If you want to make Honduras your new home, you can do so by obtaining a Honduras Retirement Visa.

A Honduras Retirement Visa is a type of temporary residence issued to retired foreigners who want to reside in the territory of Honduras.

Who Is Eligible For a Retirement Visa in Honduras?

According to National Immigration Council (CNIg), you will be eligible to obtain a Honduras Retirement Visa if:

• You are able to prove that you have a stable economic and financial situation (assets, securities, pension).
• You can transfer a monthly amount of $1500 or the equivalent in a national currency to a Honduran bank from a source outside of Honduras. (pensionado)
• You can prove that you receive a permanent, lawful, and stable income generated abroad or in the national territory of not less than $2.500 or the equivalent in a national currency. (rentista)
• You have a clear criminal record and are not considered a threat to the country of Honduras or its people.

Documents Required for a Honduras Retirement Visa

The following documents are required to be submitted when applying for a Honduras Retirement Visa:

• Accredited Power of Representation with which your attorney will act on your behalf.
• Contract stamps and contact information. Through your attorney, submit the respective contract stamps and extensive contact information for you and your representative to the Secretary of State for Human Rights, Justice, the Interior, and Decentralization.
• Passport. Your passport must be valid for at least one year from the application date. You must also attach an authenticated photocopy of your passport.
• One photograph. A recently taken photograph in a format size 6cm x 5cm.
• Certification of the Registry of Migratory Movements issued by the National Institute of Migration.
• Police clearance certificate. An authenticated criminal record certificate issued from the country of origin and the country of your last residence.
• A certificate from the General Directorate of Criminal Investigation stating that there are no complaints against you.
• Medical report. A medical certificate not older than six months stating you are in good health conditions.
• An original application for entry authorized by the respective consul. Applicable only if you have started the application process from abroad through the diplomatic or consular representations of Honduras.

NOTE: All documents issued in a language other than Spanish must be officially translated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and legalized or apostilled.

How to Apply For a Honduras Retirement Visa?

To apply for a Honduras Retirement Visa, you need to connect with a Honduran attorney to guide you through the application process. After consulting with an attorney who is familiar with this type of process, you must gather all the necessary documents.

You can submit the application for a Honduras Retirement Visa from abroad or within the Honduran territory.

• If you are applying from abroad, you can visit the nearest Honduran consulate or diplomatic mission in your country to submit the application.
• If you want to apply from Honduras, you need to get a Honduras Visa to enter the country and begin the application process while in Honduras. Generally, most people will get a free 90-day visa on arrival.

How Much Does a Honduras Retirement Visa Cost?

The application fees for a Honduras Retirement Visa are as follows:

Can I Bring my Dependents to Honduras with a Retirement Visa?

Yes, your family members can accompany you to Honduras with a retirement visa. This visa will allow you to bring your dependents (spouse and children) with you. You will be required to add an additional amount of $150 for each dependent individually and submit supporting documents such as a birth certificate or marriage certificate to prove the relationship.

Can You Work in Honduras With a Retirement Visa?

Typically, you are not allowed to work with a retirement visa. But, you can apply for permission as a rentier resident or pensioner to engage in paid activities.

This application will cost you a fee of $200. 

How Much Money Do You Need to Retire in Honduras?

Honduras’s living costs are affordable for everyone compared to other countries in Central America. The estimated monthly costs for a single person living in Honduras are around $600 without rent. This amount includes the expenses for necessities such as transportation, groceries, water, electricity, etc.

Even if you include rent, Honduras will still be cheap and affordable for you. This means that whether you decide to reside in the city or outside the city center, the rent prices will not have a big difference. You can find one-bedroom apartments for as low as $145 to $500 in the city center or three-bedroom apartments for $270 to $810 outside the city center.

In general, a monthly amount of $1000–$1500 would be enough for you to live comfortably in Honduras.

Here is a presentation of the average living costs in Honduras: 

Healthcare for Retirees in Honduras

Healthcare in Honduras is provided by the Ministry of Health. The medical services provided by the public sector are mainly available in developed cities which makes it harder for residents in rural areas to receive medical services.
Although Honduras has many hospitals and health centers that provide physician and dentistry services, the country has a low number of physicians to provide sufficient primary healthcare to the citizens.

