The flag of Guatemala, where you may wish to register a subsidiary

How To Register a Subsidiary in Guatemala

For those looking to start businesses in Guatemala, a viable strategy to explore is the registration of a subsidiary in Guatemala. Opting to register a subsidiary in Guatemala presents an attractive option, as it offers a quicker entry into the market compared to forming a full-fledged company. Moreover, establishing a subsidiary in Guatemala offers companies a greater degree of limited liability compared to forming a branch.

A BLH infographic of a map of Guatemala and some of its main cities. You may wish to register a subsidiary in Guatemala.
Register a Subsidiary in Guatemala: The graphic above highlights some of the major cities in Guatemala where you can register a subsidiary.

Being strategically located between Central America and Mexico, Guatemala enjoys advantages due to its proximity to the north’s large neighbor and easy access to the rest of North America. It spans the isthmus and has high-volume ports serving both the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. The location contributes to the country´s attraction as a destination for investors and for those who may be interested in a company partnership. You may find it easier to register a subsidiary in Guatemala to ensure easier market entry into the country.

The country’s large agricultural sector generates almost 9.31% of gross domestic product (GDP), which hit $95 billion in 2022 following two decades of rapid and almost continuous growth (all figures in USD). Guatemala also has a significant manufacturing sector, accounting for almost 14.1% of GDP, while the services sector accounted for close to 62% of GDP in 2022. Guatemala also benefits from significant levels of Foreign Direct Investment, with over $1.6 billion invested in the country in 2023 alone. Register a subsidiary in Guatemala to benefit from the appealing GDP numbers, without the full liability.

Guatemala’s major export products include coffee, bananas, sugar, and manufactured garments, while Guatemala also boasts significant mineral and hydrocarbon deposits. The country also has a fast-growing tech sector, which is expected to make a significant contribution to post-pandemic economic recovery.

Guatemala has made significant strides in improving its security situation over recent years, with the intentional homicide rate almost halving between 2009 and 2021. This period also saw foreign direct Invesment (FDI) inflows rise significantly. In 2021, the FDI was $3.60 billion, and it is projected to reach $1.6 billion in 2024.

If you are interested in entering this growing market, read on to better understand what how to register a subsidiary in Guatemala, as well as the steps you will need to undertake to form a branch in Guatemala.

What is a subsidiary and how does it differ from a branch?

A subsidiary in Guatemala must be at least 50% under the ownership of a holding company, which will usually be based elsewhere. When you register a subsidiary in Guatemala, it is seen in the eyes of authorities as a separate legal entity to the holding company.

¨foreign investment guatemala¨ infographic by Biz Latin Hub for an article on ¨register a subsidiary in Guatemala¨.
Foreign investment in the nation has steadily increased and may be contributed to the option to register a subsidiary in Guatemala.

A subsidiary has broad control over its own finances and affairs, which means that the parent company will have limited influence over the entity, but its liabilities will also be limited. So if your subsidiary encounters legal issues of any kind, in many cases you will not be liable for all associated costs.

That stands in contrast to a branch, which is considered an extension of the holding company and passes significantly more liability for legal issues onto its parent.

Forming a branch means operating under the same name and providing similar services as the parent company, while subsidiaries registered in Guatemala can be branded uniquely without infringing on local companies’ intellectual property rights.

How to register a subsidiary in Guatemala: a 6-step guide

The six steps you must follow to register a subsidiary in Guatemala are:

  • Step 1 – Draft the subsidiary’s statutes.
  • Step 2 – Certify the subsidiary’s registration.
  • Step 3 – Register a subsidiary with Guatemala by Accessing the Mercantile Registry Online.
  • Step 4 – Post an insurance bond.
  • Step 5 – Register the physical office.
  • Step 6 – Appoint a legal representative.

Note that you must submit all required documents in Spanish or with a certified Spanish translation.

1. Draft the subsidiary’s statutes

To register a subsidiary in Guatemala, you must first draft its statutes, which will clarify the entity’s structure and provide other key details related to its operations. Your chosen corporate lawyer in Guatemala will be able to assist you in drawing up this document.

2. Certify the subsidiary’s registration

With the statutes drawn up, you or your representative will have to attend the Ministry of Foreign Relations in order to certify the subsidiary’s registration.

¨trademark register¨ infographic by Biz Latin Hub for an article on ¨register a subsidiary in Guatemala¨.
In case you need to register a subsidiary in Guatemala, our team at Biz Latin Hub Guatemala can assist you.

3. Register a subsidiary with Guatemala by Accessing the Mercantile Registry Online

You can register the subsidiary with Guatemala’s Mercantile Registry online and pay a fee based on the capital that your holding company grants to the subsidiary.

4. Post an insurance bond 

Before you can complete the process to register a subsidiary in Guatemala, the holding company must post a $50,000 bond to guarantee the operations of the subsidiary.

5. Register the physical office

Under Guatemalan corporate law, any registered subsidiary in Guatemala must have a physical office, so depending on the nature and scale of your business, you will either need to find adequate facilities to house your operations, or a token office space where you can receive official correspondences.

To register a subsidiary in Guatemala while based elsewhere, you’ll need a local legal representative. This representative will sign documents and have experience in business and investment, acting on your behalf via a power of attorney in front of local authorities.

Biz Latin Hub can help you register a subsidiary in Guatemala

At Biz Latin Hub, we have multilingual teams of corporate support experts present and available to assist you in 18 jurisdictions around Latin America and the Caribbean. Whether you need help with company formation, recruitment, or support with legal or accounting services, we have the personnel and portfolio to be your single point of contact when entering and doing business in the Americas and beyond.

Reach out to us now for a consultation or free quote.

Or read about our team and expert authors.

Key services offered by Biz Latin Hub. Register a subsidiary in Guatemala

The information provided here within should not be construed as formal guidance or advice. Please consult a professional for your specific situation. Information provided is for informative purposes only and may not capture all pertinent laws, standards, and best practices. The regulatory landscape is continually evolving; information mentioned may be outdated and/or could undergo changes. The interpretations presented are not official. Some sections are based on the interpretations or views of relevant authorities, but we cannot ensure that these perspectives will be supported in all professional settings.
Legal Team Guatemala

Legal Team Guatemala

Legal Team Guatemala is the Biz Latin Hub leading experts on doing business in Guatemala The Team writes on the news, doing business, law, and changing regulations. The team are experts in corporate law, Administrative law, Employment law, Immigration law and legal advisory services. Read more about them here. You can contact Legal Team Guatemala via our "contact us page".

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