Updates in the New Regulation on Guatemalan Residencies
On October 7, 2025, the new Guatemalan Migration Institute (IGM) Residency Regulations, Agreement No. 15-2025, will come into effect.
The previous regulations only regulated the category of migrant workers for those with a Guatemalan employer. This new regulation expands the category of migrant workers now including:
- Migrant workers with foreign employers.
- Self-employed workers.
For the first case, the regulations require the foreigner to prove, through bank statements or an accountant's certification, a remuneration from abroad for a minimum amount of US$2,000.00 er month received during the previous year or US$3,000.00 per month if accompanied by dependents.
Foreigners whose employers are non-governmental organizations (NGOs) or international organizations are exempt from submitting this documentation. In which case, they must provide proof of employment.
For the second case, foreigners who carry out commercial and industrial activities on their own account (self-employed) or with their families are required to be authorized to engage in paid activities within the national territory, holding a business license or certification of registration as a sole trader. They must also be registered before the Superintendency of Tax Administration.
In both cases, the most innovative thing is that a guarantor is not required to appear in these applications, which is in line with both migratory statuses.
These changes are beneficial or foreigners seeking to reside in Guatemala, carrying out activities and work in settings other than those permitted by previous regulation, helping to attract foreign investment and generate new sources of employment in the country.
In addition to these new updates, there are other relevant changes in immigration matters, which should be analyzed on a case-by-case basis. Therefore, you can contact us for personalized advice on this matter.
The information provided by ARIAS® is presented for informational purposes only. This information is not legal advice and is not intended to create, and does not constitute, an attorney-client relationship. Readers should not act upon this information without seeking advice from professional advisers.