Quick answer
To apply for temporary residence as a religious worker in Guatemala, you must submit the required documents to the Guatemalan Institute of Migration (IGM) [1]. The process involves gathering documents, scheduling an appointment, and submitting your application in person [1]. Foreign documents must be apostilled [1]. A work permit is also mandatory and must be obtained within three months of applying for residency [3].
Key facts
Am I eligible?
Migrant Worker Temporary Residency
- Complete the residence application form provided by the IGM.
- Present a valid passport and a full copy legalized by a Guatemalan notary.
- Obtain a certification of passport validity issued by the Embassy or Consulate of the applicant's country accredited in Guatemala, or if no diplomatic representation, a certified copy of the passport or an apostilled/legalized birth certificate.
- Provide a certificate of no criminal or police records from the applicant's country of origin or any country where they have legally resided in the last five years; if the country does not issue such documents, an official statement or declaration must be provided.
- Submit a migration movement certification reflecting entries and exits from Guatemala, including the most recent entry.
- Provide a job offer letter specifying employment conditions such as duration, salary, and workplace, addressed to the applicant and complying with the Ministry of Labor and Social Welfare provisions.
- Have a Guatemalan citizen or the employing company act as a guarantor, submitting an updated certification and a notarized affidavit of guarantee.
- Pay the corresponding fee and provide proof of payment.
Don't want to read through this yourself? Answer a few questions and see exactly which category fits your situation.
Requirements in detail
The visa application form must be fully completed prior to arriving at the Consulate.
Passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the intended stay in Guatemala.
A valid US visa and a photocopy must be provided.
Provide copies of both sides of your credit cards.
Provide bank statements for the last three months.
One color photo, passport-sized (2x2), stapled to the application form.
A statement letter indicating the reason for traveling, including address in the USA and phone numbers. For business travel, a letter from the company is required.
Provide an employment verification letter or studies verification letter, or unofficial college/university transcript.
Provide flight itinerary and hotel reservation.
US$50 for single entry or US$150 for multiple entries, payable by money order only.
Documents you'll need
- Residence application form[1]
- Valid original passport and complete certified (legalized) copy by a Guatemalan notary[1]
- Certified copy of your passport done by your country’s Embassy or Consulate accredited in Guatemala[1]
- Certificate of No Criminal or Police Records[3]
- Migration Movement Certification[3]
- Job Offer Letter[3]
- Guatemalan Guarantor: a Guatemalan citizen or the employing company must act as guarantor, submitting an updated certification and a notarized affidavit of guarantee[3]
- Proof of Payment[3]
This list adjusts automatically based on your nationality and category.
How to apply
- 1
Gather the general requirements and organize them in a red folder[3]
- 2
Complete the temporary residency application form[3]
- 3
Schedule an appointment through the IGM system[3]
- 4
Submit the complete file at the information desk on the appointment date[3]
- 5
Make the required payment at Banrural Bank and keep the receipt[3]
- 6
Return to the window to present the payment receipt[3]
- 7
Receive notification of approval and schedule a new appointment[3]
- 8
Attend the appointment with required documents (Boleto de Ornato, payment receipt, proof of residence) and provide biographic and biometric data[3]
Frequently asked questions
What are the general requirements for temporary residency as a migrant worker in Guatemala?
The general requirements include a residence application form, a valid passport with a legalized copy, certification of passport validity, a certificate of no criminal records, migration movement certification, a job offer letter, a Guatemalan guarantor, and proof of payment.
Related visas
Sources
One numbered entry per specific claim — several entries may point to the same underlying document, each with its own locator.
