Migration to Paraguay – Questions and Answers about El Paraiso Verde
On this page you will discover general questions and answers (Q&A) about El Paraiso Verde in Paraguay.
What is the El Paraiso Verde Paraguay?
After 4 years of intensive research, we have found for you a safe place in a Christian and democratic country – Paraguay, in the heart of South America. El Paraiso Verde is located in the southern part of Paraguay, about 130 km southeast of the capital Asuncion. The nearest major city is the university town of Villarrica with 70,000 inhabitants, 4 universities and a university hospital. In an independent community we can offer you the realization of your life dream – life in freedom.
What do you already have on site?
We have already built over 75 homes for settlers, a road system and 100.000 planted trees, a renting complex, apartment complex, a café, a library, a restaurant, a hardware store, bakeries, a gym, several lakes and many rivers, a community square, children’s playground with swings, sandbox and trampoline and climbing frame, workshops, health center, doctor’s office, offices, practice shooting range, chicken farm, sheep and cattle meadows, cattle farm, a huge BIO garden, kindergarten, school and much more.
Who is not allowed to participate in El Paraiso Verde? Who do we not want?
Whoever feels ideologically affiliated with a religion, worldview or ideology that views other people as inferior, or even openly calls for oppression or violence against people of other religions or worldviews in speech or writing, please refrain from contacting us. Whoever, as a member or sympathizer of such an ideology, tries to sneak into our community despite this clear statement on our part, will be excluded by us as soon as we find this out.
What is this Info-Trip?
The Info Trip is a service we offer to take care of everything related to your immigration. The info-trip lasts 8 days, during which all the necessary points are fulfilled, with the result of obtaining a Cedula and the permanent residence permit. Registration for the info trip must be made before arrival at El Paraiso Verde. This includes accommodation, meals, all trips to the offices, translation of documents for the Migration Office, presentation of documents to the official offices and data collection for Interpol.
Can my children study in Paraguay?
Villarrica has 4 universities. But also in El Paraiso Verde a university will be opened soon, where you can study different subjects.
Can I make a living in Paraguay or El Paraiso Verde?
In a country that has had a constant economic growth of almost 5% for more than 20 years and where (unlike Germany) there is nothing and everything is needed, every German who had a qualification and was willing to work became wealthy or rich.
Almost without taxes, with a cost of living between 1/5 and 1/10 of the cost of living in Germany and in a country where you are allowed to do everything that is more and more forbidden in Germany (especially: to think differently and to be critical), you can build a future for yourself.
My recommendation: personal conversation (in the presence of your partner) on Skype and the preparation of a retreat. Based on their qualifications, we can develop a plan to build your personal existence in El Paraiso Verde.
Flight costs and info trip?
The flight costs are to be paid by you personally, also the flight booking you do yourself (e.g. via Swoodoo). Only transfer the money for the info trip (Cedula), which includes the 8 days (flight excluded). We do not recommend travel agencies.
When you arrive at the El Paraiso Verde…
- Then you will be accommodated in a rentable room or apartment. In these please do not throw paper in the toilet, otherwise it will smell strongly after some time.
- The Paraguayans are a peaceful and open people, but many foreign languages sounds very hard for them. Therefore, speak as softly and friendly as you can.
- In Paraguay, most people drive a motorbike or scooter. Therefore, pay attention to their way of driving, which does not always correspond to our usual traffic rules.
- At El Paraiso Verde, the Paraguayan employees wear colored T-shirts: purple (kitchen), black (security), green (gardening), wine red (cleaning), dark blue (logistics), gray (internal administration), white (office) and others.
Stay longer in El Paraiso Verde?
You can stay as long as you like. All costs are included in the info trip of 8 days (except supermarket shopping, café visits and similar private expenses). If you stay longer than 8 days, you will have to pay these expenses by yourself.
Apartment rentals in El Paraiso Verde?
Yes, you can also rent a private apartment in El Paraiso Verde, if one of the settlers living here has built an apartment and offers it for rent.
Do I have to buy a plot and build a house?
Since February 2023 you do not need to buy a plot or build a house. You also can rent an apartment in the El Paraiso Verde, even for longer.
Bank transfers to the account of El Paraiso Verde?
