What is the Cédula de Identidad?
The Cédula de Identidad (commonly called just "cédula") is Paraguay's national identity card. It's the equivalent of a Social Security card, driver's license, and national ID all rolled into one. Every Paraguayan citizen has one, and as a resident, you're entitled to one too.
Your cédula number becomes your identity in Paraguay—you'll use it for everything from opening bank accounts to signing contracts. This number is permanent and stays with you even when you renew the card.
What Your Cédula Contains
- • Your full legal name
- • Date and place of birth
- • Nationality (shows "Extranjero" for foreigners)
- • Your unique cédula number
- • Passport-style photograph
- • Fingerprint
- • Issue and expiry dates
- • Digital security features
Cédula vs Residency Card
Many people confuse the cédula with the residency card, or assume they're the same thing. They're not—and understanding the difference is crucial.
Carnet de Radicación (Residency Card)
- Purpose: Proves your immigration status
- Issued by: Dirección General de Migraciones
- Shows: That you're a legal resident
- Validity: 2 years (temp) or 10 years (perm)
- Used for: Border crossings, immigration
Cédula de Identidad (National ID)
- Purpose: Your identity document for daily life
- Issued by: Departamento de Identificaciones
- Shows: That you're an identified person
- Validity: 10 years
- Used for: Banking, taxes, contracts, everything
Common Mistake
What Your Cédula Unlocks
Banking
- • Open personal bank accounts
- • Open business accounts
- • Receive international wire transfers
- • Get debit and credit cards
- • Access online/mobile banking
Tax ID (RUC)
- • Register for tax residency
- • Obtain your RUC number
- • File tax returns
- • Issue legal invoices
- • Claim tax residency certificates
Driver's License
- • Convert your foreign license
- • Get a Paraguay driver's license
- • Rent vehicles locally
- • Buy and register vehicles
MERCOSUR Travel
- • Argentina (ID only, no passport)
- • Brazil (ID only)
- • Uruguay (ID only)
- • Bolivia (ID only)
- • Chile & Colombia (ID only)
Digital Cédula
Paraguay now offers a digital cédula through the PortalParaguay mobile app. This is a legally valid electronic version of your physical cédula that you can access on your phone. It's accepted for most purposes where a physical cédula would be required.
Pro Tip
FAQ
What is a cédula de identidad?
The cédula de identidad is Paraguay's national identity card, issued to all residents. It serves as your primary identification document for banking, government services, and daily life in Paraguay.
Is the cédula the same as the residency card?
No. The residency card (carnet de radicación) proves your immigration status. The cédula is your national ID card. You need both, and they serve different purposes.
Can I open a bank account without a cédula?
Most Paraguay banks require a cédula to open an account. Some may accept just a residency card for limited services, but full banking access requires your cédula.
How long does it take to get a cédula?
After your residency is approved, the cédula application takes 2-4 weeks. We handle the entire process and ship your cédula to you internationally.
Can I travel within MERCOSUR with just my cédula?
Yes. With a Paraguay cédula, you can travel to Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay, Bolivia, Chile, and Colombia without a passport—just your cédula.
What is the digital cédula?
The digital cédula is a legally valid electronic version of your physical cédula, available through the PortalParaguay mobile app. It's accepted for most purposes where a physical cédula would be required.
How much does the cédula cost?
The cédula is included in our service packages at no extra cost. We handle the application, pickup, and international shipping for you.
How long is a cédula valid?
The cédula is valid for 10 years from the date of issue. After that, you'll need to renew it, which can be done in person or through a representative with power of attorney.