IGM Guatemala 2026: Complete Immigration Guide (Passport, Residency, Visas, Minors)

The Instituto Guatemalteco de Migracion (IGM) is the Guatemalan government institution handling everything related to entry, exit, passports, visas, and residency. If you are Guatemalan and need a passport, IGM is where you go. If you are a foreigner wanting to live in Guatemala legally, IGM is the gatekeeper. If you travel with a minor, IGM’s authorization rules apply. This hub guide centralizes every IGM service with costs, requirements, and links to detailed per-procedure guides.

Quick summary: IGM issues passports ($50 / $85), grants tourist visa extensions ($25), processes temporary and permanent residency ($25 filing + $50-$700), including the remote-worker route for foreign-employer income (from $225, regulations in force since October 2025), and controls minors leaving the country. Central office: 6a Av 3-11, Zona 4, Guatemala City. Payments at Banrural, the authorized bank.

As of 7 November 2026, per IGM acuerdos IGM-029-2023 (extranjería and passport fees, as reformed by IGM-039-2025), IGM-016-2025 / IGM-017-2025 and the Código de Migración (Decreto 44-2016).

1. What IGM Is - and What It Does NOT Handle

IGM was created under the Codigo de Migracion (Decreto 44-2016) as the decentralized agency that replaced the old Direccion General de Migracion. Its mandate: border control, travel document issuance (passports), and regulation of foreign nationals’ presence in Guatemala.

IGM handles:

• Guatemalan passports (ordinary, official, diplomatic, refugee)
• Visas and extensions for foreigners
• Temporary and permanent residency applications
• Authorization for Guatemalan minors to leave the country
• Migration registry / status tracking
• Refugee status recognition (Departamento de Refugio)
• Entry/exit stamps at airports, ports, and land borders

IGM does NOT handle (common confusions):

Central address: 6a. Avenida 3-11, Zona 4, Guatemala City. Official phone: 2411-2411. Hours (Subdirección de Extranjería): Monday-Friday, 7:00 AM - 3:00 PM.

2. Guatemalan Passport - Renewal Inside Guatemala

If you live in Guatemala, the passport is delivered the same day it is processed, and the procedure takes about 25 minutes, according to IGM’s passport FAQ. Delivery is personal: nobody else can collect it for you. (Source: IGM - Preguntas frecuentes.)

If you are in the United States, see our Passport from USA guide - that flow is different and routes through consulates.

2.1 Passport Emission Centers (9 nationwide)

Official source: IGM Passport Center Locations, as of 2 November 2026.

2.2 Official Fees (Acuerdo IGM-029-2023)

Source: IGM Passport Fee Schedule. Payment at the authorized bank (Banrural), in quetzales at the quarterly reference price IGM is empowered to fix under Acuerdo IGM-029-2023 Art. 6 — not the day’s exchange rate.

2.3 Adult Renewal Requirements

Source: IGM Passport Requirements.

1. Application form printed and signed (auto-generated after online appointment).
2. Payment receipt from Banrural (physical or Banca Virtual boleta).
3. Original DPI + legible copy of both sides on a single sheet.
4. Previous passport (renewal), for cancellation. If lost, stolen or robbed: the complaint filed with the PNC or the Public Ministry.
5. If the passport is deteriorated or destroyed: a letter signed by the holder, and the passport in whatever condition it is in.

2.4 Minor Passport (separate flow)

IGM lists five cases depending on who accompanies the minor: (a) both parents, of Guatemalan or foreign nationality; (b) one parent, inside Guatemala; (c) one parent, with the other outside Guatemala; (d) a third party acting as legal representative; (e) a minor in temporary shelter, a foster home or a foundation. Each case has its own requirement list at IGM Requirements for minors. Minors can only get the 5-year passport.

For full step-by-step on Guatemalan passport applications, see our deeper guide at /tramites/guatemala-passport/.

3. Sleeper Hack: Passport Validity Extension (FREE 18 months)

You do not always need to renew your passport - you can extend its validity. Source: IGM - Passport Validity Extension.

