Getting Your Business Registered in Jamaica

So you have a new business idea, congrats. I wish you all the best in your endeavors. This post is primarily for persons trying to register their business in Jamaica but I am guessing the process is similar in other countries so if you’re not in Jamaica you might find it helpful too.

Before getting your company/business name registered, you must decide upon the type of legal structure your business will have, whether you’ll be running a sole trader business, partnership, limited liability company etc.

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CHoosing a BUSINESS NAME

Decide on a business name the reflects the nature of your business. Do your research, make sure the name is not taken and that is unique.

GET YOUR BUSINESS REGISTERED

You’ll need to get your business registered at The Companies of Jamaica Office. Their main office is located at 1 Grenada Way, Kingston 5. Before heading there I would suggest visiting their website to get all the information you need before going in. All the forms are available online for download. I would suggest that you download the form ahead of time, fill it out and head to the office to save wait time. The lines tend to be long but the process is quick if you have all the information filled out correctly. I would also suggest that you take a book or something to help you pass the time. I spent a total of 1 hr and 30 minutes in the office when I went in to register my business. I downloaded the form ahead of time and filled them out before going in so I was basically just waiting to be served. The certificate is not issued at the same time. You’ll be given a date and time to come back to pick up the certificate.

You can see a list of all the fees here:

You can access all the forms here:

What you'll need:

  • Business name

  • Proof of address

  • Registration Form

  • Your TRN

  • Your registration fee.

Contact Details for Companies Of Jamaica:

Office Hours:

Kingston

Monday - Wednesdays 8:30am - 3:30pm

Thursday - Fridays 8:30am - 3:00pm

Mobay

Monday - Thursdays 9:00am - 3:30pm

Fridays 9:00am - 3:00pm

Customer Service Contact:

Telephone: (876) 908-4419-26  

(876) 940-4572 or (876) 940-5742

Fax : (876) 960-7152

Email : custsupport@orcjamaica.com

OPEN A BANK ACCOUNT FOR YOUR COMPANY

It is important that you open a bank account for your business so you can separate your company earnings from your personal earnings. Depending on the bank you choose, you'll need to provide your business certificate as well as other details. Please contact your bank for details.