The healthcare system is divided into the public and private sectors. The public sector includes the Ministry of Health and the Honduras Social Security Institute, whereas the private sector includes nonprofit organizations.

The private sector serves those who can afford to pay or are covered by private insurance. Around 2.9% of the population is covered by private health insurance.

Why Retire in Honduras?

Here is why you should retire in Honduras:

• Real estate. If you are looking to purchase a home or land in Honduras, you can do so at a low cost. Real estate prices in Honduras are relatively cheap. Whether you want to purchase your own home or rent a place to live, the prices are still very affordable.
• Low living costs. Besides real estate prices being low, life in Honduras is generally affordable. An amount of approximately $1500 will be more than enough for your monthly expenses, and depending on your lifestyle, you might spend even less.
• Healthcare. Hondurans have access to both the public and private sectors. Both of them offer great quality healthcare to the residents, but depending on your choice, you can always opt for private health insurance to avoid long waits and get better treatment.
• Tax Dispensations. As a retiree, you will benefit from tax exemption while importing vehicles, personal belongings, and household items importation.
• Climate. Moving to an island comes together with hot temperatures, perfect for spending your days on the beach and just relaxing for the rest of your life. The climate varies from tropical in the lowlands to temperate in the mountains.
• Nature. Nature will follow you everywhere around Honduras. The country is known for its magical beauty of marvelous landscapes and archaeological sites. In Honduras, you will find a natural mix of green and blue.

Best Places to Retire in Honduras

Making a decision where to retire in Honduras is hard because the country offers many beautiful places that fulfill your retirement needs. Here are some of the best places to retire in Honduras to help you choose the right place to live in.

Roatan

Wake up every day with a scenic view of crystal clear waters on the magical island. Roatan is famous for its amazing offshore reefs and coral gardens and is one of the most popular places to retire in Honduras. There are many activities you can do, such as snorkeling and diving, touring around the jungles, horseback riding, boat trips, and many more.

La Ceiba

La Ceiba is a port city and a popular tourist destination surrounded by lush jungles, beautiful mountains, rivers, and majestic beaches.

It is impossible not to have a great time in La Ceiba. Some of the things you can do there are taking an ATV tour through the mountainside and river valleys, hiking the jungle, diving into the beautiful waterfalls, canoeing, or just relaxing on the beach. The town is also very safe and will make you feel at home.

Copan Ruinas

Filled with greenery everywhere you go and known for its beautiful stone temples, altars, hieroglyphs, and stelae, Copan Ruinas is one of the most popular attractions in Honduras. The archaeological site is definitely an important cultural destination. Every day in Copan Ruinas will feel like an adventure in the jungle.

Gracias

Gracias is a small town in Honduras founded in 1536 and located in the western region. The town is perfect for cultural and nature tourism and offers many things to do. The hot temperatures will accompany you throughout the year, so you can enjoy the rest of your retirement on the beach.

Santa Rosa de Copan

Santa Rosa de Copan is a small town with many colorful buildings and is one of the safest cities in Honduras. Being the coffee capital of Honduras, Santa Rosa de Copan is perfect for coffee lovers who want to try new flavors. The city is also famous for producing other products like cigars, sugar refining, furniture, leather products, clothing, and beverages.

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Guatemala welcomes retirees from all over the world and all you need to retire in Guatemala is to obtain a Guatemala Pensionado Visa, also known as a retirement visa.

Once you receive a Pensionado visa, you can travel in and out of the country as you wish. You will also benefit from the Pensioner Law of Guatemala once you meet the requirements established for the retirement category.

Who Is Eligible For the Pensionado Visa in Guatemala?

You can apply for a Guatemala pensionado visa if:

• You are retired in your country of residence.
• You have legal permanent income from outside of Guatemala.
• You receive a monthly income of at least $1,250.
• You are not considered a threat to the safety of Guatemala.
• You plan on residing permanently in the national territory of Guatemala.