Applies if:

• You are Guatemalan residing in Guatemala
• Your passport was issued from 2013 onward
• No change in your civil status

Does NOT apply if:

• Your passport was issued before 2013
• Your current passport was issued when you were a minor (you are now an adult)
• You already used the extension once - only one extension per passport

The procedure is personal and in person (IGM sticker-extension page).

Why this is a hack: the 18-month sticker costs nothing, against $50-$85 USD for a new passport, and you keep the same passport booklet.

Calculator

4. Residency for Foreigners - Categories and Costs

The 2025 reform (Acuerdos IGM-016-2025 and IGM-017-2025; IGM announced their entry into force on 8 October 2025, per AGN) rewrote the residency framework. Primary source: IGM - Permanent Residency Information.

4.1 Tourist Visa Extension (Prorroga) - First Step

If you entered as a tourist and want to stay longer, request the extension BEFORE your authorized stay ends: the tourist stay is up to 90 days, extendable once (Art. 74 Código de Migración).

• Cost: $25 USD (paid in quetzales).
• Requirements: Form PVT-IGM-01-2026, valid passport with the last entry stamp, one of: exit ticket, international credit card or updated Guatemalan guarantor registration; and the payment receipt.

The prepare-before-you-go list is in the IGM prórroga checklist.

• Overstay fine: Q15 per day of excess stay when no extension is pending (Art. 194 num. 2). 30 days of overstay = Q450.

Source: IGM - Prórroga de Visa de Turista o Viajero form and the Código de Migración.

4.2 Temporary Residency (up to 5 years)

Available categories (Art. 27/48/75/76/77/84 Codigo de Migracion; IGM-016-2025 Art. 6 and 11): worker with a Guatemalan employer, worker with foreign employer (remote), self-employed, student, athlete, artist, investor, intellectual/researcher/scientist, religious minister.

General requirements:

• Application form
• Original valid passport + legalized copy
• Original criminal or police record certificate from your country of origin (or issued by its embassy or consulate, or by the country where you lived in the two years before entering Guatemala)
• Certification of migratory movement showing the last entry to Guatemala; a birth certificate only if your country has no diplomatic representation in Guatemala
• $25 filing fee receipt

Source: Acuerdo IGM-016-2025, Art. 8 + IGM fee schedule IGM-029-2023 as reformed.

4.3 Permanent Residency (5 subcategories)

Annual foreigner fee (permanent residents): $40 USD/year. Every permanent residency also pays the $25 filing fee. (Source: IGM fee schedule.)

4.4 Other Recurring Extranjeria Fees

5. Rentista / Pensionado Visa (Retirement in Guatemala)

For foreigners with passive income from abroad. Source: IGM - Permanent Residency Information.

• Minimum income: $1,250 USD/month for the principal applicant (pension, rentals, investments, generated OUTSIDE Guatemala).
• Dependents: +$300 USD/month per dependent.
• Guarantor: not listed among the requirements (IGM-016-2025 Art. 26 and 33).
• Continuity check: Every 5 years you must prove income remains active.
• Fixed IGM fee: $400 USD + $25 filing fee.

For the full step-by-step flow, see Rentista Residency.

6. Remote Work: Foreign-Employer Worker Residency (in force since October 2025)

The regulation has no visa called digital nomad; the route is the temporary residency for a migrant worker with a foreign employer. Source: Acuerdo IGM-016-2025, Art. 7, 8 and 11.

