WHY GUATEMALA? First its
affordable. A middle-class retirement can buy an improved life style,
with plenty left over to support your activities. You can attain
a much higher standard of living on your social security, investments and
retirement income.
Proximity to
the U.S. and Canada. Guatemala has direct air flights to the U.S.,
with connections to Canada. You do not need to isolate yourself from
your family and friends in North America.
No Big Brother
Mentality. While there are laws and regulations, there is a strong common
sense attitude that does not allow a controlling big brother government
mentality.
Perhaps this
is because the court system does not support the types of lawsuits often
cited north of the border as evidence of our litigious societies.
You do not need a variety of licenses and permits, nor do you need to clear
your plans with commissions and committees.
Lifestyle.
It's not necessary to give up the material goods that you enjoy and brand
items you prefer. However, you may decide to use less prepared and
off-the-shelf goods when you see so many fresh foods and affordable custom
products available here.
The local
consumer market is large enough to support the type of malls, brand-name
franchises and supermarkets to which you've become accustomed, as well
as the local farmer's markets and individual artisans. Customs
and shipping costs add only a small amount to the prices you would see
back home for luxury goods and commercial electronics. Basic items
like food, housing and utilities are far lower than you would experience
in most big North American cities. Give it a try! Since it
is so easy to come and go, you can test out your new Guatemalan lifestyle
without having to make a move before you're sure.
This author,
the publishers and the many friendly North American and European expats
are ready to welcome you.
BECOMING
A RESIDENT
First, Try
It…
You needn’t
be a resident to begin your life in Guatemala. Most foreigners receive
90 days permission as a tourist when they enter the country. An extension
of another 90 days is permitted before you must decide what to do about
residency status.
Your Options
There are three
basic options for most persons interested in residency.
1. Temporary
Residence: One year. Renewable. Fee Q500 ($65).
2. Permanent
Residency: Five years, Renewable. Fee: Q3,000 ($350).
3. Permanent
Pensionado/Rentista Status for life. No Fee.
Who qualifies
as a Pensionado/Rentista?
To receive
Resident Retired Citizen status (“Pensionado”) or Investor Resident Status
(“Rentista”) you are required to prove pension and/or investment income
of US$1,000 per month. You’re required to show additional income of US$200
per month for each dependent.
Becoming
a Resident
To become a
resident, proof of pension or investment income is required, along with
a marriage certificate (if applicable), a “police record” certificate issued
by the your police department, a certified photocopy of your passport and
a letter of validity of your passport issued by your embassy.
(These documents, if not in Spanish, must be translated into Spanish by
an “official translator.”)
You can begin
the process before coming to Guatemala by working with the Guatemalan consulate
nearest you. But, you are not required to attain residency before you arrive.
It is possible to reside here up to 180 days as a tourist prior to applying
residency residency status.
