Commercial agents, brokers, and other intermediaries who facilitate business transactions in Guatemala must register with the Registro Mercantil as auxiliares de comercio (commercial auxiliaries). This registration is mandated by the Codigo de Comercio (Commercial Code) and creates a public record of authorized intermediaries in the Guatemalan commercial system.
The category of auxiliares de comercio encompasses several types of commercial intermediaries. Agentes de comercio promote and facilitate transactions on behalf of a principal merchant. Corredores (brokers) bring buyers and sellers together for a commission. Comisionistas carry out commercial transactions in their own name but on behalf of a principal. Factores manage an entire commercial establishment or a branch on behalf of the owner. Each of these roles has specific rights and obligations under the Codigo de Comercio.
Registration is a straightforward process that involves completing a form, paying Q100 at Banrural, and presenting identification and any relevant mandates at the Registro Mercantil. The process typically takes 1-2 weeks for review and approval. Once registered, the auxiliar de comercio is legally authorized to act in their designated capacity and can prove their status to business partners and institutions.
Quick summary: Commercial auxiliary registration costs Q100 and takes 1-2 weeks. Required for agents, brokers, commission agents, and factors operating in Guatemala’s commercial system.
Information verified March 2026.
Types of Commercial Auxiliaries
| Type | Role |
|---|---|
| Agente de comercio | Promotes transactions for a principal |
| Corredor | Brings buyers and sellers together |
| Comisionista | Executes transactions on behalf of others |
| Factor | Manages a commercial establishment or branch |
| Dependiente de comercio | Employee with commercial authority |
Requirements
- Registration form
- DPI of the applicant
- Q100 payment receipt (Banrural)
- Mandate or authorization from the principal (if applicable)
Step-by-Step Process
- Complete the registration form for auxiliar de comercio
- Pay Q100 at a Banrural branch
- Present documents at the Registro Mercantil window
- Wait for legal review (1-2 weeks)
- Receive your registration as a commercial auxiliary
Tips & Common Mistakes
- Determine which category you fall into. The rights and obligations differ significantly between a corredor, comisionista, and agente de comercio. Consult the relevant articles of the Codigo de Comercio.
- If you also operate your own business, you need a separate empresa mercantil registration with its own patente de comercio.
- Keep your registration current. If your mandate or authorization from the principal changes, update your Registro Mercantil records.
- Corredores have specific prohibitions under the Codigo de Comercio — they cannot be parties to the transactions they mediate and cannot guarantee the solvency of the parties.