Moving to Jamaica from Canada: The Complete 2025 Checklist
✍️ The Attaché Team🎯 For: Canadians and Jamaican diaspora in Canada
Moving to Jamaica from Canada is one of the most significant decisions a Jamaican-Canadian will make. This checklist covers every step — from closing your Canadian accounts to arriving in Jamaica with all your documents in order. Use it as your master guide for the entire process.
Before You Leave Canada
Documents to Arrange in Canada
Certified copies of your birth certificate (request from the province where you were born)
Canadian passport — ensure it has at least 12 months validity
TRN application if you don't already have one (you can apply from Canada)
Educational transcripts and degree certificates — get originals certified
Professional licences — check if Jamaican equivalents are needed
Marriage certificate if applicable — get certified copies
Criminal background check — required for some Jamaican government applications and work permits
Financial Steps Before Leaving
Keep at least one Canadian bank account active — you may need it for international transfers
Open a Jamaican bank account (some banks like Scotiabank and RBC have Jamaica presence — check if you can open remotely)
Set up Wise or Remitly for ongoing transfers from Canada
Notify the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) of your change in residency
File your final Canadian tax return for the year of departure
Cancel or suspend provincial health insurance — it typically ends 3 months after departure
Shipping Your Belongings
Jamaica has a Returning Residents programme that provides duty concessions on personal effects and household goods brought back by Jamaicans who have been living abroad for at least 12 months. Apply through the Customs Agency before shipping. Approved returning residents can bring household goods duty-free within specified limits.
✅ Returning Residents Programme: Apply at least 3 months before your move. Approved applicants receive significant duty concessions on household goods, one motor vehicle, and professional equipment. Contact the Trade Board and Customs Agency for current requirements.
First 30 Days in Jamaica — Priority Checklist
1
Get your TRN
Visit any TAJ office. Bring your Jamaican birth certificate or Canadian passport. Same-day service if documents are in order.
2
Get your NIS number
National Insurance Scheme — required for employment and pension. Apply at any NIS office with your TRN and ID.
3
Open a Jamaican bank account
Bring your TRN, two forms of ID, proof of address, and passport photos. NCB and Scotiabank are the most accessible for returnees.
4
Get a Jamaican driver's licence
Valid for returning residents who already hold a licence. Apply at any Tax Administration Jamaica (TAJ) office with your Canadian licence and TRN.
5
Register with NHT
National Housing Trust — if you're employed in Jamaica, your employer will make NHT contributions on your behalf. Register and get your NHT number.
6
Set up utilities
JPS for electricity, NWC for water. You'll need your TRN and proof of address. Allow 1–2 weeks for connections.
Healthcare After Leaving Canada
Your provincial health coverage in Canada typically ends 3 months after you leave the province (varies by province). After that you will need Jamaican health coverage. Options include the National Health Fund (NHF) contributions if employed, private health insurance through Sagicor or Guardian Life, or paying out of pocket at private medical facilities.
Private hospitals and clinics in Jamaica offer reasonable quality care, particularly in Kingston and Montego Bay. Many diaspora returnees opt for private health insurance to supplement public health services.
Taxes — Canada and Jamaica
Tax obligations in Canada continue until you formally establish non-resident status. You should file a departure tax return with CRA for the year you leave. In Jamaica, you will be required to register with TAJ for income tax once employed or running a business. Jamaica has a tax treaty with Canada to prevent double taxation.
⚠️ Important: Notify CRA of your change in residency status. Failure to do so can result in continued Canadian tax obligations even after you have moved.
Choosing Where to Live
The most popular parishes for Canadian returnees are Kingston (corporate jobs, services), St Andrew (residential, close to Kingston), St James/Montego Bay (tourism, business, expat community), and St Ann (lifestyle, proximity to Ocho Rios). Use The Attaché's Jamaica Intelligence Map to compare quality of life scores and safety data for all 14 parishes before deciding.
Skip the Complexity
Let The Attaché Handle Your Relocation Support
The Attaché team manages the entire process on your behalf — document preparation, submission, follow-up, and delivery. No queues, no confusion.