If you've been exploring citizenship by investment programs in the Caribbean region, you might be wondering about Guyana's offerings. As the fastest-growing economy in the world with its recent oil boom, Guyana has certainly caught the attention of global investors and second citizenship seekers.

Let me be clear from the outset: As of 2025, Guyana does not offer any citizenship-by-investment (CBI) or residency-by-investment (RBI) program. There is no "golden visa" or economic citizenship scheme in place akin to those in some other countries. Anyone claiming to offer Guyanese citizenship in exchange for a financial investment is not representing the official position.

That said, the landscape is evolving rapidly as Guyana transforms from one of South America's poorest nations to a regional economic powerhouse. The conversation around investment migration is happening, and it's worth understanding both the current reality and potential future developments.

In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore the existing pathways to Guyanese citizenship, examine the proposals that have been floated for a potential CBI program, and analyze what a future Guyanese citizenship by investment initiative might look like if it ever materializes.

The Rising Appeal of Guyana

What's driving the sudden interest in Guyanese citizenship? The answer is straightforward: economic transformation on a scale rarely seen anywhere in the world.

Since offshore oil production began in 2019, the economy has expanded at an extraordinary rate – the GDP has roughly tripled in size in just a few years. In 2024 alone, Guyana's GDP grew by over 43%, making it the fastest-growing economy in the world. This remarkable growth has turned the country from a relatively overlooked destination to a hotspot for international investment.

Foreign Secretary Robert Persaud noted in April 2025 that many non-nationals are eager to become citizens or residents of Guyana due to the country's economic rise. With this newfound prosperity, some have begun referring to the Guyanese passport as a potential "golden passport" for the future.

Yet despite this growing appeal, Guyana has taken a measured approach to immigration and citizenship matters. Let's examine the current pathways available.

Current Citizenship Options in Guyana

If you're interested in Guyanese citizenship today, there are several established legal pathways, though none involve direct investment:

Citizenship by Birth

Under the Constitution and Citizenship Act, any person born in Guyana is a citizen by birth, jus soli, with very limited exceptions (primarily children of foreign diplomats or hostile occupying forces). This means that children born in Guyana automatically become citizens regardless of their parents' nationality (with those few exceptions).

Citizenship by Descent

Additionally, persons born abroad to at least one Guyanese parent or grandparent can acquire citizenship by descent (subject to registration). This is particularly relevant for the large Guyanese diaspora, whose children and grandchildren can claim citizenship through their family connections.

Citizenship by Marriage

A foreign national who marries a Guyanese citizen is entitled to register as a citizen of Guyana after the marriage. Article 45 of the Constitution guarantees that the foreign spouse of a Guyanese can be registered as a citizen, upon application and taking an oath of allegiance.

This pathway does not require any minimum investment or substantial fee beyond standard processing costs. It's based solely on the familial relationship.

Naturalization Through Residency

For those without Guyanese family connections, the primary pathway to citizenship is through naturalization after a period of residency:

For those without Guyanese spouses or parentage, the only path to citizenship is naturalization through long-term residency. The law sets a residency period (combined with other requirements like good character and intent to remain in Guyana) that must be met before an immigrant may apply. Generally, an applicant must have lived in Guyana for at least 7 years to qualify for naturalization.

There's a slight advantage for certain nationalities: citizens of Commonwealth countries or of the Republic of Ireland can register as Guyanese citizens after 5 years of residence (instead of 7). This reflects Guyana's historical ties to the Commonwealth.

In all cases, applicants must demonstrate good character and an intention to reside in Guyana. The process is overseen by the Minister of Home Affairs, who has discretion in approving applications.

Dual Citizenship Considerations

Good news for those considering Guyanese citizenship as a second passport: Guyana today permits dual citizenship for its nationals, with some restrictions on holding public office. This means you can maintain your original citizenship while becoming Guyanese.

This policy makes Guyana more attractive compared to countries that require renunciation of previous citizenship. However, it's important to note that this flexibility applies only to the retention of citizenship, not to its acquisition.

