Guyana's economy is booming. With the discovery of massive oil reserves, rapid infrastructure development, and a business-friendly government, there's never been a better time to start or expand a business in the Land of Many Waters. Whether you're a local entrepreneur, a returning Guyanese, or a foreign investor, this comprehensive guide walks you through every step of registering a business in Guyana.
From choosing the right business structure to obtaining your Tax Identification Number (TIN) and business licenses, we cover everything you need to launch your venture legally and successfully in 2026.
Types of Business Entities in Guyana
Before registering, you must decide which business structure best suits your needs. Guyana recognizes four main types of business entities, each with different legal, tax, and liability implications.
| Business Type | Liability | Minimum Owners | Best For | Registration Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sole Proprietorship | Unlimited personal liability | 1 person | Small businesses, freelancers | 2-5 days |
| Partnership | Unlimited joint liability | 2-20 partners | Professional firms, joint ventures | 5-10 days |
| Private Limited Company (LLC) | Limited to share capital | 1-50 shareholders | Most businesses, foreign investors | 7-14 days |
| External Company | Per parent company structure | Foreign parent company | Foreign companies entering Guyana | 14-21 days |
Sole Proprietorship (Business Name Registration)
A sole proprietorship is the simplest and most affordable business structure. The business is owned and operated by one person, with no legal distinction between the owner and the business entity.
Key Features
- Full control: You make all decisions without consulting partners
- Simple taxation: Business income is taxed as personal income
- Easy setup: Minimal paperwork and lowest registration fees
- Unlimited liability: Your personal assets are at risk for business debts
Best for: Freelancers, consultants, small retailers, service providers, and individuals testing a business idea before scaling up.
Partnership
A partnership involves two or more individuals (up to 20) who agree to share profits, losses, and management responsibilities. Guyana recognizes both general partnerships and limited partnerships.
- General Partnership: All partners share unlimited liability and management duties
- Limited Partnership: Has both general partners (with unlimited liability) and limited partners (liability limited to their investment)
Important
In a general partnership, each partner is personally liable for all partnership debts, even those incurred by other partners. A written partnership agreement is strongly recommended to define roles, profit-sharing, and exit procedures.
Best for: Law firms, accounting practices, medical clinics, and businesses where two or more professionals want to pool resources.
Private Limited Company (Ltd. or LLC)
A private limited company is a separate legal entity from its owners. Shareholders' liability is limited to the amount they invested in shares. This is the most popular structure for medium to large businesses and foreign investors.
Why Choose an LLC?
- Limited liability: Personal assets are protected from business debts
- Credibility: "Limited" or "Ltd." signals professionalism to clients and banks
- Perpetual existence: Company continues even if shareholders change
- Easier to raise capital: Can issue shares to attract investors
- Tax advantages: Corporate tax rate may be lower than personal income tax
Requirements:
- Minimum 1 shareholder (can be individual or corporate)
- Minimum 1 director (must be a natural person)
- Registered office address in Guyana
- Company secretary (recommended but not mandatory)
Best for: Most businesses, especially those seeking bank financing, government contracts, or foreign investment.
External Company (Branch Office)
An external company is a foreign company that establishes a presence in Guyana without creating a new local entity. The foreign parent company registers a branch office that operates in Guyana.
Key points:
- Must register with DCRA within 30 days of establishing a place of business in Guyana
- Required to file audited financial statements annually
- Parent company is liable for branch obligations
- Must have a local representative authorized to accept legal documents
Best for: Large multinational corporations, oil and gas companies, and foreign businesses wanting to test the Guyanese market before full commitment.
Step-by-Step Business Registration Process
Here's how to register your business with the Deeds and Commercial Registries Authority (DCRA), Guyana's official business registration body.
Choose Your Business Name
Your business name must be unique and not identical or confusingly similar to existing registered names. The name cannot contain restricted words like "Bank," "Insurance," "Government," etc., without special approval.
Prepare Required Documents
Gather all necessary documentation based on your chosen business structure. For companies, you'll need Articles of Incorporation drafted according to the Companies Act.
Submit Application to DCRA
Submit your completed application and all supporting documents to the Deeds and Commercial Registries Authority.
Pay Registration Fees
Pay the applicable registration fees. Fees vary based on business type and authorized share capital.
Receive Certificate of Incorporation
Upon successful registration, DCRA issues your Certificate of Incorporation (for companies) or Business Registration Certificate (for sole proprietors/partnerships).
Open a Business Bank Account
With your Certificate of Incorporation, you can now open a corporate bank account at any commercial bank in Guyana.
Registration Fees and Processing Times
Here's a detailed breakdown of costs and timelines for each business type.
