The Companies Office of Jamaica (Kingston Head Office) opens at 8:30 am Monday through Friday and closes at 3:30 pm (Mon–Wed) or 3:00 pm (Thu–Fri). The Montego Bay branch opens at 9:00 am on the same weekdays.
Companies Office of Jamaica Opening Hours
The Companies Office of Jamaica opening hours differ slightly by day of the week and by branch. The Kingston Head Office closes earlier on Thursdays and Fridays, while the Montego Bay branch operates on a slightly later start time. Knowing these hours before you visit can save you a wasted trip — especially since the COJ closes well before 4:00 pm on most days.
Kingston Head Office Hours
| Monday | 8:30 am – 3:30 pm | Open |
| Tuesday | 8:30 am – 3:30 pm | Open |
| Wednesday | 8:30 am – 3:30 pm | Open |
| Thursday | 8:30 am – 3:00 pm | Closes Early |
| Friday | 8:30 am – 3:00 pm | Closes Early |
| Saturday | — | Closed |
| Sunday | — | Closed |
The COJ closes at 3:00 pm on Thursdays and Fridays — a full 30 minutes earlier than Mon–Wed. Plan to arrive by 2:30 pm at the latest to comfortably complete any in-person transaction.
Montego Bay Branch Hours
| Monday | 9:00 am – 3:30 pm | Open |
| Tuesday | 9:00 am – 3:30 pm | Open |
| Wednesday | 9:00 am – 3:30 pm | Open |
| Thursday | 9:00 am – 3:30 pm | Open |
| Friday | 9:00 am – 3:00 pm | Closes Early |
| Saturday | — | Closed |
| Sunday | — | Closed |
The Companies Office of Jamaica Montego Bay branch is located inside the Office of the Prime Minister (Western). It accepts applications for both company and business name registrations, though processing in Montego Bay may take up to two additional working days compared to Kingston.
Companies Office of Jamaica Locations & Addresses
The COJ currently operates two physical offices in Jamaica — one in Kingston and one in Montego Bay. Both accept walk-in applications for business and company registration. A full list of government office locations in Jamaica is available on our site.
St. Andrew, Jamaica
Tel: (876) 908-4419 / 908-4426
Email: [email protected]
Mon–Wed: 8:30am – 3:30pm
Thu–Fri: 8:30am – 3:00pm
Office of the Prime Minister (Western)
Montego Bay, St. James
Tel: (876) 276-9558 / 940-4572 / 940-5742
Mon–Thu: 9:00am – 3:30pm
Fri: 9:00am – 3:00pm
Is There a Companies Office of Jamaica Fairview or Mandeville Location?
As of , there is no standalone Companies Office of Jamaica Fairview or Companies Office of Jamaica Mandeville branch. The COJ operates from Kingston and Montego Bay only. Residents in other parishes, including Manchester, Clarendon, and St. Elizabeth, are encouraged to use the COJ online portal at services.orcjamaica.com, which allows full business registration and filing from anywhere in Jamaica.
Most COJ services — including new business registration, annual return filing, document searches, and letters of good standing — can be completed online without visiting any branch. This is especially helpful for customers in Mandeville, Fairview, and other areas without a local COJ office.
Companies Office of Jamaica Contact Number & Email
Need to reach the COJ before your visit? Below are the official Companies Office of Jamaica telephone numbers and digital contact details for both offices.
| Office | Telephone Number | Website | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kingston Head Office1 Grenada Way, Kingston 5 | (876) 908-4419 (876) 908-4426 |
[email protected] | orcjamaica.com |
| Montego Bay Branch10 Delisser Drive, St. James | (876) 276-9558 (876) 940-4572 / 940-5742 |
[email protected] | orcjamaica.com |
The COJ also maintains an active Facebook page (CompaniesOfficeJamaica) and a YouTube channel where they publish registration guides, tutorials, and official announcements. Following either channel is a good way to stay informed about news, office closures, and service changes from the Companies Office of Jamaica.
