields, and the risks. Everything you need to weigh before investing, without the inflated talk. Use the table of contents to go straight to what interests you.

Paraguay only taxes income generated within its borders, prices per square meter remain well below neighboring capitals, and a net yield of 5 to 10% is realistic depending on the strategy chosen. The market isn't risk-free (we detail those risks further down), but the window stays open as long as prices haven't caught up with the region.

~4,5%
Projected GDP growth for 2026 (BCP)
1 000–2 000 $
Price per square meter in Asunción
5–10%
Targeted net yield (long-term / short-term)
100%
Foreign ownership in urban areas, no residency required
The basic principle

Territorial taxation, and it changes everything.

Paraguay only taxes income generated within its territory. What you earn elsewhere in the world is none of its business. It's written into the law, not into some exotic free-trade zone.

In practical terms, here are the current rates for a real estate investor:

  • Foreign-source income : not taxed. Dividends, capital gains on sales made outside Paraguay, income from activity abroad: zero local tax.
  • Corporate tax : 10% on profits made in Paraguay. Redistributed dividends: an additional 8%. Combined, that's well below European standards.
  • Property tax : 0.3% to 1% of the property's assessed value per year, depending on the zone. On an $80,000 apartment, expect $240 to $800 per year.
  • Real estate capital gains : sales made in Paraguay are taxed at 10%. If you resell before becoming a Paraguayan tax resident, check the tax treaty between Paraguay and your country of residence.
  • Inheritance and wealth : no inheritance tax, no wealth tax. What you pass on to your children doesn't generate any extra tax.

This information is provided for guidance only. Your personal tax situation depends on your country of residence and any applicable tax treaties. Consult a tax advisor before making any decision.

Corporate tax (profits in PY)10%
Distributed dividends8%
Foreign income0%
Property tax0,3–1%
Wealth tax0%
Inheritance tax0%
VAT (IVA)10%
The real estate market

Prices that haven't yet caught up with neighboring capitals.

That's where the opportunity lies. Paraguay is investment grade, its growth is projected at around 4.5% for 2026 (BCP) and its long-term average sits around 4%, while price per square meter remains well below Buenos Aires, Santiago, or Lima.

1 0002 000 $

Price per square meter (Asunción)

Depending on the area and standard of the building. Up to around $2,000/sqm on the most recent projects. In comparable central neighborhoods of Buenos Aires, Santiago, or Lima, prices generally start around $3,000 to $3,500/sqm.

-20%

Off-plan purchase

Buying before completion means acquiring below market value, with payments spread out over the construction period. On the Civis Aether project, for example, MOA secured real purchase prices starting at $2,000/sqm, against a target value of $3,000/sqm at delivery (2030).

85–90%

Occupancy rate

According to a survey of 50 market players (developers, agents, managers), well-positioned apartments show 85 to 90% real occupancy. The 52% RDNA figure includes overpriced or inactive listings.

~6.5 M

A young, growing population

About 6.5 million inhabitants (INE, 2026 projection), with a median age of 29 (compared to 42 in France): a young, growing population that fuels rental demand, particularly around Asunción.

40 600

Residency permits granted in 2025

About 40,600 residency permits granted in 2025 (Migraciones), up from 29,124 in 2024, nearly +40% in one year. The inflow of Argentine and Brazilian capital is reinforcing rental demand.

63%

Market players see expansion

Of the 50 professionals surveyed: 63% see the market as expanding, 33% see a balanced supply situation, 4% see a recovery. Two-thirds believe this momentum will last another 5 years or more.

The neighborhoods to know

Where to buy in Asunción

Not all neighborhoods are equal for an investor. Here are the areas with the strongest rental demand and active development.

Los Laureles

The established residential area

A quiet, family-oriented neighborhood, home to MOA's offices. Buildings capped at 6 to 7 floors, with occupancy reported at 100% on existing buildings. Strong demand, little new supply.

Villa Morra

The premium neighborhood

High-end shops, restaurants, a more international feel. Building height capped at 7 to 8 floors, which limits supply and supports prices. Ideal for long-term rentals and expats.