Before each transfer, please send us a bank statement so that we can check if your bank is accepted by the central bank here, which stands between your bank and our bank and issues authorizations. This bank statement must show: The total of your account balance and the name of the bank.
Many banks are unfortunately not accepted by the central bank here for fear of money laundering. It is also very important that you transfer exactly also from the bank from which you send this bank statement and the name is identical with the person who transfers. We need to know precisely when a transfer is coming, at least to the week. After that, the transfer must be made within 30 days at the latest. So, please talk with our advisor if your bank will be accepted for a transfer to Paraguay.
How safe is it for you?
Absolutely safe. We are a gated community. This means that you can even leave your front door open at night and nobody will come in unasked. You can also let your children run around freely outside, nothing gets away. Even if you forget your cell phone in a café, you can be sure that it will still be there the next day and has been carefully stored.
Why do you have armed guards at the gate?
As I said, we are a gated community. This is common in Paraguay. This ensures that no unauthorized persons come onto the site and harass or rob the settlers. For this reason, you can leave your front door open in El Paraiso Verde when you go on vacation and no one will enter. This offers the settlers security and peace. In the town of Indepedencia, for example, there have been cases where a gang of ten thieves have attacked an entire hotel and completely robbed the guests. We want to spare our settlers that.
Are there security guards?
Yes, there is a guard at the gate and at strategic points in El Paraiso Verde. They ensure the safety of the settlers. The settlers are certainly not harassed, only unauthorized access.
Do you have a shooting range?
Yes, settlers learn how to use firearms here. In Paraguay, as in the USA, you are allowed to own your own gun. The shooting range is open to any settler who registers and can train and practice there. Many of our settlers are therefore familiar with the use of weapons.
Can I just rent an Apartment or a House in the El Paraiso Verde?
Of course. You can rent an apartment or a house here for weeks, month or even for years, as you like. In this time you can feel into the El Paraiso Verde and decide later if you want to stay or to leave again.
How does it look if I want to work in Paraiso Verde?
Basically, we leave your activity in Paraiso Verde to your own wishes and needs. What arrangements you make with other residents about your employment is up to you. RELJUV S.A. generally only hires employees whose duties are typically non-self-employed (accounting, support services). Alternative practitioners, doctors, consultants, consulters and craftsmen generally work on a self-employed basis.
Paraguay is a country that needs people who think and act independently. Those who absolutely need the social protection of an employment relationship and the social network must consider emigrating to South America.
What is the infrastructure contribution?
The infrastructure contribution helps El Paraiso Verde to maintain and renovate the roads and paths and to support other repairs on the 16 km2. This contribution amounts to 5% of your net income that you earn in Paraguay and have to give to Reljuv S.A. every quarter. Since January 1, 2024, settlers who earn their income outside Paraguay only have to pay this contribution on a voluntary basis.
On some websites you read a lot of criticism about El Paraiso Verde. Why?
El Paraiso Verde is the largest settlement project in South America and also brings the most immigrants to Paraguay. Most of the criticism comes mostly from other immigration workers who see El Paraiso Verde as competition. In addition, El Paraiso Verde does not indiscriminately accept every settler who wants to settle here and has been asked to leave. This has sometimes led to backlash. Despite all of this, El Paraiso Verde is concerned with fostering peace and community. This requires a certain amount of choice.
Is El Paraiso Verde a haven for NAZIS?
Nazi is a word that is ostracized by certain groups of people or ideologies. That is correct. Unfortunately, today this word is abhorrently and reprehensibly misused to “shove” those who think differently politically into a “corner. The word Nazi is instrumentalized in order to enforce equalization of opinion with unworldly, extremely left-wing multi-culti ideologies. These ideologies destroy all values for which our ancestors fought and died. Ethics, morality, family and respect in dealing with fellow human beings have nothing to do with NAZI.
Is El Paraiso Verde a cult? What is it really like there?
Definitely not. We are finally cured of all sects after painful experience and will reject any “sect” in any case. Everyone can believe what they want on their own property – with the exception of the clarification below regarding who we do NOT want. We will never position ourselves as leaders or gurus or accept such here. We are also just normal people who have taken on the task of preparing the playing field. All participants have to play themselves.
