Get Your Guatemala Dual Citizenship – Learn How to Apply
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Eligibility Overview
- By Birth: Anyone born in Guatemala is automatically a citizen, unless born to foreign diplomats.
- By Descent : Children born abroad to at least one Guatemalan parent are eligible for citizenship by descent.
- By Marriage : Foreign spouses of Guatemalan citizens may apply for citizenship after 1 year of legal residence and marriage.
- By Naturalization: Foreign nationals can apply for naturalization after 5 years of legal residence, or 1 year if from a Latin American or Iberian Peninsula country.
- Special Exception – Limited Dual Citizenship: Guatemala allows dual citizenship only with Latin American and Iberian countries. Citizens of other nations must renounce their original nationality upon naturalization.
Step-by-Step Process
- Confirm your eligibility by descent, marriage, or residency.
- Apply at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or General Directorate of Migration.
- Submit the required documents and pay the applicable fees.
- Complete background checks and attend an oath ceremony.
Benefits of Guatemalan Citizenship
- Live, work, and own property in Guatemala
- Travel to 130+ countries with a Guatemalan passport
- Access to healthcare, education, and government programs
- Dual citizenship permitted with select countries (Latin America and Iberian Peninsula)
Frequently asked questions.
Does Guatemala allow dual citizenship?
Yes, but only with countries in Latin America and the Iberian Peninsula. If you’re from another country, you may need to renounce your prior citizenship to naturalize in Guatemala.
Can I apply for Guatemalan citizenship through my parents?
Yes. If one of your parents is Guatemalan, you may apply for citizenship by descent through registration.
Can I apply through marriage to a Guatemalan citizen?
Yes. Foreign spouses may apply for citizenship after one year of marriage and residence in Guatemala.
Do I have to live in Guatemala to apply for naturalization?
Yes. You must live legally in Guatemala for 5 years, or 1 year if you’re from a Latin American or Iberian country.
Do I have to pay taxes in Guatemala as a dual citizen?
Guatemala taxes residents on both domestic and foreign income. If you are not a tax resident, you are generally taxed only on Guatemalan-source income.