⚡ DIRECT ACCESS TO THE OFFICIAL PORTAL
ESP License — DIGESSP MINGOB
→ DIGESSP Portal 📞 MINGOB 2413-8888
Before starting the process, have ready:
  • 📄 Incorporation deed registered with Commercial Registry
  • 🆔 Valid DPI and clean background of ALL founding partners
  • 💰 Bank surety or fidelity insurance Q50,000-Q500,000 by scope
  • 🏢 Registered physical headquarters with approved architectural plan
  • 👥 Initial agent list with DPI and background checks each
  • 📋 Operational plan: scope, coverage zones, equipment, vehicles
💰 Cost: Q5,000-Q25,000 + bond · ⏱ Time: 6-12 months · 🆔 Verified: May 2026 · 📜 Legal basis: Decree 39-89

The Private Security Company License (ESP) is the official authorization granted by DIGESSP (Directorate General of Private Security Services) of MINGOB under Decree 39-89 (Private Security Companies Law) to legally operate as a security company in Guatemala. Covers armed/unarmed guarding, cash-in-transit, escorts, electronic monitoring, and private investigation.

Summary: Total cost Q5,000-Q25,000 + bank surety. Takes 6-12 months from incorporation to operation. Requires Guatemalan partners over 25 with clean background. Each individual agent also needs a DIGESSP credential (Q437 each). Annual renewal mandatory. Without license = serious crime under Decree 39-89.

Applies to: B2B entrepreneurs operating or starting an ESP — residential, commercial, industrial guarding; cash-in-transit; personal escorts; electronic monitoring (alarms, CCTV); private investigation.

⚠️ Before starting — confirm if ESP is your right scope

What you want to operateNeed DIGESSP license?
Guard service in condos/companies✅ Yes, full ESP
Cash-in-transit (cash, jewelry, documents)✅ Yes + special authorizations
Personal escorts (VIPs, executives)✅ Yes + specialized courses
Electronic monitoring (alarms, CCTV, GPS)✅ Yes, with or without weapons
Private investigator✅ Yes, separate authorization
Selling cameras/alarms WITHOUT monitoring service❌ No, regular commercial NIT suffices
Security training (academy)✅ Yes, special DIGESSP authorization
Importing bulletproof vests for sale❌ No DIGESSP, but yes MINDEF for classification

Requirements for FOUNDING partners

Under Decree 39-89, each founding partner must meet ALL of the following:

Personal

  • Guatemalan by birth or naturalization (at least 51% of share capital)
  • Over 25 years old at the time of incorporation
  • Valid DPI original and copy
  • NIT registered in SAT
  • CLEAN criminal background (Criminal Background OJ)
  • CLEAN police background (PNC Police Background)
  • IGM certificate of not having been deported for crimes
  • Medical certificate of mental health
  • Documented résumé

Restrictions (CANNOT be partners)

  • Active military, police, or prosecutors (must resign first)
  • Persons with a record of human rights violations
  • Those previously sanctioned by DIGESSP for irregularities
  • Persons declared insolvent or with recent bankruptcy
  • Foreigners as majority partners (maximum 49% equity participation)

Economic

  • Minimum share capital established in Decree 39-89 (varies by scope)
  • Bank surety or fidelity insurance Q50,000-Q500,000 by projected number of agents
  • Registered physical headquarters with architectural plan approved by firefighters and municipality

Requirements for individual AGENTS

Each agent the ESP will employ must meet:

  • Guatemalan over 21
  • Minimum primary education (preferably middle)
  • Clean criminal and police background
  • Initial 80-hour training at DIGESSP-approved academy
  • Approved psychological exam
  • Approved physical-medical exam
  • Technical skill tests by position (weapon handling if armed agent)
  • Individual DIGESSP credential (Q437, valid 2 years)

The employer ESP processes each agents credential and must keep records updated at DIGESSP.

Step-by-step process

  1. Incorporation deed before notary — defines scope, share capital, partners, legal representative
  2. Registration in Commercial Registry — commercial patent, business NIT
  3. Registration in SAT — business RTU, tax obligations
  4. Registration in IGSS as employer (if you project more than 3 employees)

Phase 2: Pre-DIGESSP documentation (1 month)

  1. Criminal and police background of ALL partners and initial agents
  2. Bank surety or fidelity bond valid for at least 1 year
  3. Architectural plan of headquarters approved by volunteer or municipal firefighters
  4. Initial equipment inventory: vehicles (plates, registrations), uniforms, communication equipment

Phase 3: DIGESSP application (3-6 months)

  1. Fill out DIGESSP application form (digessp.mingob.gob.gt)
  2. Attach complete file + initial fee
  3. DIGESSP physical inspection of declared headquarters (DIGESSP officials visit facilities)
  4. DIGESSP documentary review + background review in PNC, MINDEF, MP databases
  5. DIGESSP resolution — approval, correction request, or denial

Phase 4: Operation (1-2 parallel months)

  1. Initial agent training at DIGESSP-approved academy (80 hours)
  2. Individual credentialing of each agent
  3. If you require weapons: process DIGECAM-MINDEF authorization under Decree 15-2009
  4. Initial registration of weaponry and armored vehicles if applicable
  5. Formal start of operations — DIGESSP license is prerequisite for signing the first contract

Phase 5: Annual renewal

  1. Company credential renewal annually (Q2,000-Q5,000)
  2. Individual credential renewal every 2 years
  3. Annual DIGESSP audit — compliance inspection, records, weapons, agents

Cost and timing

ItemApproximate cost
Company incorporation (notary, Commercial Registry)Q3,000-Q15,000
Criminal and police background (5-10 partners)Q150-Q500
Bank surety or fidelity insuranceQ50,000-Q500,000 (depends on coverage)
DIGESSP initial feeQ5,837 (2024 reference)
Initial credential per agentQ437 each
Initial agent training (academy)Q500-Q2,000 each
DIGECAM authorization (if requires weapons)Q1,500-Q5,000
Specialized legal advice (recommended)Q5,000-Q20,000
TOTAL initial estimateQ5,000-Q25,000 (without bond)
Annual renewalQ2,000-Q5,000
Total time to operation6-12 months

Common mistakes

  • Starting operations before having DIGESSP license — fine up to Q500,000 + immediate suspension + criminal proceedings against partners
  • Hiring agents without verifying background — DIGESSP audits lists; agents with records generate sanctions against the company
  • Using weaponry not registered with DIGECAM — weapons seized + criminal proceedings for usurpation of functions
  • Not renewing annual credentials — operation becomes illegal automatically, legal vulnerability with clients