The Cayman Islands is a British Overseas Territory located in the western Caribbean Sea. It is a popular destination for expats due to its high standard of living, low crime rate, and tax-friendly environment. To live and work in the Cayman Islands, foreign nationals need to obtain residency status. There are different types of residency available, depending on the length of stay and the purpose of the visit.
Types of Residency in the Cayman Islands
Certificate of Permanent Residence for Persons of Independent Means
The Certificate of Permanent Residence for Persons of Independent Means is suitable for individuals who have a substantial amount of wealth and wish to live in the Cayman Islands without engaging in any paid activity. This type of residency is granted for a period of 25 years and can be renewed indefinitely.
Foreign nationals who wish to apply for a Certificate of Permanent Residence for Persons of Independent Means must demonstrate that they have a minimum net worth of KYD 6 million (approximately USD 7.3 million) and provide evidence of their financial means to support themselves and any dependents during their stay in the Cayman Islands.
Residency Certificate for Persons of Independent Means
The Residency Certificate for Persons of Independent Means is similar to the Certificate of Permanent Residence for Persons of Independent Means, but is suitable for individuals who wish to live in the Cayman Islands for a shorter period of time. This type of residency is granted for a period of up to 8 years and can be renewed.
Foreign nationals who wish to apply for a Residency Certificate for Persons of Independent Means must demonstrate that they have a minimum net worth of KYD 2 million (approximately USD 2.4 million) and provide evidence of their financial means to support themselves and any dependents during their stay in the Cayman Islands.
Work Permit and Residency
A Work Permit and Residency is suitable for individuals who have a job offer from a company based in the Cayman Islands. This type of residency is granted for a period of up to 7 years and can be renewed.
Foreign nationals who wish to apply for a Work Permit and Residency must have a job offer from a company based in the Cayman Islands. The employer must apply for the work permit on the foreign national’s behalf. The foreign national must also provide evidence of their qualifications, work experience, and good character.
Certificate of Direct Investment
The Certificate of Direct Investment is a program that allows foreign nationals to obtain residency in the Cayman Islands by investing in local businesses. To obtain the Certificate of Direct Investment, foreign nationals must invest a minimum of KYD 1.5 million (approximately USD 1.8 million) in an approved business in the Cayman Islands.
The Certificate of Direct Investment is granted for a period of 25 years and can be renewed indefinitely. After 5 years of residency in the Cayman Islands, foreign nationals may apply for permanent residency.
Applying for Residency in the Cayman Islands
The process for applying for residency in the Cayman Islands varies depending on the type of residency that is being sought. In general, the process involves the following steps:
- Determine the appropriate residency category based on the purpose of the visit and the eligibility criteria.
- Prepare the application and the required documents, which can include evidence of financial means, qualifications, work experience, and good character.
- Submit the application and the required documents to the Cayman Islands Department of Immigration.
- Pay the application fee, which varies depending on the type of residency that is being sought.
The processing time for residency applications can vary depending on the type of residency and the volume of applications, but it can take several months.
Documents Required for Residency
The specific documents required to support an application for residency in the Cayman Islands vary depending on the type of residency being applied for, but may include:
- Passport
- Police clearance certificate
- Medical examination results
- Evidence of employment or investment
- Evidence of residency in the Cayman Islands
- Evidence of relationship to the work permit holder or permanent resident (for dependents)
Registration Upon Arrival in the Cayman Islands
Foreign nationals who are granted residency in the Cayman Islands do not need to register with a particular government department or organization upon arrival. However, they must ensure that they comply with all immigration regulations and keep their residency status up to date.
Reliable Information on Residence in the Cayman Islands
For reliable, up-to-date information on residence in the Cayman Islands, individuals can consult the following websites:
- Cayman Islands Immigration Department: https://www.immigration.gov.ky/
- Cayman Islands Government: https://www.gov.ky/portal/
- Cayman Residency & Citizenship by Investment: https://caymanresidency.com/