Moving to Jamaica: taxes, residence and life
How to become tax resident in Jamaica: personal, dividend and corporate tax, 5 residence programmes, tax-residency requirements and climate. Explore the basics and compare residence routes.
Taxes
In Jamaica the top income tax rate is 30%, dividends are taxed at up to 15% and companies pay 25% corporate tax.
How to move and become tax resident
To become tax resident in Jamaica you need at least 183 days a year (183 days in year, or ordinary residence (home + regular presence)). The typical route is Extended stay as self-sufficient person / work permit for own business: No investor/retiree programme; apply for extension of stay with proof of means, later permanent residence There are 5 open residence programmes in Jamaica — see the list below.
Living there
Kingston has a tropical savanna (wet/dry) climate with winter highs around 30 °C and summer highs around 32.5 °C.
Key facts
| Top income tax | 30% |
|---|---|
| Dividend tax | 15% |
| Corporate tax | 25% |
| Résidence fiscale | après 183 jours — 183 days in year, or ordinary residence (home + regular presence) |
| Voie de résidence typique | Extended stay as self-sufficient person / work permit for own business — No investor/retiree programme; apply for extension of stay with proof of means, later permanent residence |
| Type de climat | tropical savanna (wet/dry) · 30° / 32.5° (Kingston) |
Residence programmes in Jamaica
Active programmes
- Extension of Stay (self-supporting / retiree) — independentMeans · 2026-10
- Permanent Residence (Unconditional Landing) — other · 2026-10
- Work Permit — employment · 2026-10
- CARICOM Skilled Nationals Certificate — freeMovement · 2026-10
- Marriage Exemption / Family Residence — family · 2026-10
Plan your residence route
Frequently asked questions
How many days do I need to spend in Jamaica to become tax resident?
après 183 jours. 183 days in year, or ordinary residence (home + regular presence) Remittance basis if not domiciled
How much tax will I pay in Jamaica?
In Jamaica the top income tax rate is 30%, dividends are taxed at up to 15% and companies pay 25% corporate tax.
Which residence programmes does Jamaica offer?
Extension of Stay (self-supporting / retiree); Permanent Residence (Unconditional Landing); Work Permit; CARICOM Skilled Nationals Certificate; Marriage Exemption / Family Residence
What is the usual way to move to Jamaica?
Extended stay as self-sufficient person / work permit for own business. No investor/retiree programme; apply for extension of stay with proof of means, later permanent residence
Compare with nearby countries
Argentina · Belize · Bolivia · Brazil · Canada · Chile · Colombia · Costa Rica · Cuba · Dominican Rep. · Ecuador · El Salvador
Information générale uniquement – pas de conseil fiscal, juridique, migratoire, en investissement ou financier, ni de relation client. Chiffres simplifiés, indicatifs et parfois dépassés. Vérifiez toujours auprès de l'autorité officielle et d'un professionnel agréé du pays concerné avant d'agir. Les liens partenaires éventuels sont signalés et peuvent nous rémunérer.