Expat Relocation Checklist — Download | Antigua Real Estate Development

Antigua Real Estate Development · Relocation Guide

The Complete Expat Relocation Checklist

Your step-by-step guide to moving to Antigua Guatemala

Prepared by Luna Jerney · antigua real estate development

1 Visa & Residency Planning

Check your passport validity — need 6+ months remaining Research visa options: tourist (90 days), temporary residency, permanent residency Tourist visa: citizens of US, Canada, EU, UK get 90 days on arrival (renewable) Temporary residency: requires $500+/month income proof OR $50K investment in Guatemala Connect with a Guatemalan immigration lawyer for residency applications Budget residency costs: ~$500-1,500 in legal fees + government fees

2 Banking & Finances

Open a Guatemalan bank account (Industrial Bank, G&T, Banrural are most popular) Bring: passport, proof of address from home country, reference letter from your bank Set up Wise or Xe for international transfers (much cheaper than traditional wire) Notify your home bank and credit card companies of your move Understand tax obligations: Guatemala taxes resident on Guatemalan-source income only Set up a digital nomad-friendly credit card with no foreign transaction fees

3 Housing Research

Research neighborhoods: El Hato (nature), Ciudad Vieja (quiet), Historic Center (vibrant) Visit Antigua first for 1-2 weeks to explore areas in person Rental budget: $400-800/month for colonial home, $800-1,500 for modern villa Rental requirements: 1-2 months deposit + first month's rent + Guatemalan ID (or passport) Consider furnished vs unfurnished (most rentals are unfurnished) If buying: connect with a real estate agent early — market moves fast

4 Healthcare Setup

Research private health insurance for expats (Pacificare, Mapfre, Seguros G&T) Private clinics in Antigua: Centro Médico, Hospital Hilario Galindo (good quality) Bring a 90-day supply of any prescription medications (some may not be available) Dental care in Antigua: excellent and 60-80% cheaper than US/Europe Emergency evacuation insurance recommended (Air Ambulance to US if needed) Get a complete checkup + dental before leaving home country

5 Education (if moving with family)

International schools: Antigua International School, Colegio Maya, CAG Tuition: $5,000-12,000/year depending on school and grade Apply early — popular schools have waiting lists Collect school records and transcripts from current school Spanish immersion programs available for children

6 Legal & Property (if buying)

Hire a Guatemalan lawyer for due diligence (property title, liens, encumbrances) Notary (notario) handles deed drafting and registration — required by law Closing costs: 4-7% of purchase price (lawyer, notary, registry, taxes) Foreigners can buy with full ownership rights — no restrictions Property tax (IUSI): 0.2-0.6% of assessed value per year — very low Consider title insurance for added protection (US-based providers available)

7 Moving & Logistics

Book shipping for household goods (sea freight: 6-8 weeks, air: faster but expensive) Importing a car: 30-50% import duty — often better to buy used in Guatemala Set up mail forwarding (Earth Class Mail, Traveling Mailbox) for important documents Cancel or forward subscriptions, memberships, and utilities Arrange temporary housing for your first 2-4 weeks (Airbnb is popular)

8 Settling In — First Month

Get a Guatemalan SIM card (Tigo or Claro — prepaid, ~$10/month for data) Set up WiFi at home (Tigo internet: ~$40/month, installation within a week) Register with your embassy (US Citizens: STEP program, others: local registration) Join expat Facebook groups (Expats in Antigua, Antigua Guatemala Community) Explore the city: mercado, coffee shops, coworking spaces, gyms Learn Spanish basics if you don't already — local schools offer $150-250/week immersion Set up garbage, water, security services for your home

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