Rent an apartment in Paraguay for foreigners

Looking for a place to live in a new country can be a real challenge, especially if you are not familiar with the local real estate market. In this article we will tell you the basics about apartment rentals in Paraguay, The practical approach combines the perspective of an outsider with that of someone who knows the day-to-day operations from the inside and how to rent an apartment in Paraguay.

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What do I need to rent as a foreigner?

• One month's rent in advance
• One month warranty (refundable at the end of the contract if there is no damage)
• Real estate commission (generally 50-55% of the value of one month's rent)

However, if you as a foreigner do not have a local guarantor (a person who will be responsible in case of default), it is likely that you will be asked for 2 or even 3 months of extra warranty. This can be a bit complicated upon arrival, so it is important to take this into account from the beginning to avoid surprises.

Types of housing you can rent in Paraguay

In Paraguay, especially in and around Asuncion, you will find a good variety of rental options, depending on your budget, needs and lifestyle. These are the most common types:

• Studio apartments or studios: ideal for a single person or a couple. They are compact and more economical, perfect if you are a newcomer and are still organizing your life.
• 1 to 3 bedroom apartmentsmost common in residential areas. They usually come with kitchen, living room and sometimes a balcony or small patio. Very sought after by those who come to work or study.
• Family homesIf you come with your family or prefer more space and privacy, renting a house may be the best option. They are located in quieter neighborhoods or nearby cities.
• Rooms for rentThe number of apartments: increasingly common, especially among students or temporary workers. They are usually rented in shared houses or apartments already inhabited. You find it mainly on Facebook groups or word of mouth recommendations.
• ColivingA newer modality that is growing in Asuncion. It is ideal for digital nomads or those looking for community. Prices include services and sometimes shared activities, such as coworking, cooking classes, etc.

💡 Local Council: many times the best prices are not published online, so it is worth asking in WhatsApp groups or in neighborhood real estate agencies. Word of mouth works a lot here!

One of the most useful tools is infocasas.com.py, a very complete portal where you can filter the results by area, price and type of property. It is the local equivalent of Idealista (in Spain) or Zillow (in the USA).

Areas such as Villa Morra, Carmelitas and Recoleta are often chosen by foreigners, as they combine good quality with location, security and nearby services. For example, a studio apartment in these areas can cost between 2,800,000 and 3,500,000 guaraníes per month (approximately 350 to 438 USD).

From my experience as a Paraguayan, I also recommend exploring other more informal but very active options such as the Facebook Marketplace, where opportunities are published that often do not appear on real estate portals. Another useful option is to search directly on Google for phrases such as “apartments for rent in Villa Morra” or “rent in Asunción downtown area”, which can lead you to results from local real estate agencies or private owners.

💡 Local tip: In addition to negotiating the price if the owner sees that you are solvent, it never hurts to make a complete review of the apartment before signing. It is key to check details such as water pressure, if there is hot water, the condition and operation of the sockets, and if the place has a cut-off system in case of electrical overload. It is also essential to check that the contract is in order and signed by both parties, preferably with a copy for each one.

Where to live in Paraguay? Recommended neighborhoods and cities

While Asunción is the capital and center of most activity, there are many other cities in the country. areas inside and outside the city that are worthwhile. Here are some recommendations according to profile:

Within Asunción:

• Villa Morra, Carmelitas and Recoleta: top areas for foreigners. Quiet, well connected, with cafes, supermarkets, gyms. Ideal if you are looking for comfort and security.
• Mburucuyá and San Vicentemore accessible and with a good family atmosphere. They are residential neighborhoods where you can find something more economical without being far from the center.
• Las Mercedes and SaxonyFor those who want to be closer to the center and like a more classic or historic feel.

Outside Asunción:

• Luque and Fernando de la Mora: dormitory towns with good connections by public transport. There are quiet neighborhoods and lower prices than in the capital.
• Lambarévery popular with families. It has green areas, schools and is ideal if you want something more relaxed without going so far away.

✨ My advice as a localVisit the neighborhood before deciding. Some look nice online, but you may encounter noise, traffic or poor security if you don't know the area well.

Additional expenses that you should not forget

In addition to monthly rent, there are other important expenses that are often overlooked when planning to move:

• Electricity: Consumption can vary a lot depending on the use (if you have air conditioning, how many people live there, etc.), but on average it is between 50,000 and 60,000 Gs. per month. As a local recommendation, it is always a good idea to ask the owner or the real estate agency for the latest bills, to have a real reference of the consumption and to make sure that no outstanding debts from previous tenants.
• Water and common expenses (in buildings): This usually includes cleaning of common areas, maintenance of elevators, security guards, etc. In some cases they are included in the rental price, but this is not a rule. If they are not covered, the expenses can add up to an additional Gs. 500,000 to 700,000 per month. (about 65 to 88 USD, approximately).
• Internet: It is generally the tenant's responsibility. In Asunción, there are several affordable options with good speed, but it is important to check if the installation is already available in the building or if a new connection is required.