Sole Proprietorship
- Name search: GYD $2,000
- Registration: GYD $3,000-10,000
- Certificate: GYD $1,000
- Processing: 2-5 days
Partnership
- Name search: GYD $2,000
- Registration: GYD $10,000-20,000
- Certificate: GYD $3,000
- Processing: 5-10 days
Private Limited Company
- Name search: GYD $5,000
- Incorporation fee (based on capital)
- Stamp duty on share capital
- Processing: 7-14 days
External Company
- Certified documents from parent company
- Registration: GYD $50,000+
- Local representative appointment
- Processing: 14-21 days
Express Service
DCRA offers express processing for urgent registrations at an additional fee (typically 50-100% premium). Express service can reduce processing time to 2-5 days for most applications.
GRA Tax Registration (TIN and VAT)
After registering your business, you must register with the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) for tax purposes. This is mandatory for all businesses operating in Guyana.
Tax Identification Number (TIN)
Every business must obtain a TIN from GRA. This number is required for all tax filings, bank transactions, government contracts, and import/export activities.
How to Get Your TIN
Value Added Tax (VAT) Registration
VAT registration is required if your business's annual taxable supplies exceed GYD $15,000,000 (approximately USD $72,000). Businesses below this threshold can voluntarily register.
| VAT Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Standard VAT Rate | 14% |
| Registration Threshold | GYD $15,000,000/year (~USD $72,000) |
| Zero-Rated Supplies | Exports, basic food items, educational materials |
| Exempt Supplies | Financial services, medical services, residential rent |
| Filing Frequency | Monthly (by 21st of following month) |
Why Register Voluntarily?
Even if below the threshold, VAT registration allows you to claim input VAT credits on business purchases. This is beneficial if you supply to VAT-registered businesses or export goods.
Corporate Tax Overview
| Tax Type | Rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Corporate Income Tax | 25% | Standard rate for non-commercial companies |
| Corporate Tax (Commercial) | 40% | For commercial companies (trading, services) |
| Withholding Tax (Dividends) | 20% | On distributions to non-residents |
| Capital Gains Tax | 20% | On disposal of capital assets |
| Property Tax | 0.5-0.75% | Based on property value |
NIS Registration
If you have employees (including yourself as a working owner), you must register with the National Insurance Scheme (NIS). NIS provides social security benefits including pension, sickness, maternity, and injury coverage.
NIS Registration Requirements
NIS Contribution Rates
| Contributor | Rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Employee Contribution | 5.6% | Deducted from employee's salary |
| Employer Contribution | 8.4% | Paid by employer on top of salary |
| Total Contribution | 14% | Of insurable earnings (up to ceiling) |
| Insurable Earnings Ceiling | GYD $280,000/month | Maximum earnings subject to NIS |
Compliance is Mandatory
Failure to register with NIS or remit contributions can result in penalties, interest charges, and legal action. Contributions must be remitted by the 15th of the following month.
Business Licenses and Permits
Depending on your business type and location, you may need additional licenses and permits from various authorities.
Mayor and City Council (M&CC) Business License
All businesses operating within Georgetown city limits must obtain a business license from the Mayor and City Council. Similar requirements apply for businesses in other municipalities.
Sector-Specific Licenses
Certain industries require additional licenses from regulatory bodies.
| Industry | Regulatory Body | License Required |
|---|---|---|
| Banking/Financial Services | Bank of Guyana | Banking/Money Services License |
| Insurance | Bank of Guyana | Insurance Company License |
| Securities/Investments | Guyana Securities Council | Broker-Dealer License |
| Telecommunications | PUC | Telecommunications License |
| Mining | GGMC | Mining License/Permit |
| Oil & Gas | Ministry of Natural Resources | Petroleum License |
| Forestry | Guyana Forestry Commission | Forest Products License |
| Food/Restaurant | Ministry of Health | Food Handler's Certificate |
| Alcohol Sales | Magistrate's Court | Liquor License |
| Construction | Central Housing & Planning | Building Permit |
| Tourism/Hotels | Guyana Tourism Authority | Tourism License |
| Import/Export | GRA/Ministry of Trade | Import/Export License |
Foreign Investment Requirements and Incentives
Guyana actively encourages foreign investment, especially in priority sectors like oil and gas, agriculture, tourism, manufacturing, and infrastructure. Foreign investors enjoy the same rights as local investors with few restrictions.
Setting Up as a Foreign Investor
1. Register with GO-Invest
Contact the Guyana Office for Investment (GO-Invest) for guidance and incentive eligibility assessment.
2. Choose Business Structure
Decide between establishing a local company (LLC) or registering as an external company (branch).
3. Register with DCRA
Follow standard registration process for your chosen structure.
4. Apply for Investment Certificate
If eligible, apply through GO-Invest for investment certificate and tax incentives.
