All foreigners legally entering Guatemala need prior authorization if they wish to work

The application can now be made via internet. 

The documents to submit vary according to the type of work permit and work.

1) The first thing to do is to know what type of work you are being offered or which job you are going to do and with which company. According to the company and modality complete either of these two forms:

• Fill out an application form to work for a specific company, here.

• Complete the application form to work for any employer, here.

2) Prepare the documents to be submitted on the PEX website, which is the website dedicated to issuing work permits to foreigners. Read carefully the work modalities and their requirements:

The modalities to apply for an employment permit can be:

1) To work at the order of a company of completed.

Documents to be submitted within the portal to apply for a work permit for foreigners:

• Written request (original) addressed to the General Director of Employment, indicating place to receive notifications (address, telephone and NIT number), signed by the legal representative of the entity.

• Certificate of Appointment of the Legal Representative of the corporation (one authenticated copy) with the reason for registration. 

• Personal Identification Document -DPI- (one authenticated copy).

• Passport (one authenticated copy).

• Document stating the immigration status (one authenticated copy).

• Temporary or permanent residence visa, or proof of the beginning of the process before the General Direction of Migration (if it is included in the passport, this requirement is omitted).

• Notarial act of constitution of guarantor (original) or document with legalized signature, in which it is stated that the applicant employer is responsible for the conduct of the foreigner to be hired, for the term of the labor relationship.

• Accounting certification (original) issued by an authorized accountant, stating the total number of workers of the entity, as well as how many are nationals and how many are foreigners, and their respective percentages; as well as the total salaries paid, as well as the total paid to nationals and the total paid to foreigners, with their respective percentages, this in accordance with the authorized salary book, indicating the registration number and date of authorization, such information corresponding to the last week, fortnight or month prior to the date of presentation of the application, according to the periodicity of payment of salary established by the company.

• Appointment of the position of the foreigner to be hired (one authenticated copy) and in its case with the reason of its respective registry inscription, indicating in detail the profile of the position and the functions to be performed, in case it is a professional, accrediting its incorporation to the Universidad de San Carlos de Guatemala.

• Affidavit before a Notary Public (original) or document with legalized signature, stating that the foreigner to be hired speaks, understands, reads and writes Spanish, when coming from a country whose language is different from Spanish.

• Express declaration of the applicant in which it is obliged to the training of Guatemalan personnel, by means of the payment for each work permit application, of the quota established by the General Directorate of Qualification and Professional Formation, having to present photocopy of the proof of payment of the above mentioned sum (having to be confronted, Q.3,000.00).

• Fees: The cost of the documents may vary depending on the professional's fees.

• Validity: The time is variable, depending on the professional's availability.

The declaration that the foreigner speaks, understands, and reads Spanish is only necessary if the foreigner comes from a country in which Spanish is not the official language.

2) Requirements of foreigner married or united with Guatemalan, or with the parental authority of a Guatemalan child. Labor.

Documents to present within the portal of application for work permit for foreigners:

• Written request (original) addressed to the General Director of Employment, indicating place to receive notifications (address and telephone).

• Personal identification document -DPI- (an authenticated copy) or Passport (an authenticated copy).

• Document stating immigration status (one authenticated copy).

• Temporary or permanent residence visa, or proof of the beginning of the process before the General Direction of Migration (if it is included in the passport, this requirement is obviated).

• Certification of marriage certificate (original) or de facto union, if married or de facto united with a Guatemalan person.

• Affidavit before Notary (original) of survival of the Guatemalan spouse or cohabitant or of the child under his/her parental authority, if applicable.

• Birth Certificate (original) of Guatemalan children under your parental authority.

• Sworn declaration before a Notary (original) or document with legalized signature, where it is stated that the foreigner speaks, understands, reads and writes the Spanish language, when he/she comes from a country whose official language is not Spanish.

• Fees: The cost of the documents may vary depending on the professional's fees.

• Validity: The time is variable, depending on the availability of the professional.

3) Foreigner who has been recognized as a refugee in Guatemala. Labor.

Documents to present within the portal of application for work permit for foreigners:

• Written request (original) addressed to the General Director of Employment, indicating place to receive notifications (address and telephone).

• Personal identification document -DPI- (one authenticated copy) or Passport (one authenticated copy).

• Refugee Identity Card (one authenticated copy).

• Refugee identity card, or exhibiting the original for the comparison of the photocopy of such card.

• Cost: The cost of the documents may vary depending on the fees of the professional.

• Validity: The time is variable, depending on the availability of the professional.

Important:

• Any work permit application is made through the PEX portal. To register and start your application click here. Note: Have the documents at hand according to your case. Here.

• On the same page where you register you will find the requirements to be fulfilled.

More details here

• Extensions must be submitted at least one month in advance or 15 days prior to the expiration of the permit.

• You can read all about the rights of migrant workers in Guatemala here.

More information here.