Legal basis

Citizenship is based upon the Constitution of Guyana, dated 1980. Persons who were citizens of Guyana before the date of the Constitution remain citizens of Guyana. Persons who were already spouses of these people are entitled to register as citizens of Guyana. (UKC-Commonwealth Nation). There are four legal ways for obtaining Guyana citizenship:

Birth: Child born after 1980 in the territory of Guyana, regardless of the nationality of the parents. The exception is a child born to parents who are diplomatic personnel, neither of whom is a citizen of Guyana.

Descent: Child born abroad after 1980, either of whose parents is a native-born citizen of Guyana.

Marriage: Foreign citizen who marries a citizen of Guyana after 1980 is eligible to register for citizenship.

Naturalization: Foreign citizen can apply for Guyana citizenship by naturalization (if meets the criteria).

Dual Citizenship: Being non-resident of Guyana, you have a legal right to apply for Guyana citizenship by naturalization. Guyana citizens by naturalization are not forced to any obligations (such as serving in the army, etc).

Loss of citizenship: Voluntary renunciation of Guyanese citizenship is permitted by law. Contact the Embassy for details and required paperwork.