If you are desirous of becoming a legal resident of the Cayman Islands, there are four ways in which to begin the process: obtaining a full work permit, obtaining a temporary work permit, applying for residence for persons with independent means and getting a student visa.
A full work permit allows a person to remain on the island for a specified period of time. The application fees are the requirement of the employer, and, according to immigration law, the employer is prohibited to have the employee pay any part of the fee. Before a full work permit will be granted, certain conditions will be considered by the Board of Immigration, including: the employer has demonstrated that there is a need for the prospective worker; the employer has attempted to fill the position with a qualified Caymanian, the spouse of a Caymanian or permanent resident; the character of the worker and the protection of local interests. Full-time work permits can be granted for up to five years, with a renewal fee due each year.
A temporary work permit can be utilized for a stay of up to six months on the island. Temporary work permits are oftentimes used as a means to seek employment while waiting for the issuance of a full-time permit.
For those wishing to immigrate to the Cayman Islands but do not want to work, a residency certificate can be applied for. The applicant must show proof of income in the amount of CI$150,000 per year and must invest CI$750,000, of which CI$250,000 must be in real estate. The residency certificate is valid for 25 years and is renewable.
A non-Caymanian can apply for a student visa to attend an educational institution on a full-time basis. The student must show evidence of self-support, as the student visa does not allow a person to work on the island. A student visa is valid for up to four years but may be extended for an additional 12 months.
Individuals who have been a legal resident of the island for three to five years after being granted permanent resident status can apply under the British Nationality Act for naturalization as a British Overseas Territories citizen. Once approved, the applicant can ultimately apply for the right to become a Caymanian but is not authorized to work on the island.
