Cayman Islands Jobs

IMMIGRATION AND RESIDENCY

Visitors may enter and reside in Cayman for a period of up to 6 months, but a visitor is not allowed to work during his/her stay here. All non-Caymanians that wish to work in the Islands must apply for a work permit. The application process can be somewhat lengthy. It is advisable to talk with an Island attorney regarding the permit process, as well as residency. Government encourages people of independent means to apply for Island residency. It requires an ultimate investment in a property or a local business of at least US$180,000.00 dollars. Additionally, there is a fee of CI$15,000.00 (US$18,000 dollars), (includes spouse and children under 18). Applying for permanent residency is a two-fold process. Once granted, it allows unrestricted time in the Islands and can possibly benefit the holder from a tax standpoint in his/her home country.

Residential Statues in Cayman

Anyone wishing to reside in Cayman without engaging in employment of any kind may apply to the Chief Immigration Officer for consideration. There are two stages to the procedure. Initial residency will be granted only if it appears that the applicant will qualify for permanent residency.

Initial Residency

Applications are granted for a six-month period but can be renewed providing the Authorities are satisfied that an application for permanent residency has been made or is forthcoming. Basically, the prospective resident must show that he/she does not need to work in Cayman to support himself or his dependents, and that he/she is of sound mind and in good health. Property need not be identified or acquired during this initial phase of the procedure. In addition to the application form, the following is required:

• a valid passport
• a police clearance certificate (covering the past 10 years) from the applicant's last place of residence. This can be obtained through the police department where the applicant resides. (British applicants may submit an affidavit sworn before a magistrate or notary)
• a medical clearance certificate on a prescribed form accompanied by a lab report indicating results of specified blood tests.
• three personal references from persons not related to the applicant.
• proper documentation demonstrating the applicant's ability to support himself and his dependents without gainful employment in Cayman.
• Passport photos as specified.
• 
  The completed applications including the above documentation are sent to:

The Chief Immigration Officer
Department of Immigration
PO Box 1098GT
Grand Cayman

If the initial residency application is approved, an entry certificate is issued on payment of a cash deposit based upon nationality. This ranges from CI$150 to CI$2000. An individual may then take up residency upon presentation of this certificate at Port of Entry within six months from date of issue.

Permanent Residency

The second step is to apply for the initial residency to be made permanent. It is at this stage that an applicant is expected to have met the necessary property purchase or investment requirement. Once a person has been granted permanent residency, no further permission is necessary to enter or remain in the Cayman Islands. Note: permanent residency can be withdrawn if a person resides out of Cayman for a continuous period of one or more years.

Permanent Residency With The Right To Work

A permanent resident may, after two years of continuous residence, apply for a work permit. The Immigration Board will take into consideration the applicant's standing in the community, as well as any contributions he/she has made in terms of participation to the betterment of the community. Note: permission to engage in gainful employment is usually restricted to a specific occupation; additionally there is a required annual fee. For further information concerning any of the above, please contact the Department of Immigration, PO Box 1098GT, Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands B.W.I.

Applications

Applications should be made on the prescribed forms and are available from:

The Department of Immigration,
P.O. Box 1098, Grand Cayman, B.W.I.

Any specific enquiries should be directed to the Chief Immigration Officer, who may request information additional to that included in the forms of application. Application forms may also be obtained from the office of the Cayman Islands Government representative in the United Kingdom at:

Cayman Islands Government Office
In the United Kingdom
6 Arlington Street, London, SW1A 1RE
England, UK
Telephone: 171-491-7772
Fax: 171-491-7944

Important Notice

The information provided is for guidance, and decisions will be made on each individual case by the Immigration authorities acting under the powers granted by the Immigration Law, 1992, amendments thereto, regulations made there under, and any instructions issued under the provisions of the law.

To find a job in the Cayman Islands contact Michael Burbidge