Doing business in Guyana.
One of the fastest-growing economies in the world, the only English-speaking country in South America — and Brazil's neighbour by road.
Why Guyana, now.
Since oil production began at the end of 2019, Guyana has grown faster than almost any economy in the world. What matters for new companies is that growth has spread well beyond oil: the IMF reports that the non-oil economy grew about 14% in 2025, led by construction, with agriculture, mining and manufacturing also contributing.
The government is investing heavily in infrastructure — a new four-lane bridge over the Demerara River, a paved road towards the Brazilian border, housing and hospitals — and international hotel groups are arriving in Georgetown. Demand for reliable suppliers, housing, services and skilled people is greater than local supply in many sectors.
Step by step.
A foreign company can operate in Guyana either through a new company incorporated locally or by registering its existing company as an external company. The usual path looks like this:
- 01
Choose the structure
A local company under the Companies Act, a branch registered as an external company, or a joint venture with Guyanese partners — the choice affects tax, liability and local content.
- 02
Register the company
Name approval and incorporation (or external-company registration) with the Deeds and Commercial Registries Authority, with a registered office in Guyana.
- 03
Tax and social security
Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) with the Guyana Revenue Authority, VAT registration where it applies, and employer registration with the National Insurance Scheme (NIS).
- 04
Licences and local content
Sector licences, and — for suppliers to the oil and gas sector — registration with the Local Content Secretariat.
- 05
Bank, office and people
Corporate bank account, office or warehouse, local hiring, and housing and relocation for the people you bring in.
What weighs most.
Corporation tax
25% for most companies and 40% for commercial companies (mainly trading goods they don't manufacture, telecoms, banking and insurance), with a 2% minimum on turnover for commercial companies. From 2026, income from agriculture and agro-processing is exempt.
VAT
Standard rate of 14%, with 0% on exports and exemptions for items such as residential rent, education and financial services.
Local Content Act 2021
To count as a "Guyanese company", a business must be at least 51% owned by Guyanese nationals, with Guyanese nationals in at least 75% of senior roles and 90% of other roles. Only registered companies count towards local content targets, and fines for non-compliance reach GY$50 million — which is why many foreign firms enter through structured partnerships.
People and permits
Foreign staff need the right immigration status to work. We coordinate permits with licensed local professionals and plan local hiring from the start.
General information, checked in October 2026. Rules change — we confirm the current position with licensed professionals for every project.
Moving people to Guyana.
Georgetown is the business centre, and most foreign professionals live in and around the capital. Life runs in English, with a Caribbean rhythm and a mix of cultures. Demand for good housing is high, so homes, leases and schools need to be planned before people arrive.
Anywhere in the countryWe assist equally anywhere in Guyana — Georgetown and the coast, Berbice, Linden, Essequibo and the interior, including Lethem on the Brazilian border.
- Housing: furnished homes and apartments are in demand — we inspect before signing, check the generator and water tank, and agree on maintenance in the lease.
- Neighbourhoods: most foreign families choose gated or well-served areas of Georgetown and its outskirts, close to schools and the workplace.
- Schools: international options fill up early — apply as soon as the move is confirmed and keep the last school reports at hand.
- Health: private clinics and hospitals in Georgetown cover most needs; we help register the family and keep emergency contacts ready.
- Money and services: the Guyana dollar is the local currency; cards work in larger stores, cash is still common. We set up bank account, tax ID, phone and internet.
- Getting around: driving is on the left, and a foreign licence is only valid for a short period — we help with the local permit or a driver.
- Daily life: tropical climate all year with rainy seasons, English everywhere, a Caribbean rhythm and a growing choice of restaurants, gyms and services.
One plan. One team.
We write your plan with Guyanese costs and taxes, register the company, structure local partnerships where local content applies, house and relocate your team, and build your website, systems and launch marketing — with people on the ground in Georgetown.
About Guyana.
Who can open a business in Guyana?
Foreign individuals and companies can generally incorporate a company in Guyana or register their existing company as an external company. Regulated activities — such as mining, forestry, financial services, telecoms and healthcare — also need their own licences, and anyone working in the business needs the right immigration status.
Can a foreign company sell to the oil and gas sector?
Yes, but the Local Content Act sets minimum Guyanese participation in 40 categories of goods and services — from 5% to 100% depending on the category — and gives registered Guyanese companies preference in contracts. In those areas, foreign companies usually enter by partnering with, or creating, a company that qualifies as Guyanese.
What is the Local Content Certificate, and do I need one?
It is the certificate of registration issued by the Local Content Secretariat to Guyanese nationals and companies that supply the oil and gas sector. Without it, a supplier does not count towards local content and cannot access the ring-fenced contracts. Registration is free, done online and renewed every year — and any change in ownership must be reported.
What counts as a "Guyanese company"?
A company incorporated in Guyana, at least 51% owned by Guyanese nationals, with Guyanese nationals in at least 75% of executive and senior management positions and 90% of other positions. A company can still be foreign-owned under company law — it just won't qualify for local content on its own.
Which kinds of companies are most welcome?
Guyana's investment agency, GO-Invest, promotes agriculture and agro-processing, energy, mining, ICT, tourism, manufacturing, housing and services. Companies that bring skills, train local people and work with Guyanese partners tend to find the warmest welcome — and, from 2026, income from agriculture and agro-processing is exempt from corporation tax.
Where are the opportunities for foreign companies right now?
Housing and construction, hotels and hospitality, logistics along the new road to Brazil, food production, and services for a growing workforce — healthcare, education, retail and technology. In oil and gas, specialised services where local capacity is still being built are usually delivered in partnership with Guyanese companies.
Let's talk about Guyana.
Tell us what you have in mind. We reply within two business days.