Come Back Home

Who is a returning resident

A Jamaican national aged 18 or over who has lived overseas for the last three consecutive years and is returning to live in Jamaica permanently. The policy also covers non-Jamaican spouses of returning residents, and students returning after more than one year abroad.

What you are entitled to

Returning residents are exempt from import duties and taxes on household effects, within listed quantities, and on tools of trade for their own professional use. The concession is granted once, and a couple counts as one family.

Motor vehicles

Vehicles are not part of the concession. Jamaica Customs says they attract full duty and taxes, and need an import licence from the Trade Board before shipping.

What Customs asks for

You are interviewed and asked for, among other things, a Jamaican passport (or a foreign passport with an unconditional landing stamp), your TRN, the bill of lading or airway bill, proof of three years' residence abroad and proof of a local address.

Citizenship and passports

If you were born outside Jamaica after 5 August 1962 and a parent was a Jamaican citizen when you were born, you qualify for citizenship by descent. Applications from overseas go through Jamaica's high commissions, embassies and consulates, which also take passport applications.