Jamaica: Investing

FDI in Figures

According to UNCTAD's World Investment Report 2025, FDI flows to Jamaica accounted for USD 156 million in 2024, down from USD 377 million one year earlier (-58.7%), well below the three-year average recorded in 2020-22 (USD 301.6 million). At the end of the same period, the stock reached USD 18.86 billion (around 94% of GDP), making Jamaica the largest recipient of FDI among small island developing states. In the period 2020-24, the majority of FDI inflows have been directed towards tourism (57.4%), information and communication (23.8%), agricultural/manufacturing/distribution (6.6%), and minerals and chemicals (5.8% - data Bank of Jamaica). Jamaica’s main sources of foreign direct investment include the United States, China, Spain, Mexico, and the United Kingdom. The U.S. leads with significant investments in tourism, business process outsourcing, and manufacturing. China focuses largely on infrastructure projects, while Spain and the UK primarily invest in tourism and hospitality. Mexico contributes through sectors like construction and trade.

The country aims to become a logistical hub between North and South America, which requires the development of transport infrastructure (maritime, aviation, road, and rail) and logistics. The Jamaican Government offers incentives such as easy payment methods, grace periods for tax payments, and duty-free imports to foreign investors. The country has many assets, including its strategic geographical location, rich natural resources, and a significant capacity to receive large numbers of tourists. Jamaica allows both domestic and foreign private entities to establish and own business enterprises and engage in all forms of remunerative activities. There are no restrictions on foreign ownership or control, and local laws do not differentiate between local and foreign investors. Market access is not impeded by sector-specific limitations, although labour, registration, and environmental requirements must be met. No formal screening mechanisms exist for foreign investments. The government also established Special Economic Zones in which operators benefit from a 12.5% reduced corporate income tax rate; customs duty relief, General Consumption Tax relief; employment tax credit; promotional tax credit on research and development; capital allowance; and other incentives. Nevertheless, high criminality (e.g. security is required to protect the physical infrastructure of most properties, and Jamaica's murder rate remains one of the highest in the hemisphere), a significant number of drug traffickers, corruption, and the risk of natural catastrophes remain hindrances to FDI. Overall, Jamaica ranks 73rd among the 180 economies on the Corruption Perception Index 2024 and 38th out of 184 countries on the latest Index of Economic Freedom.

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Latest Update: October 2025