Living in Guatemala
Can a US Citizen Move to Guatemala?
Leaving your home country to move abroad can be a scary endeavor, but when you have a beautiful country like Guatemala to move to, it’s easier. Can a US citizen move to Guatemala? It’s very easy for US citizens to come here. Whether you plan to stay for the next few years or for the rest of your life, moving to Guatemala is simple.
How Long Can a US Citizen Stay in Guatemala?
When you arrive in Guatemala, you’ll be given a tourist visa that is good for 90 days. However, this doesn’t mean you have to leave in three months. You can renew that visa in the capital city of Guatemala City for another 90 days before you need to make what local expats call a “visa run.”
You can leave the country every 180 days and return as many times as you like. There is no limit and many people have done this for decades, always on a tourist visa. However, you may want to look into getting your residency if you plan to move to Guatemala permanently. There are several options for this, which will be covered in a future article.
Can a US Citizen Buy a House in Guatemala?
Absolutely! There are a few restrictions when it comes to foreigners buying homes and land in Guatemala, but for the most part, you can purchase anywhere you like. As a US citizen in Guatemala, you can buy commercial or residential land, without residency or citizenship.
Foreigners may not own land within 50 km of the coast or 3 km of an international border. They are also restricted from purchasing land within 200 meters of a lakefront, 100 meters of a navigable river, or 50 meters from a spring or other water source. That being said, you can use a Guatemalan entity to purchase land and homes in these areas . . . but there are plenty of options elsewhere, too.
As a US citizen, you’ll find a wide variety of properties you can purchase in Guatemala, often at prices much lower than similar properties in the United States. Guatemala is rapidly improving its infrastructure, so it’s a good investment.
Is It Safe for Americans to Live in Guatemala?
The news often shows the worst reports, so you can be forgiven for thinking Guatemala might be a dangerous place to live. However, it’s actually safer than many cities in the US, including Baltimore, New Orleans, and Detroit.
Just like in the US, security depends on where you live in Guatemala. Tourist areas like Antigua, Xela, and Panajachel are quite protected and are known for having large numbers of expats. You can also increase your security by buying a home in a gated community, such as Los Apostoles, just outside Antigua. These communities are walled and have security guards at the entrance to monitor who comes and goes from the residential area.
Thinking of Moving from the US to Guatemala?
You’re not alone. Due to recent events in the US, many people are looking for alternatives to living in North America. Guatemala is the perfect place to relax, enjoy life, and keep your rights.
If you’re curious about making a move or have already decided, Jacaranda Properties is here to help. We offer high-quality homes with affordable options available. Contact us today at sales@jacarandagt.com for more information.
Living in Guatemala
Where to Live in Guatemala
Trying to figure out where to live in Guatemala? Despite it being a relatively small country, there are plenty of options for purchasing or renting a home here, so you’ll need to narrow things down first.
What Type of Climate Do You Enjoy?
Guatemala’s climates range from temperate to desert-like to downright hot and humid. What do you prefer?
If you want to live somewhere tropical, then either coast is a good place to look. The Pacific coast has more of a surfer vibe and is popular with travelers and short-term visitors. The black sand beaches are beautiful, but the waves and riptides can be vicious. You’ll also contend with more tourists than the Caribbean side, where white sand beaches are the norm.
Prefer cooler weather? The highlands are where you want to be. While Antigua and the surrounding area is pretty popular, you can also look at San Marcos and Quetzaltenango for cooler climates. And if it’s the desert you want, with the dry heat, then the interior near Alta Verapaz is perfect.
Is Water a Requirement?
Need a body of water? Aside from the coasts, there are a few great places to consider settling down. First, you have Lake Atitlan, one of the most popular places to live for expats. The lake is stunningly beautiful and surrounded by villages which each have their own vibe.
You may also be interested in Flores, which is an island town on a lake in Peten. This area is hot and tropical, so it’s not for everyone. However, you’ll be near Tikal and several other amazing Mayan ruins.
Want an Expat Friend Group?
For those who prefer to stick around other foreigners, your choices are a bit more limited. You’ll want to look at Lake Atitlan, Antigua, and Quetzaltenango, as these are where most expats tend to congregate. In reverse, if you want to move away from foreigners and prefer to have more local friends, avoid these areas.
Are You Loyal to Brands and Products?
One of the issues that many people find frustrating when moving to Guatemala is the lack of products they’re used to. If you want imported items, you need to stay near Guatemala City, as this is the most likely place to find those sorts of things. Smaller towns will be devoid of most foreign products, so choose carefully.
Where Do You Want to Live in Guatemala?
What we recommend is trying out a few places to live before making a decision. If you’ve never been to Guatemala before, you’ll want to get a feel for the places on this list before you choose a spot to stay. Airbnbs are a good way to spend a few weeks in each location and to get a feel for it.
When you’re ready to make a permanent move, Jacaranda Properties is here to help!