Your life in Jamaica starts here
Make your move to Jamaica
English-speaking and warm year-round, Jamaica offers a dedicated retiree residency route and no capital gains tax. Property is moderately priced, with permanent residency in time and dual citizenship allowed.
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At a glance
Jamaica, in brief.
How Jamaica compares with the 80+ destinations we cover. Jamaica ranks among the best for english-friendliness (10th of 81) and visa ease (13th of 81) and tax friendliness (32nd of 81).
Compare destinations- Cost of living
- Moderate
- Property
- Moderate
- Healthcare
- Limited
- Safety
- Higher risk
- Climate
- Warm (~27°C)
- English
- Native / official
- Expat community
- Minimal
Retiree PR ~$2,000/mo, 3yr PR, English, dual
Worldwide, 30% top rate, no CGT

Life in Jamaica
My name is Debbie, and I am from Canada. I am a retired customs/immigration officer. Where, when and why did you move abroad? I moved to Jamaica in…

Health insurance in Jamaica
Covered from day one.
The dream is the easy part. Compare tailored expat health insurance quotes from trusted international insurers, in minutes and with no obligation.
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Moving your belongings too? Get up to five free quotes from international moversSending money abroad? Use a currency specialist
Your move plan
Jamaica, one step at a time.
Thirteen steps, in the order most people tackle them. Each one links to the guide that walks you through it.
- 01Check which visa fits your moveRead the guide : Check which visa fits your move
- 02Work out your monthly budgetRead the guide : Work out your monthly budget
- 03Arrange health cover for your moveRead the guide : Arrange health cover for your move
- 04Understand how the health system worksRead the guide : Understand how the health system works
- 05Bring your pet, if you have oneRead the guide : Bring your pet, if you have one
- 06Find somewhere to rentRead the guide : Find somewhere to rent
- 07Open a local bank accountRead the guide : Open a local bank account
- 08Know your residency steps after you arriveRead the guide : Know your residency steps after you arrive
- 09Find a doctorRead the guide : Find a doctor
- 10Understand your tax positionRead the guide : Understand your tax position
- 11Sort out your driving licenceRead the guide : Sort out your driving licence
- 12Set up a phone and internetRead the guide : Set up a phone and internet
- 13Plan schools, if you're moving with childrenRead the guide : Plan schools, if you're moving with children
Plan your move
Answers for your move.
Free tools that turn big questions about Jamaica into clear answers.
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- Compare cost of livingWhat your money is worth in Jamaica.01
- Check retirement affordabilityWhere your pension clears the requirement.02
- Find visa optionsEvery route you could qualify for.03
- Get moving quotesUp to five free quotes from international movers.04
- Move money abroadTransfers with a currency specialist.05
The complete picture
The Jamaica moving guide.
54 guides, from your visa to finding a vet. Start with the three most people need first.
Moving guide sponsored by
- Start here · 01

Visas
Which visa fits your move, and how to apply.
- Start here · 02

Residency
Your residence permit, from first stay to long term.
- Start here · 03

Banking
Opening an account and moving money.
Visas, residency and work
6
Healthcare
7
Buying property
5
Health and wellbeing
8
Travel and transport
5
Driving and cars
5
Health cover designed for life in Jamaica
Whether you're relocating with your family, taking up a new role or retiring abroad, Cigna Global plans are built around expat life: worldwide cover, direct billing and 24/7 support in English.
You won't be the first
Real people who made the move.
People who built a life in Jamaica share what surprised them, what helped and what they'd do again. All Jamaica stories
Fresh from Jamaica
Latest articles.

Remote Work in Jamaica: Best Practices for Self-Employed Expats
The rise of the digital age has made remote work more accessible and popular than ever. For many self-employed expats, Jamaica offers a tantalizing…

What Quality Of Healthcare Can You Expect In Jamaica?
What quality of healthcare you receive in Jamaica will depend on whether you access the public or the private sector. Overall, however, the standard…

Prescriptions In Jamaica: What Is Available And How To Ensure You Get The Right Level Of Care
It can be problematic to access prescriptions in Jamaica. Expats have reported long queues and a shortage of prescription medication in the island’s pharmacies.…
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