CIGO London Office - Frequently Asked Questions

Travelling to the Cayman Islands

Cayman Islands Immigration Site

Do I require a visa to enter the Cayman Islands and how do I go about obtaining it?

Depending on the passport you hold you may require a visa. If you live in the U.K. you should contact the Visa Section of the Passport Office in London (tel. 020 7901 2033). If you are overseas you will need to contact the British Embassy in your country of residence who will provide information about timing, cost and procedures.

How long can I stay as a visitor and may I extend my stay?

Generally the normal visitor entry is a period of one month. However you may request a stay of up to six months maximum, providing you have a return air ticket to your country of residence and can show proof that you have sufficient funds to support yourself without working during the period in question (a copy of a bank statement would probably suffice). It would probably be wise to have an air ticket which allows a change to the return date.

How can I transport my pet to the Cayman Islands?

The process for importing animals into Cayman can be a lengthy one, but is easy as long as you know the official timelines. You will need a Permit to Import your pet. Documentation regarding the import requirements, along with an application form, can be obtained from Veterinary Services, Department of Agriculture, P.O. Box 459 GT, Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands, Tel: (345) 947 3090, Fax (345) 947 6501 or by email to Colin.Wakelin@gov.ky.
Your pet must have an approved type of microchip fitted prior to the rabies vaccination being administered and this vaccination must be an approved vaccination. Your pet must then have a blood test. Not more than 14 days prior to departure, you must have a registered veterinarian complete an official health certificate and treat your pet for tapeworms and ticks with an approved product.
All animals travelling to the Cayman Islands must do so by the most direct route and be carried in an approved container.
Owners should check with the airline the differences in consigning a pet as “checked baggage” or “cargo”. Persons in the U.K. may wish to consult the Pet Travel Scheme Helpline on 0870 241 1710.

Living in the Cayman Islands

How can I obtain permanent residency?

A Permanent Resident is a person who has been granted permission by the Caymanian Status and Permanent Residency Board or Chief Immigration Officer to remain permanently in the Islands.
One way to qualify for Permanent Residence is to have been legally and ordinarily resident in the Cayman Islands for at least eight years immediately prior to your application.
The Permanent Residence Assessment Point System is the means by which the Caymanian Status and Permanent Residency Board assesses an application. You can review the point system in the Immigration (Amendment No.3) Regulations 2007.
Persons of independent means can apply for a 25-year Residency Certificate. In Grand Cayman, proof of an annual income of at least CI$150,000 without the need to be engaged in employment in the Cayman Islands is required and an investment of CI$750,000 (of which CI$250,000 must be in developed real estate).
The Board will issue to the successful applicant a Residency & Employment Rights Certificate. Copies of the Immigration Law and Regulations may be purchased at the Legislative Assembly for a nominal fee.

How can I purchase property in the Cayman Islands?

he real estate market in Cayman is simple and straightforward and apart from a one-time stamp duty, there are no annual property taxes. There are many real estate agencies which will give you advice and help you with all the legalities. Houses, apartments, condos and townhouses are available for purchase. Prices vary on location, size, design and other features.
Cayman Islands Real Estate Brokers’ Association

How do I obtain a work permit?

If you wish to take up employment it will be the responsibility of the employer to obtain a work permit for you. If you are offered a job, the employer should give you the relevant forms and will be responsible for submitting the application to the Immigration Board, together will all supporting documentation. The time taken to get a work permit depends on what type of permit the employer applies for. If the employer applies for a short term permit, i.e. for a period of a few months, the permit could be obtained within a couple of weeks. If the employer has applied for a full one year permit, it could take a lot longer to obtain. Short term permits are not designed to be converted into full permits. Work permits are issued for a specific job with a specific employer.

Are there any medical regulations involved in obtaining a work permit?

A medical examination will be necessary for employment (along with a blood test and chest x-ray).

My partner has been offered a job – we are not married, may I go as his/her dependant?

Only a spouse may be considered as a dependant. You will need to enter as an independent individual, either as a visitor or with your own work permit.

How do I obtain a Police Clearance Certificate?

Please contact your local police station or check on line at your regional police authority to obtain the form. There is a charge which varies in each authority and the time taken to obtain the certificate can be up to 40 days. A sworn Affidavit of no Criminal Convictions is equally acceptable for persons coming from the U.K. and may be obtained from a Solicitor or Notary Public.

How can I apply for a birth certificate in the Cayman Islands?

You can contact the Registry of Births, Deaths & Marriages in the Cayman Islands and they will tell you how to proceed. This can be achieved by email: cigenreg@gov.ky, by fax 001 345 949 0969 or by telephone on 001 345 925 8809.

Could you please send me a copy of the New Resident and/or Caymanian Compass?

Yes, we can provide both of those publications.

Can you tell me about the cost of living in the Cayman Islands including renting an apartment?

The cost of living in Cayman is similar to that in London. Whether renting or buying, all properties come fitted with kitchen appliances. If you are renting, properties are generally fully fitted and come equipped with a small quantity of kitchen equipment, so they’re ready for immediate occupation. Rental costs vary according to location, size and furnishings but information may be obtained through New Resident magazine at www.newresident.ky pages 74-95 (where you will find real estate agents listed).

Studying in the Cayman Islands

I have been offered a place St Matthew’s University – do I need a visa?

A non-Caymanian who is eighteen years of age or older, seeking to enter the Cayman Islands to attend a recognised educational institution on a full time basis, may be granted a student visa. The student should be self-sufficient or provide proof of support from other means.
The student visa does not allow the student to work. It is understood that the student is expected to leave the Islands on completion of the programme. Most student visas are granted for a period of four years, but may be extended for a further twelve months.
Please visit the University website for more informaton who will assist you.

Getting Married in the Cayman Islands

What are the processes for getting married in the Cayman Islands?

The minimum age for getting married in the Cayman Islands is 16; however, anyone under the age of 18 must have the consent of a parent or guardian. All marriages must be attended by a Marriage Officer and by two other witnesses. The Marriage Officer can advise on making arrangements for your wedding. Also the wedding must take place between the hours of 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. The Government website carries a list of Marriage Officers and people who can help with arranging the services, and information on the appropriate documentation required.

Last Updated: 2008-11-14