Foreign nationals who are interested in Cayman Islands company formation can often find that they wish to remain in the country for longer periods of time or even permanently, thus being interested in Cayman Islands immigration. Irrespective of the period for which one remains in the country, he or she will need to observe the initial entry requirements. For certain categories of citizens, namely US and Canadian ones, the general entry requirements into the Islands are lighter than for others who are not on the list of visa-free countries.
Foreign nationals who are interested in the process to immigrate to Cayman Islands will plan their arrival accordingly, so as to secure the permits that may be needed for permanent work (as opposed to temporary one) or for long-term investment purposes.
Those who want to open a company in the Cayman Islands can qualify for residency when they make a new direct investment or when they are able to prove that they are able to sustain themselves while in the country.
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Entry requirements for those who move to Cayman Islands
The Islands have a population that consists of many expatriates who have chosen to remain for work or investment purposes. As a popular destination not only for tourism, but also for offshore company formation, the Islands receive a high number of tourists each year. In fact, according to statistics from 2019, more than 2 million citizens (including same-day visitors) visited the country. The data shows the following:
- 502,739 visitors arrived in the Islands by air in 2019; in 2018, this number was lower, at 463,001;
- 2,724,939 visitors arrived in 2019 by passenger and cruise ships (with cruise ship passengers generally only coming ashore for less than a day);
- in 2019, the Islands recorded a record number of stayover arrivals – 502,739, with most of the foreign nationals being from the USA;
- while 79.4% of these visitors came for recreational purposes, 30,983 (6.2%) visited the Islands for business purposes.
Foreign investors who first visit the Islands for short-term business purposes may decide that they wish to relocate to Cayman Islands. When doing so, they are initially permitted to remain one month, and this period can be extended, provided that they provide sufficient documentation.
US and Canadian visitors do not need a visa to enter the country, however, entry in the country for work purposes without a work permit is prohibited and is punishable by law. Those who are interested in immigration to Cayman will need to follow the same routes to permanent residency.
All those who enter the country do so with a valid passport, a visa (where applicable) as well as the return ticket and sufficient financial resources to support their stay. Students will use a student visa to enter, and the school or college applies for their visa. They will need to continue to renew their visa accordingly, if interested in immigration to Grand Cayman.
All workers need a work permit issued by the Immigration Department and these permits are applied for by the employer on behalf of the employee.
The conditions for permanent residence to relocate to Cayman Islands
For many foreign nationals who wish to move to the Islands, obtaining permanent residency is the goal of their relocation. According to law, there are four categories of applicants who may apply for permanent residency:
- temporary residents: those who have been lawfully living in the Islands for at least 8 years prior to the application;
- spouses: those persons who are married to a Caymanian; marriages are attended by the marriage officer at two other witnesses;
- wealthy retirees: those who can prove that they are eligible for this status can obtain a certificate of residency that is valid for 25 years (without the possibility to work during this time);
- entrepreneurs and investors: they also receive a residency certificate valid for 25 years, they have the permission to open a company in the Cayman Islands as well as have the right to work in order to carry out the activities of the business; this can be a suitable option for Cayman Islands immigration.
For those applying for the wealthy retiree, a real estate investment can also be accepted (when it has a substantial value). Otherwise, these applicants will need to show that they will be able to sustain themselves, and any dependents, if applicable.
Foreign nationals who are interested in immigration to Cayman for work purposes can do so under a work permit and remaining employed with a Cayman Islands employer for a period of at least eight years. after they reach the permanent resident status, they are also granted the ability to become a British Overseas Citizen.
Our clients interested in immigration matters can also rely on our assistance if they wish to set up a Cayman Islands company. Business matters, both onshore and offshore, as well as company incorporations are at the core of our activities in the Islands. We can answer any questions about the current investment conditions and the requirements for opening a business.
Contact us if you want to know more about how to move to Cayman Islands.