Immigration filings and nationality, handled remotely too

They vary by filing, but nearly all start from a valid passport, a birth certificate, proof of address, criminal and police records, photographs to specific requirements, and the official forms. The difference lies in the detail: the validity period of each certificate, apostille or consular legalization where the document comes from abroad, and a sworn translation where it is not in Spanish. In the initial consultation we give you the exact list for your case.

It is measured in months and can run close to a year or more, depending on the applicable route, how complete the file is, and the authority's own timelines. We cannot commit to a date, and you should be wary of anyone who does. What we do control is that the file goes in complete and that every request for further information is answered within the period granted — which is where most of the time is lost.

In several situations yes, through a power of attorney granted to the attorney and legalized at the Guatemalan consulate in your jurisdiction. Some steps are reserved by regulation to the personal appearance of the applicant. We tell you frankly from the outset whether your specific filing can be handled entirely remotely or will require your presence at some point.

Beyond immigration and nationality filings: estate proceedings over property in Guatemala, granting and revoking powers of attorney, purchase, sale and registration of real estate, filings before the National Registry of Persons and the General Property Registry, and representation in civil and commercial proceedings. All with video consultations and digital copies of the file.

Our practice is before Guatemalan authorities. For immigration proceedings before U.S. authorities we set out clearly the scope of what we can do — Guatemalan documentation, certificates, powers of attorney, legalizations — and, where the matter requires it, we recommend seeking representation admitted before those authorities. We would rather say so at the start than accept an engagement that is not ours.