Guatemala Investment Visa | A Complete Guide

Application Process:

1. Application Submission: To apply for the Guatemala Investment Visa, you must first finalize your investment. Following this, gather all necessary documents and schedule an appointment with the nearest Guatemalan embassy or consulate. Alternatively, you may opt to submit your application directly at the Guatemalan Institute of Migration (IGM) in Guatemala City, where an in-person interview will also be conducted.

The essential documents for this program include:

• Applicant Identification Documents: This category covers passports for all primary and dependent applicants, each valid for at least six months beyond the application date. Additionally, you’ll need passport-sized photos and relationship-proving documents such as birth certificates and marriage certificates for all listed dependents.

• Completed Application Form: A specific investment visa application form must be accurately filled out.

• Investment and Residence Plan: A detailed and legally binding document is required. This document must clearly articulate the economic activities you intend to pursue in Guatemala with your investment funds, alongside your planned residential arrangements within the country.

• Proof of Health Insurance Coverage: You are required to purchase health insurance valid in Guatemala for all primary and dependent applicants, ensuring coverage for one year per person.

• Police Clearance Certificate: Every adult primary and dependent applicant must furnish a police clearance certificate. This certificate should be issued by any region where they have resided for more than one year within the last five years.

It is crucial to note that all documents originating outside of Guatemala must be notarized, and any documents not in Spanish must be professionally translated into Spanish.

2. Background Investigation: Upon receipt of your visa application, the Guatemalan Institute of Migration (IGM) will commence a thorough review and conduct a comprehensive background investigation. This assessment period typically spans approximately two to three months.

3. Temporary Residence Permit: Should your background check be approved, you will be issued a temporary residence permit. This permit’s validity can range from one to five years. Once you have entered Guatemala and successfully completed all stipulated investments, you may then apply to convert this temporary residence permit into a formal investment permit.

Dependents:

With the Guatemala Investment Visa, the main applicant’s spouse and their financially dependent children can also obtain the visa as dependents.

Minimum Residency Requirement:

For Investment Visa holders, there’s a minimum stay requirement: you must reside in Guatemala for at least 21 days during the first year. After that, you’ll need to be in the country for a minimum of 28 days every two years.

Visa Validity:

The Guatemala Investment Visa is valid for a maximum of five years and can be continuously renewed under the original conditions upon expiration.

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.