Company Formation
We help you pick the right legal structure (S.A., E.I.R.L., simplified entity or foreign branch), draft the articles of incorporation, file with the Commercial Registry and tax authority (SAT), and hand you a company ready to invoice. Fixed fees, no surprises.
Why clients call us
Each structure has different tax, liability and operational consequences. We explain in plain language what fits your business model, projected revenue and growth plans — we don't push the most expensive vehicle, we recommend the right one.
If the minuta has errors in the corporate purpose, capital, clauses or signatures, the Registry returns it and delays everything by months. We review your draft or write a clean one that clears the first review.
Foreigners can be partners in a Guatemalan S.A. without issue. We handle apostille, document legalization, legal representative designation and reporting to the Financial Intelligence Unit (IVE) when applicable.
With a properly managed timeline, a S.A. is registered in the Commercial Registry in 3–5 weeks and active at SAT (electronic invoicing) the following week. We give you a real invoicing date from day one.
What's included
What's not included
How we work
30-minute call, in person or video. Tell us what you do, who the partners are, projected revenue and timeline. We propose the right structure and give you a closed quote.
Day 1We prepare the minuta with corporate purpose, authorized and paid-in capital, partner structure, governance bodies (assembly, board, management) and operational clauses. We share it for review and revise.
Days 2–5You sign the deed before a notary (in person at our office in Zona 10). We issue the first and second testimonios for the Commercial Registry and SAT.
Day 6–7Filing of the deed, payment of official fees and follow-up until corporate license is issued. We respond to any observations the Registry raises.
Weeks 2–4Corporate NIT, tax regime activation, electronic invoicing (FEL) enablement and IGSS employer registration when applicable.
Weeks 4–5We hand over: original deed, license, SAT and IGSS certificates, authorized books, legal representative appointment and a first-steps guide (invoicing, returns, monthly duties).
Week 5Reference fees
Ranges below cover professional fees. Official fees (Commercial Registry, SAT, IGSS) are paid directly and you receive the receipts.
from Q6,500
Standard, with legal minimum capital. Deed, Registry, SAT, IGSS and books included.
from Q4,800
Single-owner entity with liability limited to the capital.
from Q3,800
Decree 20-2018. Simplified incorporation and reduced fees.
from Q2,200
Natural person registered as merchant. No separate legal personality.
from Q12,000
Includes legalizations, apostille, certified translation and legal representative.
from Q3,500
Capital increase, change of purpose, partners or domicile.
Final quote is confirmed after the diagnosis. You don't pay until you accept a written proposal.
FAQ
A Guatemalan S.A. is registered at the Commercial Registry within 3–5 weeks of deed signing. SAT activation (NIT and electronic invoicing) takes one additional week. Simplified entities can close in 2–3 weeks. If all partner documents are ready upfront, the timeline runs faster.
The Commerce Code (article 89) sets a minimum authorized capital of Q200. However, that legal minimum is rarely enough to operate — banks, suppliers and public agencies often require more robust paid-in capital. We advise how much to declare and how to structure cash vs. in-kind contributions.
The S.E. (Decree 20-2018, Entrepreneurship Support Law) is faster and cheaper, with standard forms and fewer filings. It has annual revenue caps and operational restrictions. The S.A. is the classic vehicle, no revenue caps, fit for multiple partners and investment. If you plan to bill over Q5 million annually or seek investors, S.A. is our recommendation.
Yes, foreigners can be partners and legal representatives of Guatemalan entities. Apostilled copies of passport or ID are required, and in some cases tax residency certificates. We handle the full process, including reporting to the Financial Intelligence Unit (IVE) when applicable.
Yes. With an apostilled special power of attorney granted before a notary or Guatemalan consul in your country, you can authorize a local representative (us or someone you trust) to sign the deed and handle the process. We guide you on the power of attorney template to avoid rejection.
It depends on the tax regime. Options: General Regime (ISR 25% on profit + VAT 12% + ISO 1%), Small Taxpayer (5% VAT on revenue, capped at Q150,000 quarterly) or the special entrepreneurship regime. Each has advantages based on projected revenue and customer type. We help you choose at the diagnosis.
Only if you will have employees on payroll. Employer IGSS registration is mandatory from the first employee, and must be reported on the next payroll cycle. If you start alone, you can register later when hiring. We flag timelines.
Yes. You can migrate by transformation or by incorporating the new entity and contributing the existing business. Each option has tax implications (VAT, income tax, capital gains). We design the most efficient route based on your situation.
What usually follows
Drafting of commercial, distribution, service and NDA contracts.
Learn moreProtect your company name and logo at the IP Registry.
Learn moreEmployment contracts, internal policies, severance calculation.
Learn moreMonthly bookkeeping and all filings with Guatemala's tax authority.
Learn moreFull review of legal, tax and labor compliance for your company.
Learn more