Based on Marriage
Non-Jamaicans wishing to obtain Jamaican Citizenship by virtue of marriage to a Jamaican should apply in writing to the Passport Immigration and Citizenship Agency (PICA) if applying in Jamaica, or through the Jamaican High Commissions/Consulates if overseas. The following documents should be submitted:
- Completed application R1 form in duplicate (forms are available from PICA’s website or from High Commissions/Consulates)
- Applicant’s Passport and Birth Certificate
- Marriage Certificate
-Two (2) recent passport-size photographs
- Husband’s or Wife’s Birth Certificate and Jamaican Passport
- Police Report from country of residence
The processing period is approximately one (1) year.
Based on Naturalisation
A person may be granted naturalisation if:
- He/she has lived in Jamaica for a minimum of five (5) years immediately preceding submission of the application.
- He/she is of good character and be financially solvent
How to apply:
The application should be made (in duplicate) on Naturalisation Form N1, which is accessible from the link below:
The form should be completed and signed in the presence of a Justice of the Peace, a Notary Public or someone authorised to administer oaths.
The application should be sponsored by four (4) references. The sponsors should be Jamaican by birth and should not be civil servants, relatives, lawyers or agents of the applicant.
Before submitting the application, notice of your intention to apply for naturalisation must appear in a daily newspaper. This notice should be published on two separate occasions, at least one (1) week apart and be submitted along with the application.
The following support documents should be submitted to PICA along with the application:
- Birth Certificate and any other evidence of nationality
- Passport on which the applicant originally entered Jamaica
- Current passport (if different)
- Work Permit or Exemption Certificate
- Evidence of community activities in which the applicant may be involved, e.g. service club, etc.
- Two (2) passport-size photographs certified by a Justice of the Peace
- Tax Compliance Certificate
The process takes approximately 24 months after which a Certificate of Naturalization will be granted. Thereafter, the Oath of Allegiance will be administered and the successful applicant sworn in as a citizen of Jamaica.
For additional information contact:
Passport Immigration and Citizenship Agency (PICA)
25 Constant Spring Road
Kingston 10, Jamaica
Tel: (876) 908-0142
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
