Business
Companies Act 1991 registration amid an oil-driven boom
The Companies Act 1991, modelled on Canadian legislation, governs incorporation through the Deeds and Commercial Registries Authority. Business is dominated by the offshore petroleum sector following the 2015 Stabroek discoveries, regulated under the Petroleum Activities Act 2023 and supervised by the Guyana Petroleum Resources Authority.
Key rules
- Jurisdiction — National, administered by the Deeds and Commercial Registries Authority
- Deadline — Annual return filed with the Registrar of Companies
- Deadline — Local content plans and registration submitted annually under the 2021 Act
Governing law
- Companies Act 1991Cap 89:01
- Petroleum Activities Act 2023
- Local Content Act 2021
In practice
The Local Content Act 2021 requires petroleum operators to procure listed goods and services from Guyanese companies meeting a 51 percent national-ownership test, with prescribed annual targets, making it a central compliance issue for anyone entering the sector. Guyana became one of the world's fastest-growing economies after first oil in 2019, which has reshaped its commercial, tax and employment practice rapidly.