Work permit for foreign nationals

This application must be submitted by the employer.

How to apply

01

Access the Online Work Permit System for Foreign Nationals

Create an account on the Electronic Work Permit Platform for Foreigners (PEX) of the Department of Permits for Foreigners. Access the Platform

– A valid email address must be provided to receive official notifications.

Once the account is created, the system will direct the user to complete the application form based on the relevant category:

– Employers.
– Foreign nationals married to or in a union with Guatemalan citizens.
– Foreign nationals with Guatemalan children.
– Asylum seekers.
– Refugees.

02

Submit required documents

The application form must be accompanied by digital copies of the required documents, in accordance with the Regulations for the Authorization of Work Permits for Foreign Nationals, Governmental Agreement 528-2003 of the President of the Republic of Guatemala:

1. Copy of the full passport of the foreign national to be hired.
2. Copy of the residency card, visa approval resolution, or proof from the General Directorate of Migration indicating that the visa is being processed. If not available, submit a copy of the visa application with a receipt stamp.
3. Copy of the document certifying the legal authority of the employer’s representative.
4. Notarized declaration or document with legalized signature confirming the employer’s responsibility for the conduct of the foreign worker throughout the duration of employment.
5. Certification issued by a certified public accountant detailing the number of employees (both national and foreign) and their salaries, including percentages.*
6. Copy of the official appointment of the foreign worker.
7. Notarized declaration or legalized document confirming that the foreign worker speaks, reads, and writes Spanish, if from a country where Spanish is not the official language.
8. Employer’s formal declaration committing to the training of Guatemalan personnel, including proof of payment of the training fee established by the General Directorate for Training and Vocational Education of the Ministry of Labor and Social Welfare.

03

Administrative Notifications (providencias)

The applicant will receive one of the following resolutions:

Processing Notice: (providencia de trámite) If any requirement is missing or incorrect, the applicant will have five (5) business days to correct it. Failure to do so will result in rejection of the application.
Payment Notice: (providencia de pago) Payment must be made within five (5) business days at the designated bank. The receipt must then be uploaded to the online system. Failure to comply will result in rejection of the application.
Authorization resolution: (resolución de autorización) Upon completion of the payment, the Department of Work Permits for Foreign Nationals will issue the official resolution and send it to the registered email address.

Renewal or extension:
Work permits are granted for one-year terms, and may be renewed for equal periods.

The user may request a renewal or extension through the same online process, submitting the same documents outlined in Governmental Agreement 528-2003. The request must be submitted at least 15 days prior to the expiration date of the current permit.

*According to the Labor Code, the employment of foreign nationals may not exceed 10% of the company’s total workforce, and the total salary paid to foreign workers may not exceed 15% of the total payroll. This restriction does not apply to executive roles such as managers, directors, administrators, superintendents, or general supervisors.