Cayman Islands Relocation
In order to obtain a work permit you must first secure a job in an existing company on the islands.
You and your new employer must then complete the correct documents and submit these along with the prescribed fees to the appropriate board.
A point to note is that qualified Caymanians will be given preference if they are available for this job.
Work permit fees are the responsibility of the employer and not the employee and must be submitted along with the application and positions for employment must be advertised in the local newspaper. Certain classifications are exempt from fees:
- ministers of religion
- teachers
- crews of visiting vessels and aircraft.
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.
Recruitment & Employment Agencies
Affinity Personnel Solutions
PO Box 2198
150 Shedden Road, 2nd Floor
Grand Cayman KY1-1105
Tel: (345) 943 2020 Fax: (345) 943 2022
Email: info@affinity.ky
www.affinity.ky
Baraud International Recruitment
PO Box 2040
Century Yard, Cricket Square
Grand Cayman KY1-1105
Tel: (345) 945 1781 Fax: (345) 945 1782
Email: info@baraud.com
BrightStaff
PO Box 31910
dms Centre
14 Saturn Close
Off Eastern Ave, George Town
Grand Cayman KY1-1208
Tel: (345) 947 8233 Fax: (345) 949 8277
Email: info@brightstaff.ky
CML Offshore Recruitment
PO Box 1569
Ground Floor, Harbour Centre, George Town
Grand Cayman KY1-1110
Tel: (345) 949 1345 Fax: (345) 949 7891
Email: info@cmlor.com
Human Capital Solutions
PO Box 30110
Suite 202, Crighton Building
Grand Cayman KY1-1201
Tel: (345) 949 6664 Fax: (345) 949 6663
Email: jon@hcscayman.com
Shipping Companies
Best Way Island Exports
Tel: (305) 468 9300
Contact: Robert Sterling
Email: bwislandexport@aol.com
Thompson Line
Tel: (305) 913 8226
Contact: Ellis Dixon
Oceanic Freight
Tel: (305) 888 1200
Contact: Neil Rubenstein
Seaboard Marine
Tel: (305) 863 4741
Contact: Maliqua Cartar
About The Cayman Islands
The Cayman Islands comprises three islands: Grand Cayman, the largest in area and most populous; Cayman Brac, distinguished by its majestic Bluff; and Little Cayman, the smallest and least developed. All three are coral outcrops, part of the "Cayman Ridge" underwater mountain range which runs between Cuba and Belize. The three Cayman Islands, located 150 miles south of Cuba and 480 miles south of Miami, are northwest of Jamaica and cover a total area of about 100 square miles. Between Grand Cayman and Jamaica lies the "Cayman Trench," the deepest part of the Caribbean Sea with depths charted down to four miles. As you fly in to the Cayman Islands, you'll marvel at the changing hues of the water, from the palest lime and aquamarine to the inkiest indigo and sapphire. Cayman Brac and Little Cayman are called the "Sister Islands." (People frequently – and incorrectly – refer to the Cayman Islands as "the Caymans." A more acceptable abbreviation is, simply, "Cayman".)
Visitor Requirements - Proof of citizenship, photo ID and a return ticket. US and Canadian visitors may use a passport (valid or expired), birth certificate or sworn affidavit. All other nationalities require a passport. Visitors must complete an Immigration Form and will be given a receipt which must be presented upon departure - along with a departure tax of CI$10, or US$12.50.
Climate - The three Cayman Islands lie in the trade-winds belt. The prevailing NE winds moderate the temperatures, making the climate delightful all year round. Winter temperature averages 75º and summer averages 85º. Most rain falls between September and November, but even then it generally comes only in short bursts. March and April are the Cayman Island's driest months.
People - The Cayman Islands are home to a people with wonderfully varied backgrounds. Native Caymanians have their origins in Britain, Africa and Honduras. The rest of our population (exceeding 50,000) comes from more than 80 different countries including the UK, US, Canada, and Jamaica as well as from Australia, New Zealand, the Philippines, South Africa, and Central and South America.
Government - The Cayman Islands is a British dependency with a British Governor appointed by our head-of-state, the Queen of England. Our country is ruled by a democratically-elected Legislative Assembly and an Executive Council is responsible for the daily administration of the country. The Governor must normally take the advice of the council, except in matters of defense, internal security, external affairs, police and civil service.
Language - English. Dialect and intonations used by Caymanians have puzzled some linguists but you'll have no difficulty understanding. The charming Caymanian accent is a mixture of English accents from Wales, Ireland and Cornwall with a dash of American southern drawl and a Scottish lilt to end a statement.
Money and Banking - The Cayman Islands dollar (CI$) is on a fixed exchange rate where CI$1.00 = US$1.25 (or US$1.00 = CI$0.80) While international currency can be exchanged at local banks, the US dollar is accepted throughout the Cayman Islands. Banking hours are 9AM-4PM, Monday to Friday and banking machines are available at several banks and shopping centers. For more information see CImoney.com.ky.
Business Hours - Shops and supermarkets are generally open from 9AM - 5PM, Monday through Saturday; businesses 9AM - 5PM from Monday through Friday. Only essential services, including pharmacies and gas stations, are open on Sundays.
Dress Regulations - Cayman Islands law prohibits all forms of public nudity, including topless sunbathing. In accordance with local customs, we also request that you cover up bathing suits as you leave the beach or resort.
Transportation - Car and scooter rentals are available – remember to drive on the left and wear a seatbelt. Temporary visitor driver's licenses are obtainable at car rental agencies by presenting a valid driver's license and paying US$7.50. Bus service runs from 6AM to midnight, depending on the day and the route. You don't have to find a bus stop – just stand on the side of the road and wave at an approaching white mini-bus with a colored dot on the front. The fare ranges from CI$1.50 - $3.00 depending on the route. Taxis are readily available. The average fare for two people from the airport to Pappagallo in West Bay is CI$30, or US$37.50.
Getting Married - Whether your marriage is one of simple elegance or one of exotic Caribbean splendor, there's no more romantic place to be wed. Couples can marry on the day they arrive. Contact the Deputy Chief Secretary's office for more information at (345)949-7900 .
Medical Facilities - We have modern medical facilities including both government-operated and private hospitals offering emergency, recompression chamber, and ambulance paramedic services as well as medivac service to US facilities.
Quick facts for visitors to the Cayman Islands:
- Drive on the left (we're a British Overseas Territory) and buckle up
- CI$1.00 = US$1.25
- Eastern Standard Time all year long
- Grand Cayman is 19.5º north and 81º west
- Visa, Mastercard, American Express and Diners cards are widely accepted
- Vaccinations are not mandatory
- Population is over 50,000
- Telecommunications by Cable & Wireless, TeleCayman, Digicel and WestTel
- Electricity is the same as the US and Canada: 110 volts, 60 cycle
- Illegal drugs laws are strictly enforced