The acquisition of citizenship in Guyana is governed by the Constitution of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana (1980, as amended) and the Guyana Citizenship Act (Cap. 14:01). These laws lay out exhaustively who is entitled to be a citizen. Currently, there is no provision in these laws for citizenship by investment – all pathways to citizenship are based on birth, descent, marriage, or residence (naturalization).

This legal framework is intentional and reflects a particular view of citizenship. In fact, Guyana's nationality law explicitly requires some form of personal connection or service to the country; simply investing money is not recognized as a basis for nationality.

To create a citizenship by investment program, Guyana would need to make significant legislative changes. To create a CBI program, Parliament would have to amend these laws – for example, adding a provision that the President or a minister may grant citizenship to an investor who meets certain criteria. As of 2025, no such amendment has been made.

Business and Investor Options in Guyana

While citizenship by investment isn't available, Guyana is quite welcoming to foreign investors in other ways:

Investor Visas and Work Permits

In practice, the government has been accommodating to bona fide investors by granting extended visas and work permits. For example, a foreign businessperson can obtain an initial visa on arrival and a work permit (with an approved local sponsor or business) that is valid for up to three years and renewable.

The Guyana Office for Investment (GO-Invest) actively assists investors in navigating these processes, making it relatively straightforward to establish a business presence in the country.

Property and Business Ownership

Notably, Guyana does not restrict foreign ownership of assets in the way some countries do. Under Section 15 of the Investment Act, foreign investors are allowed to purchase or lease land and property in Guyana, subject to the ordinary laws. They can also wholly own companies (100% foreign ownership is permitted in most sectors).

This open investment climate means you can purchase real estate or start a business without citizenship requirements. However, buying property does not automatically confer any immigration status. The foreign buyer would separately handle their visa.

Path to Potential Citizenship

While there's no direct citizenship-by-investment route, investors who establish a business presence in Guyana can gradually work toward citizenship:

In the absence of a dedicated RBI avenue, foreign investors in Guyana must integrate via the normal channels: obtain a business or work visa, renew it as needed, live in Guyana for several years, and then apply for citizenship or permanent status just like any other long-term resident.

This approach requires patience and genuine engagement with the country, but it offers a legitimate path for committed investors who are willing to establish real ties to Guyana.

Proposals and Discussions: The Future of CBI in Guyana

While no official CBI program exists now, the concept has been discussed in Guyanese public discourse. The most notable proposal came in 2019:

The 2019 Proposal

In 2019 a letter to the editor (widely circulated in local media) advocated for a CBI program as a means to capitalize on newfound oil wealth. The proposal argued that Guyana could attract rich investors and generate revenue for development by "selling" citizenship under controlled conditions.

This proposal suggested:

  • Investment Threshold: an investment or contribution of approximately US$300,000 per applicant. This sum would be significantly higher than the minimum donations in existing Caribbean CBI programs (which range around US$100k–250k), positioning Guyana's offering as a premium option.
  • Annual Cap: to avoid an uncontrolled influx, the program would accept only about 300 investors per year. At US$300,000 each, this was projected (perhaps over-optimistically) to raise on the order of US$90–$900 million annually.
  • Use of Funds: The proposal emphasized earmarking the investment proceeds for public good – e.g. housing and community development projects – to make the idea more palatable to citizens. This approach would ensure visible benefits for the local population.

Government Response and Current Position

Despite such proposals, the Guyanese government has not adopted any CBI program to date. There is no indication that the 2019 suggestion moved beyond the debate stage.

The government's current approach seems focused on different priorities:

  1. The current administration's focus has been on engaging the Guyanese diaspora rather than on outside investors for population growth. There's a preference for encouraging expatriate Guyanese to return home.
  2. The government's priority appears to be leveraging oil revenues and traditional investments, rather than pivoting to citizenship sales, unless compelling reasons emerge.
  3. A thorough review of government releases and parliamentary records up to March 2025 finds no draft law or bill publicly introduced that would establish a citizenship or residence by investment program in Guyana.

