What Is a Work Certificate
The work certificate (also called constancia laboral, carta laboral, or employment letter) is a mandatory official document the employer must deliver to the worker per Article 87 of the Labor Code of Guatemala.
It’s one of the basic worker rights. Its function: formally certify that you worked at a company, for how long, in what position, with what salary, and when/how the relationship ended (if it has).
Unlike other documents, it’s FREE and must be delivered by the employer upon request — during or after employment.
What Must the Work Certificate Contain
By law (Article 87) and standard practice, a correct work certificate must include ALL these elements:
Worker data:
- Full name
- DPI or identification number (recommended, not mandatory)
- Position held
Labor data:
- Hire date (day/month/year)
- End date (day/month/year) if applicable
- Monthly salary earned (at termination or current if still active)
- Reason for termination (if applicable):
- “Voluntary resignation”
- “Termination with just cause per Article 77”
- “Termination without just cause per Article 78”
- “Mutual agreement”
- “Retirement by age/disability”
Company data:
- Full name and business name
- Business NIT
- Tax address
- Name and position of signatory (manager, HR director, legal representative)
- Company seal
- Representative’s signature
Date and place:
- Place of issuance (city, department)
- Issuance date
Standard Work Certificate Format
[Company logo or letterhead]
WORK CERTIFICATE
Guatemala, [issuance date]
To whom it may concern:
This is to certify that Mr./Mrs. [FULL NAME OF WORKER],
with DPI number [13 digits], worked at this company
performing the position of [TITLE OR POSITION].
The period worked was from [hire date] to [end date],
earning a monthly salary of Q [amount in quetzales]
(plus/without Q250 incentive bonus).
The reason for termination of the labor relationship was
[voluntary resignation / dismissal / mutual agreement / etc.].
This certificate is issued at the request of the interested
party for the uses they deem appropriate.
___________________________
[Full name of signatory]
[Position - General Manager / HR Director / etc.]
[Company name]
NIT: [number]
[Contact phone]
[COMPANY SEAL]
Most Common Uses of the Work Certificate
| What you need it for | Recommended age |
|---|---|
| Job hunting (prove experience) | No limit, more recent better |
| US visa (DS-160) | Less than 30 days |
| Canadian visa | Less than 30 days |
| Open bank account | Less than 60 days |
| Bank/mortgage credit | Less than 30 days |
| Credit card application | Less than 60 days |
| IGSS pension | No limit |
| Government social program (Bono Social) | Less than 90 days |
| Labor lawsuit | Same date as event |
| Passport application | No age requirement |
| Apostille for use abroad | Recent for processing |
How to Request Your Work Certificate
If you still work at the company:
- Request in writing to HR department or directly to your boss.
- Delivery time depends on the company, but shouldn’t exceed 5-10 business days.
- If the employer delays, remind them in writing that it’s a legal obligation (Art. 87).
If you’ve ended the contract:
- Must be delivered with your finiquito (on the last day of work).
- If you didn’t receive it, request in writing with signed acknowledgment copy.
- Maximum deadline: 30 calendar days from termination date.
If the employer refuses to deliver it:
- Request in writing with copy signed by the employer or a witness.
- File complaint at MINTRAB - General Labor Inspection:
- Central office Zone 5 or departmental sub-delegation
- Anonymous line: 1539
- Online: MINTRAB portal with DPI
- MINTRAB can sanction the employer with fines of 8 to 14 monthly minimum wages.
Work Certificate vs Other Documents
It’s common to confuse these documents. The difference:
| Document | Who issues | Mandatory? | What it certifies |
|---|---|---|---|
| Work certificate (constancia) | Employer | YES (Art. 87) | Objective relationship data |
| Recommendation letter | Employer (optional) | NO | Opinion on performance |
| Carta de trabajo | Employer (synonym for certificate) | YES | Same as certificate |
| No criminal record | PNC or MINGOB | NO (it’s for your use) | That you have no criminal record |
| IGSS Constancia | IGSS | NO | That you were affiliated |
Tips When Receiving Your Work Certificate
Verify the data. Any error (incorrect date, position, salary, reason) must be corrected before accepting.
Request original copy (with seal and signature). Photocopies or printouts are usually not accepted for official processes.
Make several certified copies. For multiple uses, take the original to a Notary to certify photocopies. Each certified copy costs ~Q15-30.
Apostille if going abroad. For use outside Guatemala (consulates, visas, foreign jobs), you may need to apostille the certificate. Process at MINEX: ~Q35-Q70.
Store it safely. Your work certificate is part of your professional history. Keep digital and physical copies for future use.
If the Certificate Has Incorrect Data
If your employer delivers a certificate with false or harmful data:
- Salary lower than real: affects your calculation of future benefits and your credibility with banks.
- Incorrect termination reason: “justified termination” when it was unjustified affects your right to severance.
- Wrong dates: affects your seniority for pensions.
Actions:
- Request correction in writing. Indicate the erroneous data and provide evidence (pay stubs, contract).
- If they refuse: file complaint at MINTRAB and demand a correct certificate.
- In serious cases (with clear economic harm): sue the employer in labor tribunals for document falsification.
Related Trámites
- How to Resign in Guatemala — Before requesting your certificate.
- Termination With vs Without Just Cause — Important for “termination reason” on your certificate.
- Labor Benefits Calculator — Your finiquito includes the certificate.
- IGSS Contribution Certificate — Similar document for IGSS.
- Labor Complaint MINTRAB — If they refuse your certificate.
- MINEX Apostille — If you need to use the certificate abroad.
Legal Sources
- Labor Code of Guatemala (Decreto 14-41), Article 87 — Employer obligation to deliver work certificate.
- Labor Code, Article 60 — Worker right to request certification of labor relationship during contract.
- Ministry of Labor and Social Welfare — Resolutions and instructions for special cases.
This page offers general guidance on Guatemala labor legislation. For cases where the employer persistently refuses to deliver the certificate or delivers false data, consult a labor advisor at MINTRAB (free) or a specialized lawyer.