Registering a company in Jamaica is handled through the Companies Office of Jamaica (COJ). Whether you're registering a private limited company, a sole trader business name, or a foreign company with a Jamaican branch, this guide covers everything you need to know in 2025.
Types of Business Structures in Jamaica
| Structure | Best for | Liability | COJ Registration? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Private Limited Company (Ltd.) | Most businesses — best protection | Limited to share capital | Yes |
| Business Name (Sole Trader) | Freelancers, small traders | Unlimited — personal liability | Yes |
| Partnership | Professional firms | Unlimited (general) or limited | Yes |
| Foreign Company Branch | International companies entering Jamaica | Parent company liability | Yes (external company) |
Registering a Private Limited Company
A private limited company is the most common and recommended structure for most businesses in Jamaica. It provides limited liability protection, can have up to 50 shareholders, and is required before you can open a corporate bank account or apply for most government licences.
Reserve your company name
Search the COJ database at ocris.coj.gov.jm to confirm your proposed name is available. Names must not be identical or too similar to existing registered names.
Prepare your Articles of Incorporation
Your Articles describe the company's purpose, share structure, and governance. For standard companies, COJ provides template Articles that most small businesses can use directly.
Complete COJ Form 1
Articles of Incorporation — Form 1. This is your primary registration document listing the company name, registered office address, directors, and shareholders.
Submit to COJ
Submit Form 1 and your Articles online at ocris.coj.gov.jm or in person at COJ's Kingston office (3 Hanover Street, Kingston). Pay the registration fee.
Receive Certificate of Incorporation
Once approved, you receive a Certificate of Incorporation — the official proof your company exists. Processing typically takes 5–10 business days.
Get your company TRN
With your Certificate of Incorporation, apply for a company TRN at TAJ. Required for all tax and banking purposes.
Open a corporate bank account
With your Certificate of Incorporation and company TRN, you can open a corporate account at NCB, Scotiabank, JN Bank, or Sagicor.
Fees and Costs
| Item | Cost (approx.) |
|---|---|
| Company name search | JMD $1,000 |
| Registration of private limited company | JMD $10,000–$25,000 depending on share capital |
| Annual filing fee | JMD $5,000–$10,000 |
| Business name registration (sole trader) | JMD $2,500 |
Registering a Business Name (Sole Trader)
If you are operating as an individual rather than a company, you still need to register your business name with COJ. This is simpler and cheaper than company registration but provides no limited liability protection. Requirements include completed application form, two forms of ID, your TRN, and the registration fee.
Annual Compliance Requirements
Once registered, companies must file an Annual Return with COJ each year, maintain proper financial records, file income tax returns with TAJ, and pay GCT if annual revenue exceeds the threshold. Failure to file annual returns results in penalties and can lead to the company being struck off the register.
✅ Pro tip: Register your company BEFORE you start trading. A common mistake is trading informally first and then trying to formalise later. Starting properly saves significant complications with taxes, banking, and contracts.
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Sources: Relevant Jamaican government agencies and official sources. Last verified April 2026.