Jamaica EOR & PEO

Start hiring in Jamaica

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Hire in Jamaica

Horizons ensures day-to-day guidance to help your business navigate Jamaica labor laws and regulations. Horizons also ensures payroll is processed weekly or fortnightly (the standard periods in Jamaica ), and that taxes are withheld as required. As the Jamaica Employer of Record, Horizons is responsible for employee income tax withholding, payment of payroll taxes to state authorities, and submission of tax returns to the Jamaica Tax Office. Partnering with our Jamaica EOR is the quickest and most cost-effective way to enter the Jamaica market. Note, a Jamaica Employer of Record is also known as a Jamaica Professional Employer Organization (PEO).

Facts & Stats

stay compliant with Jamaica labor laws

Employment Laws

Jamaica employment contracts

In Jamaica, contracts of employment can be either verbal or written. However, we recommend that you always write up a formal contract whenever hiring in Jamaica. Contracts should be written in English, reference the local currency of the Jamaican dollar, and include all relevant details such as compensation, benefits, working hours, and so on.

Fixed-term

Indefinite

Working hours in Jamaica

The standard working week for employees in Jamaica is 40 hours. Any hours worked beyond 40 hours must be paid at overtime rates.

Working hours in Jamaica

The standard working week for employees in Jamaica is 40 hours. Any hours worked beyond 40 hours must be paid at overtime rates.

Holiday Schedule in Jamaica[2024]

Jamaica has a range of national public holidays that are celebrated annually. In 2024 these holidays are:

Date	Holiday name
1 Jan Monday	New Year’s Day
14 Feb Wednesday	Ash Wednesday
29 Mar Friday	Good Friday
1 Apr Monday	Easter Monday
23 May Thursday	Labor Day / May Day
1 Aug Thursday	Emancipation Day
6 Aug Tuesday	Independence Day
21 Oct Monday	National Heroes’ Day
25 Dec Wednesday	Christmas Day
26 Dec Thursday	Boxing Day

Vacation in Jamaica

Employees in Jamaica are generally entitled to at least ten days of paid leave annually. After working for more than 10 years with an employer, this entitlement rises to 15 days.

Jamaica's healthcare system

Sick leave in Jamaica

After 110 days of service with an employer, employees in Jamaica are entitled to accrue one day of paid sick leave for every 22 days of work completed. After one year of service, employees are entitled to two weeks of paid sick leave.

Maternity and paternity leave in Jamaica

After one year of service with an employer, female employees in Jamaica are entitled to 12 weeks of maternity leave, with the first eight weeks paid.

Employee severance and terminations in Jamaica

Employees in Jamaica are generally entitled to between two and 12 weeks of notice prior to termination. The precise length of mandatory notice depends on the employee’s length of service with the employer.

In cases where severance is due, payments are usually capped at 22 weeks of salary.

Tax laws in Jamaica

Both employers and employees in Jamaica are required to pay a portion of salary toward social security at a rate of 2.5% each. Additionally, employers must pay at least 5% into a pension fund for each employee.

Income tax in Jamaica is 25% for most employees.

Corporate tax in Jamaica differs depending on the type of company. For most companies regulated by the Bank of Jamaica, the tax rate is 33 and one-third percent. For unregulated businesses, it is 25%. Other rates apply to other types of businesses, such as building societies.

Health coverage in Jamaica

Jamaica has a public healthcare system, so employers are not expected to provide private medical insurance. However, some may choose to offer it as a benefit.

hassle-free Jamaica compensation & benefits

Compensation & Benefits

Compensation laws in Jamaica

For most workers in Jamaica, the mandatory minimum wage is 13,000 JMD per week.

Benefit management in Jamaica

Managing your benefits packages as an employer in Jamaica may include setting up things like private health insurance, supplementary parental leave payments, a company car, and so on.

Setting up such a benefits system for your Jamaican employees can be difficult if you are unfamiliar with the country and its unique labor laws. If you want to independently set up your benefits system, you can expect it to take weeks or even months, potentially presenting significant delays to your Jamaican expansion.

Horizons can simplify your Jamaica benefits management, with our Jamaica experts setting up and managing everything for you and helping you focus on a successful expansion operation.

Jamaica Employer Of Record Peo

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Hire in Jamaica

Employment Laws

Working hours in Jamaica

Compensation & Benefits

Frequently asked questions

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Hire in Jamaica in 24h without your own local entity.

With Horizons, you get quick service, transparent pricing, and expert support.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between a Jamaica PEO and a Jamaica EOR?

Generally speaking, the terms “Jamaica PEO” and “Jamaica EOR” are used interchangeably.

Can an EOR in Jamaica hire both local and foreign nationals to work in Jamaica?

An EOR in Jamaica can feasibly hire both local and foreign nationals to work in Jamaica.

However, the ability of Horizons to sponsor your foreign national employee in Jamaica may be limited due to visa quotas practiced in many countries.

Contact us with your requirements and our Global Mobility team with review the case and get back to you within 2 business days.

How long does Horizons' Jamaica EOR service take to hire an employee?

In most cases, Horizons’ Jamaica EOR can hire & onboard your employee within 24 hours. The actual start date of the employee will depend on their notice period obligation to their previous employer as well as any relevant hiring rules in Jamaica.

Is it possible to get a work visa in Jamaica ?

It is possible to get a work visa in Jamaica. Horizons’ Global Mobility team is a dedicated team of work visa experts. They assess the details of each case to determine feasibility and costs before Horizons applies for the work visa on behalf of your employee. If the Global Mobility team determines that your case is feasible, the process is smooth and transparent. Visa spots in Jamaica are limited, however—get started today to secure your employees’ visa spot.

Jamaica EOR & PEO

Start hiring in Jamaica

Simple, compliant hiring with Horizons EOR

Hire in Jamaica

Facts & Stats

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Contracts

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stay compliant with Jamaica labor laws

Employment Laws

Jamaica employment contracts

Fixed-term

Probationary period

Termination notice period

Severance

Indefinite

Probationary period

Termination notice period

Severance

Working hours in Jamaica

Working hours in Jamaica

Vacation in Jamaica

Jamaica's healthcare system

Sick leave in Jamaica

Maternity and paternity leave in Jamaica

Employee severance and terminations in Jamaica

Tax laws in Jamaica

Health coverage in Jamaica

hassle-free Jamaica compensation & benefits

Compensation & Benefits

Compensation laws in Jamaica

Benefit management in Jamaica

Hire in Jamaica in 24h without your own local entity.

Frequently asked questions

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