Investing in Venezuela in 2026
Latin America & Caribbean
12
Score
High Risk Investment Destination
Unstable conditions - speculative only, high potential loss
Venezuela earns an investment score of 12/100, placing it in the high risk category for global investors. Unstable conditions - speculative only, high potential loss. The country's standout dimensions are growth potential (22/100) and financial strength (12/100), with overall GDP of $95B and per-capita output of $3,200. Growth is running at 1.5% with 0.2% of GDP arriving as foreign direct investment. Inflation is elevated at 190.0%, a key risk to watch. The sovereign holds a NR credit rating, generally considered speculative-grade with elevated default risk. Investment opportunities cluster around Oil & Gas (sector score 15/100, currently declining), which represents 25% of GDP. Trade openness sits at 30% of GDP, a useful proxy for how integrated Venezuela is with the global economy.
How Venezuela's investment score has evolved over time
Oil & Gas
25% of GDP, declining
Mining
5% of GDP, declining
Agriculture
5% of GDP, declining
Manufacturing
4% of GDP, declining
World Bank Governance Indicators (-2.5 to +2.5, higher is better)
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Is Venezuela a safe country to invest in?
Venezuela carries a high risk risk rating with an overall investment score of 12/100. Unstable conditions - speculative only, high potential loss. Sub-scores: economic health 10/100, political stability 8/100, business climate 10/100, financial strength 12/100, growth potential 22/100.
What is Venezuela's sovereign credit rating?
Venezuela holds a credit rating of NR, reflecting its ability to meet sovereign debt obligations. Credit ratings are a key signal of macro-financial health and a prerequisite many institutional investors require before allocating capital.
What are the strongest sectors for investment in Venezuela?
The top investment sectors in Venezuela are Oil & Gas, Mining, Agriculture. Oil & Gas leads with a sector score of 15/100 and represents 25% of GDP. Its current trend is declining.
What is Venezuela's GDP growth rate?
Venezuela's most recent GDP growth was 1.5%, with total GDP of $95B and GDP per capita of $3,200. Inflation is running at 190.0% and the current account balance is 3.0% of GDP.
How does Venezuela score on governance and rule of law?
On the World Bank Governance Indicators (scale -2.5 to +2.5, higher is better), Venezuela scores: political stability -1.4, rule of law -1.9, corruption control -1.6, and regulatory quality -1.9.
Can foreigners invest in Venezuela?
Most industries in Venezuela are open to foreign direct investment, though specific sectors may require a local partner, government approval, or special licensing. Consult a qualified local advisor for restrictions that apply to your sector.
What is foreign direct investment (FDI) like in Venezuela?
Foreign Direct Investment in Venezuela runs at 0.2% of GDP, while the trade openness ratio (exports + imports as a share of GDP) stands at 30%. These figures show how integrated Venezuela is with the global economy and how welcoming it has been to international capital.
What is the public debt level in Venezuela?
Venezuela's government debt stands at 240% of GDP. This is elevated by international standards and warrants attention from creditors and rating agencies.