The National Immigration Authority of Guatemala published in the Diario de Centroamérica three new regulations that will take effect on October 8, 2025.
These provisions introduce substantial changes that affect both foreign residents and the companies that employ them, creating new hiring modalities, residency requirements, and obligations for companies acting as guarantors.
Agreement IGM 016-2025 – Regulation on Guatemalan Residencies
This regulation establishes new categories for migrant workers:
- With a Guatemalan employer (traditional modality).
- With a foreign employer not based in Guatemala (new option).
- Self-employed (new option for independent workers).
Additionally, economic dependents of migrant workers may now apply for residency simultaneously with the main applicant, streamlining family procedures.
Agreement IGM 017-2025 – Regulation on the Registration of Ordinary Immigration Status
The requirements for legal entity guarantors have been simplified. It will no longer be necessary to submit a tax compliance certificate, financial statements, or a chamber membership letter. Instead, it will be sufficient to provide:
- A tax declaration filed with the Superintendence of Tax Administration (SAT).
- Certification of the resolution issued by the entity’s supreme body authorizing it to act as a guarantor.
In addition, field verifications will now be mandatory in all cases, and the Guatemalan Migration Institute (IGM) will be authorized to request additional documentation or information when reviewing guarantor files. The regulation does not establish a closed list of requirements, leaving this at the discretion of the authority.
Agreement IGM 015-2025 – Regulation on Guatemalan Visas
Significant adjustments have been introduced regarding visas:
- For Category “B” visas (Consular Processing):
- Bank statements may be submitted in Spanish or English.
- If using an international credit card, statements from the last three months must be included.
- For Category “C” visas (Consulted Visa):
- It will no longer be required to present a passport validity certificate or a round-trip ticket.
- The Guatemalan guarantor may not support more than three applicants at a time.
