How to Register as a Sole Trader in Jamaica

Jamaica is an island nation in the Caribbean with a population of about 2.8 million. According to the International Monetary Fund, Jamaica’s GDP experienced incredible post-COVID 19 growth, reaching a 4.6% rate in 2021 and expected 3 to 4% in 2022. The economic performance was a result of considerable foreign demand for Jamaican goods and services, including mining, tourism, and gastronomy.

Disclaimer: Be aware that this article is not a substitute for legal advice. Please always check official websites or seek legal advice before you take action.

Sole traders in Jamaica

As a sole trader in Jamaica will not need to undertake an overly complicated registration procedure; you can become one and operate as an independent contractor rather quickly. Profits from the business flow through directly to the owner’s tax return.

How to register a sole trader in Jamaica

If you want to register as a sole trader in Jamaica, the article below will help you.

In order to register as a sole trader in Jamaica you will need:

• To fill out a company registration form (BRF 1) "Super form"
• A document confirming your current location. This can be your driver's license, passport, or utility bill.
• Professional certification, if applicable
• Work permit or letter of exemption, if applicable
• Three passport-size photographs signed by a Justice of the Peace
• To pay a registration fee of J$ 2,500

Business name registration

If u want to register your business name in Jamaica you will need to fill and submit a form at the Companies Office of Jamaica. The fee is J$ 500.00 for the name search and J$ 3,000.00 for the name reservation. The total business name registration cost is J$ 3,500.00. When you fill out and submit the form, you will receive information that the name is reserved for ninety days.

Access your money, when you need it

If you’re paid through Deel, you can receive your salary up to 30 days early, without insane interest rates, confusing T&C’s, or late repayment fees.

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Taxpayer and VAT registration in Jamaica

To register as a taxpayer in Jamaica, you should follow the following documents:

• Completed and signed TRN (Taxpayer Registration Number) application form 
• Copy of the passport or driver's license certified by a notary. Passport or driver’s license must incorporate name (full last and first name), date of birth, signature, and a photograph.
• Cards for applicants who completed their forms via mail from overseas will then be mailed to the applicant’s address as stated on the application
• If the required documentation is not in English, a translation is required.

The application must be sent to:

Taxpayer Registration Centre

Shops 26-27, Kingston Mall 

Jamaica W.I.

General consumption tax

VAT or as it is called in Jamaica GTC is a value-added tax related to goods and services and to the import of goods and services to Jamaica. The standard rate is 16.5%. Higher or lower rates of GCT apply to certain goods and services: for example, the provision of telephone services (including phone cards) and handsets are subject to GCT at the rate of 25%, while the tax for hotels and other businesses in the tourism sector at an effective rate of around 10%.

Operators within the tourism industry who were granted approval under legacy tourism incentives and who did not choose to move to the current regime cannot benefit from the 10% tourism GCT rate. Subject to certain exceptions, an additional 5% advance GCT is levied on the commercial importation of goods by a GCT-registered taxpayer.

An income tax return is due on March 15th in the year following the year of assessment and is based on a system of self-assessment of the tax payable.