The RTU (Registro Tributario Unificado) is your complete tax profile with Guatemala’s SAT (Superintendencia de Administracion Tributaria). It links your NIT to your fiscal address, economic activities, and tax obligations. Whether you’re starting a small business, freelancing, or need to issue invoices, the RTU is where it all begins.
Quick summary: The RTU is free (Q0) and registers your tax profile with SAT. You start online at portal.sat.gob.gt, then visit a SAT office within 10 business days. You need a valid DPI and your NIT/CUI.
The RTU is required for anyone with economic activity in Guatemala. No cost — just paperwork.
When You Need an RTU
| Situation | RTU Required? |
|---|---|
| Starting any business | Yes |
| Freelancing or independent work | Yes |
| Issuing electronic invoices (FEL) | Yes |
| Renting out property | Yes |
| Importing goods | Yes |
| Employed (salary only) | Usually set up by employer |
| No economic activity | Not required |
What the RTU Contains
Your RTU profile includes:
- NIT — your tax identification number (CUI-linked for Guatemalans)
- Fiscal address — where SAT sends notifications
- Economic activities — what type of business/work you do (coded by NAEG classification)
- Tax obligations — which taxes you must file (IVA, ISR, etc.)
- Legal representative — for businesses, who can act on the entity’s behalf
- Contact information — email and phone
Requirements
For Individuals (Personas Individuales)
- Valid DPI (original and digitized copy, both sides)
- NIT/CUI (since 2025, your DPI number is your NIT)
- Proof of fiscal address: utility bill (water, electricity, or phone — max 3 months old)
- Lease agreement if the address is rented
- Email address and phone number
For Foreigners
- Valid passport (original and photocopy)
- NIT (must be obtained first)
- Proof of fiscal address in Guatemala
- Lease agreement
- Residency document (if applicable)
For Businesses (Personas Juridicas)
- Legal representative’s DPI
- Company’s NIT
- Articles of incorporation (escritura de constitucion)
- Business license (patente de comercio) from Registro Mercantil
- Appointment deed of legal representative
- Proof of fiscal address
- Lease agreement for business premises
Step-by-Step Process
Online Registration
- Go to the SAT portal: portal.sat.gob.gt/portal/solicitud-electronica-de-nit/
- Select “Inscripcion al RTU” (RTU Registration)
- Enter your NIT or CUI to identify yourself
- Fill in your fiscal information:
- Fiscal address (must match your utility bill)
- Economic activity (select from the NAEG dropdown)
- Contact email and phone
- Upload required documents (DPI scan, utility bill)
- Submit the form — you’ll receive a confirmation number by email
- Print the confirmation (you’ll need it for the in-person visit)
In-Person Confirmation
- Visit any SAT office within 10 business days of your online submission
- Bring original documents (DPI, utility bill, lease if applicable)
- SAT agent verifies your information
- Receive your RTU constancia (proof of registration) — printed or digital
Updating Your RTU
You can update your RTU through the SAT Virtual Agency without visiting an office:
| Update Type | Can Be Done Online? |
|---|---|
| Change fiscal address | Yes |
| Add/remove economic activities | Yes |
| Update contact info (email, phone) | Yes |
| Change legal representative | In person only |
| Close RTU / cease activity | In person only |
SAT Virtual Agency: agenciaVirtual.sat.gob.gt
RTU vs NIT vs CUI — Clarification
| Item | What It Is | Who Issues It |
|---|---|---|
| CUI | 13-digit ID number on your DPI | RENAP |
| NIT | Tax identification number | SAT |
| RTU | Complete tax registration profile | SAT |
Think of it this way: your CUI identifies you, your NIT identifies you as a taxpayer, and your RTU is your full tax file that contains everything SAT needs to know about your fiscal activity.
Detailed guide: CUI vs NIT Explained
SAT Office Locations
| City | Address | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Guatemala City (Central) | 7a. Avenida 3-73, zona 9 | L-V 7:30-16:00 |
| Guatemala City (Galerias) | CC Galerias del Sur, zona 12 | L-V 8:00-16:00 |
| Quetzaltenango | 11 Avenida 4-40, zona 1 | L-V 8:00-16:00 |
| Escuintla | 4a. Calle 3-40, zona 1 | L-V 8:00-16:00 |
| Huehuetenango | 4a. Avenida 5-35, zona 1 | L-V 8:00-16:00 |
Full directory: sat.gob.gt/agencias
Tips
- Do the online form first — walking in without it wastes time and you’ll be sent home to do it online
- The 10-day window is strict — if you miss it, start over with a new online form
- Your fiscal address must match a utility bill — SAT may reject mismatched addresses
- If you’re just an employee with no side income, your employer handles your RTU — you don’t need to register separately
- The RTU is free — never pay a tramitador for RTU registration
- Once you have your RTU, you can register for electronic invoicing (FEL)
- Keep your RTU constancia — you’ll need it when filing IVA and ISR declarations
- Call SAT at 1550 for questions about the registration process