Jamaica EOR & PEO
Hire in Jamaica without a local entity today
As a Global EOR & PEO service provider, we pride ourselves on our global reach, in-country knowledge, and ability to swiftly and efficiently mobilize workers around the world. Our robust EOR/PEO covers everything from global HR, payroll, compliance, in-country support, immigration, visas, and more.
Get started and hire in Jamaica today with Gibson Watts Global.
DID YOU KNOW
- Jamaica is home to the world’s fastest man, Usain Bolt, who set the 100m and 200m world records in 2009.
- In 2015, Jamaica became the first country in the Caribbean to have a functional and fully operational solar-powered hospital.
- Jamaica’s national motto is “Out of Many, One People,” reflecting the country’s diverse cultural heritage, including influences from African, European, and Indigenous Taino ancestry.
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Jamaica EOR Services
A Gateway to the Caribbean’s Business Potential
Working in Jamaica
Financial Year Dates
Jamaica’s financial year runs from April 1st to March 31st.
Minimum Wage
The national minimum wage in Jamaica will rise to $16,000 for a 40-hour workweek, starting 1st June 2025.
This marks a 6.7 percent increase from the current rate of $15,000 per 40-hour workweek, as announced by Prime Minister Dr. Andrew Holness.
Standard working hours
The standard workweek in Jamaica is 40 hours, typically divided into five 8-hour workdays. The typical working hours for most businesses are from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM, with some flexibility for certain industries.
Overtime
Overtime in Jamaica is generally compensated at a rate of 1.5 times the regular hourly wage for the first 40 hours of overtime in a month. Additional overtime hours beyond this limit may be paid at double the regular rate, but total overtime is capped by law to ensure work-life balance.
Holiday Allowance
Employees in Jamaica are entitled to a minimum of 14 working days of paid annual leave. Public holidays are in addition to this leave. Additional leave may be provided based on the employment contract or sector-specific agreements.
Sick Leave
Jamaican employees are entitled to paid sick leave of up to 2 weeks per year, which can be extended with medical certification. Sick leave is typically paid at the employee’s regular wage.
Maternity & Paternity Leave
Maternity leave in Jamaica is 12 weeks, during which time the mother is entitled to full pay. Paternity leave is 3 days, paid at the father’s regular wage.
Public Holiday
Jamaica observes several public holidays, including:
- New Year’s Day – January 1st
- Good Friday – Date varies
- Easter Monday – Date varies
- Labour Day – May 23rd
- Emancipation Day – August 1st
- Independence Day – August 6th
- National Heroes Day – October 21st
- Christmas Day – December 25th
- Boxing Day – December 25th
Social Contributions
In Jamaica, both employers and employees contribute to the National Insurance Scheme (NIS), which covers pensions, healthcare, and other social welfare programs.
Employers:
- NIS (Pension, Health Insurance, etc.): 6.5%
- Unemployment Insurance: 0.5%
Employees:
- NIS (Pension, Health Insurance, etc.): 3%
- Unemployment Insurance: 1%
Income Tax
Jamaica employs a progressive tax system, with personal income tax rates ranging from 25% to 30%. The country offers various tax incentives, particularly for businesses investing in certain sectors such as tourism and technology.
Health Care
Jamaica provides healthcare through a public system, funded by payroll taxes and government contributions. Healthcare services are affordable but can vary in quality between urban and rural areas. Many expatriates and higher-income individuals opt for private healthcare services for faster access and higher standards of care.
Employers and employees contribute to the public healthcare system through the National Insurance Scheme (NIS), which provides health insurance coverage. Private health insurance is commonly supplemented for additional benefits.
Visas
Jamaica offers several visa options for foreign nationals, including:
- Work Visa: Foreign nationals seeking employment in Jamaica must apply for a work visa, sponsored by a Jamaican employer.
- Business Visa: Entrepreneurs and investors can apply for a business visa to engage in commercial activities.
- Temporary Residence Visa: Foreign nationals may reside in Jamaica for up to one year with the option to apply for permanent residency thereafter.
- Family Reunification Visa: Family members of foreign nationals working in Jamaica can apply for a family reunification visa.
By partnering with Gibson Watts Global as your Employer of Record (EOR) in Jamaica, you can navigate the country’s labor laws and business landscape with confidence, ensuring compliance while focusing on growth and expansion.
13th salary
There is no statutory requirement for a 13th salary in Jamaica. However, some companies may offer an end-of-year bonus, particularly in sectors like retail and tourism, as part of their employee benefit packages.
Cultural Information
Jamaica is known for its vibrant culture, shaped by music, food, language, and religion. English is the official language and widely used in business, while Jamaican Patois is commonly spoken in everyday life. The official currency is the Jamaican Dollar (JMD).
The country is predominantly Christian, with strong Protestant roots, and is also the birthplace of Rastafarianism, which has influenced global culture through reggae music. Music plays a major role in national identity, with Jamaica credited as the home of reggae, dancehall, and ska.
Jamaican cuisine is bold and flavourful, featuring dishes like jerk chicken, ackee and saltfish, and patties. The people are known for their warmth and hospitality, with family and community central to daily life.
Business culture in Jamaica values professionalism, punctuality, and respectful communication. Building personal relationships is important, and employers should be mindful of local labour laws and cultural expectations around fairness and collaboration in the workplace.