The United States is home to one of the largest Jamaican diaspora communities — with major populations in New York, Miami, Atlanta, and Hartford. For many, the dream of returning to Jamaica is shaped by years of building a life in America while keeping Jamaica in their hearts. This guide covers everything you need to know about making the move from the US in 2025.
US-Specific Considerations
US Taxes Don't Stop at the Border
This is the most important thing US citizens and green card holders need to know: The United States taxes its citizens and permanent residents on worldwide income, regardless of where they live. Moving to Jamaica does not end your US tax filing obligations if you are a US citizen or Green Card holder.
You must continue to file US federal tax returns (Form 1040) every year. You may qualify for the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion (FEIE, Form 2555) which excludes up to a significant amount of foreign earned income from US tax. The US-Jamaica Tax Treaty provides additional protections against double taxation.
⚠️ US Citizens: You must keep filing. Failure to file US tax returns while living abroad can result in significant penalties. Consult a US expat tax specialist (such as Greenback Tax Services or Bright!Tax) before you move.
FBAR and FATCA Reporting
If you have foreign (Jamaican) bank accounts exceeding USD $10,000 at any point in the year, you must file an FBAR (Foreign Bank Account Report) annually with FinCEN. Additionally, under FATCA, Jamaican banks report US account holders to the IRS. Non-compliance carries severe penalties.
Social Security
US Social Security benefits can be received in Jamaica — there is no restriction on receiving your benefit abroad. Payments can be deposited directly to a Jamaican bank account or a US account for transfer to Jamaica. The US and Jamaica have a Social Security Totalization Agreement which prevents double contributions and allows work periods in both countries to count toward benefit eligibility.
Documents to Arrange Before Leaving the US
- US passport — ensure validity; you can renew at a US Embassy in Jamaica
- Birth certificate — certified copy from the state where you were born
- Social Security card and statement of earnings record
- FBI Identity History Summary (background check) — required for various Jamaican applications
- Educational certificates — certified copies
- Medical records — get copies before your US health insurance ends
- Jamaican citizenship or passport if you have one
Health Insurance — The Big Gap
US health insurance (whether employer-provided, ACA marketplace, or Medicare) does not cover you in Jamaica. Medicare specifically does not cover medical care received outside the US with very limited exceptions. Before moving, you must arrange Jamaican health coverage. Options include private Jamaican health insurance (Sagicor, Guardian Life), international health insurance policies designed for expats, or paying for private medical care out of pocket.
Shipping from the US
Miami is the natural gateway for shipping to Jamaica. Many shipping companies in Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and New York offer regular container and barrel services to Jamaica. Jamaica has the Returning Residents Programme which provides duty concessions — apply before shipping.
For smaller quantities, barrel shipping is popular — you can send a barrel of household goods and personal effects from the US for USD $150–$300. For larger moves, a 20ft container from Miami to Kingston typically costs USD $1,500–$2,500.
The Miami-Kingston Connection
Miami International Airport offers the best flight connections from the US to Jamaica, with American Airlines, JetBlue, Spirit, and Caribbean Airlines all operating regular services. If you live in New York, JFK also has strong connections. Flight times are short — approximately 90 minutes from Miami, 3.5 hours from New York.
US Financial Accounts
Keep at least one US bank account active after moving. Consider an account with Charles Schwab or TIAA Bank which have no foreign ATM fees — useful for accessing funds when in Jamaica. Set up Zelle and maintain access to Wise for efficient transfers. Jamaican ATMs accept US debit and credit cards but may charge fees.
Sending Money to Jamaica from the US
Remittance services from the US to Jamaica are well developed. Western Union, MoneyGram, Remitly, and Wise all operate the corridor. For regular transfers, Wise consistently offers the best exchange rates with transparent fees. The USD/JMD rate as of early 2026 is approximately USD 1 = JMD 155–158.
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Sources: Relevant Jamaican government agencies and official sources. Last verified April 2026.