Citizenship

Citizenship

The following categories of persons may be considered or entitled to Jamaican citizenship in accordance with Chapter II of the Constitution of Jamaica and the Jamaican Nationality Act

Citizenship by Birth

Any person born in Jamaica prior to 1962 August 5, who was on that date a citizen of the United Kingdom and colonies
Any person born in Jamaica after 1962 August 5

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Citizenship by Adoption

A non Jamaican child legally adopted in Jamaica in accordance with the children (adoption of) act, can claim Jamaican citizenship through either the adopted mother or father

Citizenship by Descent

PROCEDURE

Original Birth Certificate
Genealogy letter - to be obtained from the Consulate
Mother/Father's original Birth Certificate
Notarized copies of the first five pages of mother/father's Jamaican Passport.
If child was born in wedlock, mother/father's original Marriage Certificate.
Two recent passport-sized photographs - one of which is to be notarized by a Notary Public if you cannot come in person to the Consulate.

If the applicant is unable to appear in person at the Consulate, a Notary Public Must notarize copies of the original documents and one of the photographs.

Once the above documents are submitted, the application will be sent to the Ministry of National Security and Justice in Jamaica to be processed. The processing time takes approximately 6-12 months.

FEE

The processing and handling fee is US$30.00 This fee can be paid in cash or Money Order made payable to the Consulate General of Jamaica, New York. Personal cheques are not accepted.

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Citizenship by Naturalization

A person may be granted naturalization after a minimum period of five (5) years residency in Jamaica on application following his/her residency through either Visa or Work Permit application. Required documents are:

Certified copy of Birth Certificate
Passport used to enter Jamaica
Current Passport if different
Work Permit or Exemption Certificate
Evidence of involvement in any community activities
Two (2) Passport size photographs

A Jamaican Passport or Travel Document may be issued on application to a non - Jamaican only after the person has obtained a Certificate of Registration or Naturalization from the appropriate authorities in Jamaica.

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Citizenship by Marriage

Requirements are:

Certified copy of Birth Certificate and Passport of the Jamaican National
Certified copy of Birth Certificate and Passport of the applicant (spouse)
Certified copy of Marriage Certificate
Recent ( at most 6 months old) Police Record of the Applicant
Two (2) Passport sized photographs of the Applicant
Completed Application R1 Form ( obtainable at the Consulate)
Letter to the Minister of National Security and Justice requesting registration as a Citizen of Jamaica.
Fee of J$7,000.00 or US$ equivalent to be submitted in the form of international money order addressed to the following:

Permanent Secretary

Ministry of National Security

12 Ocean Boulevard, Kingston, Jamaica

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Residency

The first step in obtaining Permanent Visa status for Jamaica and eventually a Jamaican travel document is to establish residency either through Visa/Work Permit Application or Registration.

Residency Requirements

To reside in Jamaica each person should submit the following documents and particulars:

Valid National Passport;
Evidence of financial status and means of support - e.g. particulars of pension, bank account, property owned and business investments;
Certified Copy of Birth Certificate;
Marital status - Marriage Certificate, particulars of spouse, children and other dependents;
Medical Certificate of good health;
Police Certificate from the state from which you are migrating;
Two (2) Passport size photographs;
Reasons for seeking permanent residence in Jamaica;
Names and addresses of two reputable references or acquaintances.

All applications are referred to Jamaica for approval which can take up to 3 - 4 months.

Residency through Work Permit

Persons applying for residency who will require employment to maintain themselves in Jamaica must also apply for a Work Permit. On approval of the Work Permit which is usually based on a job offer, a visa is automatically granted.

Commonwealth citizens are allowed to enter Jamaica without visas and not required to have Work Permits, although it is advisable that they apply for Permits prior to arrival where employment will be sought.

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Renunciation of Jamaican Citizenship

The applicant should be of full age and capacity who is either a national of a foreign country or has been assured of such nationality on the condition that he/she renounces Jamaican Nationality.

Procedure:

The forms should be read carefully, then completed and signed in the presence of a Justice of the Peace, Notary Public or someone authorized to administer Oaths.

Application should be submitted to the Ministry of National Security, Passport, Immigration and Citizenship Division, 25 Constant Spring Road, Kingston 10.

Required Documents:

Birth Certificate
Jamaican Passport
Evidence of other nationality; or proof of other nationality will be required upon the loss of Jamaican citizenship
Two (2) passport-sized photographs certified by a Justice of the Peace, Notary Public or someone authorized to administer Oaths.

Cost:

A fee of J$30,000 is required on application.

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Last Updated:

April 2004