Documents Required for a Guatemala Retirement Visa

Present the following documents when applying for a Guatemala Retirement Visa:

• Guatemala Pensionado Visa Application Form.
• Passport. An original and valid passport must be presented at the time of application, together with a legalized copy of the passport pages.
• Certification of validity of the passport issued by the Embassy or Consulate of your home country in Guatemala.
• Police clearance certificate. A certificate issued by the corresponding authority in your country or countries in which you have resided for the last five years.
• Copy of the resolution that accredits you as a temporary resident. If applicable.
• Proof of income. Proof you have a minimum individual income of $1,250 from your home country.
• Proof you have paid the application fee.

The Guatemalan consular office in your country might require additional documents, or the application process may differ; therefore, it is advisable to contact the relevant authority and ask for information regarding the visa application process.

NOTE: Documents must be apostilled or legalized in accordance with the Law of Judicial Organism. 

How to Apply For a Guatemala Retirement Visa?

You can apply for a Guatemala Pensionado Visa at one of the Guatemalan consular offices accredited in your place of residence. If you are already in Guatemala, you can submit the application directly to the General Directorate of Migration in Guatemala.

Here is a general step-by-step guide on how to apply for a Guatemala Retirement Visa:

1. Complete the document checklist and pay the required application fees before visiting the consular office.
2. Submit the documents to the consular office and wait for a response. The consulate will forward your application to be examined by the Guatemalan General Directorate of Migration.
3. The General Directorate of Migration will examine your application and transfer the actions to the Ministry of Public Finance to authorize the tariff exemptions determined by the law of retirement.

Remember: To apply for a Pensionado Visa if you are in Guatemala already, you can submit your documents directly to the General Directorate of Migration.

How Long Does a Guatemalan Pensionado Visa Take to Process?

Usually, the pensionado visa application takes 15 days to process, but it can take longer in certain cases.

After the Retirement Visa Is Approved

After you are granted the Pensionado (Retirement) visa and enter Guatemala, you must register with the General Directorate of Immigration within a period of 30 days, and receive the migratory certificate.

How Much Does a Guatemala Retirement Visa Cost?

The application fee for a Guatemala Pensionado Visa (Retirement Visa) is $400. Depending on where you are applying from, you can pay the fee at the Guatemala consulate or the General Directorate of Migration.

How Long Can I Stay in Guatemala as a Retired Expat?

A Guatemala Pensionado Visa is issued for a period of five years, which can be extended before the visa expires.

Benefits of Guatemala Pensionado Visa

Once you are granted a Guatemala Pensionado Visa, you will be entitled to the following benefits:

• You will be exempt from paying taxes VAT for importing your personal belongings or household items.
• You will be exempt from income tax on incomes declared as coming from outside of Guatemala.
• You will be exempt from paying import customs duties when importing vehicles from abroad (the CIF value of the vehicle cannot exceed 25 times the value of said income, or you will be required to pay all taxes on the difference).
• You will be exempt from payment of fees caused by registration, extension, or change of quality migratory status.

Can I Bring my Dependents to Guatemala With a Retirement Visa?

Yes, you are allowed to bring your family members (dependants) with you once you obtain a Guatemala Retirement Visa. To do that, you will be required to add an additional amount of $300 for each dependent. Eligible family members include:

• Spouse (who you are legally married to)
• Children (not older than 25 years old)

Can You Work in Guatemala With a Retirement Visa?

No, a Guatemala Pensionado (Retirement) Visa does not give you the permit to work. You will not be allowed to work in a position where you will benefit from monthly income, but you can run your own business without engaging in any kind of paid work.

Can I Lose My Guatemala Pensionado Status?

You can lose the Guatemala Pensionado (Retirement) Visa due to the following reasons:

• You fail to comply with the obligations inherited with the retired resident status.
• You provide false information regarding your socioeconomic status.
• You stay out of the country for a period longer than one consecutive year unless you demonstrate that the absence happened due to illness.

