Author: Content

Through Resolution No. 048/25 dated February 10, 2025, the Secretariat for the Prevention of Money or Asset Laundering (“SEPRELAD”) established the annual fee for the use of the ROS_WEB application for fiscal year 2025.

Reporting parties must access the Integrated Operation Reporting System (“SIRO”) in the "Accounts" section to download their respective payment statements for the annual fee, where they can find updated amounts and detailed information to process the payment.

Once the corresponding amount is paid, the duplicate deposit or transfer receipt must be uploaded to SIRO within a maximum of 24 hours after the payment is made. This procedure is necessary for the payment to be recognized and for the issuance of the income receipt required to complete the process.

Reporting parties who fail to pay the fee by May 31, 2025, will be subject to a late fee of 2% on the established amount for each month of delay.

For users joining after the deadline, a grace period of one month will be granted to make the payment without penalties. After this period, the same 2% surcharge will apply for each month of delay.

Additionally, the Resolution provides a 15-calendar-day grace period from its entry into force for reporting parties who wish to request deregistration from SEPRELAD, in accordance with the requirements and procedures established in Resolution No. 126/23. Those who formalize their request within this period will be exempt from paying the fee corresponding to the 2025 fiscal year.

The annual fee varies according to the category of the reporting parties, as per the following scale:

No.	Reporting Entities	Annual Fee 2025
1	BANKS	PYG 8.475.000
2	FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS AND TRUST COMPANIES	PYG 4.238.000
3	EXCHANGE HOUSES	PYG 4.238.000
4	INSURANCE COMPANIES	PYG 4.238.000
5	BROKERAGE FIRMS AND STOCK EXCHANGES	PYG 4.238.000
6	FUND MANAGERS	PYG 4.238.000
7	TYPE A AND B COOPERATIVES	PYG 4.238.000
8	REMITTANCE COMPANIES	PYG 4.238.000
9	ELECTRONIC PAYMENT SERVICE PROVIDERS	PYG 4.238.000
10	TYPE C COOPERATIVES	PYG 1.103.000
11	MONEY LENDERS/CREDIT HOUSES	PYG 1.103.000
12	VALUE TRANSPORT OR TREASURY SERVICES	PYG 1.103.000
13	SAFE DEPOSIT BOX PROVIDERS	PYG 1.103.000
14	VIRTUAL ASSET SERVICE PROVIDERS	PYG 1.056.000
15	GAMBLING BUSINESSES	PYG 1.056.000
16	POLITICAL ORGANIZATIONS	PYG 428.000
17	NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATIONS – SEGMENTATION LEVEL 2	PYG 428.000
18	ESCRIBANOS	PYG 321.000
19	REAL ESTATE COMPANIES	PYG 321.000
20	REAL ESTATE COMPANIES	PYG 321.000
21	JEWELRY, PRECIOUS STONES, AND METALS DEALERS	PYG 321.000
22	NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATIONS – SEGMENTATION LEVEL 2	PYG 321.000
23	PAWNSHOPS	PYG 214.000
24	NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATIONS – SEGMENTATION LEVEL 1	PYG 107.000

Through Resolution No. 03/2025 dated January 2, 2025 (the “Resolution”), the Secretariat for the Prevention of Money or Asset Laundering (“SEPRELAD”) authorized the implementation of the module in the Integrated Operations Reporting System (“SIRO”) for the submission of Operations Reports (“RO”) by individuals or legal entities that regularly engage in real estate purchase and sale activities (“Reporting Party” or “RP”).

In accordance with Article 31 of SEPRELAD Resolution No. 201/20, the RP must record all transactions, regardless of the amount and without exception. They must also register accurate and complete information about their clients to detect red flags, attempts to circumvent records, and unusual transactions that may be classified as suspicious. No client may be excluded from the RO, regardless of the frequency of their transactions or the RP’s knowledge of their activity.

RPs have until February 21, 2025, to submit, on a one-time basis, all purchase, sale, and brokerage transactions that remain active as of December 31, 2024. After this deadline, RO must be submitted quarterly within the following periods:

1. From January 11 to 20, for RO corresponding to the fourth quarter of the previous year.
2. From April 11 to 20, for RO corresponding to the first quarter of the current year.
3. From July 11 to 20, for RO corresponding to the second quarter of the current year.
4. From October 11 to 20, for RO corresponding to the third quarter of the current year.

Through Circular UIF-SEPRELAD/SE No. 01/25 dated January 16, 2025, the Secretariat for the Prevention of Money or Asset Laundering (“SEPRELAD”) reminded reporting parties of the provisions set forth in Articles 20 and 32 of Law No. 1015/97 “Preventing and repressing illicit acts aimed at legitimizing money or goods” (the “Law”).

