Guatemala Info
Joined: 23 Nov 2006
Posts: 14
Home Country: guatemala
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 Posted: Thu Nov 30, 2006 7:00 am Post subject: WORK PERMIT IN GUATEMALA / GUATEMALA WORK VISA |
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WORK PERMIT IN GUATEMALA
Individuals who will work in Guatemala must obtain a Residence Visa and Work Permit. Both documents are valid for one year and are renewed in Guatemala.
The following is a general summary of the types of employment visa categories that are common to corporate, international transfers into Guatemala.
"Regularization" of immigration status from Visitor status to Work Status
A foreign national employee must convert his or her immigration status from a Visitor status to Work status while in Guatemala. The employee can be present in Guatemala while the work permit application is being processed; however, the employee will not have authorization to work.
Types of Visas
The two visas required to live and work in Guatemala are:
A) Residence Visa
B) Work Permit
The General Process
A Guatemalan corporate sponsor is required to prepare specific immigration and labour documents. The application process is completed in two phases; obtaining a residence permit and the subsequent obtainment of a work permit. The residence permit MUST be obtained prior to filing for the work permit. Both visas must be obtained in Guatemala.
Basic Requirements to Qualify
The Guatemalan entity must maintain a ratio of nine Guatemalan workers for every one foreign worker for regular positions. Management positions are exempt from this requirement. However, if more than two foreign managers are employed at the Guatemalan entity, the company must pay a fine.
Guatemalan Corporate Documents Required for Work Permit:
The sponsoring Guatemalan employer must present the following documents:
1 Sworn declaration of Responsibility.
2. Sworn Guarantee.
3. Job offer letter
4. Act from Board of Directors.
5. Accounting certification/tax return forms.
Employee and Family Documents
When applying for the visa, the employee (and any dependent) must submit the following documents:
1. Complete passport copies of your passport and the passports of each dependent.
2. An up to date resume in Spanish
3. Two passport style photographs
4. Job Title and Description of duties in Guatemala.
5. Police record of good conduct for the employee with legalization at the Consulate of Guatemala in the countries where he/she has resided for the last five years.
6. Certificado de Validez y Vigencia. This is a letter or certificate from the passport issuing authority, which verifies the passport's validity and certifies that it is a true document. The Certificate must then be legalized at the Consulate of Guatemala.
General Processing Times
Residence Permit= 3 months
Work Permit= 1-2 months
Validity of the Work Visa
The work permit and residence visa are valid for one year.
Registration for Residence Permit/Tax Card:
Registration formalities are carried out when the Cedula de Vecindad (ID card) is issued.
Family & Dependents
Spouse and Children
The accompanying spouse and children should be named on the application of the employee's residence permit application, as the Guatemalan immigration authorities will approve the employee and family members together.
Unmarried Partners (Opposite-Sex)
Unmarried opposite-sex couples may apply for entry for the dependent partner, provided the couple can establish economic dependency.
Unmarried Partners (Same-Sex)
Unmarried same-sex couples are not recognized by the Guatemalan government for the purposes of immigration.
Ability to Work
Spouses, dependents and unmarried partners are not granted immediate work authorization as a derivative status of the employee. Spouses, dependents and unmarried partners must obtain their own work visas in order to secure employment in Guatemala. |
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