Guyana is in South America, but under Spanish law it is not an Ibero-American country: its official language is English, so the general visa and citizenship rules apply. Spain has no embassy in Georgetown; Guyana is covered by the Embassy of Spain in Port of Spain (Trinidad and Tobago). Here is what to prepare before you move.
Key facts
- Visa: nationals of Guyana need a Schengen visa even for a short visit, and a national visa matching the purpose of the move to live in Spain. You cannot arrive as a visitor and switch status freely: only some permits can be requested from inside Spain.
- Citizenship: the general requirement is 10 years of legal, continuous residence. When swearing allegiance you must declare that you renounce your previous nationality (its effect in Guyana depends on local law) and pass the CCSE and the DELE A2, because Spanish is not an official language there.
- Documents: public documents from Guyana only need an apostille (Hague Convention), but anything in English requires a sworn translation into Spanish.
- Driving and contributions: there is no licence exchange agreement and no bilateral social security agreement. Once resident you can drive for six months on your licence; after that you need a Spanish licence with theory and practical tests.
How people usually move
- Studies. A degree, master’s or vocational course with a study authorisation, which allows work up to 30 hours a week. It is a stay, not residence: that time does not count towards citizenship. Study permit
- Family. Marriage or a registered partnership with a Spanish or EU citizen gives access to residence as a family member, with the right to work. Family member of a Spanish or EU citizen
- Job offer. With a contract from a Spanish company, the employer applies for the residence and work authorisation before you apply for the visa. Employment permit
- Skilled work. With a highly qualified job in Spain you can apply for the highly qualified professional permit or the EU Blue Card, both processed by the Large Companies Unit (UGE). Highly qualified professional
Documents and apostille
- Police clearance from the Guyana Police Force: in Guyana you apply in person at the clearance office in Georgetown (Eve Leary), with photos and a thumbprint; from abroad, through a Guyanese embassy or high commission.
- Apostille: Guyana joined the Hague Convention in 2019; apostilles are issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Protocol and Consular Affairs Department).
- Birth and marriage certificates, recent and apostilled, especially for residence as a family member or family reunification.
- Sworn translation: every document in English must be translated into Spanish by a sworn translator appointed by Spain’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs; it can be done in Spain, on the already apostilled document.
What to keep in mind
- National visas are handled by the Embassy of Spain in Port of Spain, also accredited to Guyana, where an honorary consul helps with some services and emergencies. For a short-stay Schengen visa, check which consulate handles applications from residents of Guyana.
- The police certificate usually has to be recent: request it once you have a date for your visa application, because it still needs an apostille and a sworn translation afterwards.
- Plan the travel: if the embassy requires you to apply in person, you will need to go to Port of Spain and possibly return to collect your passport.
- In Spain: register at the town hall (padrón) and, if you came with a residence visa, apply for your TIE within the first month. If you plan to apply for citizenship, the 10 years run from when you obtain legal residence, not from arrival.
Frequently asked questions
Can I apply for Spanish citizenship after 2 years, like Latin Americans?
No. The 2-year period is for Ibero-American countries, and Guyana, with English as its official language, does not count as one for this purpose. You need 10 years of legal, continuous residence, the CCSE, the DELE A2 and to declare renunciation of your nationality when swearing allegiance.
Do I need a visa to visit Spain?
Yes. Guyanese nationals need a Schengen visa even for short stays, and a national visa to study, work or live in Spain.
Who apostilles my documents in Guyana?
Guyana’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, through its Protocol and Consular Affairs Department. You then need a sworn translation into Spanish, because the documents are in English.