Work Visa - Temporary Residence
Embassy required
- Processing time
- 35 business days (15 for residence, 20 for work permit)
- Fee
- $200-500 USD plus $25 application fee
- Validity
- 1-5 years based on employment contract
- Entry
- Single entry
Work permits require first obtaining temporary residence permit. Temporary residence is valid for 1-5 years based on employment contract. Must be sponsored by legally registered Guatemalan employer. As of April 2026, stricter background checks required including police clearance certificates.
Eligibility
-
Employment
Must have job offer from legally registered company in Guatemala
Required status: Employment contract with registered Guatemalan company
-
Criminal record
As of April 2026, must obtain police clearance certificate and criminal clearance certificate from each country of legal residence for past 5 years, apostilled or legalized
Documents you need
-
Passport
Blank pages required: 2; Validity months: 6
-
Photo
Count: 2; Specifications: Passport-size colour photographs
-
Employment letter
Provide a signed employer letter confirming your role, leave dates, salary and return to work.
Must include leave approval: No; Must include position: Yes; Must include salary: Yes
-
Police clearance
Validity months: 6
How to apply
-
Document gathering
Gather passport, employment contract, employer letter, police clearance and criminal background check from all countries of residence in past 5 years
-
Document submission
Employer or employee submits temporary residence permit application to Ministry of Interior. Proof of application is required for work permit.
-
Fee payment
Pay residence permit fee based on duration (1 year: $200, 2 years: $300, 3-5 years: $500, plus $25 application fee)
-
Processing wait
Wait for temporary residence approval