Introduction
Guyana is currently one of the most remarkable economic transformation stories on the planet. The discovery of major offshore oil deposits in 2015 by ExxonMobil — followed by subsequent finds that have placed Guyana among the world's top oil producers per capita — has generated GDP growth rates that most economists would consider implausible if they had been forecast a decade ago. In 2022, Guyana's economy grew by approximately 62% — the highest real GDP growth rate in the world that year. In 2023 and 2024, growth continued at rates among the highest recorded for any country in modern economic history.
For HNW investors, Guyana represents an unusual combination: an English-speaking Caribbean nation with a functioning common law legal system, a newly oil-wealthy economy building infrastructure at pace, a government actively seeking foreign investment, and tax incentives designed to attract capital. It is not without risks — political stability, infrastructure gaps, and governance concerns require honest assessment — but for investors with appropriate risk appetite and a long time horizon, Guyana merits serious attention.
The Oil Boom: Economic Context
The Stabroek Block, operated by ExxonMobil in partnership with Hess and China National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC), contains estimated recoverable resources of over 11 billion barrels of oil equivalent — one of the largest deepwater discoveries of the past two decades.
Production has ramped rapidly: Guyana produced approximately 600,000–650,000 barrels per day in 2024, with targets exceeding 1.2 million barrels per day by 2027, which would make Guyana one of the top oil producers globally. The Natural Resources Fund — Guyana's sovereign wealth vehicle — has been accumulating oil revenues, and the government's capital expenditure programme on roads, hospitals, schools, and energy infrastructure is running at levels that were unimaginable in pre-oil years.
For HNW investors, this transformation creates opportunities in real estate (Georgetown and the coastal corridor), construction, logistics, professional services, and ancillary oil-industry businesses — alongside the direct investment route of listed shares in the Stabroek Block partners — ExxonMobil, CNOOC, and Chevron (which completed its acquisition of Hess Corporation in July 2025 after winning the related arbitration) — or listed Guyanese equities on the Guyana Stock Exchange (GSE).
Tax Residency
Guyana determines tax residency by physical presence: an individual present in Guyana for 183 days or more in a calendar year is treated as a resident for income tax purposes. Individuals domiciled in Guyana are also treated as resident.
Residents are taxed on worldwide income. Non-residents are taxed only on Guyana-source income. As with all jurisdictions, proper exit from prior tax jurisdictions — particularly the UK — is a prerequisite for non-resident treatment there.
Income Tax
Guyana operates a two-rate income tax system for individuals, with a personal allowance and a graduated structure (figures reflect the position after the 2025 Budget changes):
- A personal allowance of GYD 1,680,000 per year, or one-third of income, whichever is greater, is free of tax.
- Chargeable income is then taxed at a basic rate of 25% (reduced from 28% in the 2025 Budget), with a top rate of 40% applying to chargeable income above the first band (set at GYD 260,000 per month from 2025).
Social security contributions are levied under the National Insurance Scheme (NIS) — employee contributions at 5.6% of insurable earnings, employer at 8.4%. Contribution ceilings apply.
The effective income tax burden for moderate earners is relatively light by international standards. For high earners with significant investment income, the 40% top rate is meaningful but not punitive by comparison with European jurisdictions.
Capital Gains Tax
Guyana levies capital gains tax (CGT) at a rate of 20% on gains arising from the disposal of capital assets. This applies to gains on shares, property, and other capital assets. The base cost is the original acquisition price, with no indexation relief.
There is a specific exemption for gains on listed securities traded on the Guyana Stock Exchange, which are exempt from CGT — a provision designed to encourage equity market participation.
For individuals who acquire Guyanese real estate and dispose of it after a significant appreciation, the 20% CGT will apply. Planning the timing and structure of disposals is therefore relevant for property investors.
Property and Real Estate Investment
The Guyanese property market — particularly in Georgetown, the East Bank, and East Coast Demerara corridors — has experienced significant capital appreciation driven by oil-sector workers, government infrastructure spending, and increasing foreign investor interest. Land prices in prime Georgetown locations have in some cases tripled since 2018.
Foreigners may own property in Guyana, though certain formalities apply. Transfer taxes on property are levied at the point of sale: the vendor pays a transfer tax calculated on the gain, and the buyer pays stamp duty at rates that vary by value. Local legal advice from a Guyanese attorney is essential for property transactions.
