Temporary Residency in Guatemala: Requirements and Process

## What is temporary residency? Temporary residency allows foreigners to live and work legally in Guatemala for an initial period of **2 years**, renewable. It is regulated by the **Migration Law (Decree 44-2016 of the Congress of the Republic)** and processed through the **Guatemalan Migration Institute (IGM)**. --- ## Temporary residency categories ### 1. Employment For foreigners with employment at a Guatemalan company or with their own established business. **Additional requirements:** - Legalized employment contract - Employer registration with IGSS - Minimum monthly income of Q10,000 ### 2. Investment For foreigners who invest in Guatemala. **Additional requirements:** - Proof of minimum investment (Q100,000+) - Company incorporation deeds - Commercial license ### 3. Study For students enrolled in recognized educational institutions. **Additional requirements:** - Acceptance letter from the educational institution - Proof of tuition payment - Demonstrable means of subsistence ### 4. Family ties For family members of Guatemalan residents or citizens. **Additional requirements:** - Marriage certificate or birth certificate - Family member's resident document - Notarized affidavit of support ### 5. Retirement For retirees with pension or passive income. **Additional requirements:** - Proof of pension (minimum Q8,000/month) - Apostilled police record certificate --- ## Step-by-step process ### Step 1: Enter Guatemala legally You must enter with a valid visa or be from a visa-exempt country. If you entered as a tourist, you must apply for residency before your tourist permit expires. ### Step 2: Prepare documentation Gather all required documents. Foreign documents must be **apostilled** or legalized by the Guatemalan consulate in the country of origin. ### Step 3: Submit the application to IGM Submit the application to the **Guatemalan Migration Institute (IGM)** with: - Completed application form - Valid passport - Apostilled/legalized documents - Recent photographs - Proof of fee payment ### Step 4: Background verification The IGM verifies the applicant's criminal and migration background. ### Step 5: Interview and evaluation An IGM officer may interview the applicant to verify the purpose of residency. ### Step 6: Issuance of residency card If the application is approved, the IGM issues the **temporary residency card**, valid for 2 years and renewable. --- ## Documents you will need - Valid passport (with at least 6 months validity) - Identity document from country of origin - Apostilled police record certificate (from country of origin and Guatemala) - Proof of income (depending on category) - Recent photographs (ID size) - Category-specific documents (see above) --- ## Authorities involved | Authority | Role | |---|---| | Guatemalan Migration Institute (IGM) | Processes and approves residency | | Ministry of Governance | Oversees migration policy | | Ministry of Labor (MINTRAB) | Work permit (if applicable) | | Ministry of Foreign Affairs | Document legalization at consulates | --- ## Estimated time and costs - **Time:** 3 to 6 months - **Application fee:** Approximately Q500 to Q1,500 - **Residency card:** Approximately Q200 to Q500 - **Attorney fees:** Varies (generally Q5,000 to Q15,000) --- ## Legal basis - **Migration Law** (Decree 44-2016 of the Congress of the Republic), articles 30-50 (temporary residency), 51-70 (requirements) - Available at: www.congreso.gob.gt *This article is informational and does not constitute legal advice.*