COJ Services & Online Portal
The Companies Office of Jamaica login portal at services.orcjamaica.com gives businesses and individuals 24/7 access to a wide range of services without visiting a branch. Whether you are in Kingston, Montego Bay, or anywhere else in Jamaica — or even overseas — most COJ transactions can be completed digitally.
To access the online services, visit services.orcjamaica.com and create an account. The Companies Office of Jamaica login allows you to manage registrations, track document status, and receive notifications — all without visiting the office in person.
Companies Office of Jamaica Forms — A Complete Guide
The COJ uses a standardised set of Companies Office of Jamaica forms for registration, annual compliance, and company changes. All forms are available for download at orcjamaica.com/Forms.aspx or can be collected at either branch during office hours. Note that the Companies (Amendment) Act 2023 introduced updated versions of several forms — always use the most current version when filing.
| Form | Name | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| BRF / BRF1 | Business Registration Form | Used to register a new sole trader, partnership, or business name. |
| Form 1A | Articles of Incorporation | Required when incorporating a new limited liability company. |
| Form 5 | General Notice to the Registrar | Used to report changes to directors, company secretary, or registered office address. |
| Form 6 | Name Search & Reservation | Request a name search (JMD $500) and reserve a business name for 90 days (JMD $3,000). |
| Form 9 | Return of Allotment | Filed when new shares are issued by a company. |
| Form 19A | Annual Return (Share Capital) | The annual compliance form for companies with share capital. Must be filed yearly. |
| Form 19B | Annual Return (No Share Capital) | Annual return for companies without share capital (non-profits, NGOs, clubs). |
| Form 19E-A | Status Quo Annual Return | Filed when there are no changes from the previous year’s annual return. |
| Form 20 | Notice of Winding-up | Submitted when a company begins voluntary liquidation or winding-up proceedings. |
| Form 27A | Change in Register of Members | Replaces Form 5 for share transfers under the 2023 amendments; includes beneficial ownership details. |
| BO Return Form A | Beneficial Ownership Return | Now required with Form 19A, Form 9, and new incorporations effective April 24, 2023. |
| BN6 | Closure of Business Name | Used to formally close a sole trader or partnership business registration. |
Form 19A — Companies Office of Jamaica Annual Return
Form 19A is one of the most commonly requested COJ forms. It is the annual return document for companies with share capital and must be filed within 42 days of the company’s annual general meeting. Failure to file can result in penalties and eventually the striking off of the company from the register. Since April 2023, Form 19A must be submitted alongside a Beneficial Ownership Return Form A, which captures information on directors and ultimate beneficial owners. You can download the current Form 19A from the COJ website.
If you are using older COJ forms downloaded before April 2023, they may no longer be accepted. The Companies (Amendment) Act 2023 introduced updated versions of Form 19A, Form 9, and introduced the new Form 27A and Beneficial Ownership Return forms. Always download the latest version from orcjamaica.com/Forms.aspx.
Companies Office of Jamaica Fees
The Companies Office of Jamaica fees vary based on the type of business entity and the service required. Below is a summary of the most common fee categories. For the full and current fee schedule, visit orcjamaica.com/Fees.aspx.
| Service | Fee (JMD) |
|---|---|
| Name Search (Form 6) | $500 |
| Name Reservation (90 days) | $3,000 |
| Sole Trader Registration (BN1) | $2,500 |
| Partnership Registration (2–5 partners) | $2,500 |
| Partnership Registration (6–20 partners) | $5,000 |
| Trade Name Registration (corporations) | $3,000 |
| Expedited Processing (2 working days → 1 day) | $1,500 |
| Same-Day Express Service (certificate after 2:30pm) | Varies |
Company incorporation fees (for companies registered under the Companies Act) are based on the share capital structure of the company and may differ from the business name fees above. Contact the COJ directly at (876) 908-4419 or email [email protected] to confirm the exact fee for your entity type before visiting.
