FAQ
Common questions.
How much income do I need for the Guatemala retirement visa?
At least USD 1,250 a month from a pension, or from steady income earned outside Guatemala such as bank interest, investments or rent. Each dependant adds USD 300 a month.
Is there an age limit for the Guatemala retirement visa?
The rules set no minimum age.
What do I need for the Guatemala retirement visa?
The official page asks for: passport with your last entry stamp, and a notarised copy, police or criminal record certificate from your home country or where you lived for the last 2 years, IGM certificate of your last entry to Guatemala, proof of your pension or foreign income and birth certificate, only if your country has no embassy in Guatemala.
Do I need health insurance?
Health insurance is not on the official list of requirements.
Can I work on the Guatemala retirement visa?
The status is for people who do not do any paid work in Guatemala.
How long do I need to spend in Guatemala?
Your residence can be cancelled if you are away from Guatemala for more than one year without a reason you can prove.
Does the Guatemala retirement visa lead to permanent residence?
This is permanent residence from the start. After 5 years in a row as a permanent resident you can apply for Guatemalan citizenship.
How long does the Guatemala retirement visa last?
Permanent residence, with a yearly fee and proof every 5 years that your income continues. No renewal is needed, but every 5 years you must show that your income continues.
How much does the Guatemala retirement visa cost?
USD 25 to file the application and USD 400 for the residence status. Permanent residents also pay USD 40 a year.
Who can apply for the Guatemala retirement visa?
Open to citizens of any other country. Foreigners who live on a pension or on steady income from outside Guatemala and do no paid work in the country.
Can I bring my family?
A spouse, unmarried children and children under 18 can be included. Each one adds USD 300 a month to the income needed.
How do I apply?
In person at the foreigners office (Subdirección de Extranjería) of the Guatemalan Institute of Migration (IGM). You apply after entering Guatemala.
Sources
- Guatemala: Permanent residence for pensioners and people living on foreign income (Residencia permanente como rentista o pensionado) (extranjeria.igm.gob.gt)
- Guatemala: how to apply (extranjeria.igm.gob.gt)
- Guatemala: Permanent residence for pensioners and people living on foreign income (Residencia permanente como rentista o pensionado) (extranjeria.igm.gob.gt)
- Guatemala: Permanent residence for pensioners and people living on foreign income (Residencia permanente como rentista o pensionado) (extranjeria.igm.gob.gt)
General information, not legal advice. Last checked 11 Oct 2026.