Guatemala: Online System for Work Permit Applications Forthcoming

The Ministry of Labor of Guatemala is introducing an electronic work permit filing system. Starting August 1, 2022, employers (or authorized third parties) will need to use this system to file initial or renewal work permit applications on behalf of foreign nationals. The in-person process will not be available starting August 1. Employers who file a work permit application in person prior to August 1 are not affected by this change and the Ministry will continue processing those applications. According to the Ministry, the new online process is expected to reduce processing times to approximately 15 to 20 days, instead of the current two to three months.