Relocation to Guatemala can be done in a number of ways. If you only plan to spend the winter months in Guatemala, then you can probably do so with a simple tourist visa. Upon entrance to Guatemala you are given a 90 day tourist visa, which can be renewed once, for a total period of 180 days.
For those who are looking at doing business in Guatemala, or living there year round, it is much more practical to get some form of residency. Temporary residence is offered for one year and is renewable, while permanent residence covers five years and is renewable. Any offshore income is not taxed by Guatemala, so getting your residency doesn’t have any negative financial effects in that regard.
Retirees can receive the status of 
“Pensiaonado” which is a lifetime residence. You must be able to prove you are receiving a minimum of $1000 a month either through a pension or investments. Each dependent requires an additional $200 of income.
A list of the residency requirements can be found at the Guatemalan Consulate to the United States web site, although the use of a Guatemalan law firm, such as Diaz-Duran & Asociados is recommended. (To view a PDF of the Residence Requirements, click here.)
Facebook
Digg