There are also landlords who allow rent to be paid in dollars or guaraníes, This can be very useful if you manage accounts abroad or are just starting to organize your financial life in Paraguay.

Contracts and solvency: what you have to prove

In order to sign a contract, it is common for real estate agencies (in case of renting through one) to ask for documents that prove income, such as a bank statement, proof of income from abroad or employment contracts. Not all real estate agencies have the same requirements, so I would recommend you to ask in advance.

From Alejandro's experience, having those papers ready saves you time and prevents you from missing out on interesting opportunities.

Necessary documentation and requirements for foreigners

To rent as a foreigner in Paraguay, it is not necessary to have a definitive residence, but it is important to demonstrate solvency and certain stability. This is what you will generally be asked for:

• Passport of your nationality or Paraguayan or Mercosur identity card (if you are from Mercosur you can rent only with your identity card).
• Proof of income (can be a proof of employment, pay stubs or income from abroad)
• Recent bank statements (from Paraguay or abroad)
• Sometimes, a letter of guarantee or a local guarantor (not always mandatory, but it helps to reduce the number of months of warranty required).

📌 If you work with us, we will help you to prepare and review all this documentation and we can also accompany you in the settlement process if you are planning to stay for the long term.

What about commissions? An issue to consider

Alexander, who appears in the video and has already gone through this process as a foreigner, tells us that in Paraguay, real estate agencies usually charge a commission of 55% of rental value. Although this is quite common, he himself believes that the amount could be lower, especially since the owner also pays for the management of the property.

In practice, is something that can be discussed, Especially if you plan to stay for a long time or if you come with references from other rentals. As always, the key is to ask and not be afraid to negotiate.

Is it possible to rent a room in Paraguay? What about coliving?

Yes and yes! Although it is not the most advertised by real estate agencies, many people in Paraguay rent rooms in their houses or apartments. It is very common among students, interns or temporary workers.

To find this type of rental, the best places are:

• Facebook Marketplace
• WhatsApp or Telegram groups of foreigners
• Personal recommendations

The coliving is growing, especially in areas such as Carmelitas, Villa Morra and downtown Asunción. Some spaces even offer coworking, community activities and are designed for those who work remotely.

Average monthly cost depending on area

Rental prices can vary a lot depending on the area, the type of property and whether or not it comes with services included. Here we leave you a general reference:

• Studio apartment in top area (Villa Morra, Carmelitas): 2,800,000 to 3,500,000 Gs (US$ 350 to 438)
• 2 bedroom apartment in middle area (Recoleta, Sajonia): 3,000,000 to 4,000,000 Gs (US$ 375 to 500)
• House in nearby city (Luque, Lambaré): from Gs 3,500,000 and upwards (USD 438)
• Room in a shared house: Gs 800,000 to 1,500,000 (USD 100 to 188)
• Coliving (all inclusive): from 2,500,000 Gs monthly (USD 313)

📌 Remember that to these values you have to add services if they are not included: electricity, water, internet and building expenses if it is in a building.

Final recommendations for stress-free rental

Throughout this blog we have given you key information, but to close, we leave you these practical tips to make renting in Paraguay a good experience from the beginning:

Prepare your documentation in advanceIf you come from abroad, gather bank statements, a work contract or proof of income. Having everything at hand can give you an advantage over other interested parties.

Compare prices and zonesDon't just go by what you see first on Infocasas. Explore Facebook Marketplace, ask in groups, look at less known but well located neighborhoods.

Always ask if there is room for negotiationSome real estate agencies allow you to pay the guarantee in installments, or to adjust the length of the contract if you are sure you will stay longer.

Read the contract carefully before signingIt seems basic, but many people overlook it. Check if it includes services, if there are penalties for leaving early, and if it is written in clear Spanish for you.

Visit the site day and nightThe neighborhood: it gives you a real idea of the noise, the security and the movement of the neighborhood.

Check the technicalThe following are some of the things that I found out: water pressure, plugs, air conditioning, hot water, and if there are individual meters. Alejandro learned this late and ended up without hot water for a week.

Ask for real photos and videos if you cannot come in person.If you can, ask someone local to look at it for you. We can also help you with that if you are far away.

From Paraguay, we want your experience as a foreigner to be as smooth as possible. If you are about to move or already live in Asunción and want to better understand how the market moves, this blog is your starting point. Also, if you need help to make your settlement.

If you still do not have your residence, we can help you to to get the residency and the Paraguayan cedula very fast.