Guide to Residency in Guatemala

Obtaining a residency visa in Guatemala is not always easy, but our Guide to Residency in Guatemala gives newcomers an overview of the steps involved and advice from others who have already navigated the process.

• Research the types of Guatemalan residency visas
  • Visit the official Guatemalan government immigration website or contact the Guatemalan embassy in your country to understand the different types of residency visas available.
  • Choose the type of visa that best suits your situation (e.g., Pensionado, Rentista, Investor, Legal Guardian, Work Visa, etc.).
• Gather the necessary documents
  • Obtain a valid passport from your country of citizenship.
  • Get a police clearance certificate from your country of residence.
  • Acquire a health certificate from a licensed physician.
  • Prepare proof of financial means, such as pension statements, bank account statements, or income declarations, depending on the visa type.
  • Have all documents translated into Spanish by a certified translator if they are not already in Spanish.
  • Get all documents apostilled or authenticated by the relevant authorities in your country.
• Apply for a Tax Identification Number (NIT)
  • Visit the Superintendencia de Administración Tributaria (SAT) website or a local SAT office for information on obtaining a NIT.
  • Complete the application form for a NIT, which may require a local address and other personal information.
  • Submit the required documents, which may include your passport and proof of address in Guatemala.
• Submit your residency application
  • Go to the Guatemalan immigration office (Dirección General de Migración) with all the prepared documents.
  • Fill out the residency application form provided by the immigration office.
  • Pay the application fee, which varies depending on the type of residency visa.
  • Submit your application and wait for it to be processed, which can take several months.
• Register with the local municipality
  • Once your residency is approved, go to the local municipal office where you reside in Guatemala.
  • Provide proof of residency and personal identification to register as a resident in the municipality.
• Obtain a Guatemalan ID card (DPI)
  • After receiving your residency, apply for the Documento Personal de Identificación (DPI) at the Registro Nacional de las Personas (RENAP).
  • Provide your residency card, NIT, and other required documents to apply for the DPI.
  • Pay the DPI issuance fee and wait for your ID card to be processed and issued.
• Stay informed and maintain your residency status
  • Keep track of the expiration date of your residency and renew it as required.
  • Stay informed about any changes in Guatemalan immigration laws that may affect your residency status.
  • Ensure you comply with all Guatemalan laws and regulations to maintain your residency status.

Please note that the process for obtaining residency in Guatemala can be complex and may require the assistance of a local attorney or immigration specialist. Additionally, the requirements and procedures may change, so it is important to verify the current process with the Guatemalan immigration authorities or through an official legal advisor. For official information and forms, you can visit the following websites (though they may not have English versions): - Guatemalan immigration office (Dirección General de Migración): https://igm.gob.gt/ - Superintendencia de Administración Tributaria (SAT) for NIT: https://portal.sat.gob.gt/portal/ - Registro Nacional de las Personas (RENAP) for DPI: https://www.renap.gob.gt/

What tips do expats have about residency and visas in Guatemala?

"In order to visit Guatemala, foreign nationals must obtain a visa prior to their arrival. The process of applying for a visa involves submitting an application form, a valid passport, a passport-sized photograph, and the applicable visa fee. Depending on the purpose of the visit, additional documents may be required. In order to obtain residency in Guatemala, foreign nationals must submit an application form, a valid passport, a passport-sized photograph, and the applicable fee. They must also provide proof of financial stability, a criminal background check, and a medical certificate. Depending on the type of residency, additional documents may be required. Once the application is approved, the applicant will receive a residency card, which must be renewed every two years," commented one member living in Guatemala.

"You are allowed to stay in country 90 days before you have to exit country and renew. El Salvador, Honduras, and Nicaragua don't count. So most folks go to Mexico. It is also possible to pay someone to take your passport to the border and get you stamped out and back in. There are people who have lived here for many years doing exactly this. Residency is complex (like almost every country) but if you can qualify as a permanent resident (pensionista) you can obtain citizenship and passport in five years," mentioned one expat living in Guatemala.