The National Insurance Scheme (NIS) is Guyana's social security programme, providing financial protection to workers and their families through pensions, sickness benefits, maternity allowances, and more. Whether you are an employee, self-employed individual, or employer, understanding NIS registration and contributions is essential. This guide covers everything you need to know about the NIS in 2026.
In This Guide
Official NIS Links & Resources
NIS Online Services
NIS Information
- Contribution Information
- Contact NIS
- WhatsApp: +592-751-2887
Related Guides
Official Forms & Downloads
- Employee Registration Form (PDF) Application for registration as an employed person with the National Insurance Scheme.
- Employer Registration Form (PDF) Application for registration as an employer with NIS.
- Self-Employed Person Registration Form (PDF) Application for NIS registration as a self-employed person.
- Online Contribution Checking System (OCCS) Check your NIS contribution records online. Create an account with your NIS number to view your history.
- Employer E-Schedule Submission Portal Employers can submit contribution schedules electronically instead of paper forms.
- NIS One-Off Payment Application For persons aged 60+ with 500-749 contributions who are not receiving any NIS pension. Apply online, by email, WhatsApp (+592-751-2887), or in person.
- Claim for Old Age Benefit (PDF) Claim form for NIS old age pension benefit.
- Claim for Survivor's Benefit (PDF) Claim form for survivor's benefit after death of a contributor.
- All NIS Forms & Downloads Full list of NIS forms including sickness, maternity, injury, disablement, and compliance certificate forms.
What is the NIS?
The National Insurance Scheme (NIS) is Guyana's mandatory social security programme, established to provide financial protection to the working population and their dependants. Administered by the National Insurance Scheme Board, NIS operates under the National Insurance and Social Security Act and collects contributions from employees, employers, and self-employed persons to fund a range of social security benefits.
NIS covers workers between the ages of 16 and 60, providing protection against loss of income due to old age, sickness, maternity, invalidity, death of a breadwinner, and employment-related injuries. It is one of the most important safety nets for workers in Guyana.
Legal Basis
The NIS is governed by the National Insurance and Social Security Act, Chapter 36:01 of the Laws of Guyana. Registration is mandatory for all employed persons and their employers. Failure to register or contribute can result in penalties for employers.
Who Must Register?
NIS registration is mandatory for several categories of persons in Guyana:
NIS Registration is Required For
Employer Obligations
Employers are legally required to register all employees with the NIS within the first week of employment. Failure to register employees or to remit contributions can result in penalties, surcharges, and legal action. Employers must also maintain accurate records of all contributions.
Registration Process
For Employees
Employees are generally registered by their employer. However, if you need to register yourself or obtain your NIS number for the first time, follow these steps:
Obtain the Application Form
Collect an Application for National Insurance Number form from any NIS office. The form is also available from some employers and can be requested at the NIS headquarters in Georgetown.
Gather Proof of Age
You will need a valid proof of age document. Acceptable documents include your birth certificate, valid passport, or national ID card. Bring the original and a photocopy.
Complete the Application Form
Fill in all required fields on the application form accurately. Include your full legal name, date of birth, address, and employer details (if applicable). Ensure your name matches your proof of age document exactly.
Submit Your Application
Take your completed application form and proof of age document to your nearest NIS office. An NIS officer will review your documents and process your application.
Receive Your NIS Number and Card
Once processed, you will be assigned a unique NIS number and issued an NIS card. Keep your NIS card safe as you will need it for all NIS-related transactions, benefit claims, and employment purposes.
For Employers
Register Your Business
Visit the NIS office to register your business as an employer. You will need your business registration documents, TIN certificate, and identification.
Register All Employees
Submit the details of all your employees, including their NIS numbers (or application forms for those without NIS numbers). New employees must be registered within the first week of starting work.
Begin Making Contributions
Deduct the employee's share (5.6%) from their wages and add the employer's share (8.4%) to remit the full 14% contribution to the NIS on a monthly basis.
