If you intend to work while living in the Cayman islands, and are not Caymanian, you must have a work permit. In order to obtain a work permit you must therefore first secure a job with an existing company in the Cayman 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 your job position. The application process can be somewhat lengthy. However, in 2010 the Government announced that the process will be streamlined and waiting times shortened for certain job positions (eg: financial and legal services) and / or employers who have been recognized as good corporate citizens. Details of other incentives to investors and companies are below.
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. It is advisable to talk with a Cayman Islands attorney regarding residency requirements. Government encourages people of independent means to apply for Island residency. In Grand Cayman, it requires a minimum investment in either a property or a local business of CI$750,000. At least CI$250,000 of that investment must be in residential property. In addition, you must show an annual income of CI$150,000. The requirements for the Sister Islands (Little Cayman and Cayman Brac) are CI$250,000 investment, CI$125,000 of which must be in residential property with an annual income of CI$75,000. 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.
Procedure for Applying for Residency
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 Immigration Dept. 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 the airport or other 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 and investment requirements noted above. 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 equal to what would have been paid for a work permit for the same position. For further information concerning any of the above, please contact the:
Department of Immigration,
PO Box 1098GT
Grand Cayman
Cayman Islands
Investor 25 Year Residency Certificates and Other Incentives
In December 2009, the Government announced certain initiatives to encourage investors to relocate their business and families to the Cayman Islands, including the availability of a 25 residency certificate for qualified investors and their families.
A description of this prgramme and related incentives is as follows:
Key Employee Designation for senior staff
Senior staff of accredited investors will be granted key employee designation for 8 years after which they can apply for Permanent Residency – the right to reside permanently in the Cayman Islands.
Issuance of a 25-year Direct Investment Certificate
The Cayman Islands Government is working to amend the laws to offer a 25 year renewable certificate which entitles the holder to work within the business in which he as investment. The certificate will also entitle spouse and minor children to reside in the Cayman Islands as residents. Investors must have a net-worth of CI$5,000,000 and have invested at least CI$2,000,000 in the Cayman Islands or in a local business.
Access to 3-5 year work permits for the professional staff
Professional staff of accredited investors can apply for 2 consecutive work permits, potentially enabling them to work in the Cayman Islands for up to 9 years. Under the current Immigration Law, the term limit for permit holders is 7 years after which they must leave the islands for a year before returning. The CI Government understands that this is disruptive to businesses and has therefore given special consideration to the financial services sector.
Expedited turnaround for processing all work permits
The Cayman Islands Immigration has a dedicated team in place to process work permits for all clients under this programme. No increases in work permit fees guaranteed for a period of four years for permits granted under this programme.
Expedited turnaround for time sensitive applications to Cayman Islands Monetary Authority (CIMA)
CIMA, the Cayman Islands financial services industry regulators, will make every effort to expedite any time sensitive application in cases where all relevant information to support the application has been made available to CIMA.
Accredited Investors
Only accredited companies / investors will be eligible under this programme. Accreditation is based on criteria such as:
- Meeting local financial services regulatory requirements
- Talent development programmes for Caymanian staff
- Good employment practices such as compliance with National Pensions Law and Health Insurance Law
- Maintenance of a high standard of business ethics
- Participation in community programmes such as cultural preservation programmes, youth sports programmes, school literacy programmes
- Participation in developing business in a particular industry or field that is currently under-developed and desirable
- Evidence of Caymanian ownership or participation
Applications
Applications should be made on the prescribed forms and are available from:
Department of Immigration,
PO Box 1098GT
Grand Cayman
Cayman Islands
The Department of Immig
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, as amended from time to time.
Recruitment & Employment Agencies
Affinity Personnel Solutions
PO Box 2198
Artillery Court, Shedden Road
Grand Cayman KY1-1105
Tel: (345) 943 2020 Fax: (345) 943 2022
Email: affinity@candw.ky
www.affinitycayman.com
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
www.baraud.com
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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
www.cmlor.com
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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 |
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