Understand more about the process…
Established in 1984 as part of the Jamaica Promotions Corporation (JAMPRO), the Jamaica Film Commission’s mandate is to promote Jamaica’s screen-based industries. This work specifically entails furthering the industries’ growth and development through investments, employment, trade and exports.
When a film production of any nature wishes to shoot in Jamaica, the Film Commission should be their first point of contact, prior to arriving on the island. They provide the following services to investors:
- Process film registration for all projects being filmed in Jamaica
- Process bond waiver requests for international companies temporarily importing equipment to Jamaica
- Process Productive Input Relief requests for eligible local companies importing equipment
- Facilitate work permit exemption and applications (work permits are only required for those who will be in the country for 3 months or more)
- Facilitate specialised permits for items such as firearm, (real or fake), explosives, animals, aerosol, (more than six cans) motor vehicles, drones, fresh foods and meats
- Facilitate specialised permits including usage of public areas, underwater photography, and other requests to government agencies
- Assist wherever possible when local and international productions require facilitation with other government entities
- Providing information on local production managers and coordinators, customs brokers, equipment rentals, transportation, catering, hotels, and other production services suppliers, security providers, paid duty police and any additional security that is required
Upon registration, film producers creating content in Jamaica can access the above benefits, once they complete the required registration and approval processes successfully and their film is registered. Also, as a means of ensuring that there is ease in doing business and that their overall experience in Jamaica is seamless; the Film Commission can also assist with relevant authorities regarding facilitating access (to public spaces and special permits) and in negotiating the terms. For information regarding items/activities that require special permits, see the “Guide to Filming in Jamaica”.
To learn more about registering a Film Project, continue to the next steps of this business process guideline.
Complete the relevant form(s) and provide any supporting information/documents…
Registration is required of all international film and audio-visual productions being undertaken entirely or partially in Jamaica and is expected for local productions. For simpler projects, your registration application should be submitted at least five (5) business days prior to the start date. If you will require special permits or support, submit your application at least fifteen (15) business days before principal photography is scheduled to begin.
You can visit the website of the Jamaica Film Commission (JFC) in order to complete the registration process online to licence your film. Forms are also available on the website for download, printing and completion.
Application Requirements:
You are required to complete and submit the application form along with the other required documentation to the JFC. In order to ensure your applications are processed expeditiously and within the relevant time-frame, please verify that all the information is completed fully, and the required supporting documents/information are submitted along with your applications. The following must be submitted:
Film Registration Form to be completed and submitted online (can also be done offline).
Other Supporting Information to be included in the application for submission.
- Company Profile - brief description of the company structure and previous work.
- One-page Project Summary - brief description of production type and budget.
- Travel Itinerary - copy of the itinerary.
- List of lead production personnel - nationalities (Jamaican vs non-Jamaican)
- Equipment List - of equipment you will be temporarily importing to Jamaica, using the equipment list template.
- Proof of Insurance - cover note.
- Customs Broker - name and broker number.
- Permit Fee - receipt or other proof of payment.
For more information, contact the Jamaica Film Commission (JFC) at 1 (876) 978-7755/978-3337 or visit the JFC.
Submit your completed application…
Submission Requirements:
Once your registration form and any relevant supporting information/documents have been completed, signed, stamped and certified where required; you can either submit online and via email, or you will need to visit JFC at any JAMPRO office, including JAMPRO’s Regional Offices to submit your application for Film Licence and pay the relevant fee.
The address and contact information for the JFC is indicated below:
Jamaica Film Commission
c/o Jamaica Promotions Corporation
18 Trafalgar Road
Kingston 10
Jamaica W.I.
Tel: 1 (876) 978-7755/978-3337
Toll Free: 1-888-INVESTJA
Fax: 1 (876) 946-0090
Email: creativeindustries@jamprocorp.com
Monday – Thursday: 8:30 am – 5:00 pm
Friday: 8:30 am – 4:00 pm
Pay the relevant processing fees…
The registration fee must be paid in order for your licence to be processed. Payment can be made in cash, by cheque payable to Jamaica Promotions Corporation, or by wire transfer to JAMPRO. Click here for payment details. Your Licence will be granted for the duration of the production in Jamaica.
Registration Fee - to be paid prior to processing.
- Film Licence: USD $300 per production
Processing Time:
Your submission must be made in advance of arrival in Jamaica in order to be considered.
- Film Licence (Simple productions) - approximately five (5) working days.
- Film Licence (Productions requiring special permits and support) - approximately fifteen (15) working days.
