In This Guide
- Overview
- General Requirements
- General Shop, Lumber Yard & Internet Cafe
- Food, Restaurant, Ball & Dance
- Butcher Shop & Tobacco
- Gas Station
- Pharmacy & Drug Shop
- Cinema & Video Club
- Money Lender & Pawn Shop
- Real Estate (House Agent)
- Auctioneer & Betting Shop
- Cargo Vessel
- Fee Summary Table
- Frequently Asked Questions
Quick Links
- gra.gov.gy — Trade & Miscellaneous Licences Official GRA page listing all trade licence categories and application instructions.
- gra.gov.gy — eServices Portal Access GRA online services for tax filing, payments, and licence applications.
- gra.gov.gy — Downloadable Forms Download application forms for trade licences and other GRA services.
- GRA Contact: 227-6060 / 227-8222 Call the Licence Revenue Office for fee inquiries and application guidance.
Overview
If you operate a business in Guyana, you likely need a trade or miscellaneous licence from the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA). These licences are separate from your business registration at the Deeds Registry — they are activity-specific permits required under the Miscellaneous Licences Act and other trade-related legislation.
The GRA's Licence Revenue Office is responsible for issuing and renewing all trade and miscellaneous licences. There are more than 15 different licence categories, each with its own requirements, fees, and supporting documents. Fees vary by business type and, in many cases, by the location and size of the premises.
All trade licences must be renewed annually. Operating without a valid licence is an offence and can result in fines or closure of the business.
General Requirements for All Trade Licences
Standard Documents Required
Provisional Licences for Small Businesses
The GRA offers provisional shop licences for new small businesses, allowing you to begin operating while your full licence application is processed. Contact the Licence Revenue Office for eligibility details.
General Shop, Lumber Yard & Internet Cafe
A general shop licence covers retail businesses selling general merchandise, hardware stores, and similar operations. This category also includes lumber yards and internet cafes.
Requirements
Fees: The cost of a general shop trade licence depends on the square footage of the premises and ranges from GYD $400 to $62,275. Fees also vary by area/location. Contact the Licence Revenue Office for your specific rate.
Food, Restaurant, Ball & Dance
This licence is required for restaurants, cook shops, catering businesses, bars hosting dances or events, and food service establishments. If you serve food to the public in any capacity, you need this licence.
Requirements
Health Requirements
The Food Handlers Certificate is a mandatory health clearance. At least one of your cooks must have this certificate before the licence can be granted. Certificates can be obtained from the Public Health Department.
Butcher Shop & Tobacco
If you operate a butcher shop selling meat and poultry, or a business selling tobacco products, you need a licence under this category.
Requirements
Fee: The cost of a Butcher Shop Licence is GYD $1,125. Tobacco dealer fees vary — contact the Licence Revenue Office for current rates.
Gas Station
Operating a gas station (petrol station) in Guyana requires both a trade licence from the GRA and a Petroleum Licence from the Guyana Energy Agency (GEA). This is one of the more document-intensive licence categories due to safety requirements.
Requirements
Fee: The cost for a new or renewed Gas Station Licence in Georgetown is GYD $35,000. Additionally, the trade licence fee is based on the square footage of the premises, ranging from GYD $400 to $62,275. Fees vary by location.
Pharmacy & Drug Shop
Pharmacies, drug stores, and businesses that dispense or sell pharmaceuticals require a specific licence from the GRA. This licence is valid for one year and must be renewed annually.
Requirements
Fee: Pharmacy and Drug Shop licence fees vary by location and size of the business premises. Contact the Licence Revenue Office for the current fee schedule. Pharmacies may also qualify for customs duty exemptions on certain pharmaceutical imports.
Cinema & Video Club
Businesses operating cinemas, movie theatres, video rental clubs, or entertainment venues showing films require this licence.
Requirements
Fee: Fees vary by location and capacity of the venue. Contact the Licence Revenue Office for current rates.
Money Lender & Pawn Shop
Businesses that lend money commercially or operate pawn shops require this special licence. These are regulated businesses with additional oversight requirements.
Requirements
Fee: Money Lender and Pawn Shop licence fees vary. Contact the Licence Revenue Office for the current schedule. These businesses may also be subject to oversight by the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU).
