Moving to Guatemala

Moving Guide

Visa & Residence

Navigating the visa and residence process for Guatemala depends significantly on your nationality. Citizens from some countries, particularly within the European Union, may enjoy visa-free entry for tourism for a certain period, which is distinct from a long-term residence permit. Non-EU citizens, and those planning to stay beyond tourist limits or for specific purposes, will need to apply for a visa appropriate to their intentions.

Typical routes to obtaining a residence permit in Guatemala include:

• Work Visas: If you have secured employment with a Guatemalan company, your employer will usually assist with the work visa application process.
• Family Reunification Visas: If you have immediate family members who are Guatemalan citizens or legal residents, you may be eligible to apply for a family reunification visa.
• Student Visas: For those enrolled in a recognized educational institution in Guatemala.
• Investor or Retirement Visas: Depending on your financial capacity or retirement status, there may be specific visa categories designed for individuals who can demonstrate a stable income or investment in the country.

It is crucial to verify the most current requirements and procedures directly with the Guatemalan embassy or consulate in your home country, or with the Guatemalan immigration authorities once you are in the country. Requirements can change, and official sources will provide the most accurate and up-to-date information.

Housing & Rental

Finding housing in Guatemala can be an exciting part of your relocation. The method you choose often depends on whether you're looking for temporary accommodation upon arrival or a long-term rental.

• Online Portals: Websites specializing in real estate listings are a common starting point. You can find a range of apartments, houses, and even rooms for rent, particularly in larger cities like Guatemala City, Antigua, or Quetzaltenango.
• Local Real Estate Agents: Engaging with a local real estate agent can be highly beneficial. They have in-depth knowledge of the market, can help you navigate local customs, and may have access to listings not widely advertised.
• Word of Mouth & Local Networks: Especially in smaller towns, asking around within expat communities or local groups can uncover hidden gems.
• Temporary Accommodation: For your initial arrival, consider short-term rentals, extended-stay hotels, or Airbnb. This allows you time to explore different neighborhoods and make an informed decision about your long-term housing.

The typical rental process involves signing a lease agreement, which can be in Spanish, so ensure you understand all terms. Landlords usually require a security deposit, often equivalent to one or two months' rent, along with the first month's rent upfront. It's advisable to conduct a thorough inventory of the property's condition before moving in and to document any existing damages with photos or videos.

What Affects the Cost of Your Move

The total cost of your move to Guatemala is influenced by several key factors, making each relocation unique. Understanding these elements can help you plan your budget effectively.

• Volume of Goods: The more items you move, the higher the cost. This is typically measured in cubic meters or by weight. Decluttering and only taking essential items can significantly reduce expenses.
• Distance: The geographical distance from your current location to Guatemala plays a major role, particularly for international shipments.
• Seasonality: Moving during peak seasons (e.g., summer months or end-of-year holidays) can sometimes be more expensive due to higher demand for moving services and logistics.
• Accessibility: The ease of access at both your origin and destination properties can impact labor costs. Factors like stairs, narrow doorways, or remote locations requiring specialized transport can add to the overall price.
• Extra Services: Opting for additional services such as professional packing and unpacking, specialized handling for fragile or valuable items, storage solutions, or customs clearance assistance will naturally increase the cost.

For an accurate estimate tailored to your specific needs, it's always best to request a free, no-obligation quote.

Timeline & Packing Tips

A well-organized timeline is crucial for a smooth relocation to Guatemala. Here’s a checklist-style guide for a 4-8 week preparation period:

8 Weeks Out:

• Declutter and Downsize: Start going through your belongings. Decide what to sell, donate, or discard. This significantly reduces your moving volume.
• Research & Request Quotes: Begin researching international moving companies and requesting free quotes.
• Visa & Residence: Initiate your visa application process if you haven't already. Gather all necessary documents.
• Important Documents: Create a dedicated folder for all critical documents (passports, birth certificates, marriage certificates, medical records, financial statements, educational transcripts). Scan copies and keep them in a cloud storage.

6 Weeks Out:

• Notify Utilities & Services: Contact utility providers (electricity, water, internet, phone) to schedule disconnection or transfer.
• Medical & Dental Check-ups: Schedule final appointments for yourself and your family. Obtain copies of medical records and prescriptions.
• School Records: If you have children, arrange for transfer of school records.
• Pet Relocation: If moving with pets, research Guatemala's import requirements and begin necessary vaccinations and paperwork.