Article 20 of the Law establishes the duty of confidentiality, which prohibits reporting parties from disclosing to clients or third parties any actions or communications carried out in compliance with the obligations set forth in the Law and its regulations.

Meanwhile, Article 31 of the Law regulates the duty of professional secrecy, imposing on all individuals who perform activities for SEPRELAD, as well as those who receive confidential information or become aware of its actions or data of a similar nature, the obligation to preserve professional secrecy. Failure to comply with this provision will result in the sanctions provided by the Law.  

Additionally, the Circular emphasizes that reporting parties must handle with strict confidentiality both Suspicious Transaction Reports (ROS) submitted to SEPRELAD and any Requests for Complementary Transactional Information (ITC) that SEPRELAD may require. Both are classified as confidential and must be managed under a strict confidentiality process.

Through Resolution SB. SG. No. 012/2025, dated January 24, 2025, the Central Bank of Paraguay (“BCP”) approved a unified procedure to authorize amendments to the bylaws of banks, financial institutions, currency exchange houses, and general warehouses (the “Supervised Entities”).

To obtain such authorization, Supervised Entities must ensure that the proposed amendments comply with the applicable legal provisions, specifically: (i) Article 6 of Law No. 861/96 “General Law on Banks, Financial Institutions, and Other Credit Entities”; (ii) Article 7 of Law No. 2794/05 “On Exchange Entities and Currency Exchange Houses”; and (iii) Article 19, item 29, paragraph (b) of Law No. 6.104/18, “Which Amends and Expands Law No. 489/95 'Organic Law of the Central Bank of Paraguay'”. 

The process begins with the submission of documents to the Superintendency of Banks (“SIB”), including: (i) the draft amendment to the bylaws, specifying the articles and the text to be modified, and (ii) the Board of Directors’ Resolution approving the amendment.

Once the BCP grants authorization, the Supervised Entity must convene an Extraordinary General Shareholders’ Meeting (“Meeting”) within no more than 30 days to address the bylaw amendment in accordance with the approved terms.

If the Meeting approves the amendment, the minutes must be notarized and submitted, along with the authorization resolution, to Abogacía del Tesoro (The Corporate Surveillance Entity) for registration in the relevant records. Once the notarized deed is registered, an authenticated copy must be sent to the SIB for filing.

If the Meeting modifies or rejects the draft amendment approved by the BCP, the Supervised Entity must notify the BCP within 48 hours, thereby rendering the authorization ineffective.

If the Meeting approves the draft amendment with modifications, the session must be suspended in accordance with Article 1094 of the Civil Code, and the revised text must be immediately submitted to the SIB for evaluation of its feasibility and legality.

If the modifications are accepted, the case file will be forwarded to the BCP’s Board of Directors for a decision, after which the Meeting may proceed with the formal procedures.

Las Sociedades Anónimas (SA) y las Empresas por Acciones Simplificadas (EAS) deben celebrar asambleas ordinarias de accionistas para tratar el cierre del ejercicio anualmente, conforme a la normativa vigente.
Cumplir con estos plazos es clave para evitar sanciones y garantizar la correcta gestión corporativa.

Fechas importantes a tener en cuenta:

• Hasta el 30 de abril: aprobación de ejercicios cerrados al 31 de diciembre de cada año, destino de utilidades y elección de autoridades (dentro del cuarto mes del cierre del ejercicio).
• Entre el 8 al 26 de junio: presentación de la declaración jurada informativa del Impuesto a los Dividendos y Utilidades (IDU), según la terminación del RUC, para las empresas que tengan cierre de ejercicio en diciembre de cada año.
• Para las empresas con otros cierres de ejercicio:
  • Cierre en abril: DJI del IDU vence del 8 al 26 de octubre. Aplica a ingenios azucareros y cooperativas de industrialización de productos agropecuarios.
  • Cierre en junio: DJI del IDU vence del 8 al 26 de diciembre. Aplica a aseguradoras, reaseguradoras, cervecerías e industrias de gaseosas.
• Hasta el 30 de junio: actualización de datos en registros administrativos de personas y estructuras jurídicas y beneficiarios finales.

Desde Vouga Abogados brindamos asesoramiento para que tu empresa cumpla con todas sus obligaciones legales de manera eficiente y sin complicaciones.

Para mayor información, por favor contacte a: Perla Alderete (palderete@vouga.com.py), Camila Dutra (cdutra@vouga.com.py), Paula Figueredo (pfigueredo@vouga.com.py) y Leticia Gimenez (lgimenez@vouga.com.py).

The recent enactment of Law No. 7452/2025 on Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) (“Law 7452”) marks a turning point in the regulatory framework for infrastructure investment in Paraguay. Law 7452 repeals the previous “PPP Law,” Law No. 5102/2013 (“Law 5102”), with the purpose of improving efficiency and transparency in the management of public-private partnership projects.

