- 📜 Public incorporation deed drafted by a Guatemalan notary (or apostilled certified copy for foreign NGOs)
- 📋 Bylaws signed by the board of directors
- 👥 Board of directors appointment minutes
- 🆔 DPI of founding members and board
- 💳 Q150 payment by card or BANRURAL slip
- 📍 Proof of fiscal address in Guatemala
- 📧 Active email address to create your REPEJU platform user
Guatemala NGO Registration is the procedure by which a Non-Governmental Organization obtains legal recognition in Guatemala from the Registry of Legal Persons (REPEJU) at the Ministry of Government (MINGOB), under Decree 04-2020 and its Regulations (Government Agreement 157-2021).
Quick summary: Q150 official fee paid online (card or deposit slip). 10 business days legal deadline from complete filing. 100% digital procedure via the REPEJU platform at mingob.gob.gt. Result: Razón de Inscripción confirming legal personality, enabling you to open a bank account, receive donations, sign agreements and operate legally. Valid while operating with proper board renewals and annual reports.
Applies to: foundations, associations, federations, committees, newly-formed national NGOs, and foreign NGOs coming to operate in Guatemala (international cooperation, humanitarian aid, environmental, health, education).
What is REPEJU and why does it matter?
The Registry of Legal Persons (REPEJU) is the MINGOB unit that maintains the official registry of all non-profit entities in Guatemala: NGOs, foundations, associations, federations, churches, political parties in formation, etc. It’s available at repeju.gob.gt and operates as an online platform since 2021.
Before Decree 04-2020, NGOs registered with municipal civil registries (civil associations), notaries, or sectoral ministries (education, health, environment). Decree 04-2020 centralized all registration in MINGOB / REPEJU as a response to international pressure on transparency and financing of the non-profit sector.
Practical consequences of Decree 04-2020:
- ✅ Centralized, digital registration — faster than the previous system.
- ✅ Single, online-verifiable Razón de Inscripción.
- ⚠️ Requirement to report foreign donations above certain thresholds.
- ⚠️ Requirement to file annual activity and accountability reports.
- ⚠️ Possibility of administrative cancellation for non-compliance.
National NGO or Foreign NGO?
| Type | Description | Key requirements |
|---|---|---|
| National NGO | Incorporated in Guatemala by Guatemalan or resident members. Deed before Guatemalan notary. | Incorporation deed, bylaws, board of directors, DPIs, fiscal address in Guatemala |
| Foreign NGO | Already exists legally in another country and requests authorization to operate in Guatemala. | Apostilled foreign deed translated to Spanish, legal representative in Guatemala, designation of local domicile |
A foreign NGO that comes to operate in Guatemala (USAID partners, GIZ, European foundations, international religious NGOs, etc.) doesn’t need to incorporate again, but DOES need to register with REPEJU to operate legally, open a local bank account, sign agreements and receive local donations.
Complete file requirements
Confirm the latest version of the list in the official REPEJU form before assembling your file.
For National NGO
- 📜 Public incorporation deed before authorized Guatemalan notary, including: corporate name, social purpose, initial assets, domicile, duration, founding members
- 📋 Bylaws signed by board of directors (model available at REPEJU)
- 👥 Incorporation assembly minutes and first board of directors appointment minutes
- 🆔 DPI of founding members (minimum 2-3 depending on type, legible copies of both sides)
- 🆔 DPI of board members
- 📞 CV and contact info of board members (email, phone, address)
- 📍 Proof of fiscal address in Guatemala (utility bill, lease agreement)
- 📧 Active email address to create user on REPEJU platform
- 💳 Q150 payment slip or online debit/credit card payment
For Foreign NGO (additionally)
- 📜 Certified copy of foreign incorporation deed — apostilled and translated to Spanish by a sworn translator
- 📜 Certificate of existence and good standing issued by the country-of-origin authority — apostilled and translated
- 👤 Designation of legal representative in Guatemala — by deed before Guatemalan notary
- 🆔 DPI or passport of local legal representative
- 📍 Proof of Guatemala domicile of representative or operating headquarters
- 📋 Letter from the organization explaining purpose, estimated annual budget in Guatemala, and funding sources
File-prep tip: Apostilles and translations for foreign NGOs are the #1 cause of delay. Coordinate with your headquarters to apostille documents in the country of origin BEFORE shipping to Guatemala. Sworn translations in Guatemala cost Q150-Q400 per page.
Step-by-step process (REPEJU platform)
Access the platform for online procedures at the Registry of Legal Persons via repeju.gob.gt or mingob.gob.gt.
Register as a user. Click “Register” and create your user with a valid email address. You’ll receive a validation link by email — open the link to activate the account.
Enter your data. Complete the user form with personal data, DPI, phone and address.
