The NIT (Numero de Identificacion Tributaria) is Guatemala’s taxpayer identification number, issued by the SAT (Superintendencia de Administracion Tributaria). You need it for any economic activity in Guatemala — from opening a bank account to starting a business.
Quick summary: The NIT is free (Q0). Since March 2025, your DPI number (CUI) automatically works as your NIT if you’re a Guatemalan citizen. Foreigners must apply in person at SAT with a valid passport.
Cost
Free (Q0) — There is no official fee.
What Changed in 2025
Through Resolution SAT-DSI-393-2025, the CUI (your DPI number) was unified with the NIT for individual Guatemalan citizens. Your 13-digit DPI number is now your NIT — no separate registration needed.
You can verify the unification at: portal.sat.gob.gt/portal/consulta-cui-nit/
Requirements
Guatemalan Citizens
- Valid DPI (original)
- Digitized DPI (both sides in a single PDF or image file)
- Your economic activity classification
- Utility bill — water, electricity, or phone (no older than 3 months)
Foreigners
- Valid passport (original and photocopy) — or residency document if applicable
- Utility bill from your fiscal address (original and copy)
- Lease agreement or document proving right to use the property
Businesses (Legal Entities)
- Legal representative’s DPI
- Utility bill (3-month validity)
- Appointment deed of legal representative
- Articles of incorporation (see our guide to registering a business)
- Business license (patente de comercio)
Step-by-Step Process
- Go to the SAT portal: portal.sat.gob.gt/portal/solicitud-electronica-de-nit/
- Fill out the electronic form with your personal data (names must match your DPI exactly)
- Upload your digitized DPI (both sides, single file)
- Select your economic activity
- Receive your form number by email
- Visit any SAT office within 10 business days with your original documents
- Receive your NIT certificate
From the US (Diaspora Info)
If you’re a Guatemalan citizen living in the United States:
- Your DPI number already is your NIT since March 2025 — verify at portal.sat.gob.gt/portal/consulta-cui-nit/
- If you need to register a new NIT (for a business, etc.), you must do it in person in Guatemala
- Power of attorney option: You can authorize someone in Guatemala through a poder especial notarized at a Guatemalan consulate to handle the process on your behalf
- Nearest consulates: minex.gob.gt/consulados — offices in Los Angeles, New York, Houston, Chicago, Washington DC, and other US cities
- Call the SAT information line: 1550 for questions
Tips
- For Guatemalans with a valid DPI, the CUI already works as your NIT since March 2025
- Names must match exactly with your DPI — any discrepancy will delay the process
- If you don’t show up within 10 business days, you must file a new application
- Foreigners must appear in person with their original passport
- You can visit any SAT tax office nationwide