#law · 1 year ago

How to Register Your Business with the Companies Office of Jamaica (COJ)

How to Register Your Business with the Companies Office of Jamaica (COJ) photo jamaica

If you're looking to start a business in Jamaica, one of the first steps you'll need to take is to register your company with the Companies Office of Jamaica (COJ). The COJ is the official registrar for companies in Jamaica, and its primary function is to ensure that businesses operating in Jamaica are registered and compliant with all the necessary regulations. In this article, we'll guide you through the process of registering your business with the COJ.


Step 1: Choose your company structure

Before you register your business with the COJ, you'll need to decide on the type of business structure that you want to adopt. There are four types of business structures in Jamaica:

Sole Proprietorship - this is a business owned and operated by one person.

Partnership - a business owned by two or more individuals.

Limited Liability Company (LLC) - a company that offers limited liability to its shareholders.

Company Limited by Guarantee - this is a non-profit organization that is usually used for charitable purposes.

Once you've decided on the type of business structure you want to adopt, you can move on to the next step.

Step 2: Choose a company name

The next step is to choose a company name. The name should be unique and not already registered with the COJ. You can check for availability of company names on the COJ's website. Once you have chosen a name, you can move on to the next step.

Step 3: Complete the registration form

You'll need to complete the registration form for your chosen business structure. The form can be downloaded from the COJ's website. The form will require you to provide the following information:

  • Company name
  • Business structure
  • Registered office address
  • Shareholder information
  • Director information
  • Company secretary information (if applicable)
  • Articles of Incorporation (for LLCs)
  • A declaration of compliance with the Companies Act.

Once you have completed the form, you'll need to submit it along with the required documents and fees to the COJ.

Step 4: Pay the registration fee

The registration fee for registering a company in Jamaica varies depending on the business structure you choose. The fee ranges from JMD 20,000 to JMD 50,000. You'll need to pay the fee to the COJ when submitting your registration form.

Step 5: Wait for approval

Once you've submitted your registration form and paid the registration fee, you'll need to wait for approval from the COJ. The approval process can take up to 10 business days. Once your company is registered, you'll receive a Certificate of Incorporation.

Registering your business with the Companies Office of Jamaica is a necessary step in starting a business in Jamaica. The process can seem daunting, but by following these steps, you can ensure that your business is registered and compliant with all the necessary regulations. With a registered business, you can start operating legally and build a successful venture in Jamaica.