Paraguay’s Boom: A Smart Investment Before FIFA 2030?
Paraguay has long been a hidden gem for expats and international investors, offering economic stability, low taxes, and a welcoming business environment. But something bigger is happening now—Asunción, the country’s capital, is undergoing a transformation. New apartment buildings are rising, foreign investment is flowing in, and Paraguay’s steady economic growth shows no signs of slowing down.
With a young population, a stable government, and a history of smart financial reforms, Paraguay stands out as one of the most promising places to invest in Latin America. While many parts of the world seem to be stagnating, Paraguay is growing at an impressive pace. Some wonder if this momentum will last, if there’s a risk of a bubble, or where it will all lead.
We are Alexandra and Paul, two long-term travelers who have spent years researching the best places to live and invest in Latin America. After securing our Paraguayan residency over four years ago, we’ve kept a close eye on its development. Looking ahead to 2030, we see even more modernization coming—fueled by factors that many aren’t paying attention to yet. And what does all of this have to do with the FIFA World Cup in 2030? Well, that’s where things get really interesting…
FIFA 2030: Catalyst for Paraguay’s Growth?
We’ve seen it before—when a country hosts the FIFA World Cup, massive development follows. Roads, stadiums, hotels, and even public transit systems are built to handle the influx of visitors. Some cities leverage this momentum for long-term growth, while others struggle to sustain progress once the tournament is over.
So, what does this mean for Paraguay?
Paraguay is set to co-host the FIFA World Cup in 2030, with Asunción hosting at least one group-stage match in the newly planned Estadio Nacional del Paraguay, a state-of-the-art venue designed for over 47,000 spectators. While the focus is on the stadium, the real transformation will likely be in the supporting infrastructure—hotels, roads, and commercial projects to accommodate the global attention.
Looking at past World Cups, the impact varies. The U.S. (1994) and Qatar (2022) leveraged FIFA-driven infrastructure for long-term urban development, while South Africa (2010) saw a boom that faded soon after. Paraguay now stands at a crossroads: will this be the push that takes Asunción to the next level? Will we see a city train system emerge, like Doha metro (Qatar)? While there’s no official confirmation yet, history suggests that large-scale transport projects often follow World Cup investments.
Beyond the tournament, these developments could permanently raise the city’s profile, attracting more international investors and expats. In the next five years, expect to see more high-rise apartments, modernized transport, and commercial expansions.
The question is: will Paraguay seize this moment to cement itself as Latin America’s next rising star?
Life in Paraguay Until 2030: How to Make the Most of It
Paraguay is on the move. With the FIFA World Cup accelerating development, Asunción is set to become an even bigger hub for investment, business, and expat life. Whether you already have Paraguayan residency or are still considering it, now is the time to take advantage of the country’s unique opportunities.
Why Having Paraguayan Residency is a Smart Move
If you don’t already have Paraguayan residency, it’s worth considering. Residency is affordable, the process is relatively straightforward, and Paraguay operates on a territorial tax system—meaning foreign-sourced income isn’t taxed. Compared to the bureaucratic hurdles in other countries, Paraguay stands out as an easy and efficient Plan B for investors, entrepreneurs, and those looking for more personal freedom. Read more about the Paraguay residency process here.
A Country of Contrasts: The Wild West Meets Urban Boom
Paraguay is a land of extremes. The countryside still feels like the Wild West—simple, traditional, and sparsely populated. It attracts those looking for off-grid living, farming opportunities, or complete independence. Meanwhile, Asunción is booming, with high-rise apartments, modern malls, and a growing international community. Many foreigners choose Paraguay for its relaxed lifestyle, low cost of living, and strong sense of personal freedom.
Why Paraguay Makes Sense for Investors and Expats
Beyond its favorable residency policies, Paraguay’s economy has a lot going for it:
- Strong Agricultural Exports – Soy, beef, and grains fuel economic stability.
- Cheap Hydroelectric Power – Thanks to the Itaipu Dam, Paraguay enjoys some of the lowest energy costs in the region.
- No Income Tax for Foreign Earnings – The territorial tax system is a major advantage for global entrepreneurs.
- Young, Growing Workforce – With an average age of 27, Paraguay has the demographic advantage that aging economies lack.
Of course, no place is perfect. Paraguay faces climate challenges such as droughts and floods, and education remains a weak spot, with 85% of students struggling with basic math (PISA 2022). But as investment continues to flow into Asunción, opportunities for business, real estate, and long-term growth are expanding.
The big question now is: how far will Paraguay’s transformation go by 2030? Will Asunción rise as a regional powerhouse, or will growth slow once the FIFA hype fades? Either way, those who position themselves early will have the best chance to benefit.
Real Estate in Paraguay: How to Profit Before FIFA 2030
One of the biggest surprises for us in recent years was discovering how expensive real estate can be in Asunción. Many assume that Paraguay is a cheap country, but that’s not entirely true—at least not when it comes to the capital. We’ve seen three-bedroom apartments selling for $200,000 and price ranges between $1,400–$3,000 per square meter ($130–$279 per square foot.) At one point, we almost gave up and started looking elsewhere.
But patience pays off. A few years later, we finally came across a standout investment project priced at $1,200 per square meter ($111 per square foot), offering a 17% return on investment (ROI) if rented out on Airbnb. Given Asunción’s trajectory, there’s real potential for these properties to triple in value by 2030. (Find out more about investment apartments in this article.)
So, what’s the plan?
Simple: Generate passive income with investment apartments while keeping the option open to sell before 2030. If Paraguay follows the path of South Africa after FIFA 2010, where real estate stagnated post-World Cup, having an exit strategy is key. That capital can then be reinvested into other high-growth markets.
Btw, Cali, Colombia, is our second hot pick—another city with strong growth potential. (Find out more here.)
Investment Tips: Where to Look for the Best Returns
The key to maximizing profit is focusing on emerging areas near future infrastructure projects. New roads, commercial hubs, and high-rise developments can dramatically increase property values in a short time. This real estate project in Recoleta, a modern and walkable neighborhood in Asuncion, offers great investment opportunities.
Before becoming a full-time traveler, Paul worked as an investment advisor, and this knowledge has helped us diversify our assets wisely. If you’re looking for ways to invest smartly, check out our top three Investment strategies.
Now the real question:
Will Paraguay’s FIFA-driven boom last, or will the bubble burst post-2030? Time will tell—but those who invest early stand to gain the most.
Conclusion: Paraguay’s Future—A Golden Opportunity Until 2030?
It can’t be denied—Asunción is booming, and FIFA 2030 is adding fuel to the fire. With infrastructure projects underway, a growing expat community, and strong economic fundamentals, Paraguay is shaping up to be one of the most interesting investment destinations in Latin America.
Will this momentum last beyond 2030? That’s the big question. If development is managed well, Asunción could become a long-term business and real estate hotspot. If not, growth could slow post-World Cup, as seen in some other host nations. But right now, the opportunity is clear—Paraguay is on the rise.
We’ve been researching and investing in Latin America for years, and Paraguay remains one of our top choices for its low taxes, affordable residency, and business-friendly climate. If you’re considering investing, relocating, or simply want to learn more, we offer Zoom calls to share our experience and answer your questions—including how we got residency, found investment properties, and built a sustainable lifestyle here.
Paraguay’s transformation is happening right now—the only question is, will you be part of it?
I look forward to your questions!
Paul Trausner
Lived on 4 continents and visited 60+ countries
Specializes in expat consultation for Latin America,
including residency coaching, US LLC formation, and tax optimization strategies
