Starting a business in Jamaica: foreigner's guide (2026)

Jamaica imposes no general limit on foreign ownership or control of companies; 100% foreign ownership is permitted for both individuals and legal entities. Exceptions apply in cannabis (51% local ownership required) and banking (foreign-government stakes capped at 5% of a licensed bank without BOJ approval).

The standard process involves: (1) name search and reservation via COJ (Form 6, JMD 500 search + JMD 3,000 reservation); (2) filing Articles of Incorporation (Form 1A) with director/shareholder/secretary details and valid ID; (3) providing a Tax Registration Number (TRN) for at least one officer; (4) paying the registration fee of approximately JMD 24,500 (inclusive of stamp duty). Registration can be completed online at the ORC portal or in person.

The ORC functions as a one-stop-shop; the U.S. State Department's 2025 Investment Climate Statement notes registration typically takes 1–3 business days. Some official guidance cites up to 5 business days if the Registry requires clarifications.

Jamaica's Companies Act does not prescribe a minimum paid-up share capital for private limited companies (Ltd.). There is no statutory capital deposit requirement prior to incorporation.

Foreign companies that wish to operate in Jamaica without incorporating a local subsidiary may register a branch (external company) with the ORC under Part XI of the Companies Act, submitting their constitutional documents and a local address for service.

Company registration does not require the owner to reside in Jamaica, but any foreign national who intends to work in Jamaica must obtain a work permit from the Ministry of Labour and Social Security (MLSS). Investors may apply through JAMPRO (Jamaica Promotions Corporation), which facilitates the permit process for incoming investors.