Temporary Residence - Investor (Residencia Inversionista)

Overview

This is Guatemala's temporary residence for investors (Residencia Inversionista), issued by the Instituto Guatemalteco de Migracion (IGM) for foreign nationals who make a qualifying investment in the country - typically in a Guatemalan company, business or project. You evidence the investment and the lawful origin of the funds. Temporary residence is renewable while the investment is maintained, and the time counts toward permanent residence, which you can apply for after about five years of legal residence. Heads-up: the October 2025 reform removed the guarantor (garante) requirement and cut the background-check lookback - see the in-flux note. Confirm the current minimum investment, validity and fees on the official page.

Eligibility

Application pathway

1. 01

   Check the route fit

   Confirm your planned investment type and the current minimum amount qualify, using the official IGM residence page.

2. 02

   Build the evidence pack

   Complete the investment and gather the company and capital-transfer documents, proof of lawful origin, your passport and criminal-background certificate.

3. 03

   Submit through the official channel

   Apply for temporary residence as an investor to the IGM, following the current requirements.

4. 04

   After approval

   Collect your residence, maintain the investment, and renew before expiry while building time toward permanent residence.

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Compare Republic of Guatemala with

• 🇺🇸 United States of America
• 🇵🇦 Republic of Panama
• 🇨🇷 Republic of Costa Rica

Related routes

• Temporary Residence - Worker (Residencia Temporal Trabajador)

  For people moving to Guatemala with a job: this is the temporary residence for migrant workers, tied to a job offer from an employer in the country.

• Temporary Residence - Rentista or Pensionado

  For people with steady income or a pension: this residence lets you live in Guatemala on a stable foreign income (rentista) or a retirement pension (pensionado), without needing a local job.

• Permanent Residence (Residencia Permanente)

  For residents ready to settle: after about five years of legal residence in Guatemala you can apply for permanent residence, the settled-status category issued by the IGM.