Nationality of Guyana: all obtaining pathways
Guyana naturalizes after five years of residence —one of them immediately preceding the application— and offers a registration route to Commonwealth and Irish nationals. Marriage to a Guyanese citizen enables registration with no specified minimum residence, and minors depend on their parents' registration.
1Naturalization as a citizen of Guyana
Naturalization as a citizen of Guyana
Requirements
- Being over 18 years of age
- Having resided in Guyana for at least 5 years (1 year immediately before the application)
- Good conduct
- Intention to continue residing in Guyana
- Sufficient knowledge of the English language
- Approval by the Minister
- Guyana Citizenship Act (Cap. 14, 1998), Second Schedule: 12 months of residence immediately prior + 5 of the last 7 years (IRB Canada, citing the act).
Documentation
- Naturalization form
- Birth certificate legalized and translated into English
- Valid passport
- Evidence of legal residence in Guyana
- Criminal record certificates from the country of origin and Guyana
- Evidence of employment or means of subsistence
- Medical certificate
- 2 passport-size photographs
2Registration as a citizen of Guyana (Commonwealth)
Registration as a citizen of Guyana (Commonwealth)
Requirements
- Being a national of the Commonwealth or of the Republic of Ireland
- Having resided in Guyana for at least 5 years
- Being over 18 years of age
- Good conduct
- Intention to continue residing in Guyana
Documentation
- Registration form
- Birth certificate
- Valid passport from a Commonwealth country
- Evidence of residence in Guyana (5 years)
- Criminal record certificate
- 2 passport-size photographs
3Registration as a citizen by marriage
Registration as a citizen by marriage
Requirements
- Being married to a Guyanese citizen
- Valid and subsisting marriage
Documentation
- Registration by Marriage form
- Marriage certificate
- Guyanese spouse's birth certificate
- Applicant's birth certificate
- Valid passport of the applicant and the spouse
- Criminal record certificate
- 2 passport-size photographs
4Registration as a citizen (minor)
Registration as a citizen (minor)
Requirements
- Being a minor
- Father or mother a citizen of Guyana by registration or naturalization
- Application submitted by the father/mother
Documentation
- Minor Registration form
- Minor's birth certificate
- Registration/naturalization certificate of the father/mother
- Passport of the minor and of the father/mother
- 2 passport-size photographs of the minor
Frequently asked questions about the nationality of Guyana
How many years of residence does Guyana require to naturalize?
According to the main pathway of Guyana (Naturalization as a citizen of Guyana), the term is 5 years (1 year immediately preceding). The complete details of requirements and exceptions appear in the fact sheet.
Can the nationality of Guyana be obtained by marriage?
Yes, through the Registration as a citizen by marriage pathway (No minimum residence specified). The complete requirements appear in the fact sheet of that pathway.
What documentation does naturalization in Guyana require?
The Naturalization as a citizen of Guyana pathway requires: Naturalization form; Birth certificate legalized and translated into English; Valid passport; Evidence of legal residence in Guyana; Criminal record certificates from the country of origin and Guyana; among 3 more documents.
What pathways exist to obtain the nationality of Guyana?
Guyana provides 4 pathways: Naturalization as a citizen of Guyana, Registration as a citizen of Guyana, Registration as a citizen by marriage, Registration as a citizen.
Residence and nationality updates
Subscribe to know when a country changes its residence or nationality routes. One email, only when there is news.
Anything to correct or add about Guyana?
If you have spotted incorrect or outdated information, or want to suggest additional details about nationality pathways in Guyana, leave us your comment. We review every one personally.