Clearly, however, we will not allow participation in our community of people who belong to a world-conquering religion or such an ideology or worldview or try to missionize other settlers.
Why are there so many negative rumors about El Paraiso Verde?
Reljuv S.A. and therefore El Paraiso Verde have the largest immigration assistance service in all of Paraguay and are also able to transfer higher amounts of money to Paraguay from all over the world. Therefore, this is a thorn in the side of other immigration assistance services that exist in the country and spread rumors extensively. In addition, the ever-increasing wave of emigration in Europe is something that governments there would like to curb, and thus attempts are made to malign larger immigration assistance services.
What is the YPY Lake?
The YPY Lake is the biggest lake in El Paraiso Verde with the most beautiful and best plots of land. A small center will also be built here with a café and other nice things to do.
The lake is so big that theoretically one could also sail on it or use many kinds of boats. A central point for tourism, which is planned sometime in El Paraiso Verde, is certainly the YPY lake.
I would buy an apartment in the town of YPY, can I?
We have apartments planned in the city core that we will start selling in mid-2018. Expect around 900-1000 euros/m² for the apartment, depending on the equipment turnkey. In case of purchase, we can respond to your wishes in the equipment. The apartments are basically offered as 2 room apartments (approx. 48m²) and 3 room apartments (approx. 70m²), but other sizes can also be planned and built for the buyer.
Since you are planning all kinds of landscaping such as lakes, rivers, etc., there are again huge costs that you want to pass on to the community. What additional costs can be expected for these facilities?
That’s why we have the Silent Society, which is accessible only to the landowners and fellow residents (NOT- public).
This company makes the infrastructure measures according to a plan, which provides for an annual, reasonable distribution (from the 2nd full business year) and puts the distribution to a large extent mainly into the construction of the infrastructure or in the future also into the purchase of further plots of land. Only those interested parties who have purchased a plot of land by means of a preliminary contract can take advantage of this offer. Information will be given only after the purchase and transfer of the land investment. Included in the price of the land is a significant portion of the construction of the infrastructure that is now necessary.
Lakes and rivers are also financed by the deposits of the land prices. Those who have a larger plot of land have the opportunity, within the framework of a reasonable building code, to raise the land level, in exchange for compensation for excavation and transportation costs. This finances large parts of these infrastructure measures.
Do partial payments go for land in El Paraiso Verde?
We have some “challenges” with partial payments: If someone transfers installments of 10,000 Euros, – or any smaller amount under which “nothing is reported” to stay “under the radar” somewhere in Germany (National Bank, Tax Office, etc.): this usually does not work because bank computers register multiple transfers from one account to another as one. There should be half a year or more between transfers. Typically, it is safe to assume that multiple partial transfers are more likely to lead to inquiries by the bank’s money laundering department and possibly a money laundering SAR than one properly documented – i.e., with proof of the source of the money – “large” transfer.
The challenge of exporting the money is one side, importing it into Paraguay is the other and also much more complicated. We have to go to the bank for all the partial amounts and explain them. In any case, the bank only wants proof that the total amount was legally generated (e.g. house sale, company sale, inheritance, tax return with corresponding income, custody account liquidation, life insurance – one of these proofs is enough). A remittance with proof is a fraction of the work and there is no “suspicion” that something is wrong. All proofs must also be CERTIFIED translated. These are then presented to the bank so that the money laundering department can let the money through. Paraguay, like almost all countries in the world, had to sign the international money laundering agreements to avoid being “blacklisted” like the Pacific nation of Vanuatu. Blacklist means: no more money will be sent there and no money will be accepted from such a state.
The transfer must come from the account of the person who also bought the property. For married couples with separate accounts, this can lead to “challenges” in importing foreign currency if “she” bought the property according to the contract, but “he” transfers an installment from his account out of love. It becomes even more difficult when an installment (or the total amount) comes from a corporate account, but the corporate owner bought the property privately. This may result in a repayment of the amount transferred.
I have a plot of land in El Paraiso Verde and would like to sell it again. How can I do that?
