Invest Guatemala
7 reasons to invest in Guatemala
Download brochure

7 reasons to invest in guatemala

01

Favorable Macroeconomic Environment for Long-Term Investments

The country’s macroeconomic environment allows for long-term planning with a manageable level of risk, supported by an average growth of 3.6% over the last decade; a stable exchange rate averaging of GTQ 7.7 to US$1 on average over the last 20 years; controlled inflation that reached 1.7% in 2024 and a moderate public debt that represented 27. 3% of the GDP. We have a stable and positive sovereign risk rating, with a positive BB rating from Fitch Ratings and Standard & Poor’s, as well as Ba1 stable from Moody’s (2024).

02

Young and Skilled Workforce

Guatemala has the youngest and largest workforce in Central America, with an average age of 26 and 11.3 million people of working age, including 6.4 million women. Guatemalans are known for their strong service culture, high adaptability to change, openness to innovation, and remarkable capacity to learn. Every year, +23,000 professionals and +11,000 technicians graduate from universities in various professions. In addition, the country has the most dynamic entrepreneurial fabric in the region and an ecosystem of scholarships for employability focused on the needs of the industries.
Favorable Macroeconomic Environment for Long-Term Investments
Favorable Macroeconomic Environment for Long-Term Investments
Diversified Energy Matrix and Commitment to Sustainability
Diversified Energy Matrix and Commitment to Sustainability

03

Diversified Energy Matrix and Commitment to Sustainability
Diversified Energy Matrix and Commitment to Sustainability

Diversified Energy Matrix and Commitment to Sustainability

Guatemala has a diversified energy generation matrix with an installed capacity of 3,400 MW, 65% of which comes from renewable sources, exceeding domestic consumption and guaranteeing long-term supply at competitive costs. Legal stability in the energy sector encourages investment in generation and transmission infrastructure. In addition, favorable marketing regulations allow large consumers with needs greater than 100 kW to negotiate more favorable tariffs through private purchase agreements
The country also has abundant resources for production, including a land area of 108,889 km², a water volume of 97 billion m³, and various raw materials. This wealth of resources contributes to greater resilience and environmental management, positioning Guatemala as an attractive and stable option for companies committed to sustainability.

04

Strategic Location at the Logistic Heart of the Americas

Strategically located next to Mexico and with access to ports on the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, Guatemala offers fast and direct access to Central America and the United States by land and sea, with transit times between 4 and 6 days. In addition, the country has 15 free trade agreements that provide duty-free access to more than 1.5 billion consumers, including the DR-CAFTA with the United States. This advantage is complemented by the proximity to major U.S. cities, just a 3-hour flight from Miami, Dallas, Houston and Atlanta.

05

Special Economic Zones and Attractive Incentives

Guatemala has an attractive and robust incentive framework to promote exports and investment, backed by more than 50 years of experience with special economic zones that offer benefits without expiration dates. These zones allow companies to improve their competitiveness by expanding or relocating their operations to access key markets and enjoy tariff and tax exemptions, including income tax for a period of 10 years, as well as VAT and customs duties on the purchase of local inputs, imported raw materials and machinery for production. More than 3.5 million square meters are available in industrial parks in various regions, creating small ecosystems that promote sustainable economic growth.

06

Stable and Low-Risk Legal Framework

Guatemala has clear and stable laws and regulations that provide legal security for productive and commercial activities. It has specific laws that promote and protect foreign direct investment (FDI), without differentiating it from domestic investment, so there is full equality. It also recognizes the freedom of trade and industry, which allows the development of any legal activity in the country, as well as the participation of any percentage in the capital stock of for-profit companies organized in Guatemala. The government is committed to automating and simplifying the administrative procedures of public entities for obtaining permits and licenses, as well as reducing bureaucracy and corruption. The legal and political landscape is reliable and predictable, adding to its attractiveness as a friendly country for growth and expansion.
Special Economic Zones and Attractive Incentives
Special Economic Zones and Attractive Incentives
Safety and quality of life
Safety and quality of life

07

Diversified Energy Matrix and Commitment to Sustainability
Diversified Energy Matrix and Commitment to Sustainability

Safety and quality of life

Backed by a low homicide rate of 16.4 per 100,000 people, well below the regional average of 24.3, it is a safe place to live and invest. With rental costs 70% lower than in the United States, access to healthcare and education, and an average climate of 24° Celsius, it is an ideal country for expatriates. Guatemala is known for its megadiversity, with 37 volcanoes, 3,000 archaeological sites, natural landscapes and diverse cultures, offering an exceptional tourist experience.

Do you need more information?

Send a Message
1

Favorable Macroeconomic Environment
for Long-Term Investments

2

Young and Skilled Workforce

3

Diversified Energy Matrix and Commitment to Sustainability

4

Strategic Location at the Logistic
Heart of the Americas

5

Special Economic Zones and Attractive Incentives

6

Stable and Low-Risk Legal Framework

7

Safety and quality of life

Links of interest

© Guatemala Moving Forward – 2025. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy