Cayman Islands Immigration Services

The Cayman Islands provides many incentives and opportunities for individuals and companies, making it a popular choice for those looking to relocate. Cayman Islands immigration can be complicated, which is why it’s imperative to receive support from expert immigration lawyers.

Our Cayman Islands immigration lawyers provide comprehensive Cayman Islands immigration and permanent residency advice. We’ve supported many clients to relocate to the Cayman Islands from various locations in the world. If you require assistance to establish your business in the Cayman Islands, we can offer full support here.

You’ll find that our commercial offering and our immigration service are closely intertwined, all overseen by our Head of Local Legal Services Buck Grizzel. Buck has over 20 years of experience in supporting individuals, investors, businesspeople, and companies with relocation to the Cayman Islands and all aspects of Cayman Islands immigration law.

Our experts at Stuarts Humphries can provide specialist assistance with:

Short-term visitor work visas
Business visitor permits
Temporary and long-term work permits
Cayman Islands permanent residency
Residency certificates
Naturalisation as a British Overseas Territory Citizen
Appeals to the Immigration Appeals Tribunal
Comprehensive Cayman Islands relocation services

Contact our Cayman Islands Immigration Lawyers

If you need support to relocate to the Cayman Islands, or with related immigration matters, please get in touch with our immigration lawyers today. You can contact us on +1 (345) 949-3344 or email info@stuartslaw.com.

Our Cayman Islands immigration expertise

Short-term visitor work visas

Persons who wish to visit the Cayman Islands to work for less than 10 days are not generally required to have a work visa. If you are planning to stay in the Islands for longer than 10 days, our lawyers can support you to determine the type of permit you need and guide you throughout the necessary application stages.

Business visitor permits

If your company employs a resident from overseas who will be coming to the Cayman Islands to work on a regular basis, they may want a business visitor’s permit.

Our expert lawyers can support you with to secure the permit that you require, and offer detailed advice on Cayman Islands immigration requirements, tailored to your specific circumstances.

Temporary and long-term work permits

If you are planning to work in the Cayman Islands on a short or long term basis, you will need to obtain a Cayman Islands temporary or annual work permit. Our work permit lawyers can offer expert guidance on the type of permit you’ll require, and assist you to secure the permit while ensuring a swift and hassle-free process.

For more information about Cayman Islands immigration work permits, please get in touch with our expert lawyers at Stuarts Humphries.

Cayman Islands permanent residency

If you wish to become a permanent resident of the Cayman Islands, our team can offer guidance on the routes to do so, and improve your chances of obtaining permanent residency status via the shortest route possible.

Our team are incredibly knowledgeable on Cayman Islands immigration law. We can support you with any issues you are having with securing residency in the Cayman Islands, and answer any questions you may have about the processes.

Residency certificates

A residency certificate gives you permission to live in the Cayman Islands for up to 25 years, and it is possible to renew the certificate prior to its expiration. If you need help to obtain or renew a residency certificate, our immigration lawyers can assist you to apply or to renew an existing certificate.

It’s worth noting that a residency certificate does not give you permission to work in the Cayman Islands, however our immigration lawyers can also provide guidance on work visa options.

Cayman naturalisation

If you have lived in the Cayman Islands for at least five years and have had permanent residency status for at least one year, our lawyers can assist you to apply for naturalisation. Once you are naturalised, you will have permission to apply for a Cayman passport.

Our local immigration lawyers in the Cayman Islands have much experience supporting clients with naturalisation, guiding you through the legalities and ensuring that you understand the requirements and your obligations.

Immigration appeals

If you are attempting to immigrate to the Cayman Islands, and your application has been denied, our lawyers can support you to make an appeal tothe immigration appeals tribunal.

Our Head of Local Legal Services, Buck Grizzel, is a former Chairman of the Immigration Appeals Tribunal, and is extremely knowledgeable about the associated processes. Buck has an excellent track record of successful immigration appeals and is more than happy to provide honest answers to any concerns you may have.

Cayman Islands relocation service

If you and/ or your company are thinking of relocating to the Cayman Islands, there are various regulations you’ll need to be aware of, and considerations you must make.

At Stuarts Humphries, we provide a full relocation service, ensuring that all necessary requirements are met, and every legal issue is handled correctly.

Frequently asked questions about Cayman Islands Immigration Laws

How do I become a permanent resident of the Cayman Islands?
The route you take to gain permanent residency in the Cayman Islands is dependent on your circumstances. You may be eligible for permanent residence if you are established as ‘legally and ordinarily resident’ in the Cayman Islands for a period of at least 8 years but not exceeding 9 years.
If you meet these criteria, you will have to apply to the Director of the Workforce Opportunities and Residency Cayman Department, or to the Caymanian Status & Permanent Residency Board, to request permission to reside in the Cayman Islands permanently.
Alternatively, if you are able to make a significant real estate investment, and provide evidence that you can support yourself, you may be eligible to apply for a Certificate of Permanent Residence for Persons of Independent Means. Our immigration lawyers can offer further information on this route. Significant investment in certain types of businesses may also qualify you for a 25 year residency certificate.
Is it easy to get citizenship in the Cayman Islands?
Securing residency in the Cayman Islands can be difficult, however it is much more straightforward if you have the right legal support.
If you are considering immigrating to the Cayman Islands, our immigration lawyers at Stuarts offer a fully comprehensive service. Our specialist legal team will educate you on all the options available to you, ensuring that the immigration process runs as smoothly as possible, without setbacks.
What are the benefits of living in the Cayman Islands?
One of the key benefits of living in the Cayman Islands is that residents can access significant tax benefits including zero income tax, company tax and property tax.
Many are drawn to the Cayman Islands because of its British Overseas Territory Status, meaning that residents can access legal, economic and political security that is often less common amongst similar jurisdictions.
Do the Cayman Islands allow dual citizenship?
Yes, if you are a foreign national, you do not need to renounce your existing citizenship in order to obtain the right to be Caymanian or to gain British Overseas Territories Citizenship (BOTC) in the Cayman Islands.
Can non-residents buy property in the Cayman Islands?
Yes, non-residents are allowed to purchase real estate in the Cayman Islands, for commercial or personal purposes, although certain licensing requirements apply to property purchased for commercial purposes.
Buying property for personal use involves no restrictions, however if you are buying property for commercial use, leasing, or development and resale, you may be required to obtain a Trade and Business Licence and a Local Companies (Control) Act Licence.
How long does it take to get citizenship in the Cayman Islands?
How long it takes to secure British Overseas Territories Citizenship (BOTC) for the Cayman Islands will depend on your situation.
You’ll be required to have held permanent residency in the Cayman Islands for at least 12 months and have lived in the Cayman Islands for at least five years to apply for British Overseas Territories Citizenship. How long it takes to get BOTC for the Cayman Islands will then largely depend on how long it takes you to secure permanent residency.