Preparations for emigration

1. 3 Months before the move

 

Prepare documents (detailed information)

• Gather important personal documents:

  • Passport, birth certificate, marriage certificate/divorce decree, certificate of good conduct, employment contract, income tax certificate, social security card.

  • Costs for apostille and certified translations: approx. 25 - 80 euros per document.

• Collect tax documents and pension documents: For future tax returns or pension refunds.

Terminations and deregistrations

• Quitting your job: Observe notice periods.

• Terminate rental agreement: If necessary, look for a new tenant.

• Terminate educational institutions: Cancellations for school, daycare center, kindergarten, university.

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Finances

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• Keep bank accounts in Germany: International accounts are difficult to obtain in Paraguay.

• Bring credit cards: In Paraguay, about 3 million guaraníes (GS) can be withdrawn per credit card per day, which is equivalent to about 400 euros (depending on the exchange rate).

• Calculate moving costs: Compare offers from moving companies.

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Pets (detailed information)

• Organize required documents for pets: Vaccination certificate, health certificate, microchip.

  • Costs: approx. 50 - 200 euros.

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2. 1 Month before the move

 

Insurance

• International health insurance (optional): Not compulsory; can be taken out depending on personal preference and health history.

  • Costs: approx. 40 - 120 euros per month.

• Cancel other insurances: Health insurance, liability, household contents, car insurance.

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Contracts and cancelations
List and cancel contracts: GEZ, internet, telephone, electricity, child benefit, parental allowance.

Note: The deregistration certificate may be required for contract terminations. Early deregistration is advisable so that all contracts can be terminated in good time.

Cancel memberships: e.g. gym, subscriptions.

 

Organize your move
Organize moving boxes: e.g. at IKEA, approx. 1 - 3 euros per box.

Book container service providers or additional loading options: A container or consolidated container is required for the international move. It is advisable to compare different providers and obtain quotes.

Clear out: Sell or donate unnecessary items.

 

3. 1 Week before the move

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Deregistration
Deregister your place of residence: Deregistration certificate is important for canceling many contracts.

Set up mail forwarding:

Costs: approx. 15 - 30 euros for 6 months.

Deregister vehicle:

Costs: approx. 7 - 15 euros at the registration office.

Deregister business: If self-employed.

 

Prepare the handover of the apartment
Renovation: If required in the rental agreement, paint and clean the walls.

Draw up a handover report: Document the condition of the apartment.

 

4. During the move

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Final work
Check accounts and transfer remaining money.

Terminate last contracts: Telephone, internet, electricity, etc.

Keep your deregistration certificate: Important for later contract terminations and for renewing your German passport abroad.

 

5. after moving to Paraguay

Apply for a residence permit and cedula

Option 1: Slow immigration

Residence permit: Processing time approx. 6 - 8 months.

Cedula: After the residence permit, processing time approx. 60 days.

Costs for residence permit and Cedula: approx. 1,500 euros.

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Option 2: Fast-track immigration

Residence permit: Processing time approx. 30 - 35 days.

Cedula: Processing time approx. 30 days after the residence permit.

Costs for residence permit and Cedula: approx. 1,850 euros.

 

Insurance on site
Health insurance (optional): Health insurance is not compulsory in Paraguay. There are both private and public options.

Other insurances: As required, e.g. liability, household contents, car insurance.

 

Utility contracts
Electricity, water, internet, telephone: Register in the new home, prices vary depending on region and provider.

 

Open a bank account
Open a local bank account in Paraguay (optional): Recommended for everyday payments.

 

Aftercare
Reclaim the apartment deposit in Germany: After approx. 6 months.

Apply for a pension refund: Possible after 1.5 years.