Expat Community in Paraguay
Paraguay has a growing expat community, particularly in Asuncion. While smaller than destinations like Mexico or Portugal, the community is active and welcoming.
Historical Expat Groups
Long-established communities:
- German/Austrian: Significant presence since 19th century, particularly in Encarnacion area. German is still spoken in some communities.
- Japanese: Communities in Encarnacion and La Colmena (since 1936)
- Mennonite: Large communities in the Chaco region
- Brazilian/Argentine: Significant due to proximity
Recent Arrivals (2020s)
New wave of expats:
- Digital nomads and remote workers
- Cryptocurrency enthusiasts
- Location-independent entrepreneurs
- Retirees seeking affordable living
- Families seeking different lifestyle
What attracts them:
- Territorial taxation (0% on foreign income)
- Easy residency process
- Very low cost of living
- Fast citizenship path
- Stable, peaceful country
Where Expats Live
Asuncion:
- Villa Morra - digital nomads, young professionals
- Las Carmelitas - active social scene
- Recoleta - families
- Largest expat concentration in the country
Encarnacion:
- Growing expat community
- Milder climate, beach town feel
- More established immigrant communities (German, Japanese)
- Family-friendly
Finding Community
Online Resources:
- Facebook Groups:
- "Expats in Paraguay"
- "Asuncion Expats"
- "Paraguay - Teknomads & Digital Nomads"
- "Living in Paraguay"
- Reddit: r/paraguay
In-Person:
- Weekly meetups organized through Facebook groups
- Coworking spaces (networking events)
- International churches
- Sports clubs and gyms
- Language exchange events
Social Scene
Typical expat activities:
- Terere gatherings (mate drinking is social)
- Restaurant meetups in Villa Morra
- Weekend trips to Encarnacion beaches
- Asados (BBQs)
- Crypto/business meetups
Cultural Integration
Tips for connecting:
- Learn Spanish - essential for deeper connections
- Try Guarani phrases - locals love it
- Participate in terere culture
- Attend local festivals
- Be patient - relationships develop slower
Paraguayan hospitality:
- Generally very welcoming to foreigners
- Curious about why you chose Paraguay
- Appreciate those who make effort with culture
- Family-oriented society
Challenges
- Language barrier: Limited English speakers
- Smaller community: Fewer ready-made expat activities than larger destinations
- Different pace: Things move slower than Western countries
- Making local friends: Takes time and Spanish skills
Community Resources
Key contacts:
- Embassy of your home country
- International business chambers
- Expat service providers (help with residency, banking, etc.)
- Online forums for specific questions
Professional networking:
- AmCham (American Chamber of Commerce) events
- Tech meetups
- Entrepreneur groups
Pro Tips
- •Join Facebook expat groups before arriving - great for advice
- •Villa Morra is the heart of the expat social scene
- •Attend weekly meetups to build your network quickly
- •Learning Spanish opens doors to both expat and local communities
- •The community is smaller but friendly - you'll see familiar faces
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