Healthcare for Retirees in Guatemala

The healthcare system of Guatemala is divided into three separate divisions: the public, private nonprofit, and private for-profit sectors. The public health sector provides medical care through hospitals, health facilities, and health centers, whereas the private sector provides medical care within private offices, clinics, and hospitals.

Public healthcare in Guatemala is a “single-payer” system, offering free medical services to everyone and it covers about 88% of the population The public healthcare sector is focused more on treating diseases, therefore primary care in facilities is basic. In big cities like Guatemala City, hospitals provide high-quality medical care, but you will not find the same care in other cities, especially in rural areas of the country.

Although Guatemala offers free public healthcare services to all Guatemalan citizens there are several medical services like blood work or radiology that can only be performed in private companies. As a result, citizens are forced to opt for private healthcare.

When choosing private healthcare, it is recommended to choose a health plan that offers international coverage for all medical services.

How Much Money Do You Need to Retire in Guatemala?

Guatemala is one of the cheapest countries in Central America, making it the most affordable retirement option in the region. You can cover your daily expenses with just about $585  per month without including rent.

The rent price depends on what type of residency you want to live in and your budget. For example, you can find apartments for as low as $300 to $850 (one bedroom) and $650 to $1,700 (three bedrooms) in the city center. Whereas the price range for apartments outside of the city center, the monthly rent goes from $260 to $590 (one bedroom) and $390 to $1,200 (three bedrooms).

Here is a presentation of the average living costs in Guatemala: 

Why Retire in Guatemala?

Here is what makes Guatemala a perfect place to retire:

• Tax exemptions. Retired citizens of Guatemala will be exempt from tax payments such as import customs during the first year of your retirement in Guatemala, etc.
• The low cost of living. Guatemala makes a perfectly affordable and cheap option for spending your retirement. Real estate prices are below average and daily expenses are cheaper than in all of Central America.
• Healthcare. Guatemala offers free public healthcare with excellent medical care to all its residents. As a retiree, you can choose between free public healthcare or private medical companies. The price of private healthcare is still affordable compared to other countries.
• Nature. With a wonderful touch of green, Guatemala will amaze you with its beautiful nature. Besides the famous natural attractions, Guatemala has great biodiversity with over 1,200 species.
• Delicious food. Guatemalan cuisine is diverse in color, ingredients, and taste. Corn, chilies, and beans are considered key ingredients for all Guatemalan dishes. The food is spicy enough to leave you with a delicious flavor and want more.

Best Places to Retire in Guatemala

Here are the best places to retire in Guatemala:

Guatemala City

The capital city is a popular destination for expats moving to Guatemala. Guatemala City hosts art galleries and important museums and dominates the cultural life of the country. Expats are attracted by the rich culture, great coffee, and restaurants.

Antigua

Antigua is a great city to get in touch with Guatemalan culture. The colored buildings, stunning volcanoes, and beautiful beaches make Antigua a great place to spend your retirement. While living in Antigua, you will get the chance to try the diverse cuisine and delicious restaurants.

One of the customs and traditions of Antigua is its patron saint festival which gives the city a colorful view and great atmosphere.

Lake Atitlan

Lake Atitlan is the perfect place to get away and enjoy nature. The area has a unique location, surrounded by three volcanoes and steep cliffs. You can spend your days swimming in the beautiful water and walking around the lake. Some of the most popular areas for expats in Lake Atitlan are  Panajachel, San Pedro La Laguna, and Selina.

Panajachel

Panajachel, also known as Pana, is one of the most famous places for tourism in Guatemala. In Panajachel, you will find several restaurants with local and international cuisine, coffee shops, and more. You will enjoy the spectacular view of the lake and the volcanoes surrounding it and can take a boat trip to visit the different municipalities.

San Pedro La Laguna

The town is located on the southwest shore of Lake Atitlan and is famous for its artists and murals. If you like going out at night for a drink and meeting new people, San Pedro La Laguna is known for its nightlife around Lake Atitlan. Pubs, restaurants, hostels, and hotels have made San Pedro La Laguna become a hotspot for backpackers and travelers.

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