Parental Consent is Critical
Children's Document Requirements
For Each Child Under 18
- • Passport: Valid for at least 6 months beyond intended stay
- • Birth certificate: Showing both parents' names, apostilled
- • Passport photos: Recent, passport-sized
- • Parental consent: If only one parent is applying/present
Parental Consent Scenarios
Both Parents Applying Together
Simplest case. No additional consent needed. Both parents sign the application for each child.
One Parent Applying
The non-applying parent must provide:
- • Notarized letter authorizing the child's relocation to Paraguay
- • Copy of the non-applying parent's passport
- • The notarized consent must be apostilled
Divorced/Separated Parents
Required documentation:
- • Court custody order (apostilled)
- • If joint custody: written consent from other parent
- • If sole custody: proof of sole custody rights
Deceased Parent
Required documentation:
- • Death certificate (apostilled)
- • May need translation depending on source country
International Schools in Asunción
Asunción offers several international school options with curricula in English, German, and other languages:
| School | Curriculum | Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|
| American School of Asunción | US curriculum, IB available | $12,000-15,000 |
| Goethe Schule | German curriculum | $6,000-10,000 |
| Lincoln School | US curriculum | $8,000-12,000 |
| St. Anne's School | British curriculum | $5,000-8,000 |
| Colegio Internacional | Bilingual (Spanish/English) | $4,000-7,000 |
| Local private schools | Paraguayan curriculum | $1,000-3,000 |
School Enrollment Timing
School Enrollment Process
Research & Contact Schools
Email schools 6-12 months before your move. Request information packets and schedule virtual tours. Most international schools have admissions offices fluent in English.
Gather Required Documents
Typically: transcripts from previous school (translated to Spanish), vaccination records, passport copies, proof of Paraguay residency application. Some schools require entrance exams for older students.
Visit & Finalize Enrollment
Schedule in-person visits during your residency trip. Meeting teachers and seeing facilities helps children adjust. Secure your spot with registration fee ($500-2,000 typical).
Family Healthcare
Healthcare Costs
- Family insurance: $200-500/month
- Pediatrician visit: $30-50
- Dental checkup: $25-40
- Vaccinations: $15-30 each
Family-Friendly Hospitals
- • Hospital Italiano (pediatrics department)
- • Sanatorio Migone
- • Hospital de Clínicas (public, free)
- • Various private pediatric clinics
Total Family Costs
| Family Size | Residency Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Couple (2 adults) | $4,580-$8,990 | 2 × package price |
| Family of 3 (+ 1 child) | $6,870-$13,485 | 3 × package price |
| Family of 4 (+ 2 children) | $9,160-$17,980 | Most common |
| Family of 5+ (+ 3+ children) | $11,450-$22,475+ | Contact for large families |
Family Life in Paraguay
Safety
Paraguay is one of the safest countries in South America for families. Asunción's best neighborhoods (Villa Morra, Carmelitas) are very family-friendly with parks, playgrounds, and low crime.
Activities for Kids
Shopping malls with entertainment areas, sports clubs, swimming pools, parks (Parque de la Salud, Costanera), weekend trips to the countryside. Family culture is strong—children are welcome everywhere.
Language
Children adapt quickly. Spanish immersion at school (if not attending international school) results in fluency within 6-12 months. Guaraní is also spoken but Spanish is sufficient.
Expat Family Community
Growing community of expat families, particularly around international schools. Facebook groups, meetups, and school events provide social connections for both parents and children.
Citizenship for Children
Jus Soli: Birth in Paraguay
Children born in Paraguay are automatically Paraguayan citizens, regardless of parents' nationality. This provides:
- • Paraguay passport with 146+ visa-free countries
- • MERCOSUR residence/work rights
- • No future residency requirements
- • Dual citizenship (if home country allows)
FAQ
Can my children get Paraguay residency with me?
Yes. Children under 18 can be included in your residency application as dependents. Each child needs their own documents (birth certificate, passport) and both parents must provide consent if not traveling together.
What documents do children need for Paraguay residency?
Each child needs: passport valid for 6+ months, apostilled birth certificate showing both parents' names, passport photos, and parental consent documentation if only one parent is applying or traveling.
What if only one parent is applying for residency?
The non-applying parent must provide notarized consent for the child to relocate/travel with the applying parent. This consent must be apostilled. If parents are divorced, custody documents are required.
Are there good international schools in Paraguay?
Yes. Asunción has several quality international schools including the American School of Asunción ($12-15K/year), Goethe Schule (German, $6-10K), and Lincoln School. British, French, and bilingual options also exist.
How much does family residency cost?
For a family of four, expect $9,160-$17,980 depending on the service package chosen ($2,290-$4,495 per person). Each additional family member adds $2,290-$4,495 to the total.
Can children born in Paraguay get automatic citizenship?
Yes. Paraguay follows jus soli (citizenship by birth). Children born in Paraguay are automatically Paraguayan citizens, regardless of parents' nationality. This also gives them access to MERCOSUR benefits.
When should I start the school enrollment process?
Contact international schools 6-12 months before your planned move. Schools like American School of Asunción fill up quickly. Request information, schedule virtual tours, and begin document preparation early. Visit in person during your residency application trip.
Do children need their own residency application?
Children under 18 are included as dependents on their parents' application—they don't file separately. However, each child needs their own documents (birth certificate, passport, photos) and both parents must sign or provide notarized consent.