Paraguay has raised its statutory minimum wage. Since 1 July 2026 the monthly minimum wage stands at ₲3,044,000 guaraníes, an increase of 5%. The basis is Executive Decree No. 6225/2026 of 17 June 2026, which follows the recommendation of the National Minimum Wage Council (CONASAM). Depending on the exchange rate, that works out to roughly $400 a month. For expats, the figure is above all a yardstick for local wage and cost-of-living levels.
The New Minimum Wage in Paraguay in Detail
The figures come from Decreto No. 6225/2026. The monthly minimum wage for activities not separately regulated rises 5% to ₲3,044,000 guaraníes. The statutory daily wage (jornal mínimo) is ₲117,077 guaraníes, roughly $16 depending on the exchange rate. The adjustment replaces the values set in Decreto No. 4122 of June 2025. The legal basis is Article 255 of Paraguay's Labour Code. On 8 July 2026 the local press also published the new minimum wages broken down by sector.
Why the Minimum Wage Also Affects Government Fees
In Paraguay many official fees are pegged to the minimum wage. When it rises, administrative charges follow automatically. The immigration authority, for example, lifted its rates by around 5% from 1 July 2026. Anyone planning the residency and cédula process should factor this in, because the minimum wage indirectly moves the cost of residency, the cédula, and further documents.
What the Minimum Wage Means for Expats
For expats, the level of the minimum wage is a useful orientation. At roughly $400 a month it sits far below Western levels, which is exactly why services and labour in Paraguay are so cheap. A housekeeper often costs $90 to $130 a month, and a handyman charges $17 to $35 a day. If you earn your income in dollars or euros, that translates into high purchasing power, as our overview of the cost of living in Paraguay shows.
The flip side matters too. If you employ someone in Paraguay yourself, whether in your own business or as domestic help, you must pay at least the statutory minimum wage. The moderate 5% rise stays manageable and tracks close to current inflation. On balance, Paraguay remains one of the most affordable countries in the region.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Paraguay's Minimum Wage
How high is the minimum wage in Paraguay in 2026?
Since 1 July 2026 the monthly minimum wage is ₲3,044,000 guaraníes, roughly $400 depending on the exchange rate. The statutory daily wage (jornal) is ₲117,077 guaraníes. The values come from Decreto No. 6225/2026.
By how much did the minimum wage rise?
By 5% compared with the values previously set in Decreto No. 4122 of 2025. The increase has applied since 1 July 2026 and follows the recommendation of the minimum-wage council, CONASAM.
What does the minimum wage mean for expats?
It is a benchmark for local wage and cost-of-living levels. At roughly $400 a month, services and labour stay cheap. If you employ someone in Paraguay, however, you must pay at least this wage.
Disclaimer: This article is general information, not legal, tax or employment advice. Wages, fees, and exchange rates change constantly. Check current figures with the official sources.
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About the author
Yannick Schroth
Founder · Paraguay relocation advisor
Lives in Asunción and guides international nomads, entrepreneurs and investors toward residency, a cédula and a tax-efficient structure in Paraguay.