Make a will in Guatemala for the property you own here
If you own a house, land, shares or accounts in Guatemala, a Guatemalan will gives your family clear instructions and avoids an intestate succession. Ready in about 3 days; you sign it in person at our office.
At a glance
- Types
- Open or sealed will
- Time
- About 3 days
- Signing
- In person, in Guatemala
- Fees
- Free quote on WhatsApp
Key facts
- Service
- Will before a Guatemalan notary
- Types
- Open or sealed
- Time
- About 3 days
- Witnesses
- You bring them; they must not be heirs or legatees
- Abroad
- You must come to Guatemala to sign it
- Inheritance tax
- Guatemala currently has no inheritance tax
- Fees
- Free quote on WhatsApp
Is this for you?
A will is not only for large estates.
You own property in Guatemala
A house, land, a business or bank accounts.
You live abroad part of the year
And want your Guatemalan assets in order.
You want to leave something to someone specific
A partner, a relative or an institution.
Open or sealed will
Both are valid; the difference is who knows the content.
Open will
You state your wishes before the notary and the witnesses, who know the content. The most common.
Sealed will
You deliver your wishes in a sealed envelope; the content stays private until it is opened.
Which one fits
We review it with you based on your family, your assets and the privacy you want.
How it works
About 3 days.
Talk to us
Tell us what you own and how you want to distribute it.
WhatsApp or officeWe draft it
We prepare the will with your wishes, explained in English.
About 3 daysYou sign
You sign before the notary, with your witnesses, at our office in Zona 10.
By appointmentTimelines and fees
The will is ready in about 3 days. You must be in Guatemala to sign it. Message us on WhatsApp for a free quote.
Frequently asked questions
Can a foreigner make a will in Guatemala?
Yes. Foreigners sign with their passport, before a Guatemalan notary, in person.
Can I make it from abroad?
No. A will is signed in person before the notary, so you must come to Guatemala. If you are visiting, we can have it ready for you to sign during your stay.
Who can be a witness?
You bring your witnesses with valid ID. They must not be heirs or legatees under the will. We tell you in advance who can serve.
Is there an inheritance tax in Guatemala?
Currently, no. The tax on inheritances, legacies and donations upon death was repealed in 2026.
How long does it take?
About 3 days from the moment you tell us your assets and heirs.
Can I change my will later?
Yes. You can amend or revoke it at any time with a new will.
Lic. Sergio Alvarez
Lic. Sergio Alvarez prepares wills for families in Guatemala and abroad, and explains each clause in English before you sign.
- Attorney and Notary — Universidad Francisco Marroquín
- LL.M. in Finance — Universidad Francisco Marroquín
- MBA — Universidad Francisco Marroquín
- Master in Management — Tulane University
- Specialization in Corporate Law — Universidad del Istmo
- Diploma in Finance — INCAE Business School and Georgetown University
Let's prepare your will
Tell us what you own in Guatemala and who you want to leave it to. We will recommend an open or sealed will and send you a quote.