Economic and Political Context: Why Guyana Might (or Might Not) Adopt CBI

Several factors influence Guyana's approach to citizenship by investment. Understanding these can help gauge whether a CBI program might emerge in the future:

Oil Wealth Reduces Financial Need

Unlike many Caribbean nations that turned to CBI programs out of economic necessity, Unlike smaller Caribbean states that turned to selling citizenship to shore up their finances, Guyana does not currently face a revenue crisis. The impetus for a CBI program (which is often fiscal in nature – a way to raise money) is therefore weak.

With billions flowing in from oil revenues, a scheme that might net a few hundred million via CBI could be seen as not worth the potential risks or downsides. This financial self-sufficiency gives Guyana the luxury of being selective about its immigration policies.

Changing Value of Guyanese Citizenship

Traditionally, Guyanese citizenship wasn't highly sought after internationally. However, the Foreign Secretary noted that the Guyanese passport is now seen as a "golden passport" by some, given the country's bright prospects.

That said, the attractiveness of Guyanese citizenship on the global stage is still moderate. In terms of visa-free travel, the Guyanese passport ranks relatively low – currently around 117th in the world, with visa-free access to only ~99 countries (mostly in the Caribbean, Latin America, and a few in Europe/Asia). It does not provide visa-free entry to major destinations like the USA, Canada, Schengen Europe, or the UK.

This relatively limited travel freedom could make it less attractive compared to other CBI programs that offer more powerful passports.

Direct Cash Benefits to Citizens

A unique factor that complicates the CBI discussion in Guyana is the government's move to share oil wealth directly with citizens:

In late 2024, President Ali announced a one-time cash grant of G$100,000 (approximately US$478 or £370) to every Guyanese adult citizen as a "payout" from the oil revenues. Notably, this benefit was explicitly for citizens – including those abroad (if they come in person to claim).

This direct sharing of wealth makes citizenship inherently valuable and raises questions about adding new citizens through investment: If the state is literally distributing money to citizens, it will be extremely careful about expanding the citizenry for money. A CBI investor who pays, say, $300k might then become eligible for such grants or future profit-sharing, essentially getting back some of what they paid – which might not sit well with the public.

International Relations and Visa Agreements

Guyana must also consider how a CBI program might affect its international standing:

For example, the European Union's stance on CBI programs has hardened; countries that offer "citizenship for sale" face greater scrutiny, and the EU has even threatened to revoke visa-free travel for countries that abuse these schemes.

While Guyanese citizens currently need visas for many major destinations, the country might aspire to secure better visa agreements in the future. If Guyana were running a CBI program, the EU (or other nations) might be reluctant to grant visa waivers, fearing that Guyanese passports could be bought by undesirables.

What a Hypothetical Guyana CBI Program Might Look Like

While no program exists now, if Guyana were to implement a citizenship by investment initiative in the future, it would likely have these characteristics:

Investment Options and Thresholds

Based on regional precedents and the 2019 proposal, a Guyanese CBI program might require:

A significant minimum investment on the order of US$250,000–$500,000 would probably be required. The 2019 letter suggested $300,000 as a starting point.

This investment could take several forms:

This could be structured as either a non-refundable contribution to a government development fund (following the donation models of other CBI programs) or an investment in specific assets (such as government bonds, infrastructure projects, or real estate in Guyana).

Given Guyana's development needs, a sovereign wealth fund contribution or investment in housing/agribusiness might be favored over simple luxury real estate purchases.

Due Diligence and Vetting

Any Guyanese CBI program would likely implement rigorous background checks:

Strict due diligence would be a cornerstone of any such program, both to satisfy international standards and local concerns. Applicants would undergo comprehensive background checks for criminal history, source of funds (to prevent money laundering), and security risks.

This would likely involve partnerships with international due diligence firms, similar to other Caribbean CBI programs.

