Visa requirements

Guatemala

General visa requirements for travelling to Guatemala. These policies apply to all nationalities unless a country-specific policy exists.

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Work / Immigration visa (Work Visa - Temporary Residence)

Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026

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

1. Document gathering

   Gather passport, employment contract, employer letter, police clearance and criminal background check from all countries of residence in past 5 years

2. Document submission

   Employer or employee submits temporary residence permit application to Ministry of Interior. Proof of application is required for work permit.

3. Fee payment

   Pay residence permit fee based on duration (1 year: $200, 2 years: $300, 3-5 years: $500, plus $25 application fee)

4. Processing wait

   Wait for temporary residence approval

This information is provided for general guidance only. Visa requirements can change frequently and may vary by nationality. Always verify with the official embassy or consulate before making travel plans. Contact [email protected] for assistance.