Customs House Weekly Series #22
Are You Returning to Jamaica? Here’s How Jamaica Customs Can Assist You
RETURNING RESIDENTS
If you are a Jamaican national eighteen (18) years or older and have been living abroad for three years or more, and you are planning on returning to Jamaica to live permanently, you may qualify for the Returning Resident Incentive. Under this incentive, qualified applicants will be granted special exemption from duty on their household effects (items), whether new or used, within the quantity allowed.
WHAT SHOULD YOU DO?
The first step is to contact the Jamaican Consulate in the country where you currently reside. You can also contact the Returning Residents Unit at:
| HEAD OFFICE | OR |
|
| Jamaica Customs Agency (JCA) | Montego Bay Revenue Service Building | |
|
Myers’ Wharf Newport East |
18B Howard Cooke Boulevard, | |
| Kingston 15 | Montego Bay, St. James | |
| Telephone: (876) 922-5140-8, ext – 3005, 3119, 3120, 3121, 3195 | Telephone:(876) 952-0000, ext 2023 | |
| E-mail: rru@jacustoms.gov.jm | ||
| Website: www.jacustoms.gov.jm | ||
NEXT STEP
Ensure you obtain the necessary documentation which you will present to the JCA’s Returning Residents Unit as proof of your intention to return to Jamaica as a permanent resident.
DOCUMENTS REQUIRED TO PROVE JAMAICAN NATIONALITY
- Valid Jamaican passport
- Foreign passport with Unconditional Landing Stamp
PROOF THAT YOU RESIDED OVERSEAS FOR THE LAST THREE YEARS
- Tax returns for the last three consecutive years (2014, 2015, 2016)
- Pension advice and social security letter
- Pay stubs
- Letter of separation from employer
- Evidence of disposal of property (for example, Sales Agreement)
PROOF OF INTENTION TO RETURN TO JAMAICA PERMANENTLY
- Evidence of property owned in Jamaica
- Rental contract or rent receipt
- Contract or letter of employment
OTHER DOCUMENTS YOU WILL NEED TO PRESENT AT THE RETURNING RESIDENTS UNIT UPON ARRIVAL OF THE SHIPMENT IN JAMAICA
- Unaccompanied Baggage Declaration Form (C27) obtained at the airport on arrival in Jamaica
- Taxpayer Registration Number (TRN)
- Validated Bill of Lading or Airway Bill - collected from local shipping agent
RETURNING STUDENT
The returning student must be a Jamaican student who has attained the age of 18 years and who has been studying abroad for more than one year, but less than 3 consecutive years. The following documents, from the last institution of study, should be presented for consideration:
- Transcript
- Letter confirming attendance
- Identification card
DEPORTEE
A deportee who has been residing overseas for the last three (3) consecutive years should present their Deportation Order and Case File.