Key Developments introduced by Law 7452

1. Central Role of the Ministry of Economy and Finance (MEF)

Law 7452 centralizes functions previously distributed among several institutions (such as the Technical Planning Secretariat) within the MEF, seeking more agile management of evaluation processes for PPP awards, as well as uniformity and alignment with the country's fiscal policy.

2. Extension of Contractual Terms

The maximum term for PPP contracts is extended from 30 to 40 years, extensions included. This extended timeframe allows for investment recovery in large-scale projects.

3. Increased State Participation

State participation in PPP projects increases to up to 25% (previously limited to 10%), with the possibility of exceptional expansion if approved by the National Economic Team (NET) and the MEF. Allowing the percentage to exceed 25% would enable the State to assume additional commitments for repayment of projects without financial return, such as schools and other social infrastructure.

4. Increase of Limits on Firm and Contingent Payments

The limit for future quantified net firm and contingent payments increases from 2% to 4% of GDP, and the annual amount assumed rises from 0.4% to 0.8% of GDP. This facilitates investment in PPPs but also increases the risk of fiscal overcommitment, requiring rigorous oversight by the MEF and the NET to ensure financial sustainability.

5. Updates on Procurement and Energy Projects

The right of first refusal is introduced in tenders, allowing proponents to improve their offers within a margin of 3% to 10%. Additionally, the list of eligible sectors for PPPs is expanded to include non-hydraulic renewable energy generation.

6. Minimum Investment Thresholds

A minimum threshold of 12,500 minimum monthly salaries (approximately USD 4.5 million, at the February 2025 exchange rate) is established for projects to qualify under the PPP regime, although the MEF may reduce this in exceptional cases.

7. Streamlined Procedures

The minimum call period is extended from 60 to 120 days before the receipt of offers, providing participants with more time to prepare their proposals.

8. Award Criteria and Economic Regime

Section 26 establishes payment modalities and requires the inclusion of penalties and deductions for service level breaches, without affecting other compensation mechanisms (such as user collection rights or committed State contributions during construction or operation).

9. Contract Modifications and Compensation

If unilateral modification of the contract occurs, the contracting administration must rebalance the economic-financial equation, including associated financial costs. Compensation for unforeseen events (e.g., force majeure) is strengthened, stating that it will only apply if it materially alters the balance of the contract. Such compensation may extend for a maximum of 10 years, provided the original contract does not exceed 40 years.

10. Termination and Contract Control

A new cause for contract termination is introduced when contract suspension exceeds 60 days or, with an extension, 120 days. Creditors of the private participant are also granted the ability to take control in the event of a serious breach (step-in rights).

11. New Incompatibilities

Conviction for contractual breach with the State within the last five years is included as a cause for disqualification.

For further information, please contact: Rodolfo G. Vouga (rgvouga@vouga.com.py); Manuel Acevedo (macevedo@vouga.com.py); Silvia Benítez (sbenitez@vouga.com.py); Lucas Rolón (lrolon@vouga.com.py); Yvo Salum (ysalum@vouga.com.py).  

2017 • 2020 • 2021 • 2022 • 2023 • 2024

At Vouga Abogados, we proudly close this year with a milestone that fills us with gratitude: being recognized once again by Chambers & Partners as Paraguay Law Firm of the Year 2024. This prestigious honor, awarded to us for the fifth consecutive year, and for the sixth time in the past eight years, reflects our unwavering commitment to excellence and our dedication to delivering high-quality legal services to our clients.

This achievement is made possible thanks to the trust of those who choose us and the hard work of a team that gives its best in every challenge. This recognition inspires us to keep moving forward, innovating, and contributing to the advancement of the legal field in Paraguay.

Thank you to everyone who makes this journey possible.

The credit rating agency Moody's raised Paraguay's credit rating from Ba1 to Baa3, achieving investment grade for the first time. In this way, Paraguay joins the select group of countries in the region that have achieved the long-awaited "investment grade", including Chile, Colombia, Mexico, Peru, Panama and Uruguay.¹.

The investment grade represents a significant achievement for Paraguay and reflects key factors that positioned it favorably. Among them, the country's sustained economic growth, its resilience and economic diversification, as well as the implementation of institutional reforms that have strengthened governance. In addition, exchange rate stability and effective management of international reserves contributed to the country's strong external position. This achievement will not only benefit Paraguay in terms of financing costs and attraction of local and foreign investments, but also positions the country in the international market and spotlight, recognizing it as one of the countries with the lowest risk in the region.

