Home > North America > Guatemala > How To Get Residency In Guatemala | A Complete Guide
How To Get Residency in Guatemala | A Complete Guide
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 June 13rd, 2025, 1 Guatemalan Quetzal=0.13 USD)
GDP per Captial: $15,386 (2025 estimated, 121st)
Human Development Index: 0.662 (137th)
Country Profile:
Guatemala stands as the most populous nation in Central America and is recognized as the birthplace of the illustrious Mayan civilization. Here, the ancient Mayans forged a vibrant civilization, leaving behind a wealth of significant archaeological sites that bear witness to their profound legacy.
Economically, Guatemala’s foundation lies predominantly in agriculture, with its primary exports comprising coffee, bananas, sugar, and various vegetables. While its manufacturing and service sectors are experiencing gradual growth, the nation, despite recent economic advancements, continues to grapple with formidable challenges including poverty, corruption, and pervasive inequality.
How to get residency in Guatemala:
Guatemala offers a variety of long-term residency permits for foreigners intending to live there permanently. These include options such as work visas, family reunification visas, artist visas, religious worker visas, research visas, refugee visas, student visas, retirement visas, and investment visas.
Among these visa options, two categories attract the most applicants:
1. Retirement Visa: This visa is for individuals from abroad with a monthly passive income of at least $1,250 USD.
Despite its name, the retirement visa has no age restrictions or limitations on the source of income. As long as you meet the passive income requirement, you’re eligible to apply for the Guatemala Retirement Visa. Holders of this visa also enjoy certain tax benefits and senior welfare advantages in Guatemala.
2. Investment Visa: The Guatemala Investment Visa is issued to foreign investors who invest a minimum of $100,000 USD in the country.
Applicants must provide a detailed, legally binding document that explains the economic activities they’ll undertake with their investment and how these activities will impact the local area, along with their residence plan in Guatemala.
Dependents:
For most Guatemalan immigration visas, the main applicant’s spouse and their financially dependent children can also obtain the visa as dependents.
Permanent Residency & Citizenship:
After legally residing in Guatemala for two years and having no criminal record, foreigners are eligible to apply for permanent residency.
Foreigners who have held a legal Guatemalan visa for at least five years, have had a total absence from the country not exceeding 6 to 12 months within those five years, possess a command of Spanish, understand Guatemalan history and social customs, and have no local criminal record, are eligible to apply for Guatemalan citizenship.
Passport Power:
Guatemala recognizes dual citizenship. The Guatemalan passport ranks 37th globally, and its holders can travel freely (either visa-free or with visa on arrival) to 134 countries and regions worldwide (As of June 13rd, 2025).
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