Getting a NIT in Guatemala is free and takes the same day. The NIT (Numero de Identificacion Tributaria) is Guatemala’s tax identification number, issued by SAT (Superintendencia de Administracion Tributaria). You need one for almost every financial transaction: opening a bank account, signing a lease, buying a car, starting a business, or even getting a phone plan.

As a foreigner, the process is slightly different than for Guatemalans — you must apply in person with your passport. Here is exactly how to do it.

TL;DR: The NIT is free (Q0), same-day, and required for banking, leases, and business in Guatemala. Bring your passport to any SAT office, arrive before 9 AM, and walk out with your tax ID in 1–3 hours.

Quick Summary

Detail Info
Cost Free (Q0)
Time Same day (1–3 hours at SAT office)
Where Any SAT office nationwide
What you need Passport + utility bill + rental contract
Online option Partial — start online, finish in person
Can foreigners get one? Yes

What Changed in 2025: CUI-NIT Unification

In March 2025, SAT unified the CUI (the 13-digit number on the DPI, Guatemala’s national ID) with the NIT for Guatemalan citizens. This means Guatemalans no longer need a separate NIT — their DPI number IS their NIT.

What this means for foreigners: Not much. Since you do not have a DPI, you still need to apply for a NIT the traditional way using your passport. The unification only affects Guatemalan nationals.

You can check if a CUI is already linked to a NIT at: portal.sat.gob.gt/portal/consulta-cui-nit/

Requirements for Foreigners

  • Valid passport (original and photocopy)
  • Utility bill (water, electricity, or phone) for your Guatemalan address (must be within 3 months)
  • Rental contract or document proving your right to use the property as a fiscal address
  • Knowledge of your economic activity (what you do for work/income — even “rentista” or “jubilado” counts; see the visa guide for residency categories)

Step-by-Step Process

Go to portal.sat.gob.gt/portal/solicitud-electronica-de-nit/ and fill out the electronic form:

  • Enter your personal data exactly as it appears on your passport
  • Upload a scan of your passport (both data page and visa/entry stamp page)
  • Select your economic activity from the dropdown
  • You will receive a form number by email

Step 2: Visit a SAT Office (Within 10 Business Days)

Bring your original documents to any SAT office in the country. You do not need an appointment for basic NIT registration, but arriving early (before 9 AM) means shorter lines.

Major SAT offices:

  • Guatemala City: Multiple locations in Zones 1, 4, 9, 12, 13
  • Antigua Guatemala: Sacatepequez regional office
  • Quetzaltenango: Xela regional office
  • Flores, Peten: Peten regional office

Step 3: Present Your Documents

At the SAT office:

  1. Show your passport (original — they will compare it to the copy)
  2. Present your utility bill and rental contract
  3. If you started online, give them your form number
  4. If you did not start online, they will help you fill out the form at the office

Step 4: Receive Your NIT

You will receive your NIT constancia (certificate) the same day. This is a piece of paper with your NIT number. Keep it safe — you will need this number for years.

What You Need Your NIT For

  • Opening a bank account (mandatory)
  • Signing a rental lease
  • Buying or transferring a vehicle
  • Starting a business
  • Filing taxes (if applicable)
  • Getting invoices (facturas) in your name
  • Buying a phone plan (postpaid)
  • Any transaction requiring a factura

Tips From a Local

  1. Names must match exactly. Your name on the NIT application must be identical to your passport. Even a missing middle name or accent mark can cause problems later.

  2. If you do not go within 10 business days of the online submission, you have to start over. The online form expires.

  3. Any SAT office works. You do not need to go to the one closest to your address. If the Guatemala City offices are crowded, smaller departmental offices (Antigua, Coban, Xela) are often faster.

  4. Bring photocopies. SAT offices sometimes have copy machines, but they are often broken or have long lines. Bring copies of everything already made.

  5. The NIT is free. Do not pay anyone who offers to “help” you get your NIT for a fee outside the office. The official process costs Q0.

  6. Foreigners must go in person. Unlike Guatemalans (who can now use their CUI as NIT), foreigners must present their passport physically at a SAT office. There is no fully online option for passport holders.

Common Mistakes

  • Passport name mismatch — if your passport says “John Robert Smith” and you write “John Smith,” it will not match
  • Expired utility bill — must be within the last 3 months
  • Not having a fiscal address — you need a Guatemalan address, even if you are staying at a hotel (a rental contract or property deed works; see neighborhoods for remote workers for where to base yourself)
  • Waiting more than 10 days after online submission

After Getting Your NIT

With your NIT, you can now:

Planning to stay long-term? See our residency guide for how to get legal residency, the banking guide for opening an account, or explore the interactive map to find the right area to live. For budget planning, check the cost of living guide.