Work visas
Guatemalan Work Visa
For foreigners entering Guatemala to carry out remunerated work, coordinated with the applicable work authorisation.
Expert reviewed Official guidance referenced
Under review — check current rules
Validity, renewal terms, cost and any labour-authorisation prerequisites for the work visa are not confirmed here and should be verified against current IGM guidance.
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.
- Official name
- Visa de Trabajo
- Route type
- Employment / remunerated-activity visa
- Related status
- Temporary residence (migrant worker category) for longer stays
- Related residence status
- Temporary residence – migrant worker (Residencia Temporal para Trabajador Migrante)
- Maximum residence duration
- Up to 5 years
- Periods of 1, 2 or 3–5 years can be requested, according to the employer's labour offer
- Work permit
- Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare permit required within 3 months
- Must be filed with the IGM within 3 months of the residency resolution, or the residency is revoked
- Where to apply
- IGM – Subdirección de Extranjería
- Visa filing fee (within Guatemala)
- US$25
- Payable in the quetzal equivalent set quarterly by the IGM
Who it is for
- Foreign nationals coming to Guatemala to undertake paid work.
- Workers whose stay will be supported by an employer or engagement in Guatemala.
How to apply
- Follow the IGM work-visa requirements and form for your nationality category.
- For extended employment, apply for temporary residence as a migrant worker through the IGM's Subdirección de Extranjería.
- Check current requirements on the IGM work-visa page before applying.
Requirements
- Certification of passport validity issued by your country's embassy or consulate accredited in Guatemala, or a certified copy of the complete passport.
- Original letter-offer of employment stating the term, form of payment, place where the work will be performed and other conditions set by the Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare.
- Work permit issued by the Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare, to be filed with the IGM within a maximum of three months after the residency resolution is notified.
- Proof of payment of the applicable fee (provided at the time of submission).
Frequently asked questions
Yes. Long-term work is arranged through migrant-worker temporary residence, and after the residency resolution you must file a work permit issued by the Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare (Ministerio de Trabajo y Previsión Social) with the IGM within three months. Failure to do so is grounds for revoking the residency.
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.