Guatemala Permanent Residency: The Easiest PR in the World!

Summary

In this video, Khan discusses the benefits of Guatemala's residency and citizenship by investment programs, focusing on its affordability and accessibility. He highlights the two main options for residency: temporary residency through a $100,000 business investment and permanent residency via passive income of $1,250 USD per month. With the permanent residency option, individuals can live in Guatemala without needing to renew their status, though they must stay in the country for at least six months annually to pursue citizenship. Khan also touches on the cost of living, safety concerns, and the necessary documentation to apply.

Takeaways

• 😀 Guatemala offers two residency options: temporary residency by investment and permanent residency by independent means (passive income).
• 😀 The easiest permanent residency option in the world is in Guatemala, requiring just $1250 per month in passive income for individuals, and an additional $300 per person for family members.
• 😀 Permanent residency in Guatemala is immediate and does not require renewal, but residents must not be absent from the country for more than one year.
• 😀 Guatemala's residency program is ideal as a 'Plan B' for people who may need an alternative option in case of political or financial instability in their current country.
• 😀 Guatemala is much more affordable than the USA, costing about 65% less, making it an attractive option for those seeking lower living expenses.
• 😀 Flights to the USA are very affordable and the country shares a border with Mexico, which provides easy access to the North American region.
• 😀 Safety concerns in Guatemala, such as crime and cartels, are present but not unique to the country; major cities are relatively safe, with good infrastructure.
• 😀 For citizenship, you need to live in Guatemala for at least 5 years, with 6 months per year required for the final 2 years, and pass a Spanish language test and cultural integration test.
• 😀 You will need to provide a police clearance certificate, which must be legalized (apostilled) or manually legalized by your embassy if your country is not part of the apostille agreement.
• 😀 Guatemala is historically significant as the center of the Maya civilization, adding cultural richness to the residency and citizenship experience.

Q & A

What is the main topic of the video?

The main topic of the video is about residency and citizenship options in Guatemala, specifically focusing on investment-based and passive income-based residency programs.

What are the two main residency options available in Guatemala?

The two main residency options in Guatemala are temporary residency by investment and permanent residency by showing passive income.

What is required for temporary residency in Guatemala?

To qualify for temporary residency in Guatemala, you need to invest $100,000 in the economy, which includes establishing a business and operating it physically within the country.

How can someone qualify for permanent residency in Guatemala?

Permanent residency in Guatemala can be obtained by showing a passive income of at least $1,250 per month. If you have dependents (spouse and children), the income requirement increases by $300 per person.

What are the key benefits of permanent residency in Guatemala?

Permanent residency in Guatemala offers the advantage of no renewal requirements, though you cannot be absent from the country for more than a year. It serves as an affordable and flexible 'Plan B' for individuals looking to secure residency in Central America.

How long do you need to stay in Guatemala to qualify for citizenship?

To qualify for citizenship in Guatemala, you need to live in the country for at least 5 years, and must spend at least 6 months per year in the country during that period.

What are the requirements to obtain Guatemalan citizenship?

To obtain Guatemalan citizenship, you need to demonstrate integration into society, which includes passing a Spanish language test and having knowledge of the country's history and culture.

Is Guatemala a safe place to live, according to the video?

While the video acknowledges concerns about crime, it mentions that the main cities in Guatemala are relatively safe, with infrastructure comparable to European and Middle Eastern cities. The presenter personally felt safe while visiting.

What makes Guatemala a good 'Plan B' for residency?

Guatemala is considered a good 'Plan B' because of its affordable cost of living (about 65% cheaper than the USA), proximity to the US, and its relatively simple residency programs. It's especially appealing for individuals looking to diversify their residency options.

What is the importance of the police character certificate for the residency process?

A police character certificate is an important document required for the residency process in Guatemala. It must be legalized, either through apostille or manual legalization through the embassy if the home country is not part of the apostille agreement.