Country Profile:

Guatemala, situated in Central America’s slender region, lies between the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. Guatemala’s abundance of biologically significant and unique ecosystems includes many endemic species and contributes to Mesoamerica’s designation as a biodiversity hotspot.

Capital: Guatemala City

Population: 17,980,803 (2023, 69th)

Ethnic Group: 56.01% Ladino / Mestizo, 41.66% Maya, 1.77% Xinca

Area: 108,889 km² (105th)

Offical Language: Spanish

Currency: Quetzal (as of Apr 10th, 2024, 1 Guatemalan Quetzal=0.13 USD)

GDP per Captial: $10,998 (2024, 121st)

How To Become A Resident In Guatemala:

Beyond work visas and family-based immigration, Guatemala provides foreigners with an option to apply for an income visa that requires a minimum monthly income of $1,250. Additionally, there’s an investment visa option requiring a minimum investment of $60,000.

Investment Visa:

Guatemala’s investment visa is offered to foreigners who purchase government bonds worth more than $60,000 locally and hold them for over 5 years.

Applicants must also meet the following criteria: No criminal record within the past 5 years; purchase medical insurance that covers them locally; and have a local individual or company vouch for the applicant’s good character and financial health.

Investment visa holders must stay in Guatemala for at least 21 days during the first year. Afterward, they must reside for a minimum of 28 days every two years. The visa has a validity of 5 years, and as long as the basic residency conditions are met and the investment is maintained, the visa can be renewed indefinitely.

Visa holders can own a business and/or take employment in Guatemala. Moreover, after obtaining the investment visa, foreigners can apply for Guatemalan citizenship after 9 months. In contrast, through the regular pathway, foreigners need to reside in the country for at least 2 years before they can apply for a Guatemalan passport.

Income Visa:

Similar to many Latin American countries, Guatemala offers two types of income visas: the retirement visa (Pensionado Visa) intended for retirees, and the general income visa (Rentista Residency) for the general public. In 2023, the primary financial requirement for both income visa applicants is a stable monthly income of $1,250 from outside Guatemala.

Applicants must also meet several basic criteria, including:

• No criminal record.

• Pose no threat to local security.

• Be in good health.

• Purchase local health insurance coverage.

To apply for this visa, the necessary documents include:

• A passport valid for more than 6 months.

• Proof of no criminal record.

• Income proof.

• A completed application form.

• Payment for processing fees.

All documents must be notarized and translate into Spanish.

The visa application process, which needs to be done in person, generally follows these steps:

1. Appointment: With all required documents ready, applicants should schedule an appointment with the local consulate and pay a visa application fee of $400.

2. In-person interview: Visit the consulate on the scheduled day, complete the application form, and have an interview.

3. Approval: The Guatemalan Ministry of Interior will review your application and decide within 15 days whether to grant the visa.

4. Entry registration: After being granted a visa and entering Guatemala, visa holders need to register with the local immigration office and obtain a foreigner’s residence card within 15 working days.

Both income visa have a validity of 5 years and can be renewed. Applicants can bring along their spouse and children under 25 years of age. The visa fee for each dependent is $300.

It is important to note that if visa holders leave Guatemala for more than one consecutive year, their visa will be revoked.

Naturalization:

After legally residing in Guatemala for 2 years, foreigners can apply for local permanent residency.

A person who has renounced previous citizenship and who has lived legally in the country for five years collectively without being out of the country for more than one year, or for periods of time that total ten years, or for two years continuously, is eligible for Guatemala citizenship.

Passport Power:

Except for certain Latin American countries, Guatemala does not recognize dual citizenship. The Guatemalan passport ranks 38th globally, and its holders can travel freely (either visa-free or with visa on arrival) to 137 countries and regions worldwide (As of Feb 1st, 2024).