• In force: IGM announced the entry into force of its new visa, residency and status-registry regulations on 8 October 2025 (AGN).
• Legal basis: Acuerdos IGM-016-2025 and IGM-017-2025.
• Cost: $225 USD for one year ($25 filing + $200); $325 for two years; $525 for three to five years.
• Duration: one to five years, extendable (Art. 7). After five years as a temporary resident: permanent residency (Código de Migración Art. 78).
• Guarantor: Art. 11 requires a Guatemalan guarantor for the worker with a Guatemalan employer and lists none for the foreign-employer route.
• Minimum income (foreign employer): bank statements proving foreign-sourced pay of at least US$2,000/month (US$3,000/month if accompanied by dependents) over the last year, or a public accountant’s certification with legalized signature or apostille (Art. 11 num. 2); an employee of an international NGO or international organization shows the work contract and health insurance instead.
• Self-employed (Art. 11 num. 3): no fixed published figure — a notarial sworn statement with activities, location, start date and monthly income projection, the RTU certificate and the authorization to carry on commercial activities.

Three worker routes (Art. 11):

1. Employed by a Guatemalan employer (job offer letter + Guatemalan guarantor)
2. Employed by a foreign employer — foreign income >= US$2,000/month (US$3,000 with dependents)
3. Self-employed — no fixed published figure

Other points of the 2025 regulation:

• Criminal or police records may come from your country of origin, its embassy or consulate, or the country where you lived in the two years before entering Guatemala (Art. 8).
• Dependents can file together with the worker (Art. 11).
• Field visits are conditional: IGM’s field-verification unit may visit when there is doubt or information cannot be validated (Art. 35).
• Requirements must be completed within 30 days of notification of a request; otherwise the application can be denied (Art. 35).

For the step-by-step flow, see Digital Nomad Residency.

7. Authorization for Minor to Travel Abroad

Critical topic for Guatemalan families traveling to the USA with children. For a minor traveling alone or with a third party, the Migration Code requires the written authorization of both parents (or whoever holds parental authority, custody or guardianship), and failing to carry it authorizes IGM to deny the exit (Art. 61). When a parent is abroad, the authorization can be given before a Guatemalan consul.

Source: IGM - Requirements to leave Guatemala.

7.1 Scenarios

In every case the minor needs a valid passport and a current RENAP birth certificate.

Scenario A - Minor travels with BOTH parents: no authorization needed.

Scenario B - Minor travels with ONE parent only: the parent who does not travel gives one of the documents in 7.2.

Scenario C - Minor travels WITH A THIRD PARTY: both parents give one of the documents in 7.2, jointly in one document or separately.

7.2 Valid Authorization Formats

IGM’s exit list accepts any of these:

1. Mandate (original and copy).
2. Sworn declaration (acta de declaración jurada, original).
3. Power-of-attorney letter with legalized signature (carta poder, original).
4. Document issued by the competent Guatemalan diplomatic or consular authority abroad (original).
5. Document from a competent court authorizing the departure or any other extraordinary circumstance in migration matters (copy).

7.3 Special Cases

• Deceased parent: present the RENAP death certificate. If the surviving parent does not travel, that parent gives an authorization as in Scenario B.
• Sole custody: IGM’s exit list names a court document that authorizes the departure, not a custody ruling; ask IGM (2411-2411) before the trip whether your custody resolution qualifies.

For an expanded guide, see Minor Travel Authorization.

8. Annual Foreign Resident Fee ($40/year)

The fee schedule sets a $40 USD per year cuota anual de extranjería for permanent residences (numeral 4.1.3). Source: IGM fee schedule.

• Payment at the authorized bank (Banrural), in quetzales at IGM’s quarterly reference price.
• IGM’s exit requirements for temporary and permanent residents list: valid passport, data update, payment of the annual fee and a valid migration status constancia.
• Annual obligations are charged at the fee in force in the corresponding fiscal year (Acuerdo IGM-029-2023, Art. 7).

9. Overstay and Fines (Q15/day)

If you stay longer than authorized with no extension request pending, the Migration Code fines Q15 per day of excess stay (Art. 194 num. 2). Fines can also be paid in US dollars at the Banguat reference rate of the payment day. A foreigner who does not bring the fine receipt pays it at the exit migration check.

Quetzal math:

• 30 days overstay = Q450
• 90 days = Q1,350
• 182 days = Q2,730
• 365 days = Q5,475

Practical tip: the $25 USD tourist-visa extension, requested before your stay ends, avoids the fine.