Role of the Companies Office of Jamaica
The role of the Companies Office of Jamaica is defined by its mandate under several pieces of legislation. Originally established in 1975 as a department under the Ministry of Marketing and Commerce, the COJ is now an executive agency of the Ministry of Industry, Investment and Commerce — Jamaica’s primary “business ministry.”
- ✓ Registration of Companies — The COJ is the sole authority responsible for registering local and overseas companies and business names operating in Jamaica under the Companies Act (2004) and the Registration of Business Names Act (1963).
- ✓ Compliance Enforcement — The agency actively encourages voluntary compliance and, where necessary, initiates court action against delinquent businesses to ensure adherence to all provisions of the Companies Act.
- ✓ Record Keeping — The COJ maintains accurate, up-to-date records on all registered commercial entities, accessible through its online registry portal.
- ✓ SIPP Administration — The COJ administers the National Security Interest in Personal Property (SIPP) Registry under the Security Interests in Personal Property Act (2013).
- ✓ Winding-Up Supervision — The COJ oversees the administration of winding-up processes for solvent companies that choose to voluntarily dissolve.
- ✓ Public Education — The agency provides public education on business registration, compliance, and regulation through its website, social media, and outreach programmes.
Who Leads the Companies Office of Jamaica?
The Companies Office of Jamaica CEO is Judith Ramlogan, who has led the agency through its digital transformation and expansion, including the establishment of the Montego Bay branch to serve western Jamaica. The COJ falls under the oversight of the Ministry of Industry, Investment and Commerce, headquartered at 4 St. Lucia Avenue, Kingston 5.
How to Register a Business at the Companies Office of Jamaica
Whether you are a sole trader, a partnership, or incorporating a limited liability company, the process follows a clear sequence. You can complete most steps online or visit the COJ during opening hours. Processing typically takes 5 working days from Kingston and up to 7 working days from Montego Bay.
-
1
Conduct a Name Search (Form 6) Search the COJ registry to confirm your desired business name is available. The fee is JMD $500. If you wish to reserve the name for 90 days, the reservation fee is JMD $3,000. This can be done online or in person.
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2
Choose Your Business Structure Decide between a business name (sole trader or partnership) or a company (limited liability, non-profit, or unlimited). The type of structure determines which forms and fees apply.
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3
Complete the Required Forms Download the appropriate forms from orcjamaica.com/Forms.aspx. Business name registrations use the BRF/BRF1. Company incorporations require Form 1A (Articles of Incorporation) and a Beneficial Ownership Return form.
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4
Prepare Your Identification An original, valid government-issued ID for the principal director or the person certifying the form must be presented at the COJ. Accepted IDs include a national ID card, driver’s licence, or passport.
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5
Submit Online or In Person Register online at services.orcjamaica.com/fp (available 24/7) or visit the Kingston or Montego Bay branch during opening hours and pay the applicable fee.
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6
Receive Your Certificate of Registration Standard processing takes 5 working days (Kingston). Pay an expedition fee of JMD $1,500 for 1-day processing, or use the same-day express service to collect your certificate after 2:30 pm on the day of submission.
Once registered with the COJ, you will also need to obtain a Tax Registration Number (TRN) from Tax Administration Jamaica (TAJ), register for GCT if your turnover exceeds the threshold, and apply for a Tax Compliance Certificate when required. Visit Jamaica Tax Office opening hours on our site for help planning that next step.
Public Holidays — Is the COJ Open?
