1. Employment Contract (Written or Verbal)
Requirement:
Employment contracts in Guatemala may be written or verbal. However, a written contract is strongly recommended, especially for:
Fixed-term roles
Part-time arrangements
Specialized positions
Must Include (if written):
Job title and duties
Salary and payment frequency
Working hours
Start date
Workplace location
Contract duration (if applicable)
Purpose:
Establishes the legal employment relationship
Clarifies rights and obligations
Provides documentation in case of disputes
Ensures compliance with the Guatemalan Labor Code
Written contracts offer stronger legal protection for both parties.
2. Personal Identification (DPI – Documento Personal de Identificación)
Requirement:
Guatemalan nationals must provide a valid DPI.
Purpose:
Verifies identity and nationality
Required for payroll processing
Necessary for tax and social security registration
Ensures accurate personnel records
The DPI number is used for official employment-related filings.
3. Passport / Work Visa (Foreign Employees)
Requirement:
Foreign nationals must provide:
Valid passport
Appropriate work visa (if required)
Authority:
Instituto Guatemalteco de Migración
Purpose:
Confirms legal entry into Guatemala
Ensures the employee has permission to work
Protects employer from immigration penalties
Employment cannot legally begin without proper work authorization.
4. Proof of Legal Work Authorization / Residence Permit
Requirement:
Foreign employees must hold valid work authorization and/or a residence permit linked to employment.
Purpose:
Confirms right to reside and work in Guatemala
Required for compliance with immigration regulations
Protects employer from sanctions
Globalli should verify authorization status before onboarding foreign hires.
5. Bank Account Details
Requirement:
Employees must provide local bank account details for salary payments.
Purpose:
Enables secure salary transfers
Ensures payroll transparency
Supports accounting and tax compliance
While cash payments may occur in some cases, bank transfers are best practice for compliance and documentation.
6. Proof of Address (Optional but Common)
Requirement:
Utility bill, lease agreement, or similar document (if requested).
Purpose:
Confirms residential information
Supports employee record accuracy
May be required for banking or administrative purposes
Though not always mandatory, it is commonly collected.
7. Academic / Professional Certificates (Role-Dependent)
Requirement:
Relevant educational or professional certificates may be required for regulated or specialized roles.
Purpose:
Confirms qualifications
Ensures compliance with professional regulations
Protects employer from liability
Particularly relevant for healthcare, technical, or managerial positions.
8. Medical Certificate (If Required for Specific Roles)
Requirement:
A medical certificate may be required depending on the nature of the role.
Purpose:
Confirms fitness for work
Required for roles involving health, safety, or food handling
Supports occupational health compliance
Globalli should assess whether the role legally requires medical clearance.