Stay up-to-date with all that's new at My-Island-Jamaica, Click Here to subscribe for my updates and don't miss a thing!

Have a QUESTION?

How To Apply For Permanent Resident Status In Jamaica

by My-Island-Jamaica.com

"How can I get permanent resident status in Jamaica?"

Outside of "will I be safe in Jamaica?" question, that is probably the single most popular question I've gotten on this website.

Well here is the answer (below). Thanks a million to Devin, my co-writer and researcher for her help on this.

OK, away with the chatter, here you go...

To apply for permanent resident status in Jamaica you would need to visit the Extension of Stay Unit at the Passport, Immigration and Citizenship Agency (PICA), 25c Constant Spring Road, Kingston 10.

Please ensure that you have the following documents/information prior to your visit:

A completed application form;
A valid passport (at least six months prior to expiration);
Evidence of financial status (for example, pension, bank account, investments, etc);
Birth certificate;
Marriage certificate (where applicable);
Particulars of spouse and other dependents;
Medical certificate;
Police certificate from the country you are migrating (if you have not been living here);
Two passport-sized photographs;
A letter stating the reason for wanting to live in Jamaica ( This letter must be addressed to the Chief Immigration Officer, Passport, Immigration and Citizenship Agency, 25c Constant Spring Road, Kingston 10); and
Provide two character references with your application.

Please note that all the requisite documents must be furnished before permanent resident status can be considered.

The process usually takes upwards of six months.

What are the costs?

Applications for permanent residence attract a non-refundable processing fee of JA$30,000.00.

In addition, all permanent residents who are aliens or non-Commonwealth nationals are issued with multiple entry visas, valid for two years at a time.

Costs for visas range from JA$500 - JA$2,000.

Need More Information?

For further information, including a copy of the latest application forms, do contact PICA at:

Passport, Immigration & Citizenship Agency
25 Constant Spring Road, Kingston 10,
Jamaica WI
Telephone: (1 876) 754-PICA(7422) / 754-4742
Email: citizenship@pica.gov.jm

Hope that helps.

See Also: Migrating To Jamaica & Moving To Jamaica

Posted: 5/08/2013

Comments for How To Apply For Permanent Resident Status In Jamaica

Average Rating

Click here to add your own comments

Mar 26, 2018
Rating

Question
by: Anonymous

Hi I have a question I am a jamican, I am getting married to my girlfriend she is from a commonwealth country and she as a child we would like to apply for there permanent residence here in Jamaica what are the required documents she will need for both of them to live here in Jamaica with me. We are planning to register her child in private school. What do we need to have this all done?

Jun 16, 2015
Rating

references fo residency
by: Anonymous

hello... thanks for the information... i'd like to find an an example of a reference letter (for the permanent residency application), or do have a bit more detail on what the reference letters ought to say? thank you!

Aug 19, 2014
Rating

Thank you
by: Dejana Sovljanski

THIS IS EXACTLY WHAT I WANTED TO KNOW...THANK YOU SO MUCH DEAR FRIEND(FRIENDS)!

Only what I need to know is, if there is any Jamaica program of social and health care for foreigners which are coming from country which is not belonging to Commonwealth?

Click here to add your own comments

Join in and write your own page! It's easy to do. How? Simply click here to return to Have_Your_Say.

Sharing IS Caring... Its now YOUR turn to...

If you found this page useful, please consider subscribing to my weekly newsletter, My Island Jamaica Digest here.

It tells you each week about the new information that I have added, including new developments and great stories from lovers of Jamaica!

Back To The Top Of This Page

New! Talk To Me
Was the information helpful? Something needs changing? I welcome your feedback here.

Recommended For You ...

P.S. Didn't find exactly what you were looking for? Still need help?

Click Here to try our dependable and effective Site Search tool. It works!

Or, simply click here and here, to browse my library of over 500 questions and answers! Chances are someone already asked (and got an answer to) your question.

About The Author

A patriotic Jamaican who adore its culture, Wellesley has been using this medium to share what he calls 'the uniqueness of Jamaica with the world' since April 2007.

To date, he serves over 9,300 unique readers / viewers per day.

His efforts have earned this site featured positions in local publications, including the Jamaica Gleaner's Hospitality Jamaica, Carlong Publishers, as well as recognition from numerous prestigious international agencies and universities. Read more about him here.

He invites you to subscribe to this site to stay updated on all the latest and check out his unique Jamaican products on his Etsy store.

If you are on social media, here are the links to follow his latest posts

You are also invited to join his exclusive JAMHearts community where like-minded Jamaican enthusiasts discuss all things Jamaican.