For Self-Employed Persons
Self-employed persons must register at any NIS office by completing the application form and providing proof of identity and proof of self-employment. Self-employed contributors are responsible for paying 12.5% of their declared earnings.
NIS Card & Replacement
Your NIS card is an important document that serves as proof of your registration with the National Insurance Scheme. It displays your unique NIS number, which is used to track all your contributions and benefit claims.
About Your NIS Card
Lost or Damaged Card Replacement
If your NIS card is lost, damaged, or stolen, visit any NIS office with valid identification (national ID, passport, or birth certificate) to request a replacement. You will need to complete a replacement request form. There may be a small fee for reprinting the card.
Contribution Rates
NIS contributions are calculated as a percentage of an employee's actual wages or salary. The contribution is shared between the employer and the employee, with the employer paying a larger share.
| Contributor Type | Employee Share | Employer Share | Total Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Employed Persons | 5.6% | 8.4% | 14% |
| Self-Employed Persons | Pays full amount | 12.5% | |
| Voluntary Contributors | Pays full amount | 9.3% | |
Monthly Insurable Earnings Ceiling
NIS contributions are calculated on wages up to the monthly insurable earnings ceiling of GYD $280,000. This means the maximum monthly contribution for an employee is GYD $15,680 (5.6% of $280,000), and the employer's maximum monthly share is GYD $23,520 (8.4% of $280,000). Earnings above the ceiling are not subject to NIS contributions.
Contribution Calculation Example
| Monthly Salary (GYD) | Employee (5.6%) | Employer (8.4%) | Total NIS |
|---|---|---|---|
| $100,000 | $5,600 | $8,400 | $14,000 |
| $200,000 | $11,200 | $16,800 | $28,000 |
| $280,000 (ceiling) | $15,680 | $23,520 | $39,200 |
| $400,000* | $15,680 | $23,520 | $39,200 |
*Contributions are capped at the $280,000 ceiling. Salaries above this amount still pay the same maximum contribution.
NIS Deduction and Income Tax
NIS contributions paid by an employee are deductible for income tax purposes. When calculating your income tax, your NIS contributions are subtracted from your gross income before applying the tax rate. This is an important tax benefit that reduces your overall tax liability.
NIS Benefits
The NIS provides seven main categories of benefits to qualifying contributors. The type of benefits you are entitled to depends on your contributor category.
Old Age Pension
Sickness Benefit
Maternity Benefit
Funeral Grant
Survivor's Benefit
Invalidity Benefit
Employment Injury Benefit
Self-Employed Limitation
Self-employed persons are entitled to all NIS benefits except Employment Injury Benefit and Maternity Benefit. Self-employed women receive Sickness Benefit instead during maternity. Voluntary contributors are entitled to Old Age Pension, Survivor's Pension, and Funeral Grant only.
For additional health benefits beyond NIS, see the Universal Health Voucher Programme — free lab tests, eye care, and screening vouchers available to all citizens and residents.
Online Contribution Checking System (OCCS)
The NIS offers an Online Contribution Checking System (OCCS) that allows insured persons to verify their contribution records from anywhere with an internet connection. This is an important tool for ensuring your employer is making the correct contributions on your behalf.
Visit the OCCS Portal
Go to contributions.nis.org.gy to access the Online Contribution Checking System.
Enter Your Details
Provide your NIS number and other required personal information to access your records. Follow the on-screen instructions to verify your identity.
Review Your Contribution History
View your complete contribution history, including the amounts contributed by your employer and the periods covered. Verify that all contributions are accurate and up to date.
Check Regularly
It is strongly recommended that you check your NIS contributions regularly (at least quarterly) to ensure your employer is correctly deducting and remitting contributions. If you notice discrepancies, report them to the NIS immediately. Unrecorded contributions can affect your eligibility for benefits.
