Jamaica is an upper middle income country with the largest population in English speaking Caribbean. For decades, Jamaica has struggled with low growth, high public debt and many external shocks that further weakened the economy. Over the last 30 years, real per capita GDP increased at an average of just one percent per year, making Jamaica one of the slowest growing developing countries in the world. 

The Jamaican economy is heavily dependent on services, which accounts for nearly 80% of GDP. The country continues to derive most of its foreign exchange from tourism, remittances, and bauxite/alumina. Remittances and tourism each account for 30% of GDP, while bauxite/alumina exports make up roughly 5% of GDP. 

Jamaica is a constitutional monarchy and a parliamentary democracy, which is based on the Westminster model 

This World Bank site ranks Jamaica relative to other countries for ease of doing business

A description of business types in Jamaica plus advantages and disadvantages of each

Before going into business in Jamaica, it is important to determine the legal structure best suited to your needs. 

This site provides a detailed summary of the bureaucratic and legal hurdles faced by entrepreneurs wishing to incorporate and register a new firm in Jamaica. 

Before going into business in Jamaica, it is important to determine the legal structure best suited to your needs. 

The Personal Income Tax Rate in Jamaica stands at 25 percent. Personal Income Tax Rate in Jamaica averaged 25.91 percent from 2004 until 2014, reaching an all time high of 35 percent in 2010 and a record low of 25 percent in 2005. Personal Income Tax Rate in Jamaica is reported by the Tax Admministration of Jamaica.

The Corporate Tax Rate in Jamaica stands at 25 percent. Corporate Tax Rate in Jamaica averaged 31.06 percent from 2005 until 2015, reaching an all time high of 33.33 percent in 2006 and a record low of 25 percent in 2013. Corporate Tax Rate in Jamaica is reported by the Tax Admministration of Jamaica.

A resident corporation is taxable on its worldwide income. Non-resident companies are subject to tax on Jamaican-sourced income. 

The Sales Tax Rate in Jamaica stands at 16.50 percent. Sales Tax Rate in Jamaica averaged 16.70 percent from 2006 until 2015, reaching an all time high of 17.50 percent in 2010 and a record low of 16.50 percent in 2007. Sales Tax Rate in Jamaica is reported by the Tax Admministration of Jamaica.

 In the long-term, the Jamaica Sales Tax Rate | VAT is projected to trend around 16.50 percent in 2020, according to our econometric models.

In general, Jamaican residents and domiciled individuals are taxed on their worldwide income, while non-resident individuals are taxed on Jamaican-sourced income. Individuals are liable to income tax at a rate of 25% on income in excess of the annual tax-free threshold of JMD 557,232 (JMD 507,312 prior to 1 January 2015).

Comprehensive Information on Jamaica Visa Requirements

All visitors are required to be in possession of a national passport or other acceptable travel document establishing nationality and identity, and bearing a photograph.  The  passport or other travel document must be valid for the period of intended stay in the island. 

124 tips on getting to and getting around Jamaica from real travelers and locals.

Catching local transport in Jamaica – transport tips on getting around Jamaica like a local

Telecommunications in Jamaica include radio, television, fixed and mobile telephones, and the Internet.

The Office of Utilities Regulation regulates the telecommunications sector in Jamaica through the Telecommunications Act. Under the provisions of the Act, the Office shall, among other things, regulate specified services and facilities, receive and process applications for licences and promote the interest of customers.

Travelers to Jamaica who plan to work or conduct business there should be aware of the employment laws in the country. The Jamaican Ministry of Justice has enacted a number of statutes that provide employees with rights to minimum terms and conditions of employment. 

This site provides a detailed summary of some of the labor regulations that would apply to local entrepreneurs wishing to hire workers, organize working schedules, improve job quality for workers, or make workers redundant for economic reasons in Jamaica. 

This site provides a detailed summary of some of the labor regulations that would apply to local entrepreneurs wishing to hire workers, organize working schedules, improve job quality for workers, or make workers redundant for economic reasons in Jamaica. 

Average prices of more than 40 products and services in Jamaica. Prices of restaurants, food, transportation, utilities and housing are included.

This site provides a cost of living comparison with Kingston versus other cities. A car in Jamaica cost double than us price.

Guide to Jamaica and Jamaican culture, society, language, etiquette, manners, customs and protocol.

The atmosphere in Corporate Jamaica is ultra conservative as compared to corporate America. Many financial institutions still provide uniforms for their employees and dressing down is frowned upon.

Jamaica is in the tropical zone south of the Tropic of Cancer. However, its distance north of the equator has a moderating effect on its temperature, and hence Jamaica is said to have a semi-tropical climate. 

Get the Jamaica weather forecast. Access hourly, 10 day and 15 day forecasts along with up to the minute reports and videos from AccuWeather.com

Comprehensive list of National Public Holidays that are celebrated in Jamaica during 2016 with dates and information on the origin and meaning of holidays.

See “People and Society” on this CIA site

Demographic facts and statistics on Jamaica

Latest travel advice for Jamaica including safety and security, entry requirements, travelwarnings and health

Travelers can have a great experience getting out and seeing the “real” Jamaica, but need to be mindful about the legitimate threat of crime where it exists.

This site provides a table and brief description of the levels of education offered in Jamaica

Although there have been significant advances in education in Jamaica, the existing systems continue to face severe short- comings. Underprivileged children in rural and poor urban areas particularly suffer from unequal access to quality education.

Jamaica Holiday Calendar 2016 is presented here along with dates for all the festivals andholidays celebrated in Jamaica.

Jamaica Customs regulations and procedures for importing and exporting goods at border. 

Jamaica customs regulations, Jamaica customs clearance, shipping toJamaica, shipping to Kingston, 

Jamaica has negotiated trade agreements with the world’s major trading powers such as the European Union, Canada, and the United States, as well as in our important domestic CARICOM markets.

A listing of Jamaica trade agreements

Find short-term furnished apartments and extended stay hotels with Biz-stay.com’s comprehensive directory.

Read hotel reviews, compare prices, and find cheap deals on all hotels in Jamaica.

367,197 reviews of Jamaica Hotels, Attractions, and Restaurants making it your best Jamaica resource.

This site from Travel and Leisure magazine provides information on hotels, restaurants, and attractions