Owning land in Jamaica without a registered title can make it difficult to sell, lease, or use the property as collateral. If you or your family have land without a title — or if you’re trying to formalize ownership — this 2025 step-by-step guide will show you how to apply for a land title legally through the National Land Agency (NLA).
What Is a Land Title?
A land title is a legal document that proves you are the registered owner of a specific piece of land in Jamaica. It is issued by the Registrar of Titles and provides full ownership rights, including the ability to sell, lease, or develop the property.
Step 1: Confirm Ownership or Possession
You can apply for a land title if:
- You inherited family land (through will or intestate succession)
- You’ve been in open and undisturbed possession of the land for 12+ years
- You purchased land but never received a registered title
- You were gifted land or received a legal transfer
Tip: If the land was passed down informally (family land), you’ll likely need to apply using the Adverse Possession or Declaration of Possession route.
Step 2: Visit the National Land Agency (NLA)
The NLA handles all land titling in Jamaica. You can visit their head office or one of their parish branches:
- Head Office: 93 Hanover Street, Kingston
- Website: www.nla.gov.jm
- Phone: (876) 750-5263
You can also find forms, fee schedules, and checklists online.
Step 3: Complete the Application Form
Depending on your situation, you’ll need to submit one of the following:
- Form 1: Application for First Registration (most common)
- Form 2: Declaration of Possession (for family land/adverse possession)
You’ll also need:
- Certified survey diagram of the land (prepared by a commissioned land surveyor)
- Proof of ownership or occupation (e.g. receipts, affidavits, witness statements)
- 2 passport-sized photographs
- TRN (Taxpayer Registration Number)
- Valid Government ID
- Stamped declarations or court probate documents (if inherited)
Step 4: Submit to the Titles Office
Submit your documents at the Titles Office (part of the NLA). They will review your application and begin a background investigation, which may include:
- Posting notices in newspapers
- Notifying adjacent landowners
- Inspecting the land in person
Step 5: Pay the Required Fees
Application fees vary depending on land size, location, and title type.
- Survey fees: JMD $100,000 – $250,000+
- Legal support: JMD $50,000+ (if using a lawyer)
- NLA processing fees: Around JMD $35,000 – $60,000
- Stamp Duty & Transfer Tax (if applicable)
Tip: Low-income applicants may qualify for waivers under the Systematic Land Titling Program.
Step 6: Await the Processing and Issuance
Once approved, you will be issued an official Certificate of Title showing you as the registered owner.
- Processing Time: 4–12 months depending on case complexity
What If I Can’t Afford a Lawyer?
The NLA now offers Systematic Land Titling Services across parishes, helping families apply for titles at reduced cost — no lawyer needed.
Visit the NLA website to see if your community qualifies or contact your local MP or Parish Council office for updates.
Can I Apply Online?
Currently, land title applications must be submitted in person, but forms and guidance are available online at nla.gov.jm.
Final Tips
- Use a registered land surveyor — unregistered diagrams will delay approval
- Keep all receipts and signed documents in a secure place
- Follow up monthly with the NLA or use their tracking tools online
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