Processing Timeline and Procedures

Based on comparable programs, we might expect:

Typically, CBI programs strive for efficient processing – many Caribbean programs issue approvals within 3 to 6 months of application. If Guyana launched a program, it would likely establish a dedicated CBI unit to process files on a similar timeline.

The process would likely follow the standard pattern: Applicants would likely first receive conditional approval (after due diligence), then make the investment payment, and finally be granted citizenship documents.

Quotas and Limitations

To address concerns about population impact:

To address population size concerns, Guyana might impose an annual quota or overall cap. The letter proposal explicitly mentioned capping at 300 investors per year, and the government might indeed choose to limit numbers (at least initially) to gauge impact.

Family inclusion would also be defined: Likely, they would allow main applicant + immediate family (spouse, minor children) under one investment, with scaled fees for additional dependents – again following the Caribbean model.

Residence Requirements

Some CBI programs require physical presence in the country, while others don't:

Guyana might lean towards requiring some physical presence to ensure investors get acquainted with the country. For example, they might require an initial visit during application and perhaps a promise to spend a certain number of days per year in Guyana post-citizenship.

However, to remain competitive, such requirements would likely be minimal.

Comparison with Other Caribbean CBI Programs

If Guyana were to introduce a CBI program, it would enter a competitive regional market. Here's how it might compare to existing Caribbean programs:

Investment Thresholds

The hypothetical $300,000 investment threshold suggested in the 2019 proposal would position Guyana at the higher end of Caribbean programs:

  • Dominica: From $100,000 (donation) or $200,000 (real estate)
  • Antigua & Barbuda: From $100,000 (donation) or $200,000 (real estate)
  • St. Kitts & Nevis: From $250,000 (donation) or $400,000 (real estate)
  • Grenada: From $150,000 (donation) or $220,000 (real estate)

A premium price point would align with Guyana's positioning as a more substantial economy with greater resources and opportunities than the island nations.

Passport Strength

One disadvantage Guyana would face is passport power:

  • St. Kitts & Nevis passport: Visa-free access to ~157 countries including the UK, EU Schengen zone
  • Antigua & Barbuda passport: Visa-free access to ~150 countries including the UK, EU Schengen zone
  • Grenada passport: Visa-free access to ~144 countries including the UK, EU Schengen zone, plus E-2 visa treaty with USA
  • Guyana passport: Visa-free access to ~99 countries, NOT including UK, EU Schengen zone, USA, or Canada

This more limited travel freedom would need to be offset by other advantages such as Guyana's economic growth potential and larger landmass.

Economic Context

Where Guyana would stand out is in its economic trajectory. While most Caribbean CBI countries are small island economies heavily dependent on tourism, Guyana offers:

  • Fastest growing economy in the world
  • Massive oil and gas sector
  • Significant mining industry
  • Extensive agricultural land
  • Larger internal market (population ~790,000 vs. often under 100,000 for island nations)

These economic factors could make Guyanese citizenship attractive despite the relatively weaker passport.

Alternative Pathways: Residency by Investment Instead?

While citizenship by investment isn't available, a residency program might be more politically feasible:

It's possible Guyana might entertain a residency-by-investment scheme instead of outright citizenship. This would grant a permanent residence status or a 5-10 year residence permit to investors who put in a smaller amount (say US$100,000 in a business or property).

This approach would create a two-step process: After maintaining that status and physical presence for a number of years, the person could then apply for citizenship via naturalization.

Such a program would function similarly to "golden visa" programs in countries like Portugal, Greece, or Spain, where residency is granted based on property purchase or other investments.

