Two great countries for immigration in 2025 that no one talks about

Paraguay

Paraguay is a genuine find for entrepreneurs and lovers of the exotic. Sitting in the very heart of Latin America, the country draws people in not only with its natural riches and striking colonial architecture, but also with the chance to obtain citizenship quickly.

Along with Colombia, Paraguay is one of the safest countries in Latin America. Safety here does not mean quite what it does in Europe, of course, but follow a few sensible rules and life in Paraguay is remarkably calm.

The cost of living is among the lowest on the continent: groceries, transport and entertainment run 20-30% cheaper than in neighbouring states.

Paraguay's economy is growing steadily, built chiefly on agriculture, hydroelectric power and meat exports.

A friendly tax regime - a flat 10% rate - and low production costs make the country attractive to investors. The labour market offers openings for locals and foreigners alike, especially in agriculture, industry and services.

Three destinations are especially popular with newcomers:

• Asunción - the capital and largest city, suited to young professionals and city dwellers. Renting a flat in a good neighbourhood starts at around $500 a month, a house from $1,100. Signing a lease requires a cédula, the Paraguayan resident identity card.
• Encarnación - ideal for families with young children and anyone who values a quiet pace of life.
• Hohenau - a small village for nature lovers. European farmers often relocate here for the high level of comfort and safety.

Paraguay offers citizenship by investment: permanent residency at once, and a passport no earlier than three years of living in the country as a permanent resident.

Benefits of a Paraguayan passport

• A strong passport.
• Visa-free travel to 145 countries, including the United Kingdom, the Schengen area and Singapore.
• Eligibility for the E-2 business visa to the United States.
• Low taxes: 10% on personal income, corporate profits and VAT. Foreign income, capital gains and property are all tax-exempt.
• A low cost of living: a family of four needs just $2,000 a month.
• Far from everything - Paraguay makes an excellent bolt-hole should global conflicts flare up.

Kyrgyzstan

Kyrgyzstan occupies a uniquely positioned corner of Central Asia. Majestic mountains, alpine lakes and a rich cultural heritage attract foreigners from around the world, and for Russians in 2024 Kyrgyz citizenship is among the simplest and fastest to obtain.

The cost of living is far lower than in Europe or the United States. The average monthly salary is around 25,000-30,000 som, enough to cover the essentials and maintain a comfortable standard of living.

The economy rests on agriculture, mining and trade, while tourism and information technology are on the rise. The labour market offers opportunities in construction, retail and services, and government programmes actively support small and medium-sized businesses.

The property market is varied. In the capital, Bishkek, housing costs more than elsewhere: renting a central flat can run to 15,000-20,000 som a month, while prices in other districts are considerably lower.

Kyrgyzstan is a relatively safe place to live. Crime in major cities such as Bishkek and Osh remains moderate - it pays to stay alert in crowded places and avoid rougher districts - and law enforcement has been steadily improving public safety in recent years.

The country's landscapes are spellbinding in their beauty and variety. Lake Issyk-Kul, one of the largest and cleanest mountain lakes in the world, is a favourite holiday spot, and Kyrgyzstan is equally known for national parks and nature reserves that offer hiking, mountaineering and ecotourism.

Anyone born in the USSR before 1991 can obtain Kyrgyz citizenship through a simplified procedure, under the four-party agreement between Belarus, Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic and the Russian Federation on the simplified acquisition of citizenship. There are two routes: by naturalisation, for those who have lived in Kyrgyzstan for a year or more; or by presidential decree, for those who lived in the former USSR between 1991 and 1997.

Benefits of a Kyrgyz passport

• Visa-free travel to 63 countries, including Armenia, Georgia, Serbia and Turkey.
• The ability to open accounts with foreign banks.
• A 10% personal income tax - one of the lowest in the world.
• The option to be removed from military registration in Russia.

Paraguay: what matters in 2026

• Temporary residence is granted for up to 2 years under Migration Law No. 6984/2022; in the last 90 days you apply for permanent residence, issued for 10 years.
• Investors can get permanent residence straight away with a project from $70,000.
• Citizenship may be requested no earlier than after 3 years of living in the country with permanent residence; realistically 4.5-6 years to the passport.
• Taxes: no more than 10% on income and profit; interest on local bank deposits is exempt.

Kyrgyzstan: what matters in 2026

Documents are filed only in person, the decision is a presidential decree within up to 6 months, and state payments are about $120. Russian citizenship need not be renounced. Income tax is 10%.

How to choose between the two

Paraguay suits those ready to live there for several years who want low taxes and a calm path to a passport. Kyrgyzstan suits those born in the Kirghiz SSR or former USSR citizens: with a year of residence it is one of the fastest legal routes to a second passport. More on the Paraguay citizenship and Kyrgyz citizenship pages.

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