One of the most stunning and friendly nations in the Caribbean is Jamaica. It boasts gorgeous waterfalls, lovely beaches, and dense jungles. With a lovely climate and a laid-back way of life, one could research Jamaica’s retirement options and wonder if it’s a good spot to spend one’s golden years. When you consider retiring, you probably envision yourself relaxing on the sand with a drink in your hand and a view of the turquoise sea. One of the ideal places to fulfill that fantasy is Jamaica. If you wish to stay or retire in Jamaica, you will have to apply for permanent Residency.
You may qualify for permanent residence if you fall under any one of the following categories:
- Employment – Foreign nationals who have been employed in Jamaica for more than three years
- Retirement – Retired foreign nationals who want to live out their days in Jamaica
- Marriage to a Jamaican citizen
- Dependent – foreign nationals who are reliant on Permanent Residents
- Previous holders of Unconditional Landing status by virtue of marriage to a Jamaican
Permanent Residency
Permanent Residence gives foreign citizens the opportunity to work and live in Jamaica without any restrictions on their stay. To prevent having your stay confined, foreign citizens who work and dwell in Jamaica must apply for permanent residency. Foreign citizens can do so without having to seek a work permit or Jamaican citizenship, enabling them to live legally in the nation. However, they lack the same constitutional protections as a Jamaican citizen who lives there permanently. If you are planning to stay less than 6 months in Jamaica, there is no need to apply for permanent residency. For permanent Residency to be granted, the process usually takes three to six months after the application is submitted. After your application is submitted, you will be interviewed by the Investigation and Surveillance Unit of the Passport Immigration and Citizenship Agency (PICA).
Documents Required
To apply for permanent residence in Jamaica, a completed application form must be submitted along with the documents below:
- A passport that is valid and has at least six months left before expiration
- Indication of one’s ability to maintain oneself (pension, bank statement, proof of income, etc). Business owners must show a tax compliance certificate (TCC), a certificate of registration, verification of income tax returns, and audited financial statements for the most recent full year of operations.
- Original birth certificate of the applicant, (MUST be translated if not in English)
- Original birth certificate or machine-readable Jamaican passport of Jamaican spouse if you are married to a Jamaican citizen.
- Original marriage certificate/decree absolute if applicable
- Original birth certificate for children if applicable
- Local medical certificate
- Police certificate from the previous country of residence and from Jamaica if you have been residing on the island for 6 months or more
- Two (2) identical passport-size pictures, certified by a Justice of the Peace (JP)
- Required fees – you can visit here to see the required fees https://www.pica.gov.jm/immigration/fees
- Evidence of property ownership/assets in Jamaica or overseas should be translated if not into English
- A letter outlining the reason for permanent residence should be written and addressed to the CEO, PICA, 25 Constant Spring Road, Kingston 10.
- A Letter from two (2) reputable references who must be Jamaican nationals. These letters must be addressed to the CEO, PICA, 25 Constant Spring Road, Kingston 10.
- Entry visa (if applicable). If you need to know if you require a visa click here
Note: All your documents should be original copies and translated into English if necessary.
Retirement and spending your well-earned pension are ideal on the island. There are only a few considerations, though, as with any heavenly location. As long as the high crime rate and the hot, humid climate don’t bother you, Jamaica is the ideal location for you to unwind and take in the laid-back culture as you enjoy your golden age.
