Who Can Be a Returning Resident?

A Simple Guide for Returning Residents (With Examples)

Who Can Be a Returning Resident?

You can be a Returning ResidentA returning resident is someone who has lived in another country for a long time and is now coming back to their home co... More if:

1. You’re a Jamaican nationalIn the context of Jamaica and real estate, a Jamaican national refers to: An individual who holds Jamaican citizenship... More who is 18 or older, has lived abroad for the last 3 years in a row, and is now coming back to live in JamaicaJamaica, with its vibrant culture and stunning landscapes, has a unique position in the global real estate market. The i... More for good.
   • Example: Sarah moved to Canada for work in 2018. After three years, she’s decided to return to Jamaica in 2024 to stay permanently. Sarah qualifies as a Returning Resident.
2. You’re a JamaicanThe term "Jamaican" encompasses the citizens of Jamaica and their descendants in the Jamaican diaspora, representing a d... More student who is 18 or older and studied abroad for more than 1 year but less than 3 years.
   • Example: David went to universityA university, in the context of Jamaica, real estate, and the world, is an institution offering academic programs leadin... More in the UK for two years. He has completed his degree and is now returning to Jamaica. He can apply as a Returning Resident.
3. You’re married to a Jamaican Returning Resident, but you aren’t Jamaican yourself.
   • Example: Maria is from the US but married John, a Jamaican. John is moving back to Jamaica after living overseas for several years. Maria can apply as a Returning Resident because of her marriage to John.
4. You’re a deporteeA deportee is an individual forcibly removed from a country, usually due to legal or immigration issues. In Jamaica, dep... More who lived abroad for the last 3 years.
   • Example: Jason lived in the US but was deported back to Jamaica after three years. He qualifies for the same benefits as other Returning ResidentsReturning Residents are Jamaican nationals (or persons eligible through Jamaican descent or marriage to a Jamaican natio... More.

Note: If you and your spouse return together or within three years of each other, you’ll only be treated as one family and receive one set of benefits.

• Example: If Robert and his wife, Janet, return to Jamaica two years apart, they willIn Jamaica, a will is a legal document created by an individual to specify how their assets, including their belongings ... More still be treated as one family and get only one set of concessions.

What Do You Need to Bring?

When you return to Jamaica, you need to take these documents to the Jamaica Customs Agency’s Returning Residents Unit:

1. Your valid passport (either Jamaican or a foreign one with an “unconditional landing” stamp).
   • Example: Sarah, who is returning from Canada, needs to bring her Jamaican passport or her Canadian passport with a stamp that shows she has permanent residency in Jamaica.
2. Bill of Lading or Airway Bill (proof that you shipped items to Jamaica).
   • Example: Robert shipped some furniture from the US to Jamaica before he returned. The Bill of Lading from the shipping company is what he’ll need to show customs.
3. Your Taxpayer Registration NumberIn Jamaica, the Taxpayer Registration Number (TRN) is a unique nine-digit identification number assigned to individuals ... More (TRNIn Jamaica, the Taxpayer Registration Number (TRN) is a unique nine-digit identification number assigned to individuals ... More).
   • Example: Janet has her TRN card, which she’ll bring with her when she goes to Customs.
4. Proof you’ve lived abroad for 3 or more years in a row.
   • Example: David can show his UK rental agreement and utility bills from the past three years to prove he’s been living overseas.
5. Students need to show school documents.
   • Example: Maria, a student returning from the US, needs her school transcript and a confirmation letter from her university to prove she was studying abroad.
6. Deportees need to present their Deportation Order and case file.

What Can You Bring Without Paying Duty?

Returning Residents can bring certain things into Jamaica without paying customs duty:

1. Personal and household items (like clothes, furniture).
   • Example: Sarah can bring her clothes, some furniture, and household appliances without paying extra fees at customs.
2. Tools for work or trade.
   • Example: David is a carpenter. He can bring his tools like saws, hammers, and drills without paying any customs duty.
3. Students can bring one of each type of electronic device, either new or used, along with other items.
   • Example: Maria, the student, can bring her laptop, phone, and musical instruments without having to pay customs duties.

Deportees get the same benefits as regular Returning Residents, but remember, you can only use this benefit once.

• Example: Jason can use this benefit to bring his personal items back to Jamaica but won’t be able to use the benefit again in the future.

Bringing in a Car, Pet, or Plant?

1. Cars: To bring a car into Jamaica, you’ll need a license from the Trade Board Limited.
   • Example: Robert wants to bring his car from the US. He’ll need to get a license from the Trade Board to do that.
2. Pets: You’ll need a permitA permit in real estate is an official authorization required to undertake specific activities related to property devel... More from the Ministry of Agriculture’s Veterinary Services Division.
   • Example: Sarah is bringing her dog back with her. She needs to get an import permit before the dog can enter Jamaica.
3. Plants: A permit from the Ministry of Agriculture’s Plant Quarantine Division is needed.
   • Example: Janet loves gardening and wants to bring some plants with her. She needs a permit from the Plant Quarantine Division before importing them.

Who to Contact for Help

• Returning Resident Unit, Jamaica Customs Agency.
• DiasporaIn the context of Jamaica, real estate, and the broader global sphere, diaspora refers to the community of Jamaicans liv... More and Consular Affairs Department, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade.
• Veterinary Services Division, Ministry of Agriculture.

These examples show how each step works and what you’ll need when returning to Jamaica as a Returning Resident.