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Residence & citizenship

Guatemalan Permanent Residence

Indefinite legal residence in Guatemala for qualifying foreigners, including long-term temporary residents moving to a permanent status.

Expert reviewed Official guidance referenced
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Under review — check current rules

The minimum income thresholds for rentista/pensionado applicants and applicable fees are not confirmed here and should be verified against the current IGM residences regulation.

Important information

Immigration rules and fees can change. This information is for general guidance only and does not constitute legal advice. Always check the latest requirements on the official Guatemala government website before you apply.
On this page
Official name
Residencia Permanente
Route type
Permanent residence (indefinite)
Qualifying period
5 years as a temporary resident (1 year for Central Americans)
Administered by
IGM – Subdirección de Extranjería

Who it is for

  • Foreigners who have held temporary residence for five years.
  • Central Americans who have been temporary residents for at least one year.
  • Family members within the degrees of law of a Guatemalan.
  • Rentistas and pensionados with permanent, lawful income generated outside Guatemala.

Requirements

  • For 5-year temporary residents: certification of five years as a temporary resident, a notarised statement of activity, and an updated guarantor statement (religious persons exempt).
  • For Central Americans: an apostilled birth certificate proving Central American origin and certification of at least one year's temporary residence.
  • Documents issued abroad must be apostilled or otherwise legalised.

How to apply

  • Apply through the IGM's Subdirección de Extranjería under the relevant permanent-residence category.
  • Provide the category-specific certifications and supporting documents.

Official sources

For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to the official government sources.

Verified against official gov.uk sources · last reviewed 2026-08-21. Information only — not legal advice.

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