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:

  • A Certified copy of Birth Certificate
  • The Passport used to enter Jamaica
  • A Current Passport if different
  • A 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.

 

Citizenship by Marriage

The following documents are required:

  • A Completed Application R1 Form in duplicates. Download the form here.
  • Original birth certificate and passport of the Jamaican National
  • Original birth certificate and passport of the applicant (spouse)
  • Original marriage certificate
  • Recent (at most 6 months old) police record of the applicant
  • Two (2) Passport sized photographs of the applicant taken within the last six months. Walk-in applicants need not notarize their photographs. Photographs for mailed-in applications must be certified as “I certify this to be a true photo of (FULL NAME OF APPLICANT)” and should be stamped, signed and dated by the notary. If this is unable to hold on the photographs, the photos may be pasted on a blank paper and notarized following the aforementioned guidelines.
  • A Letter addressed to the Minister of National Security and Justice requesting registration as a Citizen of Jamaica.
  • Fee of US $300 in the form of a money order made payable to “Consulate General of Jamaica” for mailed-in applications or via cash, credit/debit card or money order for walk-in applicants.
Processing Time:

Processing period for Citizenship by Marriage Applications {provided that application fulfills all requirements AFTER being transmitted to the Passport, Immigration & Citizenship Agency (PICA) in Jamaica):

Approximately twenty-four (24) months

In the case of Citizenship by Marriage, applicants may apply for their passports through the Consulate General AFTER receiving their Certificates of Citizenship.

Mailed-in applications should include a self-addressed prepaid envelope (FEDEX. UPS, or USPS express, priority, registered or certified mail) to facilitate the return of your original documents, while awaiting the processing of your applications.