Registering a Business
Process Overview
Discover the application process and what steps will be taken in order to grant and Registering a Business.
The Companies Office of Jamaica (COJ) registers local and overseas companies and individuals and firms carrying on business in Jamaica. It actively encourages voluntary compliance of companies and businesses with the Companies Act of 2004, the Companies (Amendment Act) 2013, the Registration of Business Names Act of 1934 and maintains up-to-date records of all companies and businesses registered. Their mission is to facilitate ease of doing business in Jamaica by providing effective and efficient registration systems which promote business regulation and deliver accurate information to all stakeholders.
In Jamaica, there are two basic structures to choose between:
- A Company: this is a commercial enterprise registered or incorporated under the Companies Act. (A company can either be non-profit (Charity, Club, NGO etc) or profit generating).
- A Business Name: this is a sole trader, partnership or trade name registered under the Registration of Business Names Act.
