Update on immigration regulations in Guatemala

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Melanie Comparini

On July 8, 2025, the National Immigration Authority published the following regulations in the Diario de Centroamérica, which will enter into force on October 8, 2025:

    • Agreement IGM 016-2025 – Regulations on Guatemalan Residency.
    • Agreement IGM 017-2025 – Regulations on Registration of Ordinary Immigration Status.
    • Agreement IGM 015-2025 – Regulations on Guatemalan Visas.

These new regulations directly impact the hiring of foreigners in Guatemala, as they introduce new hiring modalities and establish requirements for obtaining residency and setting up companies that act as guarantors/contractors for foreigners in the country.

These changes apply to both foreign residents and the companies that hire them, creating new obligations and processes that must be complied with to ensure immigration compliance. Below are the main changes to these Regulations:

I- From the Guatemalan Residence Regulations

    • New categories of migrant workers:
      • With a Guatemalan employer (the traditional form)
      • With a foreign employer who is not in Guatemala (new inclusion)
      • Self-employed (for those who work independently)
    • Dependents of migrant workers: The residence of economic dependents is presented at the same time as that of the holder, provided that the link between them is proven. Previously, the residence of the holder had to be approved first, followed by that of the dependents.
    • Residence requirements:
      • Criminal or police record: may be issued by embassies or consulates in Guatemala or other countries, or by the country of residence for the last two years. Previously, this was required for the last five years.
      • Passport validity: the requirement for a passport validity certificate has been eliminated provided that there is diplomatic representation in Guatemala. If there is no diplomatic representation, a valid birth certificate with an apostille must be presented.
      • Guarantor certificate: this requirement has been eliminated for temporary residence for migrant workers; the guarantee is accredited solely with the guarantor’s certification.
    • Investor residence: specific requirements have been added depending on the investment to be made, which allows for a more secure application process, always with proof of a minimum investment of US$100,000.
    • Updating of data: for foreign adults or minors, the Certificate of Domiciled Foreigner with CUI issued by RENAP must be presented.
    • Documents in other languages: these may be translated at embassies or consulates.
    • Inactive files: if the procedure is not followed up for 6 months or more, the IGM will archive the file. To reactivate it, a fine must be paid for staying in Guatemala beyond the authorized period.

II- Regulations on Registration of Ordinary Immigration Status

    • The principle of legitimacy is incorporated: IGM records are presumed to be accurate and truthful.
    • Correction of errors: regulated by a rectification process, although the procedure is not specified.
    • Registration of residents: requirements for temporary and permanent residents have been added, depending on the type of residence.
    • Legal guarantors: tax solvency, financial statements, and trade union membership are no longer required. Instead, a tax return (SAT) and certification of the minutes of the supreme body authorizing the guarantor are required.
    • Field checks: these are now mandatory in all cases, rather than random.
    • Additional requirements: the IGM may request additional documents or information when analyzing guarantor files, without specifying which ones, at the discretion of the authority.
    • Revocation of guarantor registration: may be applied for failure to comply with obligations or failure to file tax returns within the established deadline, which will impact the residences of foreigners who depend on that guarantee.

III- Guatemalan Visa Regulations

    • To obtain a Category “B” Visa (Consular):
      • Bank statements may be submitted in Spanish or English.
      • If an international credit card is used, the account statements for the last 3 months must be attached.
    • Category “C” visas (upon consultation with the IGM):
      • It is no longer a requirement to present a certificate of passport validity or a round-trip ticket.
      • The Guatemalan guarantor may not support more than three applicants at a time.
    • Visa validity
      • Single visa: minimum 6 months, maximum 12 months.
      • Multiple visa: minimum 1 year, maximum 5 years.
    • Visas for people attending academic or professional events, conferences, seminars, or workshops no longer require a guarantor, which facilitates entry.
    • Preferential treatment:
      • Foreigners in categories B or C who are married to Guatemalans (minimum 6 months of marriage registered with RENAP) or who have Guatemalan children are upgraded to category A (visa exempt).
      • Those who can prove 3 years of continuous residence in a category A country also receive category A treatment.

📩 For more information, please write to us at migracionGT@consortiumlegal.com