Real Estate (House Agent)
Anyone who acts as a real estate agent or house agent in Guyana — facilitating the buying, selling, renting, or leasing of property on behalf of others — must hold this licence.
Requirements
Fee: The cost for a new or renewed Real Estate (House Agent) Licence is GYD $32,500.
Auctioneer & Betting Shop
Auctioneers who conduct public auctions and betting shop operators require licences under this category. Betting shop licences are among the most expensive trade licences in Guyana.
Requirements
Fees:
- Betting Shop Licence: GYD $2,500,000 (new or renewal)
- Auctioneer Licence: Fee varies — contact the Licence Revenue Office
Cargo Vessel
Operators of cargo vessels used for commercial transport of goods within Guyana's waterways require this licence. The fee is determined by the measurement (tonnage) of the vessel.
Requirements
Fee: Cargo Vessel licence fees range from GYD $705 to $10,500, depending on the vessel measurement. Must be renewed annually.
Fee Summary Table
| Licence Type | Fee (GYD) | Renewal |
|---|---|---|
| General Shop / Lumber Yard / Internet Cafe | $400 – $62,275 (by sq. footage) | Annual |
| Food, Restaurant, Ball & Dance | Varies by location | Annual |
| Butcher Shop | $1,125 | Annual |
| Tobacco Dealer | Varies | Annual |
| Gas Station (Georgetown) | $35,000 + trade licence | Annual |
| Pharmacy & Drug Shop | Varies by location | Annual |
| Cinema & Video Club | Varies | Annual |
| Money Lender / Pawn Shop | Varies | Annual |
| Real Estate (House Agent) | $32,500 | Annual |
| Auctioneer | Varies | Annual |
| Betting Shop | $2,500,000 | Annual |
| Cargo Vessel | $705 – $10,500 (by tonnage) | Annual |
Fees May Vary
The fees listed above are based on current GRA schedules and may vary by area and location of the business. Always confirm the exact fee with the Licence Revenue Office before submitting your application. Call 227-6060 or 227-8222.
Frequently Asked Questions
What trade licences does the GRA issue in Guyana?
The GRA Licence Revenue Office issues licences for general shops, restaurants and food establishments, butcher shops, tobacco dealers, gas stations, pharmacies, cinemas and video clubs, money lenders, pawn shops, real estate agents, auctioneers, betting shops, lumber yards, internet cafes, and cargo vessels.
How much does a trade licence cost in Guyana?
Trade licence fees vary by business type and location. Examples: general shop licences range from GYD $400 to $62,275 based on premises size; gas station licences cost GYD $35,000 in Georgetown; real estate agent licences cost GYD $32,500; butcher shop licences cost GYD $1,125; and betting shop licences cost GYD $2,500,000. Contact the Licence Revenue Office for exact fees in your area.
Where do I apply for a trade licence in Guyana?
All applications must be made at the Licence Revenue Office of the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA). You can also visit GRA's Integrated Regional Tax Offices (IRTOs) across the country. Contact GRA at 227-6060 or 227-8222 for guidance.
Do I need a TIN to get a trade licence?
Yes. A valid Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) is required for all trade licence applications. If you don't have a TIN, you must register with the GRA first. You will also need valid identification and a business registration from the Deeds Registry.
How often must trade licences be renewed?
All trade and miscellaneous licences issued by the GRA must be renewed annually. Submit your renewal application to the Licence Revenue Office before the licence expires to avoid penalties or interruption to your business operations.
Can I get a provisional licence for a small business?
Yes. The GRA offers provisional shop licences for new small businesses, allowing you to begin operating while your full licence application is being processed. Contact the Licence Revenue Office for details on provisional licence eligibility and requirements.
What documents do I need for a gas station licence?
You need: a Petroleum Licence from the Guyana Energy Agency (GEA), an approved premises plan stamped by CH&PA and your local council, a Fire Certificate from the Guyana Fire Service, a Tenancy Agreement or Affidavit of Consent for the property, a valid TIN, and a business registration from the Deeds Registry.
Starting a Business in Guyana?
Check out our Business Registration guide to register your company, then get your TIN and apply for the trade licence you need.
Business Registration GuideLast updated: April 2, 2026. Information is based on official GRA publications and the Miscellaneous Licences Act. Fees and requirements may change. Always confirm current details at gra.gov.gy or by calling the Licence Revenue Office at 227-6060.