⚡ DIRECT ACCESS TO IGSS
Guatemalan Social Security Institute
Which to use?- IGSS Portal — institutional, programs, news, PDF forms
- Electronic Services — online employer registration, electronic payroll, contributions lookup
- Employer Payment Calendar — monthly deadlines by NIT last digit
- WhatsApp / 1522 — medical appointments, queries — 24/7 free
📞 Contact Center: 1522 · 📞 Alt: 2412-1224 / 2297-1224 · 📍 7a Avenida 22-72 Zona 1, Guatemala City · 🆔 Verified: May 2026
IGSS (Instituto Guatemalteco de Seguridad Social) is the autonomous institution that administers social security in Guatemala since 1947 — 79 years covering health (EMA), pensions (IVS), maternity, workplace accidents and recreation (via IRTRA). Covers all formal-sector workers and voluntary independent contributors.
Quick rule: Are you a worker? → Your employer enrolls you on day 1. You contribute 4.83%, receive medical coverage + pension. Are you an employer? → Register within 6 days, pay the 12.67% employer contribution monthly per the calendar. Self-employed? → Voluntary Contribution. Pensioner? → Annual survival verification mandatory.
5 Main IGSS Programs
| Program | What it covers | Who receives it |
|---|
| EMA | Sickness, Maternity, Accidents — medical care, surgeries, medicines, IGSS hospitals | Active contributing affiliates (coverage from month 1) |
| IVS | Disability, Old Age, Survivorship — contributory pensions | Affiliates with 240+ contributions (old-age 60 men / 60 women) |
| PRECAPI | Special Protection Program for Domestic Workers | Domestic workers voluntarily affiliated |
| IPLENA | Full Incorporation Program for Children and Adolescents | Children and adolescents of affiliated workers |
| PLAN | Pensions for Workers in IGSS Service | Internal IGSS employees |
IGSS sub-portals
IGSS trámites by audience
For employers
For affiliated workers
For pensioners
For independents and migrants
Overview
2026 Contribution Rates
| Concept | Worker | Employer | Total |
|---|
| IGSS Contribution (on nominal salary) | 4.83% | 12.67% | 17.5% |
| IRTRA (included in employer contribution) | — | 1% | — |
| INTECAP (training, not IGSS) | — | 1% | — |
Example: Worker with Q5,000/month salary. IGSS deduction: Q241.50/month. Employer contribution: Q633.50/month. Total transferred to IGSS for that worker: Q875/month.
Diaspora — Guatemalans working in the USA
Bad news: NO Guatemala-USA agreement
Unlike Mexico (with active bilateral agreement) or Spain (Ibero-American Convention), Guatemala has NO social security agreement with the United States. This means:
- Your USA Social Security contributions do NOT count toward your IGSS pension
- Your IGSS contributions do NOT count toward your USA Social Security pension
- No reciprocal medical coverage either
Good news: alternatives
| Situation | What to do |
|---|
| You contributed to IGSS before migrating and will eventually return | Stay enrolled as Voluntary Contributor from the USA — keep accumulating contributed time |
| Your IGSS pensioner parent lives with you in the USA | Annual survival verification via Guatemala Consulate (5-15 days) |
| You worked in Spain before migrating to USA | Ibero-American Convention applies (Spain + Guatemala) — combine contributed times |
| You will return to Guatemala | If you have 240+ months contributed (20 years), apply directly for Old-Age Pension at qualifying age |
| You need contribution certificate for USA visa or trámite | Request IGSS Contribution Certificate — valid in USA with MINEX apostille |
Main IGSS Hospitals and Centers
- General Hospital of Diseases (HGE) — Zone 9, Guatemala City
- HGA “Ceibal” — General Hospital of Accidents
- Departmental Hospital of Retalhuleu (modernized April 2026)
- CAMIP — Pensioner Comprehensive Medical Care Centers (in various zones)
- Company Clinics — care within large companies (Sacos del Atlántico, Kern’s, etc.)
Complete list of medical units at igssgt.org/directorio.
Before any IGSS trámite — checklist
| Have ready | Why |
|---|
| Valid DPI | Primary identification, scanned |
| IGSS affiliate number | If you don’t have it: find it on your card or in the Affiliate Portal |
| Company NIT (employers) | For employer payment and queries |
| Proof of address | For new enrollments |
| Birth certificate or passport | For Voluntary, Migrant, PRECAPI |
| Bank account | For pension payment and reimbursements |
2026 IGSS Calendar — key dates
| Month | Event |
|---|
| Each month | Employer payment per NIT last digit (consult calendar) |
| Pensioner birthday month | Mandatory Survival Verification |
| June | Bono 14 payment (to employer, not IGSS) |
| December | Aguinaldo payment (to employer, not IGSS) |
| Annual | IRTRA Card renewal |
Common IGSS fines
| Violation | Fine |
|---|
| No employer registration | Q5,000 to Q50,000 + retroactive contributions + interest |
| Late employer payment | 4% monthly surcharge on contribution |
| Failing to report workplace accident in 24h | Q2,000 to Q10,000 + civil liability |
| Failing to deduct IGSS from worker | Employer assumes 100% (their 12.67% + worker’s 4.83%) |
| Pension suspension for not verifying survival | Pension resumes upon verification (no retroactive payments) |
| Channel | Detail |
|---|
| Contact Center | 1522 (24/7 free) |
| Alternative phones | 2412-1224 / 2297-1224 |
| WhatsApp | 5321-4477 (Inbox Central chatbot) |
| Headquarters address | 7a Avenida 22-72 Zona 1, Guatemala City |
| Write to us | igssgt.org/consultas |
| Public Information | igssgt.org/informacion-publica |
More Guatemala state resources