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Can I Stay In Jamaica
If I Marry A Jamaican?

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luna_sea_inn_wedding_bride_groomCan I Stay In Jamaica If I Marry A Jamaican?

by Venesha Johnson | Associate Writer

Isn’t Jamaica just one of the most breathtaking places to vacation or get married? As a matter of fact, some people come here and actually fall in love. So the question was asked, “Can I stay in Jamaica if I marry a Jamaican?” Well, the answer is an absolute yes! And here is how it works.

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I’m happy to report that non-Jamaicans may be awarded Jamaican resident status through their marriage to a Jamaican if they apply. As a result, foreign spouses must register with the Ministry of National Security when they arrive in Jamaica to be permitted to live there permanently.

  • Official certificate of marriage - in cases of previous marriage(s), the official Decree(s) of Absolute will be a requirement
  • Proof of Jamaican citizenship by the spouse
  • Passport of both spouses
  • Passport-sized photographs of both; and
  • A signed declaration that both spouses share a matrimonial home

After registering for permanent residency, non-nationals can apply for citizenship or nationality. It should be mentioned in this regard, that Jamaica recognizes dual citizenship/nationality, hence foreign spouses are permitted to retain their respective citizenship/nationality after acquiring that of Jamaica if they so want.

After a minimum of five years of continuous residence in Jamaica, whether obtained through a visa application or a work permit, a person may apply for citizenship.

Only after a non-Jamaican has secured a Certificate of Registration or Naturalization from the relevant authorities in Jamaica may a Jamaican passport or travel document is issued upon application.

If a Permanent Resident engages in gainful activity, they must still have a valid permit issued by the Ministry of Labor. They do not need to apply for any more extensions of their stay, but they must first obtain a multiple reentry visa from the immigration officer before travelling abroad.

All foreign nationals over the age of sixteen (16) who plan to stay in Jamaica for more than six (6) months must register as foreigners and pay a cost of J$1,000.00.

The relevant authorities may decide to revoke your permanent resident status. Please be aware that acquiring permanent residency does not provide you with the right to work immediately. Obtaining a work permit is still necessary if you decide to work in Jamaica.

What do you need to get married in Jamaica?

  1. Jamaica is a perfect wedding destination for those looking for a tropical romantic wedding setting. Here are a few important pointers to ensure your wedding goes smoothly in Jamaica.

  2. As long as a marriage license application has been filed in advance, visitors can get married in Jamaica just 24 hours after their arrival.

  3. Hire a reputable marriage officiant to help you organise your wedding. The Registrar General's Department can help you request one of the island's several marriage officers.

  4. All documents must be sent with notarised copies. This needs to be delivered to the marriage officer via courier or mail service. Although more expensive, courier service is more dependable and faster than the post.
    For the wedding to take place, you must bring the original documentation with you. The necessary paperwork will be organised and filled out by the marriage officer.

  5. He/she can make arrangements for the ceremony to occur in a church or another site of your choosing. Every day of the week, between the hours of 6:00 and 20:00, marriage ceremonies may be held.
    Please remember to carry the original paperwork with you when you travel to Jamaica. This is crucial; otherwise, all the preparations would have been for nothing.

  6. You receive a copy of the Marriage Register, which serves as official documentation of the marriage, right away after the ceremony. The Marriage Officer, you, and your witnesses have all signed this.
    You won't be able to transact business with the copy of the Marriage Register you obtain on the wedding day because it is not a legal document. A certified copy of your marriage certificate is required.

  7. Your country may need your marriage certificate to be legalised for it to be acknowledged. In these situations, please contact the embassy representing your government in Jamaica to arrange for this.
    Your hotel or the marriage officer can help you with this. Please inquire with your nation's Ministry of Foreign (External) Affairs about how to have your certificate legalised if your nation does not have an embassy or consulate in Jamaica.

Contact Information

To apply for your marriage licence, contact the Ministry of Justice in Jamaica:

  • Address: Ministry of Justice, 2 Oxford Road, NCB Towers, 10th floor/South Tower, Kingston 5
  • Office Hours: Monday to Thursday 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, Friday from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm
  • Tel: 1 876 906 4923 -31
  • Fax: 1 876 906 1712
  • Email: customerservice @ moj.gov.jm

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References & Sources For Can I Stay in Jamaica if I Marry a Jamaican?

  1. Earle, C.P. (no date) Jamaican embassy. Available at: https://www.embassyofjamaica.org/visitors/jamaican_residency.htm#:~:text=Non%2DJamaicans%20may%20be%20granted,reside%20permanently%20on%20the%20island (Accessed: November 13, 2022).
  2. Getting married in Jamaica (no date) Miami. Available at: https://www.jamaicacgmiami.org/page/getting-married-in-jamaica/ (Accessed: November 13, 2022).

Can I Stay In Jamaica If I Marry A Jamaican | Written: November 13, 2022

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