Expats from a large number of countries have long had their sights set on moving to Jamaica. It is no wonder, as this is one of the most famous islands in the Caribbean. It is also the largest English-speaking territory in the Americas, after the USA and Canada, of course. Not only that, but its rich culture and history coupled with natural beauty, good people, and fine year-round weather make it a tropical paradise for anyone looking for a change of scenery and new opportunities.

You probably do not need to be sold on the idea if you are reading this, so let’s get down to brass tacks. How do you move to Jamaica? Here is the complete moving guide.

Finding work

If you have decided to move to Jamaica, your first step should be trying to find work. Americans can spend up to 6 months on the island without a visa, but anything longer than that will require one. To apply for a work permit, you will already have to have a position lined up. Obviously, the hospitality industry is thriving in Jamaica, but so are others. Many investors come wishing to look into mining, for example. The music industry is also highly developed, with several renowned studios. These are some of your basic options, though you can probably find work in any area as well. You should know that Jamaicans get first consideration for any position. However, there are also skill sets that are lacking on the island.

Once you have an offer of employment, you will be able to apply for a work permit. Your employer will do the bulk of the work here, and once it is done, you will be able to apply for a work visa at the embassy or consulate.

If you are looking to retire in Jamaica, you will have to apply for a residency visa to stay longer than six months. You can easily find the requirements for either of these visas and other permits on the Jamaican government website, no matter what nationality you are.

Moving to Jamaica

If you plan to leave the States permanently, you will not want to handle this process yourself, but instead hire a reliable company that handles international moves. Look into several moving companies and their offers, ask for quotes, and pick the best deal.

It is advisable to be careful when picking what you will bring with you. The more things you have, the pricier your move will be. Furthermore, streamlining everything you own will make it much easier to move in and start fresh.

The language

As mentioned above, one of Jamaica’s official languages is English. This makes things much easier for expats from all across the world, especially from the US, Canada, and the Commonwealth. However, this island country has another official language – the Jamaican patois. Patois or Patwa is an English Creole that developed as a result of the slave trade. It is a combination of English and different African languages. Its influences are heavily varied, including the Aboriginal language Arawak and a host of other languages.

Getting around and getting things done won’t pose a problem for you if you use English. However, you may want to familiarize yourself with some phrases and terms of the Jamaican patois before you move to Jamaica. However, if you are a white Westerner, it would probably be a bad idea to try to speak Patois to Jamaicans. People could see it as offensive because of the historical background of the place and this language.

Rent or buy

Same as anywhere else, whether you decide to rent or buy when you move to Jamaica will come down to your circumstances. As a rule, renting property is affordable here, though prices may vary depending on the area. A one-bedroom apartment in Central Kingston costs around $500, while the same in an upscale neighborhood could go as high as $1,200. If you are moving on your own and want to save some money, there are plenty of options for renting a room in a shared property. There is also the choice of furnished vs. unfurnished, but whatever your desire, you would do good to hire a real estate agent to help you find the right rental.

If you are planning a more permanent move to Jamaica and want to buy a property, you will be happy to know that there are no restrictions on foreigners buying property. All you need to get started is a Tax Registration Number (TRN), which you can get from the Jamaican Tax Administration website. However, being a foreigner makes it particularly advisable to hire both a real estate agent and a lawyer to help you traverse these waters. When it comes to loans and mortgages, certain Jamaican banks will offer these to foreigners, but it will probably be cheaper for you to apply for a loan in your home country. This is another task you have to take care of before you leave, so make sure to be ready when the time comes to relocate.

Healthcare

Healthcare is often one of the trickiest pieces of an international relocation, and a move to Jamaica is no different. If you are moving to Jamaica on a work visa, your health insurance will depend on your employment package. The country has a two-tier healthcare system. However, you might be unpleasantly surprised by the quality of care, especially when coming from the US or similar. Expats are usually advised to take out a private policy with a medical evacuation clause. Conditions that are more serious might have to be treated off the island.

IMAGES:

https://pixabay.com/photos/jamaica-sun-ocean-sea-caribbean-1046596/

https://pixabay.com/photos/jamaica-geggae-music-guitar-3071365/

https://www.pexels.com/photo/person-pointing-at-black-and-gray-film-camera-near-macbook-pro-1051075/

https://www.pexels.com/photo/building-metal-house-architecture-101808/