Soft Landing in Guatemala: Launch Your Company Legally, Logistically, and Without the Guesswork
SEAL handles the legal incorporation and customs enablement foreign companies need to start operating in Guatemala — one licensed partner, one accountable process, from day one.
A Strategic, Incentivized Base for Nearshoring and Regional Trade
Guatemala is Central America's largest economy and a growing nearshoring hub, with direct sea, air, and land access to the U.S., Mexico, and the rest of the region — plus legal incentives designed to attract foreign operations.
Preferential trade access
Guatemala holds free trade agreements with more than 40 countries, including CAFTA-DR with the United States, giving companies based here preferential access to major export markets.
Tax incentives for exporters
Under the Free Trade Zone Law (Decree 65-89) and the Law for the Promotion of Export and Maquila Activities, qualifying export, manufacturing, and BPO/services companies can access income tax exemptions of up to 10 years, plus relief on import duties and VAT. Eligibility depends on your industry and activity — we review this during your free consultation.
Logistics infrastructure
Two ocean coasts, three major ports, one international air cargo hub, and land crossings into Mexico, Belize, Honduras, and El Salvador — Guatemala sits at the logistical center of Central America.
Skilled, competitive workforce
A young labor force of roughly 11.8 million working-age people supports manufacturing, BPO, agribusiness, and trade operations at competitive costs relative to the U.S. and other nearshoring alternatives.
Political commitment to investment
Guatemala's national "Guatemala No Se Detiene" plan is a decade-long push to expand foreign direct investment, backed by macroeconomic stability and a stable currency.
One point of accountability
Instead of coordinating a notary, a customs broker, and a freight forwarder separately, SEAL brings legal, notarial, and customs expertise under a single engagement.
The SEAL Soft Landing Process
Two structured phases take your company from "we want to operate in Guatemala" to "we are legally incorporated and cleared to import or export."
Phase 1 — Legal & Notarial Incorporation
- We evaluate and recommend the corporate structure best suited to your operation (corporation, branch, or other), factoring in the tax benefits Guatemala offers to foreign investment.
- Full legal and notarial support throughout incorporation, including drafting and registering your articles of incorporation before a notary.
- Registration with Guatemala's Mercantile Registry, including your commercial license (patente de comercio) and Tax ID (NIT) with the SAT.
Phase 2 — Customs & Trade Enablement
- Registration in the SAT's Importers Registry (Padrón de Importadores).
- Upfront tariff classification review of the goods you plan to import or export, to flag duties, restrictions, or savings opportunities before you commit.
- Official customs enablement to begin import and export operations, backed by a licensed Customs Agent throughout.
Phase 3 — Ongoing Operations (Optional)
- Once you're incorporated and enabled, SEAL can continue as your customs broker and freight partner for day-to-day imports, exports, and international shipping.
- Ongoing legal support for customs matters, disputes, and regulatory changes as your operation grows.
Not Just a Broker — a Licensed, Accountable Partner
Licensed Customs Agent
Guatemala's customs authority (SAT) qualifies our partner-director as an authorized Customs Agent — a designation held by a small number of professionals in the country.
International recognition
Affiliated with international cargo agent networks, the Chamber of Commerce of Guatemala, the Guatemalan-Mexican Chamber of Commerce, AGEXPORT, and the Logistics Guild of the Chamber of Industry of Guatemala.
Nationwide coverage
Operating at every maritime, land, and air customs point in Guatemala — Puerto Quetzal, Santo Tomás de Castilla, La Aurora, and every major border crossing.
Personalized service
Every client is handled according to their specific operation — not a generic checklist. You work directly with our team throughout.
Trusted by Foreign and Local Businesses Since 2015
SEAL's leadership has been recognized in Central America's business community, and the firm maintains active academic and trade partnerships across Guatemala.
Soft Landing in Guatemala — What Foreign Companies Ask Us
What exactly is a "soft landing" service?
Can a foreign company own 100% of a Guatemalan entity?
How long does incorporation and customs enablement typically take?
What tax incentives are available to foreign companies?
Does SEAL handle customs clearance after we're set up?
Which industries does SEAL typically work with?
How do we get started?
Let's Talk About Your Guatemala Market Entry
Book a free, no-obligation consultation with SEAL's team. We'll walk through your business, your goods, and the fastest legal path to operating in Guatemala.