Cayman Islands Immigration and Local Business Services

Short-term visitor work visas

If you wish to visit the Cayman Islands for less than 10 days, you will normally not need a work visa. If you need to stay for longer than 10 days, our team can help you to identify which type of Cayman Islands work visa you need and support you through making an application.

Business visitor permits

If your business employs an overseas resident who will be coming to the Cayman Islands regularly for short periods throughout the year, they may need a business visitor’s permit. Our Cayman Islands immigration lawyers can advise on this requirement and help you to secure a permit.

Temporary and long-term work permits

Whether you wish to work in the Cayman Islands on a short or long term basis, you will usually need a Cayman Islands temporary or annual work permit. We can identify what type of permit you need and assist with securing the necessary permit as quickly as possible.

Cayman Islands permanent residency

If you wish to become a permanent resident of the Cayman Islands, our team can advise on the various routes for doing so and give you the best chance of securing permanent residency as quickly as possible.

Residency certificates

A residency certificate gives you the right to reside in the Cayman Islands for up to 25 years and can be renewed. This does not give you the right to work in the Cayman Islands. Our team can help you to obtain a Cayman Islands residency certificate and assist with renewing your residency when required.

Cayman naturalisation and the right to be Caymanian applications

There are various methods to Cayman Islands naturalisation and securing the right to be Caymanian; including through ancestry, marriage and holding British Overseas Territories Citizenship. Our Cayman Islands immigration attorneys can help you with your specific needs, making sure you achieve the status for which you qualify.

Appeals to the Immigration Appeals Tribunal

Immigration appeals can be very challenging, so expert support is absolutely essential. As a former Chairman of the Immigration Appeals Tribunal, our Head of Local Business Buck Grizzel is knowledgeable on the process and is ideally placed to advise on Cayman Islands immigration appeals, with our firm having a very high success rate for our clients.

Comprehensive Cayman Islands relocation service

If you and/or your business are relocating to the Cayman Islands, there are many different issues you will need to consider and take care of. We can provide a complete relocation service to ensure all of your needs are met and that every legal issue is properly handled.

Real estate lease or purchase services

We have extensive specialist expertise in Cayman Islands real estate law, having helped a wide range of businesses and individuals with buying and leasing property here. Our team will be happy to advise you in relation to your needs, providing a responsive, reliable service.

Learn more about our real estate services.

Establishment of Cayman Islands physical offices and branches

Whether you are starting a new company in the Cayman Islands or establishing a physical presence here, we can advise you on everything you need to consider, making the process as straightforward as possible.

Learn more about our corporate and commercial services.

Incorporations of resident companies, exempted companies and special economic zone companies

Setting up a company in the Cayman Islands can be very commercially attractive but involves a number of unique challenges. Our team is highly experienced with Cayman Islands incorporations and can give you complete support for every aspect of this process.

Learn more about our company incorporation and business formation services.

FAQs for Cayman Islands Immigration

How do I become a permanent resident of the Cayman Islands?
Your route to permanent residence in the Cayman Islands will depend on your individual circumstances, but you may be able to qualify for permanent residence if you have been “legally and ordinarily resident” in the Cayman Islands for at least 8 years (but not more than 9 years).
If you qualify, you will need to make an application to the Caymanian Status & Permanent Residency Board or to the Director of the W.O.R.C Department for permission to permanently reside in the Cayman Islands.
Alternatively, you may be able to apply for a Certificate of Permanent Residence for Persons of Independent Means. This requires you to make an investment of at least CI$2,000,000 in developed real estate in the Cayman Islands, as well as showing that you have sufficient financial resources to maintain yourself and any dependants who will be living with you. Certificates cost CI$100,000*. There is also an application fee for each individual and their dependents.
Our Cayman Islands immigration lawyers will be happy to advise on these options and support you through making an application.
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 gain British Overseas Territories Citizenship (BOTC) in the Cayman Islands.
Can non-residents buy property in the Cayman Islands?
Yes, non-residents can buy property in the Cayman Islands for either personal or commercial purposes. There are no restrictions on buying property for personal use, but if you are buying property for development, lease or re-sale, then you will need a Trade and Business and Local Companies (Control) Act Licence if you own three or more properties for this reason.
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 circumstances.
You will need 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.