What actually happens, and how it differs by passport
No step here is hidden until you have paid for it. This is the whole process, in order, plus the specific snag each nationality tends to hit.
1. Your first message
Message us what you actually want out of this — reserve card, real move, land, a business — and we quote your fixed fee in writing before anything is filed.
2. Your document checklist
Built for your nationality specifically, not a generic list. The apostille chain, accepted clearance offices and required translations differ enough by country that a US checklist and a UK checklist are not interchangeable.
3. Legalisation
Apostilles and sworn translations, sequenced so nothing expires before its appointment. This is where delays happen when nobody manages the order — we manage it.
4. Filing and appointments
We schedule the appointments in Asunción and file your application. You need to be present for these; you do not need to be present for anything else.
5. Approval and the cédula
Once residency is approved, the cédula follows within a window we confirm rather than promise. You can hold the card in reserve from this point without further action from you.
By nationality
The steps above are the same for everyone; the documents and their timing are not.
| Nationality | What to watch for |
|---|---|
| United States | FBI background checks take longer to apostille than most first-timers expect — start this document first. |
| Canada | RCMP clearance and provincial vital-records offices vary in turnaround; we tell you which province-specific quirks apply to your case. |
| United Kingdom | ACRO police certificates and FCDO legalisation both have their own separate queues — we sequence them so neither one blocks the other. |
| Australia | State-level birth certificates and federal police checks come from different offices; postal timing to Asunción is the usual bottleneck. |
| EU countries | Apostille chains are generally faster inside the EU, but requirements vary enough by member state that we confirm yours specifically before you start. |
Temporary residency duration: a fixed initial term, after which you apply for permanent residency — current term confirmed in writing for your case. The cédula is issued after your residency is approved — we give you a current, realistic window, not a best case. Ready to see your real checklist? Tell us your nationality or take the Route Finder first.
Your case, step by step
Prepare your case
You provide your documents and goals. We confirm the route, checklist and scope before filing.
Timing: Depends on document collection, legalisation and translation; we agree the sequence with you.
File and attend appointments
We prepare and handle the filing in Asunción. You attend the appointments required for your case.
Timing: Appointment availability and document readiness determine the schedule; confirmed before you travel.
Authority review
The authority reviews and decides your application. We follow the case and tell you if further documents or appointments are needed.
Timing: a case-specific processing window confirmed in writing for your case; document readiness and authority review affect the timing
Cédula after residency approval
Once residency is approved, we prepare the cédula application and you attend the required appointment.
Timing: issued after your residency is approved — we give you a current, realistic window, not a best case
Temporary term and permanent application
For the standard temporary-to-permanent route, you hold temporary status first. We confirm when you can apply for permanent residency; it is a separate application.
Timing: a fixed initial term, after which you apply for permanent residency — current term confirmed in writing for your case