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📅 March 2, 2026 • ⏱️ 8 min read • 📂 Business Guide

# Documents Needed to Start a Business in Jamaica (2026 Complete Checklist)

Everything you need to register your company, from identification to tax registration. Save time and avoid rejected applications.

Starting a business in Jamaica requires specific documents at each stage of registration. Having everything prepared beforehand can save you weeks of back-and-forth with government agencies.

This guide covers all the documents you'll need to register a business in Jamaica, whether you're starting a sole trader operation, partnership, or limited liability company.

#### 📋 Quick Overview

The main agencies you'll interact with are the Companies Office of Jamaica (COJ) for business registration, Tax Administration Jamaica (TAJ) for your TRN, and National Insurance Scheme (NIS) for employer registration.

## Personal Identification Documents

Before you can register any type of business, you'll need valid identification. These documents prove your identity and residency:

### ✅ Required ID Documents

🪪
Valid Government-Issued ID — National ID card, passport, or driver's license. Must be current and not expired.
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Proof of Address — Utility bill (JPS, NWC, or Flow), bank statement, or tax certificate dated within the last 3 months.
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Taxpayer Registration Number (TRN) — If you don't have one, you can apply at any Tax Administration Jamaica office. It's free.
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Passport-Size Photos — Some applications require 2 recent photos. Plain white background preferred.

## Documents for Business Name Registration

If you're operating under any name other than your own legal name, you must register that business name with the Companies Office of Jamaica.

### ✅ Business Name Registration

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Form BN1 — Application to register a business name. Available at COJ or online.
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Name Search Results — Proof that your desired business name is available. Do this search first at COJ.
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Registration Fee — $3,500 JMD for 3 years of registration.
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Copy of TRN — Your personal TRN for sole traders, or company TRN for limited companies.

## Documents for Limited Company Registration

If you're forming a private limited company (the most common business structure), you'll need additional documents:

### ✅ Limited Company Requirements

📄
Articles of Incorporation — Defines how your company will be governed. Must include company name, registered office, share structure, and director details.
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Form 1A - Notice of Directors — Lists all directors with their names, addresses, and signatures.
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Form 1B - Notice of Registered Office — Declares your company's official business address.
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Form 20 - Declaration of Compliance — Signed by your attorney or incorporator confirming all requirements are met.
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IDs for All Directors/Shareholders — Valid ID and TRN for each person named in the company documents.

## Tax Registration Documents

Once your business is registered, you need to register with Tax Administration Jamaica for your business TRN and, if applicable, GCT registration:

### ✅ TAJ Registration

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Certificate of Incorporation — Issued by COJ after your company is registered.
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Articles of Incorporation (Copy) — The same document submitted to COJ.
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TRN Application Form — Available at any TAJ office or online.
🏠
Proof of Business Address — Lease agreement, utility bill in company name, or letter from landlord.

## NIS Employer Registration

If you plan to hire employees, you must register with the National Insurance Scheme:

### ✅ NIS Requirements

📋
Employer Registration Form (RE1) — Available at NIS offices.
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Business Registration Certificate — Proof that your business is legally registered.
🔢
Company TRN — Your business taxpayer registration number.

## Registration Costs Summary

Document/Service | Cost (JMD) | Cost (USD)
--- | --- | ---
Business Name Registration (3 years) | $3,500 | ~$22
Company Name Search | $500 | ~$3
Limited Company Registration | $15,000 - $25,000 | ~$95 - $160
TRN Registration | Free | Free
NIS Employer Registration | Free | Free
Attorney/Agent Fees (optional) | $30,000 - $80,000 | ~$190 - $500

## Industry-Specific Permits

Depending on your business type, you may need additional licenses:

- Food Businesses: Food Handler's Permit from Ministry of Health, Parish Council food license
- Import/Export: Trade Board License, Customs bond
- Tourism: TPDCo registration, tourism operator license
- Financial Services: BOJ license, FSC registration
- Security Services: Private Security Regulation Authority (PSRA) license
- Transportation: Transport Authority license, commercial vehicle permit

## Tips for Smooth Registration

1. Do your name search first — Before filling out any forms, confirm your business name is available. This saves time if you need to choose an alternative.
2. Make copies of everything — Keep at least 3 copies of each document. You'll need them for different agencies.
3. Get documents certified — Some agencies require certified copies. A Justice of the Peace can certify for a small fee.
4. Consider using an agent — If time is money, a registered agent can handle the entire process for $30,000 - $80,000 JMD.
5. Keep original documents safe — Your Certificate of Incorporation is difficult and expensive to replace.

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