- [1]
If you remain longer than the 90-day period without authorization from the Government of Guatemala, the fine accrues at GTQ 15 per day and is payable in cash upon departure
Primary source · Last verified: Aug 15, 2026Cross-referenced - [2]
Note that the fee for all applications is USD 25 in addition to the cost associate with the respective category
Primary source · Last verified: Aug 15, 2026Cross-referenced - [3]
- Original (lack of) criminal history record; - Immigration record indicating the last entry into Guatemala (movimiento migratorio); Additional requirements for some categories are listed below (other
Primary source · Last verified: Aug 15, 2026Cross-referenced - [4]
Original job offer letter; - Sworn declaration by a Guatemalan guarantor; - [**Students**](https://igm.gob.gt/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/2.-Residencia-Temporal-para-estudiantes-IGM-02-2023.pdf) (cost
Primary source · Last verified: Aug 15, 2026Cross-referenced - [5]
- [**Religious Workers**](https://igm.gob.gt/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/6.-Residencia-Temporal-para-Ministros-de-Culto-o-Religiosos-IGM-02-2023.pdf) (cost for up to 5-year period is USD 50)
Primary source · Last verified: Aug 15, 2026Cross-referenced - [6]
- [**Refugees and Political Asylum Seekers**](https://igm.gob.gt/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/7.-Residencia-Temporal-para-Refugiados-o-Asilados-Politicos-IGM-02-2023.pdf) (cost for up to 5-year period i
Primary source · Last verified: Aug 15, 2026Cross-referenced - [7]
Once all documents are presented to the Ministry of Labor, work permits are usually granted to eligible foreigners within 15-20 days
Primary source · Last verified: Aug 15, 2026Cross-referenced - [8]
Please take a few moments to provide us with your valuable feedback."}]},{"type":"paragraph","children":[{"text":""}]}]},"title_raw":"","translations":[]}],"translations":[]},"thankyou":{"enabled":tru
Primary source · Last verified: Aug 15, 2026Cross-referenced - [9]
**We highly recommend all applicants to start the process about 4 weeks ahead of the intended travel dates.** VISAS Fee: US$ 50.00 for a single entry / US$150.00 multiple entries We only accept Money
VISA · Last verified: Aug 15, 2026Cross-referenced - [10]
-US Visa and a photocopy -Copy of credit cards / both sides -Bank statements (last 3 months) -1 color photo -passport sized (2x2)
VISA · Last verified: Aug 15, 2026Cross-referenced - [11]
### Resident Registration: Once residency is granted, the foreign national must appear before the Subdirectorate of Immigration within 30 days of notification for data collection
Temporary residency for migrant workers · Last verified: Aug 15, 2026Cross-referenced - [12]
If all documents are in order, a payment order will be issued to process the request (US$25)
Temporary residency for migrant workers · Last verified: Aug 15, 2026Cross-referenced - [13]
**b)** 24 hours before the appointment, the applicant will receive a payment order (US$200 for 1 year, US$300 for 2 years, and US$500 for 3-5 years)
Temporary residency for migrant workers · Last verified: Aug 15, 2026Cross-referenced - [14]
Temporary residence categories include religious workers
Primary source · Last verified: Aug 15, 2026Cross-referenced - [15]
Foreign documents must be apostilled
Primary source · Last verified: Aug 15, 2026Cross-referenced - [16]
General requirements for temporary residence application
Primary source · Last verified: Aug 15, 2026Cross-referenced - [17]
US citizens do not need a visa to enter Guatemala
Primary source · Last verified: Aug 15, 2026Cross-referenced - [18]
Tourist entry allowed for 90 days
Primary source · Last verified: Aug 15, 2026Cross-referenced - [19]
Delays in residence permit issuance are common
Primary source · Last verified: Aug 15, 2026Cross-referenced - [20]
IGM is the central immigration authority
Primary source · Last verified: Aug 15, 2026Cross-referenced - [21]
Work permit is mandatory for migrant workers
Temporary residency for migrant workers · Last verified: Aug 15, 2026Cross-referenced - [22]
Work permit application must be submitted within three months of residency application
Temporary residency for migrant workers · Last verified: Aug 15, 2026Cross-referenced - [23]
Application process completed in person
Temporary residency for migrant workers · Last verified: Aug 15, 2026Cross-referenced - [24]
Temporary residency for migrant workers procedure
Temporary residency for migrant workers · Last verified: Aug 15, 2026Cross-referenced
This page reflects Guatemala's officially published requirements as of the dates above. It is not legal advice, and final approval is solely at the discretion of Guatemala's immigration authorities. For a case-specific compliance check against your own documents, try VisaBook free.