Rental demand from oil-sector employees and international organisations has been strong, with premium rents achievable in Georgetown's desirable residential areas. However, property management infrastructure is less developed than in established investment markets.
Dividends and Investment Income
Dividends paid by Guyanese companies to resident shareholders are subject to withholding tax. The rate for residents is generally 10%. Non-residents face withholding tax at varying rates depending on the applicable double tax treaty — Guyana's treaty network is limited.
Interest income is taxable at ordinary income rates. Guyana has a limited double tax treaty network, with agreements in place with a small number of Commonwealth and Caribbean Community (CARICOM) partners.
UK investors should note that the UK-Guyana double tax treaty provides a measure of protection against double taxation on dividends, interest, and royalties, with reduced withholding rates. The UK treaty also covers residency tie-breaking provisions.
Inheritance and Gift Taxation
Guyana abolished estate duty in the early 1990s. There is currently no inheritance tax or estate duty on assets passing on death, and no gift tax on lifetime transfers.
For HNW individuals establishing genuine Guyanese domicile, this absence of succession duties can support wealth transfer planning. However, as with all jurisdictions, prior-country succession rules continue to apply where the deceased retained domicile there.
The Guyanese Dollar and Currency
Guyana uses the Guyanese dollar (GYD), managed by the Bank of Guyana. The GYD has been broadly stable against the USD in recent years, helped by the country's balance of payments position (now substantially positive due to oil export revenues). The GYD is not freely convertible in all international banking systems, and currency repatriation — while legally possible — may require advance planning.
Banking infrastructure in Guyana is improving but remains less sophisticated than Caribbean financial centres. International banks operating in Guyana include Republic Bank (Trinidad), Scotiabank, and Citizens Bank Guyana. AML and KYC procedures are increasingly rigorous in line with FATF and CARICOM Financial Action Task Force requirements.
Investment Incentives and the Guyana Investment Policy
The Guyana Investment Authority (Go-Invest) provides a framework for foreign direct investment and publishes sector-specific incentive schedules. These include tax holidays for approved investments in manufacturing, agri-processing, and tourism; accelerated depreciation for capital equipment; and import duty exemptions for qualifying capital goods.
Investors in approved sectors may negotiate a tax holiday of up to ten years, reducing effective corporate income tax (levied at 25% for non-commercial companies, 40% for commercial) to zero during the holiday period.
The legal framework for investment protection includes membership in ICSID (International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes) and bilateral investment treaties with a number of countries, providing a degree of international arbitration backstop.
Governance and Risk Assessment
No honest assessment of Guyana as an investment destination can omit the governance challenges. Transparency International's Corruption Perceptions Index consistently places Guyana in the mid-lower range globally. The management of oil revenues — including the Natural Resources Fund — is subject to parliamentary scrutiny but has also attracted criticism from civil society regarding transparency.
The territorial dispute with Venezuela over the Essequibo region — which Venezuela claims — is a long-standing geopolitical risk factor. In 2023, Venezuela held a referendum claiming the disputed territory, though no military action has followed and international recognition of Guyana's sovereignty over Essequibo remains strong.
For HNW investors, these risks argue for careful structuring, legal due diligence on all property and business transactions, and avoidance of inappropriate concentration of wealth in Guyanese assets without a clear exit strategy.
Compliance Caveats
Guyana's tax legislation is subject to change, and the rates and thresholds in this guide reflect information available as of 2026. Nothing here constitutes legal or tax advice. Investments in Guyana, like all emerging market investments, carry significant risks including currency risk, political risk, and liquidity risk. The investment case around the oil economy is compelling, but commodity prices can fall sharply. Independent advice from a qualified Guyanese attorney and tax adviser, and from your UK or prior-jurisdiction adviser, is essential before any investment or residency decision.
How Global Investments Can Help
Global Investments has over 32 years of experience advising internationally mobile HNW individuals on emerging market opportunities, including Caribbean and South American jurisdictions. We can help you assess the Guyana investment thesis relative to your portfolio objectives, introduce qualified local legal and tax advisers, structure any Guyanese investment appropriately (directly or via a holding structure), and manage the interaction with your UK or European tax position. Our advice is independent and fee-based. Contact our international team for a confidential discussion.
This guide is for general information only and does not constitute financial advice or a personal recommendation. The value of investments can fall as well as rise and you may get back less than you invest. Tax rules, pension legislation, and investment regulations change — always verify current rules and seek advice from a qualified independent financial adviser before making any financial decisions.