A judge in Paraguay has ordered the release of Brazilian football great Ronaldinho and his brother into house arrest at a hotel in downtown Asuncion.

Judge Gustavo Amarilla told reporters that he had ordered the "continuation of house arrest in a hotel for Ronaldinho and his brother."

They were jailed almost exactly a month ago to await trial on charges of using false passports to enter Paraguay.

Lawyers for the men posted bail of $US1.6 million.