Create your password and store it securely.
Validate the user via the email link.
Log in to the platform and go to “Procedure Request”.
Select procedure type: “National NGO Registration” or “Foreign NGO Registration”.
Verify requirements the system displays and download the list to prepare your file.
Make the Q150 payment via debit/credit card or, if you already paid via BANRURAL slip, enter the slip data.
Complete the online form with all data: corporate name, purpose, board, domicile, etc. Attach required documents in PDF (deed, bylaws, DPIs, minutes, address proof).
Submit the request. The system generates a file number.
Check your electronic mailbox in the platform. REPEJU notifies observations, requirements, or issuance of the Razón de Inscripción there.
Address observations if any. REPEJU indicates what to correct, you upload the corrected document and resubmit.
Download the Razón de Inscripción once the file is approved. This is the official document certifying your NGO’s legal personality.
Apply for NIT at SAT with the Razón de Inscripción as supporting document. Without an NIT you cannot issue invoices, open a bank account, or legally receive donations.
Cost and time
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Official REPEJU fee | Q150 |
| Payment method | Online debit/credit card or BANRURAL slip |
| Time from complete submission | 10 business days (official) |
| Validity | While operating (with board renewals & annual reports) |
| Result | Digital Razón de Inscripción |
Associated costs (NOT REPEJU fee):
| Item | Realistic cost |
|---|---|
| Guatemalan notary — incorporation deed | Q3,000-Q15,000 |
| Bylaws drafted by attorney | Q1,500-Q5,000 |
| Foreign apostilles (foreign NGO) | USD 50-300 per country |
| Sworn translation (foreign NGO) | Q150-Q400 per page |
| Edict publication in Official Gazette | Q500-Q1,500 |
| NIT registration at SAT | Q0 (free) |
| Realistic total (national NGO) | Q5,000-Q15,000 |
| Realistic total (foreign NGO) | Q10,000-Q25,000 |
Board of directors renewal (recurring obligation)
The board of directors renewal is the most critical recurring obligation registered NGOs face. The process:
- The general assembly of members elects a new board within the period set in the bylaws (generally 1-3 years).
- Board appointment minutes are drafted and signed by all members.
- Within the deadline (typically 30 days from appointment), the new board of directors registration is filed via the REPEJU platform (separate procedure, separate cost).
- REPEJU issues the Razón de Inscripción of Board of Directors in force.
Why it matters:
- Without a registered board of directors in force, you cannot sign agreements, open bank accounts, receive large donations, or file with SAT.
- Banks request the Razón de Inscripción of Board to update authorized signatures.
- International donors require the certificate to release funds.
- Prolonged omission may cause administrative cancellation of the NGO.
Common mistakes and how to avoid them
Bylaws not aligned with REPEJU model. REPEJU has suggested models. If your notary writes creative bylaws, expect observations. Better to use the model and tweak only what’s necessary.
Social purpose too broad or too vague. “To support the country’s development” is too vague — REPEJU requires specifying areas (education, health, childhood, environment). Too broad also raises red flags.
Fiscal address without supporting document. You must attach a utility bill or lease agreement proving the NGO’s physical address.
Expired or illegible DPI. If any board member’s DPI is expired, renew it BEFORE assembling the file.
Payment not registered in the system. If you pay via BANRURAL slip, enter the correct slip data in the online form. Errors here halt the procedure.
Failing to register board changes on time. This is the most common cause of subsequent problems.
Failing to request ISR exemption at SAT. REPEJU does NOT automatically exempt you from taxes. You must request the exemption separately at SAT.
Legal framework
- Decree 04-2020 — NGO Law for Development (Reforms) — comprehensive reform of Guatemala’s NGO regulatory framework.
- Government Agreement 157-2021 — Regulations to the NGO Law — develops the REPEJU registration procedure.
- Civil Code and Commercial Code — supplementary provisions on legal persons.
- Tax Update Law — for ISR exemption of non-profit entities.
Related procedures
- 🏛 MINGOB Hub — Government Procedures — all Ministry of Government procedures.
- ⛪ MINGOB Novedad Constancy — Religious & Foundations — for religious entities and foundations.
- 🧾 SAT Hub — Taxation — mandatory next step after NGO registration.
- 🆔 SAT RTU Registration — tax registration of the NGO.
- 📜 Criminal Background Check — useful for board members.
- 👮 Police Background Check — useful for board members.
- 🆔 RENAP Hub — Identity — DPI for members and board.
Official links
- REPEJU — Registry of Legal Persons
- MINGOB — Main page
- Official REPEJU Form — NGO Registration (PDF)
- MINGOB phone: +502 2413-8888
- MINGOB address: 6a avenida 4-64, zona 4, Guatemala City