Returning to Jamaica after living abroad can be both exciting and challenging, especially when navigating the various processes involved in resettling. The Returning Residents Programme, established by the Government of Jamaica, is designed to make this transition smoother by offering duty concessions and other benefits to eligible nationals. However, understanding the necessary steps, documentation, and qualifications can often feel overwhelming.
This guide answers frequently asked questions (FAQs) about the Returning Residents Programme. It covers everything from duty concessions, personal and household effects, tools of trade, and vehicle importation to the specific requirements for spouses, pets, and plants. Whether you're a Jamaican national or a non-Jamaican spouse planning to make Jamaica your permanent home, this resource is crafted to provide you with clear, actionable information, helping to demystify the return process and ensure a smooth transition back to life on the island.
Let’s explore the key elements that returning residents should be aware of to make the most of the benefits offered through this programme.
1. How do I qualify for concessions under the Returning Residents Programme?
To qualify for concessions under the Returning Residents Programme, you must:
- Be a Jamaican national, aged 18 or older.
- Have lived abroad for more than three consecutive years.
- Intend to return to Jamaica permanently.
This program is designed to encourage nationals to return and settle in Jamaica by providing specific duty concessions.
2. What documents are needed to obtain duty concessions?
The following documents are required when applying for duty concessions under the Returning Residents Programme:
- Valid Jamaican Passport or a non-Jamaican passport with an unconditional landing stamp from Jamaican Immigration Authorities.
- Tax returns showing proof of income abroad.
- Retirement papers, if applicable.
- Utility bills to prove residence.
- Proof of property ownership or rental in Jamaica.
- A job letter from a prospective employer in Jamaica (if applicable).
- Unaccompanied baggage declaration form (C27) to declare imported items.
- Taxpayer Registration Number (TRN) card.
- Original bill of lading for shipped goods.
3. Do students qualify for duty concessions?
Yes. Students who have studied abroad for more than a year but less than three years are eligible for duty concessions on tools of trade and some personal and household effects.
4. What are personal and household effects?
Personal and household effects include personal clothing, toiletries, furniture, and household appliances (new or used). These are items typically used in everyday life that you can bring with you to Jamaica duty-free.
5. What are tools of trade?
Tools of trade refer to the professional equipment, devices, tools, and machinery that an individual needs for their occupation or trade. The amount and types of tools must be reasonable for the scope of the individual’s professional activity, without requiring additional labor.
6. What is the procedure for clearing unaccompanied baggage?
To clear unaccompanied baggage, you must attend an interview at the Returning Residents Unit of the Customs Department. The department has two primary locations:
Customs House, Newport East Marcus Garvey Drive, Kingston 15
Telephone: (876) 750-3005Collector of Customs Revenue Centre Building, Howard Cooke Boulevard, Montego Bay, St. James
Telephone: (876) 952-3080
Bring all the necessary documentation for the interview. Afterward, your personal and household effects, as well as tools of trade, will be inspected.
7. Can duty concessions be obtained on personal and household effects prior to arrival in Jamaica?
No. Concessions can only be granted after your interview with officials from the Returning Resident Unit at the Jamaica Customs Department. Ensure that all required documents are presented during the interview.
8. What type of vehicle can I import?
Returning Residents may import:
- A motor car.
- A light commercial vehicle, such as a pickup truck or cargo van.
- Two light commercial units, instead of one motor car and one light commercial vehicle.
9. Are duty concessions granted on motor vehicles for Returning Residents?
No. The Jamaican government does not offer duty concessions on motor vehicles to Returning Residents. There is no distinction between residents abroad and those living in Jamaica regarding motor vehicle duty.
10. Is there an age limit for importing used motor vehicles?
Yes. The age limits are:
- Used motor cars should not be more than 10 years old.
- Light commercial vehicles should not be more than 6 years old.
11. What documents are needed to import a vehicle?
The following documents are required for vehicle importation:
- Pro forma invoice from the vehicle seller.
- Certificate of Title or Registration document for the vehicle.
- Taxpayer Registration Number (TRN) card.
- Copy of two forms of identification, such as a Driver’s Licence, Passport, or Electoral Identification Card.
12. Is there a limit on the quantity of furniture I can import?
Yes. The Customs Department has a published list outlining the quantity of items that can be imported duty-free. This list is available in the Information Booklet for Returning Residents, which can be obtained at the High Commission or from their website.
13. Can I take my pet with me to Jamaica?
Yes. However, you must first obtain a permit from the Veterinary Services Division of the Ministry of Agriculture before importing your pet. For dogs and cats, they must be born and bred in the United Kingdom and must not have received any rabies vaccination. You will need certification from the relevant UK authority to proceed.
14. Can I bring plants into Jamaica?
Yes, but you will need to obtain a phyto-sanitary permit before importation. The application must be submitted to the Chief Quarantine Officer in the Ministry of Agriculture.
15. Do Jamaican citizens by descent qualify for duty concessions?
Yes. If you acquired Jamaican citizenship by descent, you are eligible for the same concessions as a Jamaican citizen born in Jamaica. You must present either your Certificate of Citizenship or a Jamaican passport as proof.
16. Do I need to submit documents to the High Commission before leaving the UK?
No. All required documents should be submitted during your interview with a Customs Officer at the Returning Residents Unit of the Jamaica Customs Department. There is no need to submit documents to the High Commission prior to your departure.
17. Do spouses qualify separately for concessions?
No. If both spouses are returning to Jamaica together, they will be treated as one family and can only claim one set of concessions. If one spouse returns within three years of the other, they are also considered a single family and entitled to only one set of duty concessions.
18. Can my non-Jamaican spouse live and work in Jamaica?
Yes. Non-Jamaican spouses are granted the same concessions as their Jamaican partners and are entitled to live and work in Jamaica. A work permit exemption can be applied for, but both parties must have resided overseas for at least three consecutive years.
Non-Jamaicans must have a valid work permit if they engage in any gainful employment, whether it is voluntary, commercial, charitable, professional, or entertainment-related. A non-Jamaican spouse who works without a permit may be prosecuted unless exempted.
19. What documents are required for a work permit exemption?
To apply for a work permit exemption for your spouse, you must provide:
- Marriage Certificate (and a Decree Absolute, if applicable).
- Proof of Jamaican citizenship enjoyed by the spouse.
- Passports and passport-size photographs of both spouses.
- A declaration by both spouses that they share the same matrimonial home.
Non-Jamaican spouses must inform the Ministry of Labour and Social Security of any changes in residence from one parish to another while employed in Jamaica.
Disclaimer:
The information provided in this guide is for general informational purposes only and is not intended as legal, financial, or professional advice. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the content, the rules and requirements related to the Returning Residents Programme, customs duties, and other regulations may change over time. It is recommended that you verify all details with the appropriate government authorities, including the Jamaica Customs Department and other relevant agencies, before making any decisions. Neither the author nor the publisher assumes any liability for actions taken based on the information in this guide.