Collect your approved document(s)…
Once the review and assessment process has been completed and if your documents are in order; the Commission will notify you that your application for your Licence has been granted and that you may visit JAMPRO to collect your documents.
At the end of the process you would have received the following:
Additional steps required after approval…
Upon approval, there are some additional services that if requested by you, the JFC can undertake as a part of their value-added facilitation support. There are also some pre-travel requirements that you as the investor/production team may need to fulfill prior to arriving in Jamaica. These may include the following:
Investor/Production Team Requirements: Prior to confirming your itinerary, verify and resolve with your nearest Jamaican Consulate (in your country) all immigration requirements for foreign crew and cast members who will be travelling to Jamaica. (The specific requirements for entry into Jamaica varies across nationalities. In some cases, visas are required.)
- Passports - are required for all persons arriving in Jamaica.
- Work Permit - person(s) traveling to Jamaica for work for less than 30 days (1 month) will not require a Work Permit, and instead will be admitted to the country as a Business Visitor.
- For projects scheduled to last beyond 30 days each non-resident member of the production team will require either a Work Permit or an Extension of Stay. See how to obtain a work permit
- Waiver of Work Permit - the work permit requirement can be waived for individuals working in Jamaica's film industry for a period of less than six months, through the granting of a waiver of work permit. Applications must include the following information:
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- Name of person as stated in a valid passport
- Nationality
- Passport number
- Position on project
- Estimated dates of arrival and departure
- Port of arrival
- Visa Requirements: All foreign national entering this country to conduct short term business will be admitted as “Business Visitors” in accordance with the entry requirement applicable to the visitors from their respective countries, i.e. if a Visitor’ Visa is a requirement from your country for entry into Jamaica then a Business Visa will be applicable. When a Business Visa is required, this must be purchased at any Jamaican Embassy or Consulate in your country prior to arrival. See how to secure a business visa.
- Multiple Entry Visa: This is required for all production staff members who will be entering and leaving the country several times during a production. Requirements for obtaining a Multiple Entry Visa:
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- Either an Exemption of Visa or a Visa must be previously stamped in Passport;
- A completed Application for Re-entry Visa Form;
- Alien registration: This is required for persons who will be in the country for six months or more. The requirements are:
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- Either an Exemption of Visa or a Visa must be previously stamped in Passport.
- A completed Application for Re-entry Visa Form.
- Two (2) black and white passport photos and a charge of approximately US$20 for each applicant are needed to process.
- No Visas Required: Please consult with the following advisory from PICA to determine which citizenship will require a visa.
- Other Requirements:
- Employ the services of a Customs Broker. The broker will assist you with clearing equipment using the documentation provided by the Film Commission. A list of customs brokers is available here. Failure to retain the services of a customs broker will result in your equipment being detained.
- Employ the services of a local Production Manager, Fixer, or Coordinator. This is a mandatory engagement. A list of potential candidates is available here.
- Apply for a bond waiver by completing and submitting a detailed list of all equipment you will be importing. This list should include a description of the items, with the quantities, serial numbers, monetary value and relevant currency for each. Download the equipment template here. In the case of bond waivers, all equipment on the list should be used exclusively for the purposes of the registered production and must leave the country once the production is completed.
- Other Services Offered by JFC:
Film Commission’s Facilitation/Support: The JFC offers the following value-added services to professionals and companies wishing to invest or work in Jamaica’s film and creative industries.
- Bond Waiver - applications can be submitted on behalf of local and international companies importing equipment temporarily.
- Productive Input Relief (PIR) - requests can be submitted for local companies importing equipment permanently.
- Work Permits and Visas - applications and exemptions for work permits, as well as applications for visas/extensions of stay/etc. supported.
- Special Licences/Permits - applications for licenses, permits and exemptions for regulated/restricted/banned items (such as firearms, explosives, animals, aerosols, motor vehicles, drones, fresh foods and meats) supported. Also, accelerated applications for special permits for the use of public roads, underwater photography and other distinct arrangements by liaising between government entities and production project leaders.
- Liaise with Government Entities - assist local and international productions that require unique forms of facilitation with government entities.
- Contact Listings for Local Industry Services - collect and provide contact information for local production companies, managers, coordinators, and other audio-visual production professionals, as well as equipment rental houses, customs brokers, transportation providers, caterers, hotels, security services and other vendors.
Requests for services along with relevant application requirements must be submitted to the Film Commission at least five (15) working days prior to arrival of crew and cast (see below for requirements).
For multiple entry visas, the Commission facilitates the process and the Passport Office will have the Passport stamped and returned.
