Minimum wage in Guatemala 2025: Increase and new guidelines
On January 1, 2025, the new minimum wage in Guatemala came into effect, according to Government Agreement No. 264-2024 issued by the Ministry of Labor and Social Welfare. This adjustment aims to improve labor conditions in the agricultural, non-agricultural, and maquila sectors.
The minimum wage for agricultural and non-agricultural activities in Economic Circumscriptions 1 (EC 1) and 2 (EC 2) increase by 10%. Additionally, maquila and export activities in both circumscriptions (EC 1 and EC 2) see an increase of 6%. Thus, for 2025, the monthly minimum wages is as follows:
Economic Circumscription 1 (Guatemala Department):
- Agricultural: Q3,593.55
- Non-Agricultural: Q3,723.05
- Maquila: Q3,278.59
Economic Circumscription 2 (Rest of the country):
- Agricultural: Q3,436.86
- Non-Agricultural: Q3,550.60
- Maquila: Q3,097.21
Employer Considerations
- Payment of the Ornamental Ticket: Every employer must ensure that their workers provide proof of payment for the ornamental ticket. If this is not presented, the corresponding amount must be deducted from the employee’s salary.
- Employer’s Annual Report: This report is mandatory during the first two months of the year and must be submitted via the Ministry of Labor’s electronic platform.
The supervision of minimum wage compliance will be the responsibility of the General Labor Inspectorate, which will ensure payments are made according to the current regulations. Employers must maintain up-to-date labor records based on their activities and workplace locations.
Failure to pay the minimum wage will result in penalties according to Article 272 of the Labor Code, without exempting the employer from the obligation to settle the amounts owed. Additionally, the General Directorate of Labor will not register contracts that fail to meet the legal requirements outlined in Article 29 of the Labor Code.
It is important to note that the minimum wage provisions do not affect rights previously acquired by workers. Furthermore, the National Wage Commission will be responsible for analyzing and adjusting the minimum wage based on objective criteria and in line with ILO Convention 131.
Paúl Rodríguez
paul.rodriguez@garciabodan.com
Senior Associate
García & Bodán
Guatemala