Guatemala•North AmericaTemporary Residence - Migrant Worker (Residencia Temporal - Trabajador Migrante)
At a Glance
Varies
USD $50
Varies (Duration determined on case-by-case basis)
Renewable
Renewal
Renewable
Family
Dependents allowed
PR Pathway
Yes
Sponsor
Job offer required
Work
Remote not required
Overview
Temporary residence for foreigners employed by a Guatemalan company, requiring a work permit from the Ministry of Labor and a valid job offer, granted for 1-5 years.
The Temporary Residence – Migrant Worker visa is designed for foreign nationals who have secured employment with a company legally established in Guatemala. This category facilitates the legal stay of international professionals and workers, ensuring they can contribute to the local economy while maintaining a regularized immigration status. The process is managed by the Instituto Guatemalteco de Migración (IGM) and requires the applicant to have a valid, notified work permit issued by the Ministry of Labor and Social Welfare, along with a formal job offer that outlines the specific conditions of their employment.
To qualify for this residency, applicants must provide standard documentation, including a valid passport and a criminal record check from their country of origin or residence. Additionally, the employer must act as a guarantor, and the applicant is required to maintain valid health insurance throughout their stay. The residency is typically granted for a period of one to five years, depending on the employment contract. Dependents of the worker, such as a spouse or children, may also apply for residency under the same status, provided they meet the necessary legal requirements to prove their relationship.
Conversion Paths
Visas you can typically switch to from this status.
GuatemalaPermanent Residency for Rentistas or Pensionados
Requirements
PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS
Valid employment offer from a company legally established in Guatemala.
Approval of a work permit by the Ministry of Labor and Social Welfare (MINTRAB).
Valid passport with at least 6 months of validity.
Certification of passport validity issued by the applicant's home country consulate.
Clean criminal and police records from the country of origin and/or residence.
Appointment of a Guatemalan guarantor (garante guatemalteco).
KEY CRITERIA
Education
bachelor or higher
REQUIRED DOCUMENTS
Application form for temporary residence.
Original passport and legalized copy.
Certification of passport validity from the home country consulate.
Original job offer letter specifying conditions, salary, and duration.
Work permit issued by the Ministry of Labor.
Apostilled/legalized criminal and police records.
Notarized affidavit of the Guatemalan guarantor.
Proof of payment of fees.
Advantages & Considerations
Key Benefits
- Legal authorization to live and work in Guatemala for a defined period.
- Path toward potential permanent residency after 5 years.
- Allows for the inclusion of immediate family members under the same status.
Worth Knowing
- The residency is tied to the specific employer; changing jobs requires a new authorization process.
- The process is document-intensive and requires apostilles/legalizations from the country of origin.
- The applicant must maintain the status and apply for renewals before the expiration date.
Application Process
Secure a formal job offer from a Guatemalan employer.
The employer must initiate and obtain the work permit from the Ministry of Labor.
Complete the residency application form provided by the IGM.
Compile all required documents, including apostilled/legalized criminal records.
Submit the complete application file to the IGM Sub-directorate of Foreigners (Subdirección de Extranjería).
Pay the residency application fee (USD 50).
Attend any required interviews and await the resolution.
Application Forms
| Athlete Visa Application | — |
Related visas
More visas in Guatemala
Work visas in other countries
- Specialty Occupation Worker
United States
- Religious Worker LMIA-Exempt Work Permit
Canada
- CARICOM Skills Certificate (CSME Free Movement)
Trinidad and Tobago
Ready to see if the Temporary Residence - Migrant Worker (Residencia Temporal - Trabajador Migrante) is your visa path?
Discover how your answers compare with the published requirements. 2 minutes. Free to use.
Start Visa Discovery