Citizenship Services

Categories of Citizenship

1. Citizenship by Descent

Persons born outside Jamaica to a Jamaican parent may apply for citizenship by descent. Processing time is 25 working days.

• Completed application form
• Applicant's original birth certificate
• Parent's Jamaican birth certificate or citizenship document
• Valid passport or travel document
• Two certified passport photographs
• Police record
• Applicable fees

2. Citizenship by Marriage

A foreign national married to a Jamaican citizen may apply for registration as a citizen. Applications are prepared for submission to the Minister within 24 months.

• Completed registration form
• Original marriage certificate
• Spouse's proof of Jamaican citizenship
• Valid passport
• Police record (from country of origin and Jamaica)
• Medical certificate
• Two certified passport photographs
• Applicable fees

3. Naturalization

Foreign nationals who have resided in Jamaica for a qualifying period may apply for naturalization. Processing is within 24 months of submission.

• Must have resided in Jamaica for at least 5 of the last 7 years
• Must intend to continue residing in Jamaica
• Good character requirement
• Knowledge of the responsibilities of citizenship

4. Registration – Commonwealth Citizens

Citizens of Commonwealth countries may apply for registration as a Jamaican citizen subject to qualifying criteria. Processing within 24 months.

5. Registration – Minors

Persons under 21 years of age may apply for citizenship registration under certain qualifying circumstances.

Certified Copy of Certificate of Citizenship

To apply for a certified copy, write to:

Download Forms

• Download Registration of Citizen of Jamaica Under Section 3
• Download Registration of Citizenship of a Woman by Marriage
• Download Registration of Citizenship – Under 21 Years
• Download Citizenship by Descent – Application Guidelines
• Download The Jamaican Nationality Act