The Companies Office of Jamaica is closed on all Jamaican public holidays. This includes both national holidays and any additional closures announced by the Government of Jamaica throughout the year. When a public holiday falls on a Monday, the COJ remains closed and resumes normal operations the following business day.
| Holiday | Month | COJ Status |
|---|---|---|
| New Year’s Day | January | Closed |
| Ash Wednesday | February/March | Closed |
| Good Friday | March/April | Closed |
| Easter Monday | March/April | Closed |
| National Labour Day | May 23 | Closed |
| Emancipation Day | August 1 | Closed |
| Independence Day | August 6 | Closed |
| National Heroes Day | October (3rd Monday) | Closed |
| Christmas Day | December 25 | Closed |
| Boxing Day | December 26 | Closed |
For detailed information on what businesses are open or closed during public holidays in Jamaica, see our Good Friday open businesses guide. During closures, all COJ online services remain operational at orcjamaica.com.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Companies Office of Jamaica (Kingston Head Office) is open Monday to Wednesday from 8:30 am to 3:30 pm, and Thursday to Friday from 8:30 am to 3:00 pm. The Montego Bay branch opens at 9:00 am Monday to Thursday (closing 3:30 pm) and 9:00 am to 3:00 pm on Fridays. Both offices are closed on weekends and public holidays. Online services at orcjamaica.com are available 24/7.
The Companies Office of Jamaica telephone number for the Kingston Head Office is (876) 908-4419 or (876) 908-4426. The Montego Bay branch can be reached at (876) 276-9558, (876) 940-4572, or (876) 940-5742. For email enquiries, contact [email protected].
The Companies Office of Jamaica Kingston address is 1 Grenada Way, Kingston 5, St. Andrew, Jamaica. This is the main Head Office and handles the full range of COJ services. If using public transport, the office is accessible from the Half-Way Tree area.
Yes. The Companies Office of Jamaica Montego Bay branch is located at 10 Delisser Drive, Office of the Prime Minister (Western), Montego Bay, St. James. It accepts applications for new company and business name registrations. Processing at this branch may take 2 additional working days compared to Kingston.
Form 19A is the Annual Return form for companies with share capital. It must be filed with the COJ within 42 days of the company’s annual general meeting. Since April 2023, Form 19A must be submitted together with a Beneficial Ownership Return Form A. Failure to file annually can result in penalties and potential removal from the register. Download the current Form 19A at orcjamaica.com/Forms.aspx.
Yes. The COJ online portal at services.orcjamaica.com allows full business registration, annual return filing, document requests, name searches, and more — 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You do not need to visit any branch for most services. Online registration is the recommended route, especially for customers outside Kingston or Montego Bay.
Form 5 is the General Notice to the Registrar of Companies. It is used to report changes to a company’s registered information — such as a change in directors, the appointment or resignation of the company secretary, or a change in the registered office address. Note that for share transfers, the 2023 amendments now require Form 27A instead of Form 5. Always use the latest version of COJ forms available at orcjamaica.com/Forms.aspx.
As of , there is no dedicated COJ branch in Mandeville or Fairview. The COJ currently operates from Kingston (Head Office) and Montego Bay only. Customers in other parishes can access all major COJ services through the online portal at services.orcjamaica.com, which is available around the clock.
The CEO of the Companies Office of Jamaica is Judith Ramlogan. She has led the COJ through significant modernisation efforts, including the launch of the online registration portal and the expansion to the Montego Bay branch. The COJ is an executive agency under the Ministry of Industry, Investment and Commerce.
Basic fees include: Name Search — JMD $500; Name Reservation (90 days) — JMD $3,000; Sole Trader / Partnership Registration (2–5 partners) — JMD $2,500; Partnership (6–20 partners) — JMD $5,000; Trade Name for Corporations — JMD $3,000. Company incorporation fees vary by share capital structure. An expedited 1-day processing fee is JMD $1,500. See the full fee schedule at orcjamaica.com/Fees.aspx.
Sources
- Companies Office of Jamaica — Official Website — Opening hours, forms, fees, and online portal
- Jamaica Business Gateway — Registering a Business Overview — COJ address, hours, and registration process
- Jamaica Information Service — COJ Opens Montego Bay Branch — Montego Bay branch details
- Grant, Henry & Rhooms — Companies (Amendment) Act 2023 — Updated forms guidance
- Companies Office of Jamaica — Facebook Page — Social media updates and announcements
- Companies Office of Jamaica — YouTube Channel — Registration tutorials and official videos