Av. Molas López

The most active area

The strongest current construction activity and the highest price per square meter in Asunción. Very central, popular for short-term Airbnb. Less recommended for year-round living (heavy construction traffic).

Luque (Zona CIT)

The bet on the future

Identified by a majority of the 50 professionals surveyed as the area with the strongest potential over 5 years. Land acquired around 2011 in Madame Lynch for $2,000 to $3,000, worth around $30,000 today (x15). A more accessible entry budget.

Two strategies, two profiles

Buy-to-flip or rental yield: which one fits you?

There's no single best strategy. There's yours, depending on your timeline, your tax situation, and what you expect from this market.

Strategy 1

Buying off-plan for capital appreciation.

You buy during construction, at a price below the market value at delivery. You resell at delivery or shortly after, pocketing the difference.

On the Civis Aether project, for example, the gap between the real purchase price obtained by MOA (starting at $2,000/sqm) and the target value at delivery in 2030 ($3,000/sqm) represents an appreciation of around 50%. These projections aren't guaranteed, this is simply the market logic at this stage of development.

Suited to:

  • 2 to 4 year timeline
  • Capital growth goal, not recurring income
  • Tolerance for construction risks (delays, market conditions at delivery)
  • Ability to tie up capital during construction
Strategy 2

Rental yield for income.

You buy a completed property (or one nearing completion), furnish it, and put it on the short-term or long-term rental market. The goal: recurring net income on your invested capital.

The Asunción rental market is driven by rising immigration, a young population, and demand from digital nomads. Professional managers report real occupancy rates of 80 to 90% on well-positioned, well-furnished properties.

Suited to:

  • 5+ year timeline
  • Regular cashflow goal
  • Wanting to fully delegate management
  • Minimum budget: from around 36,000 EUR off-plan
Net yield, in three levels

What "7%" really means.

The whole market advertises 8 to 12%. That's often gross, before fees, taxes, and vacancy. We think in net terms, and on the total cost invested (property price plus acquisition costs plus furnishing), not just on the price of the apartment. We present it in three levels: gross yield, net after fees, then net after tax.

Depending on the strategy: around 5 to 7% net for long-term rentals, and 8 to 10% net for short-term rentals (Airbnb) when well managed. Short-term rentals offer higher gross rent, but more variable costs (management, cleaning, platforms, furniture renewal) and vacancy. The right choice depends on your property, your neighborhood, and your manager.

This example is for illustration. On your specific property, we'll give you the same breakdown with your real numbers, before you invest a single euro.

Illustrative example · 35 sqm studio · long-term rental
Property price80 000 $
+ Acquisition and notary fees~ 3 500 $
+ Furnishing~ 5 000 $
= Total cost invested88 500 $
Annual gross rent ($650/month)7 800 $
① Gross yield≈ 8,8%
- Management, property tax, upkeep, vacancy- 2 130 $
② Net after fees≈ 6,4%
- Non-resident tax (INR, 7.5% of rent)- 585 $
③ Net after tax, on total cost≈ 5,7%
Long-term: 5 to 7% net targeted. Well-managed short-term (Airbnb): 8 to 10% net. On your specific property, we'll give you this same breakdown with your real numbers before any investment.
Why now

The fundamentals that change everything.

This isn't a trend. It's a convergence of macroeconomic signals that have been confirming themselves for several years.

IG

Investment Grade status

Paraguay has joined the small circle of South American countries rated investment grade by the major international rating agencies. That's exactly what institutional funds look at when deciding to enter a market.

~4,5%

Projected GDP growth for 2026

Growth projected at around 4.5% for 2026 by the Central Bank of Paraguay (BCP), one of the most dynamic in South America. Inflation projected around 3.5%, within the official target. Construction accounts for around 7% of GDP.

29 years old

Median age of the population

A young, demographically growing country: median age of 29 (compared to 42 in France), for a population of around 6.5 million (INE, 2026 projection). Construction and real estate are following that momentum.

+40%

Residency permits sharply up (2024 to 2025)

29,124 residency permits granted in 2024, around 40,600 in 2025 (Migraciones), nearly +40% in one year. The inflow of capital and residents from Argentina, Brazil, and French-speaking countries is feeding rental demand and supporting prices.

