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Residence & citizenship

Guatemalan Temporary Residence

An ordinary migratory status allowing a foreigner to live in Guatemala for a defined, renewable period.

Expert reviewed Official guidance referenced
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Under review — check current rules

The validity/duration of each temporary residence category, renewal periods and fees 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 Temporal
Route type
Temporary residence (multiple categories)
Administered by
IGM – Subdirección de Extranjería
Path to permanent residence
Generally after 5 years as a temporary resident
Maximum validity
Up to 5 years
Periods that can be requested
1, 2 or 3–5 years
Depending on the category and, for workers, the employer's labour offer
Refugee / political asylee temporary residence fee
US$50
Per the IGM Tarifario de Extranjería
Renewal
Renew before expiry; after 5 years apply for permanent residence
Except students, who may extend temporary residence for the duration of their studies (art. 78 Migration Code)

Who it is for

  • Foreigners with a qualifying purpose in Guatemala (work, study, investment, research, religious ministry, etc.).
  • Applicants intending to reside regularly for a defined, renewable period.

How to apply

  • Apply through the IGM's Subdirección de Extranjería under the relevant category.
  • Submit identity, background and category-specific documents, legalised or apostilled where issued abroad.
  • Renew before expiry, and apply for permanent residence when the qualifying period is met.

Validity and renewal

  • Temporary residence is granted for up to five years; depending on the category you may request a period of 1, 2, or 3–5 years.
  • For migrant workers the period granted follows the employer's labour offer, subject to IGM approval.
  • Renew before the current period expires.
  • To stay beyond five years you must apply for permanent residence (article 78 of the Migration Code), except students, who may keep extending temporary residence for as long as their studies last.

Frequently asked questions

  • Temporary residence is granted for up to five years, and depending on the category you can request a 1, 2 or 3–5 year period. After five years as a temporary resident you generally have to apply for permanent residence; students are the exception and may keep extending temporary residence for the duration of their studies.

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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