Guatemala
What are the visa & residency requirements in Guatemala?
We asked people about the visa & residency requirements in Guatemala, they wrote...
"You are allowed to stay in country 90 days before you have to exit country and renew. El Salvador, Honduras, and Nicaragua don't count. So most folks go to Mexico. It is also possible to pay someone to take your passport to the border and get you stamped out and back in. There are people who have lived here for many years doing exactly this. Residency is complex (like almost every country) but if you can qualify as a permanent resident (pensionista) you can obtain citizenship and passport in five years," wrote a member who made the move to Lake Atitlan, Guatemala.
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"In order to visit Guatemala, foreign nationals must obtain a visa prior to their arrival. The process of applying for a visa involves submitting an application form, a valid passport, a passport-sized photograph, and the applicable visa fee. Depending on the purpose of the visit, additional documents may be required. In order to obtain residency in Guatemala, foreign nationals must submit an application form, a valid passport, a passport-sized photograph, and the applicable fee. They must also provide proof of financial stability, a criminal background check, and a medical certificate. Depending on the type of residency, additional documents may be required. Once the application is approved, the applicant will receive a residency card, which must be renewed every two years," explained one expat living in Guatemala.
Other Questions:
- What should I pack when moving to Guatemala?
- Where should I setup a bank account in Guatemala?
- Will I be able to find a job in Guatemala?
- What is life like in Guatemala?
- What do expats in Guatemala appreciate most about the local culture?
- What do expats find most challenging?
- Is there a lot of crime in Guatemala?
- Is there a lot of diversity? Are people in Guatemala accepting of differences?
- What are the schools in Guatemala like?
- What are healthcare services like in Guatemala?
- What are medical services in Guatemala like?
- Are healthcare and health insurance expensive in Guatemala?
- What are emergency services like in Guatemala?
- Will I need to travel to see a specialist?
- Are common prescription medications available in Guatemala?
- How are local medical facilities in Guatemala?
- As a foreigner living in Guatemala, will I have access to public healthcare? What is it like?
- What have your experiences during the pandemic with the local healthcare system been like?
What are the visa & residency requirements in Guatemala?
If you live in Guatemala, newcomers to Guatemala would love to hear your answer to this question:
About the Author
Joshua Wood, LPC joined Expat Exchange in 2000 and serves as one of its Co-Presidents. He is also one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. Prior to Expat Exchange, Joshua worked for NBC Cable (MSNBC and CNBC
Primetime). Joshua has a BA from Syracuse and a Master's in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Mr. Wood is also a licensed counselor and psychotherapist.
Some of Joshua's articles include Pros and Cons of Living in Portugal, 10 Best Places to Live in Ireland and Pros and Cons of Living in Uruguay. Connect with Joshua on LinkedIn.