~80%

Bioceanic Corridor 80% complete

The route linking Brazil to Chile through Paraguay is expected to cut transit time by 30% compared to the Panama Canal. A major logistics investment that repositions the country in continental trade.

2037

Target: Asunción's 500th anniversary

The city is running a renovation program for the historic center (underground cabling, the Costanera, mixed-use projects), with 2037 as a symbolic horizon. Public investment is supporting the value growth of developing neighborhoods.

Risks and points to watch

What we'd rather tell you before, not after.

No market is risk-free. Knowing the risks is already investing better. Here are the three points we always put on the table.

01

Construction delays

They happen, like everywhere. Some developers (including Civis) provide compensation for each working day of delay, but it's not systematic. We favor developers with a solid delivery track record.

02

Resale market risk

If you buy off-plan for capital appreciation, nothing guarantees the market will be as dynamic at delivery as it was at launch. Appreciation projections are assumptions, not promises.

03

Choice of developer and property

Undifferentiated properties (no amenities, basic furnishing) show much lower occupancy rates. With older properties and land: outdated cadastral records, unpaid taxes, unresolved inheritances. A local lawyer becomes non-negotiable in that case.

What we get asked

The real questions about investing in Paraguay

Yes. A foreigner, regardless of nationality, can acquire urban real estate in Asunción in their own name, without prior residency and without setting up a company. It's written into the Paraguayan Constitution: a foreigner has the same property rights as a citizen. The only mandatory step is the anti-money-laundering check on the source of funds (the SEPRELAD agency), which takes one to three weeks depending on the project. Only rural properties located within the border security strip (50 km along the borders) are subject to specific restrictions, particularly for nationals of neighboring countries: this doesn't affect urban apartments. For any property in a border zone, we have it checked case by case with a notary.

Yes, and it's the standard way our clients operate. The reservation is made by bank transfer to the developer's account (typically around $1,000, varying by developer and project), and the property is secured as soon as proof of transfer is received. The contract is signed remotely, with a notarial power of attorney if needed. We manage the site visits and on-the-ground checks. The purchase contract binds you and secures your acquisition as soon as it's signed; the final title deed is then registered with the registry, usually within the months following delivery depending on the project (notary fees represent around 3% of the price). Exact timelines and terms depend on the developer and are confirmed case by case with the notary.

Entry tickets start around 36,000 EUR on certain off-plan projects, with payment spread out over the construction period. For a delivered, rental-ready apartment with furnishing included, expect generally between $60,000 and $90,000. Above $100,000, you gain access to higher-standard projects with amenities (pool, coworking, concierge) that support the rental yield.

In many cases, yes: you can transfer your contract before delivery, subject to the terms in the contract and the developer's approval (transfer fees may apply). This is what can make off-plan buying more liquid than people think: if the market value rises above your entry price, transferring the contract is a possible exit before the final title is even registered. Well-located, well-launched projects often sell out fast, sometimes within a few months, but this varies by project and market conditions, and nothing is guaranteed. Liquidity is generally better on studios and one-bedrooms than on two- and three-bedroom units.

Buying new through a developer is significantly safer in the Paraguayan context. On older properties (and especially land), the risks are significant: outdated cadastral records, property taxes unpaid for years, unresolved inheritances between heirs. If you're targeting land or a resale property, working with a local lawyer is non-negotiable. For new-build real estate under development, the framework is much clearer and the checks are simpler.

No, it's not mandatory to buy and rent out a property. You can invest as a non-resident. That said, if you become a Paraguayan tax resident (through permanent residency), you fully benefit from the territorial tax system: your foreign-source income is no longer taxed in Paraguay, and you can step out of the tax cycles of your home country. Our entity Resident Paraguay handles this process separately. Both processes can be done in parallel or one after the other.

Sources and methodology

This information is updated on an ongoing basis. A question about a specific figure? Contact us.

Shall we talk?

Your first investment in Paraguay starts with a simulation.

Describe your situation, your budget, and your goals: an English-speaking advisor based in Asunción will get back to you within 24 hours with precise figures, not generalities.