Message to U.S. Citizens: Change in Guatemalan Residency Requirements
for Foreign Annuitants and Pensioners (December 12, 2022)
The Government of Guatemala announced that, effective December 9, 2022, foreign annuitants and pensioners must present proof of continuity of income only every five years instead of annually. The U.S. Embassy is pleased to have advocated on behalf of the U.S. citizen community in Guatemala for this extension. Please be advised that the U.S. government has no authority over the Guatemalan residency process or the implementation of this change. Any inquiries should be directed to the Instituto Guatemalteco de Migración (https://igm.gob.gt/).
To present proof of continuity of income in connection with applications for and extensions of Guatemalan residence, U.S. citizens may bring in their printed U.S. bank statement, Social Security statement, pension statement, or other proof of financial solvency to the U.S. Embassy and sign an affidavit swearing or affirming that it is a true and correct copy. The U.S. Embassy will notarize the U.S. citizen’s signature on the affidavit and affix the financial documents plus a copy of the citizen’s U.S. passport. No apostille is required. Click here to schedule an appointment for this in-person notarial service. We offer notarial appointments Monday through Thursday at 7:00 am, except U.S. and Guatemalan holidays. Appointments are usually available within 7-10 business days. The fee for this notarial service is USD 50. Fees may be paid in cash in U.S. dollars, by credit card in U.S. dollars, or the equivalent in Guatemalan quetzales.
Assistance:
U.S. Embassy Guatemala City
Tel. (502) 2326-4000
State Department – Consular Affairs
888-407-4747 or 202-501-4444
Guatemala Country Information and Travel Advisory Page
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