Residency through Registration
Non-Jamaicans
may be granted Jamaican Resident Status on application by
virtue of marriage to Jamaican nationals. Hence, foreign
spouses are required to register with the Ministry of National
Security upon arrival in Jamaica, after which they will be
allowed to reside permanently on the island.
This registration
is also necessary so that the foreign spouse can be granted
the Certificate of Exemption from Work Permit Requirements.
In this connection, the couple is required to submit the
following:
-
Official
certificate of marriage - in cases of previous marriage(s),
the official Decree(s) of Absolute will be required
-
Proof
of Jamaican citizenship enjoyed by spouse, however acquired
-
Passport
of both spouses
-
Passport-sized
photographs of both; and
-
Signed
declaration that both spouses share the same matrimonial
home
Foreign
spouses may not only register for permanent residence,
but may do so for obtaining Jamaican citizenship/nationality.
In this connection, it should be noted that Jamaica recognises
dual citizenship/nationality and thus foreign spouses are
allowed to retain their respective citizenship/nationality
after acquiring that of Jamaica, if they so desire. 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.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.
Permanent
Residents are still required to be in possession of valid
permits issued by the Ministry of Labour if they are engaged
in gainful employment. However, they need not seek any
further extension of stay, but must obtain a multiple reentry
visa from the Immigration Officer prior to any overseas
travel.All aliens over sixteen (16) years of age who expect
to live in Jamaica for over six (6) months are required
to register as aliens at a fee of J$1,000.00Permanent Resident
Status may be withdrawn if it becomes necessary, at the
discretion of the Minister.Please note: The granting of
permanent residency does not automatically convey the right
to work. A work permit is still required.
Approval
is given by:
Ministry of National Security
Mutual Life Building, North Tower
2 Oxford Road, Kingston 10
Tel: (876) 906-4908-33
Fax: (876) 906-1724
Please
be advised that the above is currently being updated by the
Ministry of National Security. For further information, you
may contact them directly.
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