Criminal background checks for residence or citizenship use
Background Checks: A Practical Guide for Residency Applicants (in general)
Obtaining a background check is a key step in many legal and administrative processes , not only in Paraguay, especially when applying for temporary or permanent residency.
Paraguayan immigration authorities require three separate background checks: one from your country of origin (or recent residence), one issued by Interpol, and one issued by the Paraguayan National Police (plus background check from Justice that you are not in a judicial proceeding).
Depending on the country, this document may be referred to as a police clearance certificate or a certificate of good conduct. Its purpose is to confirm whether an individual has a criminal record. This guide explains how to obtain each required certificate, including Paraguayan, Interpol, and foreign background checks.
Paraguayan Background Check for Foreigners
Foreign nationals in Paraguay must request the Certificado de Antecedentes para Extranjeros. This certificate confirms that the applicant has no criminal history within Paraguay, which normally is not an issue. Once you obtain a Paraguayan cédula, you are no longer considered a foreigner and this document will no longer apply.
The certificate is issued by the IT Department of the National Police in Asunción. To apply, you must present a copy of your passport that has been authenticated by a notary.
Processing takes approximately 24 hours (if all systems are a go) and the certificate is valid for three months from the date of issuance.
Paraguayan Background Check for Residents
Once you obtain a Paraguayan cédula, the relevant document becomes the Certificado de Antecedentes Policiales. This is the police record certificate used, for example, when applying for permanent residency, often times applying for a job, etc...
This certificate can be obtained in person at the Department of Identifications
If the document needs to be used abroad, it can be apostilled at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for recognition in countries that are part of the Hague Convention. If it needs to be used in the country without signed Hague Convention then it needs higher embassy verification.
Interpol Background Check
Another mandatory document for residency applications is the Interpol background check. This certificate confirms that the applicant has no international criminal record or ongoing legal/court proceedings.
Required documents include the applicant’s notarized passport.
Having a criminal record from the home country does not automatically disqualify you from obtaining residency in Paraguay. The law does not require a completely clean history, but the nature of the record matters.
Serious offenses will result in a denial of residency.
The Interpol certificate must NOT show any ongoing criminal proceedings, as this is a strict requirement.
Minor or historical misdemeanours disclosed in a home-country background check may still be acceptable, such as DUI in past, but we recommend to check with us case by case. Immigration office is very strict about criminal record extracts and we can verify if there are any chances to have residence permit approved.
You can let us know and we can verify your options.
Foreign Background Checks for Residency Applications
A criminal background check from your country of origin or from the country where you have resided for more than three years (in some jurisdictions even more) is a fundamental requirement for residency. These certificates are essential for residence permits, visa applications, and citizenship processes. Procedures vary by country.
Below are the countries we work with on a daily basis.
Czech Republic
Czech citizens/residents request their certificate through "Rejstrik trestu Praha" office. It is being issued immediately without waiting if done personally. The current processing fee is 100 CZK.
United Kingdom
UK citizens/residents can request their certificate through the ACRO Criminal Records Office. The application is submitted electronically and requires a recent photograph, address history, a valid email.
The current processing fee is 50 GBP.
Germany
German citizens/residents who possess an electronic ID can apply online through the "Bundesamt für Justiz" application. The process is digital, and the current fee is 13 EUR.
Spain
Spanish citizens/residents with electronic DNI can apply on the Ministry of Justice's website and select “Certificado de Antecedentes Penales.” Residents can apply with NIE. The current fee is 4 EUR.
France
French citizens/residents can apply on the Ministry of Justice's website and select “bulletin n°3.” The current cost is free of charge.
United States
Foreign jurisdictions only accept background checks issued by the FBI (IdHS). It is the federal one, not the state-level police records. You can apply in paper form via filing form FD-1164, another option is via fingerprinting at USPS. The current cost is around 20 USD. Remember, extract needs to be apostilled from U.S. Department of State.
Slovak Republic
Slovak citizens/residents request their certificate through "Generalna Prokuratura" office. It is being issued immediately without waiting if done personally. The current processing fee is 6 EUR.
Canada
Canadian applicants must obtain a background check issued by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP).
Background checks are a foundational element of any residency process. Understanding which documents are required, where to apply, and how long each step takes helps avoid delays and unnecessary complications. When handled correctly, the process is straightforward even in cases that require additional review.
You can contact us and consult your case with us. We have extensive international experience from various jurisdictions.