Ways to live in Guatemala
These are the residence routes in Bordr's guide that we have checked against official sources. Each one links to the government page.
Programme details are shown in English.
Work permit Work permits →
Temporary residence for workers
For people hired by a Guatemalan or foreign employer, or working on their own account.
- What you need
- Signed and legalised employment contract, Ministry of Labour certificate where needed, the employer's registration and tax documents.
- How long
- for the length of the contract, up to 5 years
- Renewable
- Yes
- Cost
- US$25 application plus US$200–500 depending on length
- How to apply
- Guatemalan Migration Institute (IGM)
- Path to permanent residence
- After 5 years of temporary residence you can apply for permanent residence.
Student visa Student visas →
Temporary residence for students
For foreigners enrolled at a Guatemalan school or university.
- What you need
- Enrolment letter from the school, proof of financial means, passport and police certificate.
- Renewable
- Yes
- Cost
- US$25 application plus US$100 per year granted
- How to apply
- Guatemalan Migration Institute (IGM)
Passive income visa Passive income visas →
Permanent residence for rentiers and pensioners
Permanent residence for people living on a pension or stable income from abroad, without needing temporary residence first.
- What you need
- At least US$1,250 a month from abroad, plus US$300 for each dependant; pension or bank statements; no paid work in Guatemala; proof that the income continues every 5 years.
- Income
- from about $1,250 a month
- How long
- permanent
- Cost
- US$25 application, US$400 status fee, US$40 a year
- How to apply
- Guatemalan Migration Institute (IGM), Guatemala City
- Family
- Family members can come with you
Investment and golden visa Investment and golden visas →
Temporary residence for investors
For foreigners investing at least US$100,000 in Guatemala.
- What you need
- Notarised sworn statement on the business activity and planned stay, documents proving an investment of at least US$100,000.
- How long
- 1–5 years
- Renewable
- Yes
- Cost
- US$25 application plus US$200 (1 year), US$300 (2 years) or US$500 (3–5 years)
- How to apply
- Guatemalan Migration Institute (IGM)
- Family
- Family members can come with you
- Path to permanent residence
- After 5 years of temporary residence you can apply for permanent residence.
Cost of living
Monthly amounts in US dollars.
| Room in a shared flat | $300 |
|---|---|
| One-bedroom flat | $550 |
| Two-bedroom flat | $850 |
| Bills | $80 |
| Typical local salary | $650 |
Some of these figures are estimates; treat them as a rough guide.
Cities to consider
Climate by month, neighbourhoods and costs for each city are in the Bordr guide.
What life is like
Programme details are shown in English.
Why people move
Mayan culture is alive in markets, textiles and festivals, framed by volcanoes and lakes. Antigua is the favourite base for expats with its cobbled streets, while Lake Atitlán towns attract a creative, wellness-focused crowd.
Day to day
Shuttles connect tourist hubs, while colourful chicken buses serve locals. Private hospitals in Guatemala City are the best option. Cash is preferred outside cities, internet works well in Antigua, and Spanish is essential.
Trade-offs
Crime is a concern, particularly in parts of Guatemala City. Roads are slow and mountainous. Volcanic activity and the rainy season can disrupt travel.
Before you move: visa-free entry
Most people arrive as visitors first, then apply from inside the country or come back with the right visa. How long you can stay as a visitor depends on your passport:
United States90 days
United Kingdom90 days
Australia90 days
Canada90 days
New Zealand90 days
Switzerland90 days
Norway90 days
Singapore90 days
Japan90 days
South Korea90 days
Israel90 days
United Arab Emirates90 days
Hong KongVisa
South Africa90 days
Mexico90 days
Brazil90 days
Questions
Does Guatemala have a digital nomad visa?
Not among the routes we have checked. Remote workers usually come as visitors within the visa-free limit or use one of the other routes on this page.
How can I move to Guatemala?
The routes we have checked are: Work permit, Student visa, Passive income visa, Investment and golden visa.
Sources and last check
This page is general information, not legal or immigration advice. Requirements change; confirm with the official government page or a licensed adviser before you apply.