More NIS Online Services
Employer E-Schedule Submission
NIS One-Off Payment
Mobile Money Payments
Self-employed persons can make NIS contributions via GTT Mobile Money, providing a convenient alternative to visiting an NIS office. Contact NIS or your mobile money provider for setup instructions.
NIS WhatsApp Support
Have questions about your NIS contributions or benefits? Contact NIS via WhatsApp at +592-751-2887 for quick assistance with queries and discrepancy reporting.
NIS Compliance Certificate
An NIS Compliance Certificate is an official document issued by the NIS confirming that an employer is in good standing with the Scheme. This certificate is required for businesses applying for government contracts and certain licences.
When You Need a Compliance Certificate
Regional Office Locations
NIS Head Office - Georgetown
National Insurance Scheme - Head Office
Regional Offices
New Amsterdam Office
Port Mourant Office
Corriverton Office
Fort Wellington Office
Mahaicony Office
Melanie Office
Klien Pouderoyen Office
Leonora Office
Linden Office
Essequibo Office
Contact Information
NIS Contact Details
Need a TIN for Tax Purposes?
Your NIS number and TIN are separate identifiers. If you need a Taxpayer Identification Number for income tax, VAT, or business purposes, check out our TIN registration guide.
TIN Registration GuideFrequently Asked Questions
Who must register for NIS in Guyana?
All employed persons between the ages of 16 and 60 must be registered by their employer. Self-employed persons must also register themselves. Employers are legally required to register their business and all employees with the NIS and make contributions on their behalf.
What is the NIS contribution rate?
The total contribution rate is 14% of the employee's gross wages, up to the monthly insurable earnings ceiling of GYD $280,000. Employees pay 5.6% and employers pay 8.4%. Self-employed persons pay 12.5% of their declared income.
What documents do I need to register for NIS?
You need a completed Application for National Insurance Number form and a valid proof of age document such as a birth certificate, passport, or national ID card. Employers will also need business registration documents and their TIN.
How do I check my NIS contributions online?
Visit the Online Contribution Checking System (OCCS) at contributions.nis.org.gy. Enter your NIS number and personal details to view your complete contribution history. Check regularly to ensure your employer is making correct contributions.
At what age can I receive an NIS pension?
You can apply for an NIS old age pension at age 60, provided you have at least 750 weeks of paid or credited contributions (including at least 150 weeks of paid contributions). If you do not meet the minimum contribution requirement, you may be eligible for a one-time old age grant instead.
What benefits do self-employed persons receive?
Self-employed contributors are entitled to all NIS benefits except Employment Injury Benefit and Maternity Benefit. This includes Old Age Pension, Sickness Benefit, Funeral Grant, Survivor's Benefit, and Invalidity Benefit. Self-employed women are not covered for Maternity Benefit but receive Sickness Benefit instead during maternity.
Is my NIS number the same as my TIN?
No. Your NIS number (from the National Insurance Scheme) and your TIN (Taxpayer Identification Number from the GRA) are completely separate identifiers issued by different agencies. Both may be required for employment and business purposes in Guyana.
What happens if my employer does not contribute to NIS?
If your employer fails to register you or make contributions, they are in violation of the law and can face penalties, surcharges, and legal action. You should report the matter to the NIS. Check your contributions regularly through the OCCS to identify any gaps early.
Can I make voluntary NIS contributions?
Yes. Persons who were previously insured and have left employment or the country can apply for voluntary contributor status to maintain their contribution record. Voluntary contributors pay 9.3% and are entitled to Old Age Pension, Survivor's Pension, and Funeral Grant.
What is an NIS Compliance Certificate?
An NIS Compliance Certificate confirms that an employer's contributions are up to date. It is required for businesses bidding on government contracts and for certain business licences. Apply at any NIS office with your employer registration number.
Last updated: March 22, 2026. NIS contribution rates and benefit amounts may change. Always verify current rates and requirements with the National Insurance Scheme before making decisions. For general government services information, see our Government Services hub.