In this guide
To choose a business adviser in Fernando de la Mora, first decide what you actually need: bookkeeping and tax, setting up or formalising a company, or management help (costs, pricing, staff). Then ask two accountants or consultants for a written proposal with scope, deadlines and fees, and go with the one who answers everything clearly. Some of it is free: a standard EAS company can be set up online at no cost, and neighbouring San Lorenzo has a public support centre for small businesses.
What kind of advice does a Fernando de la Mora business need?
Fernando de la Mora grew from about 8,000 to more than 12,000 businesses, and trade is spreading beyond the main avenue into the north and south zones (InfoNegocios, Feb 2025 (opens in a new tab)). The city borders Asunción and Avenida Mariscal Estigarribia splits it into north and south (Wikipedia (opens in a new tab)), so you will find advisers on both sides and in the capital. Depending on your case:
- Accounting and tax: monthly returns, books and electronic invoicing. Your adviser should know Marangatú and the invoicing system of the DNIT (opens in a new tab), Paraguay's tax authority.
- Setting up or formalising a company: worth paying for with several partners, contributions in kind or custom by-laws.
- Management: costs, pricing, payroll. For a small shop, start with a free workshop (see below) and pay a consultant only for what is left.
If your issue is a lawsuit, a dismissal or a court claim, you need a registered lawyer instead: see our guide to lawyers in Fernando de la Mora.
Do you need an adviser to open an EAS?
Not always. According to the Ministry of Industry and Trade (opens in a new tab), the EAS (simplified joint-stock company):
- Is registered online at eas.mic.gov.py through SUACE.
- With standard by-laws, takes at most 72 hours and costs nothing.
- Has no minimum or maximum capital, and each partner is liable up to their contribution.
- Needs a legal representative who logs in with an electronic ID and is Paraguayan or holds a Paraguayan cédula.
Between February 2021 and November 2024, 13,744 companies were created this way (La Nación (opens in a new tab)). If you are a sole partner with standard by-laws, save the adviser's budget for the tax work that follows. For the commercial licence (patente) of your premises, ask the Municipalidad de Fernando de la Mora.
Free advice next door: SBDC San Lorenzo
The SBDC San Lorenzo Business Development Centre is a Ministry of Industry and Trade small-business programme run by the Unión Industrial Paraguaya, offering technical assistance and training (UIP (opens in a new tab)). According to Última Hora (July 2025) (opens in a new tab), its workshops ran on Thursdays from 14:00 to 16:00 on the third floor of Ceprocal-UPA, Lope de Vega and San Antonio, free of charge, with limited places and registration on (0976) 911-198. Topics included costs and pricing, planning and wages, and in November 2025 legal issues for SMEs were added (Última Hora (opens in a new tab)). San Lorenzo borders Fernando de la Mora; phone to confirm the schedule before you go.
What to check before hiring
- An invoice for every payment: every sale of goods and services requires an invoice (Sedeco via ABC Color (opens in a new tab)). Ask for the adviser's RUC (tax number).
- Not barred: the DNIT publishes lists of businesses barred for tax offences and of taxpayers in arrears (DNIT (opens in a new tab)). Whoever files your taxes should not be on them.
- Scope in writing: what they deliver, by when, and what costs extra (amended returns, extra meetings, in-person errands).
- How they flag deadlines: in accounting, never missing a date is what matters most. Ask whether they send a calendar or reminders.
- Who does the work: at larger firms, ask whether the partner or an assistant handles your file, and who you call when something goes wrong.
How to run the first meeting
- Bring a one-page summary: line of business, number of staff, rough monthly turnover, what you need to decide and by when.
- Do the first conversation by video call and keep in-person visits for signing or reviewing papers, so you don't lose a morning in Mariscal Estigarribia traffic.
- Compare with advisers in Asunción or San Lorenzo who work remotely. A clear proposal matters more than an office round the corner.
FAQ
Do I need an accountant to open a company in Fernando de la Mora?
Not always. An EAS with standard by-laws can be set up online at eas.mic.gov.py within 72 hours at no cost; an adviser helps with several partners, contributions in kind or custom by-laws.
Is there free small-business advice near Fernando de la Mora?
Yes, SBDC San Lorenzo (Ministry of Industry and Trade with UIP) offers free technical assistance and workshops. In 2025 they ran on Thursdays 14:00-16:00 at Ceprocal-UPA; confirm on (0976) 911-198.
How do I know an accountant is in good standing?
Ask for their RUC and an invoice for each payment, and check they are not on the DNIT lists of barred businesses or taxpayers in arrears.
Adviser or lawyer: which do I need?
For accounting, tax or opening a company, an adviser or accountant. For a lawsuit, a dismissal or a court claim, a lawyer registered with the Supreme Court.