4 Weeks Out:

• Book Flights & Accommodation: Finalize your travel arrangements and temporary accommodation in Guatemala.
• Change of Address: Notify banks, credit card companies, and subscription services of your upcoming move.
• Begin Packing Non-Essentials: Start packing items you won't need in the weeks leading up to your move. Label boxes clearly with contents and destination room.

2 Weeks Out:

• Confirm Moving Services: Reconfirm dates and details with your chosen moving company.
• Pack Essentials Bag: Prepare a bag with items you'll need immediately upon arrival (toiletries, a change of clothes, medications, important documents, chargers).
• Withdraw Cash: Have some local currency (Quetzales) for immediate expenses upon arrival.

1 Week Out:

• Fridge & Freezer: Empty and defrost your refrigerator and freezer.
• Final Cleaning: Arrange for a final cleaning of your old residence.
• Utilities Check: Double-check that all utilities are scheduled for disconnection after your departure.

Packing Tips:

• Label Clearly: Label boxes on multiple sides with contents and destination room in your new home.
• Use Quality Materials: Invest in sturdy boxes, bubble wrap, and packing tape to protect your belongings.
• Take Photos: Photograph the setup of electronics before unplugging them to aid in reassembly.
• Liquids & Perishables: Do not pack liquids or perishable items in your international shipment.

Get your free quote today to start planning your seamless move to Guatemala with relocation123.com.

Visas, immigration & documents

Moving to this country often involves visas, residence permits, document translation/legalization and customs paperwork. Our verified partners handle the move itself; for visa or immigration help, send the request below and we'll point you the right way.

• Residence permit / visa (work, study, family)
• Document translation & apostille
• Customs clearance for personal effects
• Travel & goods insurance

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Customs & Import Rules

Moving to Guatemala: Your Essential Customs & Import Guide

Relocating to Guatemala? Understanding the customs and import procedures for your personal belongings is crucial for a smooth transition. This guide will help you navigate the requirements and ensure your household goods arrive without unexpected delays or costs.

If you're relocating as a new resident

Bringing your household goods into Guatemala requires careful preparation. Your shipment will undergo customs and anti-narcotics inspection. Used items are assessed by customs based on depreciated values from your packing list. New items, however, are considered commercial entries and will be subject to full duties and taxes, typically ranging from 5% to 40% of the CIF (Cost, Insurance, Freight) value, plus an additional 12% tax. It's best not to include new items with your used household goods to avoid extra charges.

What you'll need

• Copy of your passport with an entry stamp to Guatemala valid for at least six months.
• Proof of entry stamp to your origin country for at least two years (unless you hold a passport from the origin country).
• Copy of your NIT/RTU number, updated for the current year.
• Your fiscal address registered with SAT (Custom Office) for your NIT number.
• Original Air Waybill or two originals of the Bill of Lading, stating freight cost (OBL to be printed at destination for sea shipments).
• Detailed inventory/packing list in Spanish or English (Excel/Word format), including brand, model, and serial number for all devices.
• For air and LCL shipments, a detailed packing list indicating quantities per box (e.g., "4 t-shirts, 5 pairs of shoes").
• License to import articles with refrigerant gas (if applicable).

Good to know

• Customs require direct payment of duties and taxes at the Port of Entry (POE).
• If your shipment is moved from the POE to a Fiscal Warehouse, the container or trailer truck must be unloaded before customs clearance, incurring additional costs.
• Land shipments selected for inspection are taken to a bonded warehouse, which can add up to two working days to the process.
• It's recommended that insured values do not appear on the inventory or cargo manifest to avoid higher charges.
• The NIT/RTU is a personal identification number required for all citizens and foreign nationals. You must obtain it from the Tax Administration Agency (SAT).
• To process your NIT/RTU, you'll need your original passport (or DPI for Guatemalan citizens) and a utility bill (water, electricity, or phone) from your Guatemalan residence. If you don't have a local address yet, a utility bill from your employer can be used.
• The process to obtain the NIT/RTU involves completing a form for taxpayer information and presenting the required documents. Your moving agent cannot proceed with consignment instructions until you have your NIT.
• The recommended Port of Entry for sea shipments is Santo Tomas de Castilla, with customs processing typically taking 10 to 15 business days. Puerto Barrios and Puerto Quetzal are not recommended as they can take 15 to 20 business days.
• Avoid shipping lines like Hamburg Sud, Maersk, and Sealand due to potential release issues, delays, and additional charges.
• Book directly with a shipping line, avoiding NVOCCs, to prevent delays and extra costs.
• Do not use Acajutla as a route or port of discharge, as it requires hiring a customs broker in El Salvador, leading to delays and additional expenses.
• If you must use Puerto Quetzal, verify that the shipping company uses TPQ Terminal Portuaria Quetzal, not TCQ (APM), to avoid potential delays and additional demurrage/port storage charges.