10. After IGM: the RENAP DPI for Domiciled Foreigners

Temporary and permanent residents identify themselves with the DPI de extranjero domiciliado, issued by RENAP; IGM’s own passport requirements list it as the ID of foreign residents.

For RENAP procedures, see Guatemala DPI ID. If you are processing DPI from the USA, see DPI from USA.

11. IGM Online Services

IGM has modernized part of its operation via servicios.igm.gob.gt:

• Online appointments (free): book your passport appointment on IGM’s official site. servicios.igm.gob.gt/citasenlinea.
• Reschedule appointment: on the official portal, with the number and correlative of your payment receipt.
• Case status lookup: the extranjería portal offers appointments for filing and notification and a case lookup (Consultar expediente).
• Online banking payments: the payment boleta can be generated in online banking; print the application form for the day of your appointment.

Official phone: 2411-2411.

12. Refugee and Asylum in Guatemala

IGM operates a Departamento de Reconocimiento del Estatuto de Refugiado (Refugee menu at igm.gob.gt). Related costs:

• Refugee travel document: $10 USD.
• Certifications and constancies for refugees: exempt from the normal $15 charge.

13. Payment Rules - Critical

Per Acuerdo IGM-029-2023 Art. 6 and IGM’s passport FAQ:

• All payments in quetzales (Q) at the quarterly reference price IGM is empowered to fix under Art. 6 — not the day’s exchange rate. IGM must post that price where users can see it.
• At the authorized bank, Banrural; the boleta can come from the branch or from online banking.
• Official phone: 2411-2411.

14. Official Resources and Links

IGM portals:

• Main site: igm.gob.gt
• Passport fee schedule: pasaportes.igm.gob.gt/index.php/component/content/article/tarifario-servicios-igm?catid=8
• Foreigner fee schedule (IGM-029-2023 as reformed): extranjeria.igm.gob.gt/files/normativa/IGM029-2023AMN05-2023AMN012-2025IGM039-2025.pdf
• Passport centers: pasaportes.igm.gob.gt/index.php/component/content/article/ubicacion-centros-pasaportes?catid=8
• Online appointments: servicios.igm.gob.gt/citasenlinea
• Case status: servicios.igm.gob.gt/web

Related entities:

• RENAP - DPI, civil records
• MINEX - apostille, consulates
• SAT - NIT, ISR, tax compliance
• Guatemala Consulate Finder - Guatemalan consulates in the USA

Key 2025 legal acuerdos:

• Acuerdo IGM-016-2025 (Residency Regulation reform).
• Acuerdo IGM-017-2025 (Migratory Registry Regulation).
• Acuerdo IGM-029-2023, reformed by IGM-039-2025 (Foreigner and Passport Fee Schedule).
• Decreto 44-2016 (Codigo de Migracion).

15. Quick Recap by Profile

Guatemalan living in Guatemala who needs a passport:

1. Check if your passport qualifies for the free 18-month extension (§3) before renewing.
2. If not, online appointment + $50 (5 years) or $85 (10 years) - same-day delivery.

Diaspora in the USA who needs a passport:

• Go through a consulate: $65 (5 years) or $100 (10 years). See Passport from USA.

Foreigner wanting to stay 6+ months:

• If you work remote for a foreign company: foreign-employer worker residency, $225 for one year (§6).
• If you have passive income: rentista $400 + $25 filing, $1,250/month income (§5).
• If you qualify for neither: $25 tourist-visa extension (§4.1), granted once.

Guatemalan parent traveling abroad with a child:

• With both parents: just documents, no authorization.
• With one parent only: one of the documents in §7.2 from the parent who does not travel (§7).
• With a third party: one of those documents from both parents.

Permanent foreign resident:

• Pay $40 USD annual fee (§8).
• IGM can cancel a residency for leaving the country for more than a year without justification; the authorization to be absent from the country costs $25 USD (§4.4).

This is a hub guide - each procedure mentioned has its own dedicated page with full step-by-step. As of 7 November 2026.