5. Complete Tax and Regulatory Registration
Register with GRA, NIS, and obtain sector-specific licenses.
Investment Incentives
Guyana offers generous incentives to qualifying investors, particularly in priority sectors.
Tax Holidays
Up to 10 years corporate tax exemption for approved projects in priority sectors
Duty-Free Imports
Zero import duties on plant, machinery, equipment, and raw materials for manufacturing
VAT Exemptions
VAT exemptions on capital goods and certain inputs for approved investments
Accelerated Depreciation
Enhanced capital allowances for qualifying investments
Free Repatriation
100% repatriation of capital, profits, dividends, and loan repayments
Investment Protection
Bilateral investment treaties and protection against expropriation
Priority Sectors for Investment
- Oil and Gas: Upstream, midstream, and downstream activities
- Agriculture & Agro-processing: Large-scale farming, value-added processing
- Tourism: Hotels, eco-lodges, tour operations
- Manufacturing: Export-oriented manufacturing, import substitution
- ICT & BPO: Call centers, software development, data centers
- Renewable Energy: Solar, wind, hydroelectric projects
- Infrastructure: Roads, ports, housing development
- Forestry: Sustainable logging, wood processing
Restricted Sectors
Some sectors have restrictions on foreign ownership or require special licenses, including: banking (approval from Bank of Guyana), mining (GGMC requirements), media/broadcasting, and small-scale retail. Consult GO-Invest for specific guidance.
Ready to Invest in Guyana?
Contact GO-Invest for personalized investment facilitation and incentive assessment.
Visit GO-InvestKey Government Contacts
Here are the essential government agencies you'll interact with when starting a business in Guyana.
Deeds and Commercial Registries Authority (DCRA)
Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA)
National Insurance Scheme (NIS)
Guyana Office for Investment (GO-Invest)
Mayor and City Council of Georgetown (M&CC)
Ministry of Legal Affairs
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to register a business in Guyana?
Registration time varies by business type: Sole proprietorship takes 2-5 business days, partnership takes 5-10 days, and private limited company takes 7-14 days. Express services are available for faster processing at additional cost.
How much does it cost to register a company in Guyana?
Costs depend on business type: Sole Proprietorship costs GYD $5,000-15,000 (~USD $25-75), Partnership costs GYD $15,000-25,000 (~USD $75-125), and Private Limited Company costs GYD $50,000-100,000+ (~USD $250-500+) including all fees.
Can foreigners register a business in Guyana?
Yes, foreigners can register businesses in Guyana with the same rights as locals. Foreign investors should register with GO-Invest for incentive eligibility. Some sectors may require local partnership or special licenses.
What is the minimum capital requirement for a company?
Guyana does not have a statutory minimum capital requirement for most companies. Authorized share capital is typically set at GYD $1,000,000 or higher. Banks may require proof of initial capital for account opening.
Do I need to register for VAT?
VAT registration is mandatory if your annual taxable supplies exceed GYD $15,000,000 (~USD $72,000). Businesses below this threshold can voluntarily register to claim input VAT credits.
What is the corporate tax rate in Guyana?
The standard corporate tax rate is 25% for non-commercial companies and 40% for commercial companies. Various incentives and exemptions may apply for qualifying investments in priority sectors.
Do I need a local director or shareholder?
No, Guyana does not require companies to have local directors or shareholders. However, having a local representative can facilitate day-to-day operations and regulatory compliance.
Can I operate from my home?
Many businesses can operate from home, especially service-based businesses. However, you still need a registered office address, and some local councils may have zoning restrictions on home-based businesses.
What happens after I register my business?
After DCRA registration, you must: (1) Register for TIN with GRA, (2) Register for VAT if applicable, (3) Register as employer with NIS, (4) Obtain business license from your local council, and (5) Get any sector-specific licenses.
Can I change my business structure later?
Yes, you can convert from sole proprietorship to partnership or company, or merge/restructure companies. This requires filing with DCRA and may have tax implications. Professional advice is recommended.
Tips for Success
- Plan ahead: Prepare all documents before visiting government offices to avoid multiple trips
- Hire a lawyer: For company incorporation, a local attorney can ensure compliance and expedite the process
- Keep records: Maintain proper books and records from day one for tax compliance
- Understand your obligations: Know your tax filing deadlines, NIS contribution dates, and annual return requirements
- Seek incentives: If you qualify, apply for investment incentives through GO-Invest early in the process
- Network: Join the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce or relevant industry associations for support
- Stay compliant: File annual returns with DCRA and maintain your company in good standing
Last updated: January 29, 2026. Business registration requirements and fees may change. Always verify current requirements with DCRA, GRA, and relevant authorities before proceeding. This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or tax advice. Consult a local attorney or accountant for professional guidance.