The advantages of this approach include:

  1. It would require less dramatic legal changes than a full CBI program
  2. It would address concerns about "selling citizenship" by maintaining the traditional naturalization process
  3. It would ensure investors develop real ties to Guyana before becoming citizens

Practical Considerations for Prospective Investors

If you're interested in Guyana as an investment and potential future citizenship destination, here are some practical steps to consider:

Business Investment Strategy

Given the current legal framework, the most viable approach is to establish a legitimate business presence:

  1. Research investment opportunities in Guyana's growing sectors (agriculture, tourism, services, technology, etc.)
  2. Connect with the Guyana Office for Investment (GO-Invest) for guidance
  3. Secure appropriate business visas and work permits
  4. Establish residency through your business activities
  5. After 5-7 years (depending on your nationality), apply for naturalization

This approach requires patience but builds a genuine connection to the country that may prove more valuable in the long run.

Real Estate Investment

While property ownership doesn't automatically grant residency or citizenship, it can be part of a broader strategy:

  1. Identify promising real estate opportunities in Georgetown or other developing areas
  2. Understand that foreign ownership is permitted without restrictions in most cases
  3. Use property ownership as a complement to business activities that establish your residency
  4. Consider the long-term appreciation potential given Guyana's economic growth

Monitoring Policy Developments

For those interested in a potential future CBI or RBI program:

  1. Keep an eye on official government announcements and parliamentary activities
  2. Follow Guyanese media for discussions about investment migration
  3. Connect with legal professionals in Guyana who specialize in immigration
  4. Be wary of anyone claiming to offer citizenship by investment in Guyana currently

The Future Outlook: Will Guyana Introduce a CBI Program?

Based on current indicators, here's a realistic assessment of whether Guyana might introduce a CBI program in the coming years:

Factors That Could Drive Implementation

Several developments might increase the likelihood of a Guyana CBI program:

  1. Economic Diversification Needs: If oil revenues fluctuate or decline, Guyana might look to diversify its income sources
  2. Competition with Regional Neighbors: If other CARICOM states with CBI programs continue to thrive, Guyana might want a share of that market
  3. Strategic Population Growth: As Guyana develops, it may seek to attract specific investors or skilled individuals through preferential immigration policies
  4. Diaspora Expansion: A modified program targeting the Guyanese diaspora and their networks could gain political support

Factors That Suggest Continued Caution

On the other hand, several factors suggest Guyana will maintain its current approach:

  1. Oil Revenue Sufficiency: With massive oil income, the financial incentive for CBI remains low
  2. Political Sensitivity: Citizenship matters touch on national identity and sovereignty issues
  3. International Scrutiny: Growing global criticism of CBI programs, especially from the EU and US
  4. Regional Examples: Guyana can observe both the benefits and drawbacks experienced by neighboring CBI countries

Realistic Timeline

If Guyana were to move toward a citizenship or residency by investment program, a realistic timeline might look like:

  • 2025-2026: Initial public consultations and policy discussions
  • 2026-2027: Potential draft legislation and parliamentary debate
  • 2027-2028: Earliest possible implementation of a pilot or limited program

This gradual approach would allow Guyana to carefully design any program to address concerns and maximize benefits.

Conclusion: Navigating the Current Reality

As it stands today, Guyana offers no citizenship by investment program, despite its growing attractiveness as an investment destination. The existing pathways to citizenship remain traditional: birth, descent, marriage, or naturalization after extended residency.

For investors interested in Guyana, the current approach requires establishing a genuine connection to the country through business activities, followed by the standard naturalization process after 5-7 years of residency. While this takes longer than a direct CBI program would, it ensures that new citizens have developed real ties to the nation.

The ongoing discussions about potential investment migration programs in Guyana reflect the country's evolving status on the world stage. As Guyana continues its remarkable economic transformation, its immigration and citizenship policies will likely evolve as well.

Whether Guyana eventually introduces a formal citizenship or residency by investment program remains to be seen. What's certain is that the country is becoming an increasingly attractive destination for investors seeking opportunities in a rapidly growing economy.

For now, those interested in Guyanese citizenship should focus on legitimate pathways through business investment and residency, while keeping an eye on policy developments that might create new opportunities in the future.

Guyana's story is still being written, and for those willing to be part of its remarkable journey through genuine engagement, the rewards could be substantial—with or without a formal citizenship by investment program.