In every country in the world, the buyer has to take care of the sale of the land he has bought. You cannot go to the previous owner and ask him to take the land back. The same applies to cars, houses and all other possessions in every country in the world. However, Reljuv S.A. still offers the option of offering your property to new settlers or possibly even buying it back for a certain price. However, Reljuv S.A. is not obliged to do so. Reljuv S.A. can therefore offer the plot to new settlers and as soon as one buys it, it’s done.
So your options are:
- You wait until a new settler buys your plot. Consult with Reljuv S.A. about this.
- You ask Reljuv S.A. whether they might buy back your plot at a certain price. Remember, Reljuv S.A. is under no obligation to do so.
- You advertise in newspapers in your country to see if anyone would like to emigrate to Paraguay and state that you have a plot of land for sale in a German-speaking colony there. As soon as you have found a buyer, write to Reljuv S.A. at info@paraiso-verde.com and state that you have a buyer. The buyer will then go through the admission procedure for El Paraiso Verde and as soon as he is accepted and actually buys the plot, you have made it.
We wish best success.
Can I rent out my guest house (welcome house) or guest apartment?
A guest house or apartment located on the El Paraiso Verde property can be rented out by the owner at any time. If desired, we will be happy to advertise the vacant guest houses and apartments of our fellow residents via the Internet with a renting booking program and offer these services.
An apartment on Pira Tava is intended for self-living. If a resident cannot be with us all year round, he/she can rent the apartment. Usage fee and operating costs continue during this period.
If RELJUV S.A. is allowed to use the apartment in the absence of the owner, the wear and tear fee and operating costs will be waived during the months of RELJUV S.A.’s use.
Do you plan to build more visitor apartments?
Sure, in the end about some hundred visitor apartments.
Can I build an apartment on my property that you will rent and manage for me?
That is also planned. You build a guest house or apartment on your property. We agree to advertise the accommodation, find tenants and place them with you. Therefore, we recommend that all apartments and guest houses have lockable storage rooms where you can store your personal belongings while you are away.
For example, if you are staying with us for only 1 or 2 months a year, put your personal belongings in the storage room and leave the things from the storage room for the tenants to use (bed linen, dishes, upholstery, blankets….). We take photos of the condition of the apartment (house). Then we will rent. You say when you will come back, so that the house (apartment) is then free for you again. We make the final cleaning and photos to be able to charge possible damages to the tenant (and we control the completeness of the inventory).
Is it possible to buy such an apartment in a community?
This is not planned for the time being. Maybe in a later stage. Currently, our fellow residents build guest houses on their property first, before realizing their personal housing dream. These guest houses are either welcome houses (3 sizes) or Buenvenido apartments.
Buenvenido apartments can be built in any number (even in blocks of 4 apartments on 2 floors). Most of the plots are big enough to build e.g. 2 bienvenido apartments side by side, which is a house of about 50m2.
The biggest complex at the moment is the living block C in Pira Tava with 24 rentable apartments on 2 floors.
What are the initial costs for such an apartment?
It is best to assume (including VAT) about 25,000 to 30,000 dollars. Depending on the equipment and type of construction, it can be less, or more if the equipment is luxurious. Each apartment has a shower AND a bathtub, so that our health guests can also take prescribed therapeutic baths.
What is the estimated occupancy rate based on your experience so far?
Currently the occupancy rate would be very high, we haven’t even started the health center yet but are struggling to accommodate people, often they have to stay at the hotel in Caazapa when they visit us. We expect to have the construction speed close to the demand by the end of 2019. We will be open to tourists in the beginning of 2023. At that time, most of those tourists will be staying in our residents’ welcome houses or “Buenvenido Apartments”.
Do I have any running costs in El Paraiso Verde?
There are no running costs planned, because from the harvest yield a part is used for further care/reforestation. This is clearly regulated in the management contract.
Can a parcel of land in El Paraiso Verde be turned into cash again?
The special legal structure of El Paraiso Verde allows parcels and plots to be exchanged, sold or given away quickly and without great cost or effort. The plots can be sold again at any time. Of course, we are happy to assist you in this process. After the second thinning for value and energy wood from the 8th year, according to the available calculations, the original amount invested is returned by the trees you sell.
What is the Condominium Contract?
