Immigration & Visa
Tourist stays vs residency: IGM extension, temporary/permanent residence, rentista/pensionado and investor — factual and brief.
Updated: November 2026
Tourism vs residency
Short stays use tourist status (up to 90+90 days). Longer: temporary residence (1–5 years) or permanent (e.g. rentista/pensionado).
Orientation (simplified)
| Path | Duration (indicative) | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Tourist / traveler | up to 90 days + 1× 90 | IGM; extend before expiry |
| Temporary residence | 1–5 years | work, study, investor, etc. |
| Rentista / pensionado | permanent | min. USD 1,250/month + USD 300 per dependent |
| Other permanent routes | per Code | family, etc. — IGM |
Tourist extension
IGM: one extension of up to 90 days; apply before expiry; fee ca. USD 25; passport with stamp, ticket/card/guarantor.
- Beyond 180 days: apply for temporary residence before expiry.
- Tourism ≠ work permit.
Rentista / pensionado (permanent)
Per the Residences Regulation (IGM-016-2025) and IGM: permanent residence for people with lawful permanent foreign income, without paid work in-country. Minimum: USD 1,250 monthly individually; plus USD 300 per dependent. Prove continuity every five years. Per IGM no guarantor required; residence fee ca. USD 400.
- Rentista: investment/rental/remittance income per the regulation.
- Pensionado: pension from governments, international bodies or foreign companies.
- Documents: passport, police clearance, income proofs — Extranjería.
Temporary residence & investor
IGM lists categories such as worker, student, athlete/artist, investor, intellectual/researcher, religious minister — up to five years. Investor thresholds: — check current forms on igm.gob.gt.
Documents (orientation)
- Valid passport.
- Entry stamp / migration movement as required.
- For residence: legalized papers, police clearance, payment proofs.
Sources
- IGM – Ampliar estadía
- IGM – Residencias permanentes (rentista/pensionado)
- IGM – Reglamento de Residencias (IGM-016-2025)
Disclaimer: This page is for general guidance only and is not legal, tax or immigration advice. Rules and prices change — verify with official sources.