Temporary Residence - Rentista or Pensionado

Overview

This is Guatemala's temporary residence for people of independent means (Residencia Rentista) or retirees (Pensionado), issued by the Instituto Guatemalteco de Migracion (IGM). A rentista shows stable recurring income, while a pensionado receives a pension from retirement, disability, social security or a similar source, from a government, international organisation or company abroad. You do not need a Guatemalan job. Temporary residence is renewable, and you typically re-evidence your income periodically. Time held 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 income proof, validity and fees on the official page.

Eligibility

Application pathway

1. 01

   Check the route fit

   Confirm your pension or recurring income qualifies and meets the current level, using the official IGM residence page.

2. 02

   Build the evidence pack

   Obtain the income or pension certification, supporting statements, your passport and criminal-background certificate, legalised or apostilled where required.

3. 03

   Submit through the official channel

   Apply for temporary residence as a rentista or pensionado to the IGM, following the current requirements.

4. 04

   After approval

   Collect your residence, keep your income current and re-evidence it as required, building time toward permanent residence.

Also explored by

Compare Republic of Guatemala with

• 🇨🇷 Republic of Costa Rica
• 🇵🇦 Republic of Panama
• 🇸🇻 Republic of El Salvador

Related routes

• Temporary Residence - Investor (Residencia Inversionista)

  For people investing in Guatemala: this residence is for foreign nationals who make a qualifying investment in the country, for example in a Guatemalan company or project.

• Temporary Residence - Digital Nomad (Residencia Nomada Digital)

  For remote workers: Guatemala has created a digital nomad residence for people who work remotely for clients or an employer based abroad, letting you live in the country while you keep your foreign income.

• 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.