These are the Principles of Life as they must be signed contractually to be part of the community. Those who are willing to accept and abide by these principles of life are welcome to El Paraiso Verde. This Condominium Contract will be presented to you and signed prior to your arrival at El Paraiso Verde.
Is the community’s constitution already fixed at El Paraiso Verde?
The basic principles in El Paraiso Verde (Condominium Contract)
The basic principles of our constitution can be found on all our web pages (see also Condominium Contract). These are a formulation of our basic principles, which will not change. This constitution is the basis for the constitution of our autonomous community. Violation of the Condominium Contract may result in expulsion from the community.
Are burials possible at the El Paraiso Verde property?
Generally, this is prohibited by Paraguayan law. Exemptions have been granted time and again, but cannot be promised. Only autonomous communities are allowed to have their own cemetery.
Can the community of El Paraiso Verde sell the plots?
Each individual plot holder can sell the right to use their plot. Since the interest in El Paraiso Verde is very high and increasing, a sale is possible.
Land registration of my absolute rights to my parcel? When will the land registration of my absolute rights to my parcel be done and do I have to be on site (Paraguay) to do it?
As soon as an area is completely sold, the survey is carried out. These new partial areas will then be notarized by the notary. If the complete sale of the area does not take place within one year, a date in the year is fixed by contract, on which the registration begins. Buyers do not have to go to Paraguay, because the purchase is executed by the company via power of attorney.
What right do I acquire if I want to participate in El Paraiso Verde?
As long as it is run according to its statute and the community remains as such (with an operating company representing it to the outside world and a community of people who have their plots within that community), this autonomous community will remain. Some of these communities are over 200 years old. If for whatever reason this community were to dissolve, the individual members (parcel owners) would retain their property. Only the community and the associated benefits of such would come to an end.
- The community makes its own laws and rules.
- Anyone doing business in Paraguay needs a tax number.
- Paraguay levies: Income Tax 10%, Corporate Tax 10%, Value Added Tax 10%
- Taxes: No taxes for businesses and revenues beyond Paraguay
The purpose of our community El Paraiso Verde is regional development in every aspect: economic, cultural, educational, technical… El Paraiso Verde has many other purposes, including alternative health, rejuvenation, self-realization, creating a place of peace.
Each parcel owner receives all the rights of RELJUV S.A. to his parcel by means of a notarial deed. Therefore, each Parcel Owner has an irrevocable, perpetual, alienable, heritable and all others exclusive right of use to his Parcel. This right of use is equivalent to the ownership of real estate.
Real Property Title in Paraguay and in El Paraiso Verde?
The transfer of real property has a TITLE and a mode, as in all legal systems derived from Roman law.
The title is everywhere the contract of sale, the mode in Paraguay is the notarial deed, since this deed becomes final and NOT the land registration. That means: in case of emergency, what is written in the deed is valid and not what is written in the land register. In this respect, the land register law of South America differs fundamentally from the corresponding laws in Germany, Austria and Switzerland. The reason is that in South America the surveying is not yet exact enough and also the legal relationships of large areas are not clarified. In Central Europe there are partly land registers, which are more than 1000 years old and therefore the legislators have introduced the land register registration as mode after many surveys and regulations concerning property borders sometime.
Land ownership in Paraguay?
This was not always the case. Paraguay still has a long way to go here. Therefore, the notarial deed is the mode and therefore the process by which the ownership of the land is made known. The registration in the land register in Paraguay MAY be correct, but if this is opposed by a notarial deed of registration, this deed is valid.
Repurchase agreement for pension property possible?
The repurchase agreement applies only to those who have additionally purchased a precautionary plot, with the prospect of a one- or two-year return.
Return of the safe property possible?
Yes, two weeks from the beginning of the cedula application info trip, it is possible to return the purchased safe plot or exchange it for another one.
Are you an independent colony?
Not yet, but work is being done this year (2021) to become an independent colony. One of the conditions is the submission of at least 100 signed condominium contracts.
Are there any levies to El Paraiso Verde?
El Paraiso Verde does not charge taxes, but those who run a business, e.g. an online business or any other business income, pay 5% annually to El Paraiso Verde. This amount serves the community and is deposited in a common pool for emergencies and for the protection of El Paraiso Verde.
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