Paraguayan nationality law
| Paraguayan Citizenship Act | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Parliament of Paraguay | |
| |
| Enacted by | Government of Paraguay |
| Status: Current legislation | |
Paraguayan nationality law is based on the principle of Jus soli. The nationality law is based on the Chapter 3 of the Paraguayan Constitution of 1992.
Birth in Paraguay
Any person born in Paraguay acquires Paraguayan citizenship at birth. The only exception applies to children of persons in the service of a foreign government (like foreign diplomats).
Paraguayan citizenship by descent
Though based for the most part on the principle of Jus soli, Paraguayan law authorizes the acquisition of Paraguayan citizenship by descent (jus sanguinis) in two cases:
- a person born outside Paraguay of a Paraguayan parent who is in the service of the Paraguay government is considered Paraguayan ; and
- a person born outside Paraguay of a Paraguayan parent is considered Paraguayan, provided that that person either be registered with a Paraguayan parent.
Naturalisation as a Paraguayan citizen
Foreigners may apply for Paraguayan citizenship if they meet the following criteria:
- being older than 18 years old.
- permanent resident in Paraguay for at least 3 years.
- having a good behavior following the law.
Naturalised citizens do not have the right to become President of the Republic.[1]
Dual Nationality
Dual nationality is permitted under the constitution of Paraguay on a reciprocity basis, meaning that unless Paraguay has a bilateral agreement with another nation, that other nationality is not permitted.[2][3] As of 2020, the only country that has a reciprocity agreement in regards to dual nationality with Paraguay is Spain[4] and Italy.
Loss of citizenship
In Paraguay, there is a distinction between natural born citizens and naturalised citizens, and in the latter category, naturalising as a national of another country or being expatriated from the country for more than three years without permission, this process is authorised by Article 150 of the National Constitution of Paraguay[5], and proceedings thereunder must be instituted by an individual or an agency, for instance, the Migration department.
It means that Paraguay does not accept Dual Citizenship.
References
- ^ https://core.ac.uk/download/pdf/45687614.pdf
- ^ https://www.dualcitizenshipreport.org/dual-citizenship/paraguay/
- ^ https://core.ac.uk/download/pdf/45687614.pdf
- ^ http://www.leyes.com.py/disposiciones/subcategoria/1/2/85/conveniosbilaterales.html
- ^ https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Paraguay_2011.pdf