Diplomatic moves

Diplomats from accredited foreign Embassies and officers of International Organizations are subject to customs inspection, similar to regular household goods shipments.

What you'll need

• All documents required for general household goods.
• A diplomatic franchise, processed by your Embassy or International Entity in Guatemala, which must be ready before customs clearance begins.
• A letter from the Embassy requesting non-opening of the container, to be presented to port authorities. Without this letter, your shipment is subject to physical inspection.

Good to know

• It's highly recommended that your diplomatic accreditation in Guatemala is valid before your shipment departs from origin to avoid additional charges.
• If your diplomatic franchise isn't ready upon arrival, consider moving your shipment to a Fiscal Warehouse to await the document, preventing higher port costs. This transfer will incur additional costs.
• Diplomatic shipments are limited to a maximum of 4 bottles of liquor per shipment, as liquor is not considered used household goods.

Wedding trousseaux & inherited belongings

These types of shipments follow the same procedures and requirements as general household goods.

What you'll need

• All documents required for general household goods.

Good to know

• Same conditions as general household goods apply.

Bringing special items

Vehicles

Information not provided in the source.

Pets

Information not provided in the source.

Restricted & prohibited items

Guatemala strictly prohibits the import of Pre-Columbian archaeological or colonial antiques. Precious metal objects like jewelry and coins are also prohibited.

For household and electrical appliances containing refrigerant gas, Guatemala does not allow the entry of any appliance containing specific prohibited gases, including R11, R12, R13, R113, R114, R115, R400, R500, R502, R503, R22, R123, R124, R141b, and refrigerants from the CFC and HCFC chemical groups. Appliances manufactured before the year 2000 that contain gas are also prohibited.

If you are importing works of art, paintings, sculptures, religious images, or other art-related articles, a permit from the Ministry of Culture is required. This permit is requested during customs clearance and incurs an additional cost of approximately US$300.00.

Alcohol & tobacco

A maximum of 4 bottles of liquor is allowed per shipment, whether diplomatic or individual. Liquor is not considered used household goods.

Frequently asked questions

What is an NIT/RTU number and why do I need it?
The NIT/RTU is a personal identification number (tax ID) required for all citizens and foreign nationals in Guatemala. You need it to clear your household goods through customs.

Can I include new items in my household goods shipment?
While you can, new items are considered commercial entries and will be subject to full duties and taxes. It's recommended to avoid sending them with your used household goods to prevent additional charges.

What happens if my appliances have prohibited refrigerant gases?
Appliances containing prohibited gases (e.g., R11, R12, CFC, HCFC groups) or those manufactured before 2000 with gas are not allowed into Guatemala. If your shipment arrives without the required ozone permit, a pre-opening at the port or fiscal depot will be necessary, incurring significant additional costs and delays.

Which port should I use for sea shipments?
Santo Tomas de Castilla is the most recommended port for household goods, offering a customs process of 10-15 business days. Puerto Barrios and Puerto Quetzal are not recommended due to longer processing times and potential complications.

Are works of art or antiques allowed?
Works of art require a permit from the Ministry of Culture. However, Pre-Columbian archaeological or colonial antiques are strictly prohibited for import.

What documents do I need for a refrigerant gas license?
To obtain this special permit, you must provide the type of refrigerant, brand, model, serial number, and a photo of the label showing the refrigerator's specifications. The client must sign necessary documents before the ship's arrival, and the process takes 3-5 business days, valid for 30 days.

For personalized assistance with your move to Guatemala, please contact relocation123.com.

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