Investing in Guatemala in 2026
Latin America & Caribbean
35
Score
Caution Investment Destination
Significant risks present - experienced investors with hedging strategies
Guatemala earns an investment score of 35/100, placing it in the caution category for global investors. Significant risks present - experienced investors with hedging strategies. The country's standout dimensions are growth potential (48/100) and business climate (35/100), with overall GDP of $102B and per-capita output of $5,700. Growth is running at 3.5% with 1.5% of GDP arriving as foreign direct investment. Inflation is contained at 4.2%. The sovereign holds a NR credit rating, generally considered speculative-grade with elevated default risk. Investment opportunities cluster around Remittances Services (sector score 50/100, currently growing), which represents 3% of GDP. Trade openness sits at 48% of GDP, a useful proxy for how integrated Guatemala is with the global economy.
How Guatemala's investment score has evolved over time
Remittances Services
3% of GDP, growing
Agriculture
10% of GDP, stable
Textiles
8% of GDP, stable
Mining
2% of GDP, declining
World Bank Governance Indicators (-2.5 to +2.5, higher is better)
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Is Guatemala a safe country to invest in?
Guatemala carries a caution risk rating with an overall investment score of 35/100. Significant risks present - experienced investors with hedging strategies. Sub-scores: economic health 34/100, political stability 28/100, business climate 35/100, financial strength 32/100, growth potential 48/100.
What is Guatemala's sovereign credit rating?
Guatemala holds a credit rating of NR, reflecting its ability to meet sovereign debt obligations. Credit ratings are a key signal of macro-financial health and a prerequisite many institutional investors require before allocating capital.
What are the strongest sectors for investment in Guatemala?
The top investment sectors in Guatemala are Remittances Services, Agriculture, Textiles. Remittances Services leads with a sector score of 50/100 and represents 3% of GDP. Its current trend is growing.
What is Guatemala's GDP growth rate?
Guatemala's most recent GDP growth was 3.5%, with total GDP of $102B and GDP per capita of $5,700. Inflation is running at 4.2% and the current account balance is 2.5% of GDP.
How does Guatemala score on governance and rule of law?
On the World Bank Governance Indicators (scale -2.5 to +2.5, higher is better), Guatemala scores: political stability -0.6, rule of law -1.1, corruption control -0.8, and regulatory quality -0.3.
Can foreigners invest in Guatemala?
Most industries in Guatemala are open to foreign direct investment, though specific sectors may require a local partner, government approval, or special licensing. Consult a qualified local advisor for restrictions that apply to your sector.
What is foreign direct investment (FDI) like in Guatemala?
Foreign Direct Investment in Guatemala runs at 1.5% of GDP, while the trade openness ratio (exports + imports as a share of GDP) stands at 48%. These figures show how integrated Guatemala is with the global economy and how welcoming it has been to international capital.
What is the public debt level in Guatemala?
Guatemala's government debt stands at 32% of GDP. This is a relatively conservative debt load, supporting fiscal flexibility.