The Ministry of Economy and Finance (MEF) has highlighted that:

“"Obtaining investment grade reflects the economic and financial strength of the country, as well as its ability to meet its financial obligations. This rating implies a reduction in credit risk, which facilitates a decrease in the cost of sovereign financing. In addition, it allows the expansion of the investor base and the possibility of also reducing the cost of financing for companies."".

The challenge now lies in maintaining and improving the rating obtained, and continuing to demonstrate to the international community that Paraguay is a reliable country to invest in.

1. https://www.bloomberglinea.com/2024/07/27/moodys-eleva-la-calificacion-de-paraguay-a-grado-de-inversion-por-su-crecimiento/ ↩︎

El Ministerio de Trabajo, Empleo y Seguridad Social (MTESS), a través de la Resolución N° 527/2024 del 8 de julio de 2024 (la “Resolución”), estableció un procedimiento de automatización para la inscripción patronal y las comunicaciones de entradas y salidas de trabajadores registrados ante el Instituto de Previsión Social (IPS) en el Registro Obrero Patronal (REOP) del MTESS. Este procedimiento se realizará mediante la transferencia automatizada de datos.

Los puntos más resaltantes de la Resolución son:

• La automatización afectará directamente al REOP y se aplicará a las inscripciones patronales y a las comunicaciones de entrada y salida de trabajadores registradas en el IPS desde la vigencia del Decreto N° 1.989/2024. Además, incluirá a las inscripciones patronales con trabajadores activos y a las comunicaciones de entrada y salida de trabajadores registradas en el IPS antes de la vigencia del Decreto N° 1.989/2024 que no se encuentren registradas en el MTESS.
• El sistema automatizado notificará por correo electrónico al propietario o representante legal de la empresa sobre la inscripción patronal registrada ante el MTESS, así como los datos de acceso al sistema REOP.
• El sistema automatizado también notificará por correo electrónico al propietario o representante legal de la empresa sobre la entrada y salida de los trabajadores, permitiendo así las actualizaciones correspondientes. Los empleadores deberán actualizar los datos personales, laborales y complementarios del trabajador en un plazo de 30 días corridos desde la comunicación de la salida o entrada. En caso de salida, esta deberá ir acompañada de la documentación que acredite el término de la relación laboral.
• Los trabajadores provenientes de registros patronales del IPS que no declaren sucursales serán vinculados al registro patronal de la casa matriz. Los empleadores tendrán la opción de corregir estos datos para asignar al trabajador a la sucursal correspondiente, siempre y cuando no se haya informado ningún otro cambio anteriormente.
• Las comunicaciones realizadas en virtud de la Resolución serán procesadas sin multas, conforme al Decreto N° 1.989/2024.
• La automatización de la comunicación de las entradas de trabajadores no se aplicará a aquellos que estén exentos de realizar aportes al IPS, según lo establecido en el Artículo 50 de la Ley N° 430, que regula el derecho a jubilaciones y pensiones complementarias a cargo del Instituto de Previsión Social. No obstante, el empleador deberá informar al MTESS sobre la entrada de trabajadores que no estén cubiertos por esta automatización en la comunicación con el IPS.
• Las solicitudes de inscripción patronal de empleadores registrados ante el IPS formuladas en virtud del Decreto N° 8307/17 serán confirmadas automáticamente con las multas correspondientes por la inscripción tardía.

Este contenido tiene únicamente fines informativos generales y no debe ser considerado como asesoría legal puntual. Si precisa asesoramiento específico no dude en contactarnos.

El Ministerio de Trabajo, Empleo y Seguridad Social (MTESS) ha emitido la Resolución MTESS N° 526/2024 de fecha 08 de julio de 2024 (la “Resolución”), a través de la cual establece un periodo de regularización sin multas para diversos aspectos regulados por el Decreto N° 1989/2024.

La Resolución dispone:

• Por un plazo de 90 días hábiles, contados a partir del 28 de junio de 2024, los empleadores pueden regularizar lo siguiente, sin recibir multas:
  • Inscripción en el Registro Obrero Patronal de casa matriz y sucursales;
  • Entrada y salida de trabajadores;
  • Permisos, vacaciones, amonestaciones, ausencias, apercibimientos, suspensiones, preaviso;
  • Accidentes laborales, riesgos y enfermedades profesionales.

• Este beneficio no incluye los incumplimientos detectados mediante inspecciones y fiscalizaciones. Dichos incumplimientos serán sancionados conforme a la normativa vigente.

• La Dirección de Registro Obrero Patronal será la encargada de diseñar una Campaña de Regularización Laboral, de acuerdo con lo dispuesto en la Resolución. Esta campaña tendrá como objetivo informar y facilitar el proceso de regularización para los empleadores.

Este contenido tiene únicamente fines informativos generales y no debe ser considerado como asesoría legal puntual. Si precisa asesoramiento específico no dude en contactarnos.