Visa & Immigration Guide for Guatemala
Everything you need to know about entering, staying, and building a life in Guatemala — from tourist visas to permanent residency.
Tourist Visa (90 Days)
Guatemala is part of the CA-4 Agreement along with Honduras, El Salvador, and Nicaragua. This means your 90-day visa-free period is shared across all four countries. If you spend 30 days in Honduras, you only have 60 days left when you arrive in Guatemala.
Important: The 90 days are cumulative across all CA-4 nations. Traveling between them does not reset your clock.
Visa-Free Entry for Citizens of:
Requirements at Entry:
- Passport valid for at least 6 months beyond your entry date
- Proof of onward travel (return ticket or ticket to another country)
- Proof of sufficient funds (credit card, bank statement, or ~$50/day in cash)
- No visa fee for eligible nationalities
Extending Your Stay
When your 90 days are running out, you have several options to legally extend your time in Guatemala. The most common methods:
Border Run (Most Common)
Travel to Mexico or Belize (countries outside the CA-4 agreement). Stay at least 72 hours, then re-enter Guatemala for a fresh 90-day stamp.
Official Extension at Migracion
Visit the Direccion General de Migracion office in Guatemala City to apply for a 90-day extension. This can only be done once per entry.
Residency Options
Guatemala offers several residency pathways depending on your situation. All require applying through the Direccion General de Migracion and typically need a local immigration attorney (costs $500-$1,500 for legal fees).
Temporary Residency
1 Year- Valid for 1 year, renewable
- Can open bank accounts
- Get a local phone plan
- Need proof of income or employment
Permanent Residency
Unlimited- After 2+ years of temporary residency
- No renewal needed
- Path to citizenship (after 5 years total)
- Full right to work
Pensionado (Retirees)
Retirees- Minimum $1,000/month income proof
- Social Security or pension qualifies
- Tax benefits on imported goods
- Popular with US/Canadian retirees
Inversionista (Investors)
Investors- Minimum $50,000 USD investment
- Real estate or business qualifies
- Fastest path to residency
- Can hire local employees
Required Documents for Residency
All documents from your home country must be apostilled (certified for international use) and translated into Spanish by a certified translator in Guatemala. Budget $200-$400 for translations.
Valid Passport
Must be valid for at least 1 year. Bring the original plus 3 color copies of the photo page.
Birth Certificate
Original with apostille from your state/country. Must be issued within the last 6 months for some nationalities.
Police Background Check
FBI background check (US) or equivalent. Must be less than 6 months old. Get apostilled before traveling.
Proof of Income or Pension
Bank statements (last 3-6 months), Social Security letter, pension statement, or employment contract.
Passport-sized Photos
6 recent photos, white background, 2x2 inches. Available at any Foto Rapida shop for ~Q25.
Application Forms
Available at the Migracion office or their website. Your attorney will typically prepare these.
Health Certificate
Medical exam from a Guatemalan doctor. Includes blood tests. Cost: ~Q200-400 ($25-50).
Work Permits
Working legally in Guatemala requires either employer sponsorship or forming your own company. The process is bureaucratic but manageable with a good immigration attorney.
Employer Sponsorship
A Guatemalan company must sponsor your work permit application. They need to demonstrate that the position cannot be filled by a local worker. The employer handles most of the paperwork.
Start Your Own Company
Register a Sociedad Anonima (S.A.) — Guatemala's equivalent of an LLC. This gives you the right to work as a company director. Many expats and digital nomads choose this route.
Digital Nomad Tips
Gray Area: Guatemala does not have a specific digital nomad visa. Most remote workers operate on a tourist visa, which is technically not authorized for work. However, enforcement for remote workers earning foreign income is essentially nonexistent.
Use a VPN for Banking
Many US/EU banks flag logins from Guatemala. A VPN set to your home country prevents account freezes and avoids triggering fraud alerts on your cards.
Get a Local Bank Account
Banrural and BAM are the easiest banks for foreigners. You'll need your passport and a utility bill or rental contract. Keeps you from ATM fees.
Tax Obligations
You likely still owe taxes in your home country. Guatemala doesn't tax foreign-sourced income for tourists. Consult a tax professional in both countries.
Internet Speeds
Antigua and Guatemala City have reliable fiber (50-200 Mbps). Lake Atitlan varies by town — Panajachel is solid, San Marcos can be spotty. Always have a Tigo/Claro SIM as backup.
Coworking Spaces
Impact Hub (Guatemala City), Selina (multiple locations), The Refuge (Antigua), and Loft (Panajachel) offer day passes ($5-15) and monthly memberships ($80-150).
Useful Contacts
Direccion General de Migracion
Main immigration office for visa extensions and residency applications.
U.S. Embassy Guatemala
American Citizen Services for passport renewals, notarizations, and emergencies.
Canadian Embassy Guatemala
Consular services for Canadian citizens.
British Honorary Consul
Limited services; major consular matters handled by British Embassy in Mexico City.
Quick Summary
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