I have helped several readers organize their move to Paraguay, and the question that always comes back is the same: where to start? The answer sums up in two words: household goods. This is the name of the customs procedure that allows you to import personal belongings without paying customs duties. Paraguay provides this exemption for used furniture and personal effects of an expatriate settling permanently, under certain strict conditions that I detail in this guide. My goal is to help you build a solid application, choose the right transport mode, and avoid the pitfalls that make you lose the exemption benefit. I rely on the official texts of the Dirección Nacional de Aduanas and the experience of already-settled readers.
At a glance: the key steps
Moving summary
- •The customs exemption (household goods) only concerns used goods, after 2 years of residence outside Paraguay
- •The consular moving certificate is required by the Dirección Nacional de Aduanas to validate the application
- •The detailed inventory is the key document: each item must be listed with description, quantity, condition, and estimated value
- •Sea freight remains the most economical solution for a large volume, despite longer timelines due to the country's landlocked situation
- •Using a Paraguayan customs agent is highly recommended. A move takes 2 to 4 months from Europe: containers transit through Buenos Aires and then go up the Paraguay River. DNA requires your presence at the time of customs clearance, to secure the process
The customs exemption on household goods
The Dirección Nacional de Aduanas (DNA) of Paraguay authorizes duty-free and tax-free import of used personal effects and furniture of a person transferring their residence to Paraguay. This is what is called household goods, a term I use throughout this guide because it is the one used by the customs administration itself. This exemption is a real advantage for an expatriate moving with a container of furniture and objects accumulated over several years. But it comes with precise conditions that must be known before shipping anything. New goods bought specifically for the move may be subject to taxes, a point that I have seen surprise several readers who had made purchases just before leaving.
The processing time for the application by DNA is not set by the texts, but I recommend allowing 4 to 8 weeks between the complete submission and the import authorization. During this period, goods can be stored under customs in a temporary warehouse, which incurs storage costs that should be anticipated in the budget.
The consular moving certificate
The moving certificate is an official document issued by the Paraguayan consulate in the country where you reside before settling. In France, the procedure is done at the Paraguayan embassy in Paris or the honorary consulate competent for your region. This certificate certifies that you are effectively transferring your main residence to Paraguay, which conditions access to household goods exemption.
- 1Prepare a copy of your passport and your residence permit in the departure country
- 2Recent proof of address (utility bill, lease agreement) in your current country of residence is required
- 3The consulate may ask for a written commitment on your honor regarding the planned settlement date
- 4Allow several weeks to obtain the certificate, as the consulate is not always responsive
If you reside in a country without Paraguayan diplomatic representation, contact the nearest consulate by email before starting the procedure: some consulates accept applications by mail.
The detailed inventory, the key document
The inventory you submit to DNA is the most scrutinized document in the entire household goods application. Each item must appear with a precise description, its quantity, its condition (new or used), and its estimated value. DNA compares this inventory with the actual contents of the container or boxes on arrival. An inconsistency, even for a minor item, can trigger a full inspection and, in the worst case, loss of the exemption on the entire shipment.
- 1Precise list of each item transported: description, quantity, condition (new or used), estimated value
- 2Consistency required between the declared inventory and the actual contents of the container or boxes
- 3Physical inspection by Paraguayan customs remains possible to verify the inventory's conformity
- 4Photograph each box or piece of furniture before sealing : these images can serve as proof in case of dispute
Sea or air: how to choose your transport
| Detailed comparison of transport modes | |
|---|---|
| Full container (20 or 40 feet) | 2,000 to 5,000 EUR depending on departure port, timeline 6-12 weeks, ideal for volume >15 m3 |
| Sea consolidation (LCL) | 500 to 2,000 EUR depending on volume and port, timeline 8-16 weeks, for volumes of 1 to 15 m3 |
| Air freight | 3 to 6 EUR per kg, timeline 1-2 weeks, reserved for small volumes or urgent items |
| Additional river transit | Included in sea freight, transit through Buenos Aires or Montevideo, adds 1 to 3 weeks to total timeline |
Since Paraguay has no direct ocean access, sea containers transit through the port of Buenos Aires (Argentina) or Montevideo (Uruguay) before being transferred by river along the Paraguay River to Asunción. This regional transit adds 1 to 3 weeks compared to landing in a coastal country. I have seen moves arrive in 5 weeks from Spain, and others take more than 4 months from Asia. Allow plenty of time and do not count on a precise arrival date.
Moving chronological checklist
| Recommended timeline before departure | |
|---|---|
| 3 to 6 months before | Verify your eligibility with DNA, contact the consulate for the moving certificate, request quotes from several freight forwarders |
| 2 to 3 months before | Prepare the detailed inventory, gather proof of residence, prepare documents for the customs agent |
| 1 to 2 months before | Book transport (sea or air), take out insurance, arrange temporary accommodation on arrival |
| 2 to 4 weeks before | Pack boxes, photograph contents, submit complete application to DNA through the customs agent |
| Departure day | Verify consistency between inventory and shipment, keep a printed copy of all documents |
| On arrival | Follow up customs clearance with the agent, arrange unloading and road transport to your home |
This checklist is a general framework. Actual timelines depend on the departure country, the chosen port, and the responsiveness of administrations. From Europe, allow the maximum indicated in each box.
Using a customs agent
The household goods procedure before the Dirección Nacional de Aduanas is technical, and its modalities change regularly. I strongly recommend going through a customs agent (customs clearance agency) based in Asunción. Their role is to prepare and submit the application, follow up on processing, and intervene in case of a physical inspection. Without one, the risk of declaration error is high, and an error can cause loss of the exemption benefit or lead to penalties.
- 1Request a written quote including all application fees, not just the agent's fees
- 2Verify that the agent is actually registered with DNA (authorized customs agents)
- 3Budget agency fees of 200 to 500 EUR depending on the complexity of the application and volume of goods
- 4A good agent accompanies you from the inventory preparation to the delivery of goods at your home
Last updated:
Sources
- Dirección Nacional de Aduanas: Portal oficial (2025)
- Dirección General de Migraciones: Portal oficial (2026)
- France Diplomatie: Consejos a los viajeros Paraguay (2025)
- Service-Public.fr: Preparar su expatriación (2025)
- Rome2Rio: Opciones de transporte e itinerarios en Paraguay (2025)
- SENATUR: Información Turística Paraguay (2025)
- Budget Your Trip: Costos de viaje en Paraguay (2024)
My method
This page is written from France, sourced as carefully as possible, but I can be wrong or miss on-the-ground detail. A price that changed, outdated info, a photo to share? Every correction is credited if you want.
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