PATH TO PARADISE

CAYMAN ISLANDS

RESIDENCY

Reside are experts in helping to determine the optimal Path to Paradise. The mechanism best suited to an individual can vary widely depending on a wide range of factors, including the industry in which an individual may wish to participate, their intended investments, net worth, and whether any family members will be accompanying them. The ages of any children can be a particularly important element for consideration. Some options provide a path to citizenship, whilst others are intended to be primarily concerned with the ability of an individual to operate international business from within the Cayman Islands. It is important to understand that the carrying on of any Trade or Business (whether in or from within) the Islands, is regulated. Further, non-Caymanians require formal permissions in order to “Engage in Gainful Occupation.” Many of the associated permissions bring with them the right for you and your family to call the Cayman Islands home. In many instances, it is possible to transition from one permission to another. Subject to satisfying criteria, spouses, children, parents (and potentially others) can be dependent on formal immigration permissions. In general terms, the key options available for non Caymanians (and other persons with no close family ties to persons who are Caymanian or Resident in the Islands) seeking to become formal lawful residents of the Cayman Islands are: 

• Seek employment and become employed by an already trading entity as a Work Permit holder
• Establish a Cayman Islands company and employ yourself pursuant to a Work Permit
• Establish a Special Economic Zone Entity and employ yourself (and potentially others) pursuant to a Zone Certificate
• Establish a presence in TechCayman and obtain a Work Permit under the Sponsored Enterprise
• Seek employment in and enter into Government Service
• Obtain a Residency Certificate (Substantial Business Presence)
• Obtain a Certificate of Direct Investment
• Obtain 25-Year Residency as a Person of Independent Means
• Obtain Permanent Residence as a Person of Independent Means
• Obtain the Right to be a Caymanian from the Cabinet

CAYMAN ISLANDS

PERMANENT RESIDENCY POINTS SYSTEM

Almost all persons who have been legally and ordinarily resident in the Islands for a minimum period of eight years, are eligible to make application for Permanent Residence pursuant to a Points System prescribed by the Cabinet of the Cayman Islands Government. The current Points System requires successful applicants to attain 110 points in order to be assured the grant of Permanent Residence.  Points are available and are awarded in nine different categories: 

• Occupation
• Education and Experience
• Local Investments
• Financial Stability
• Community Integration/Contributions
• History and Culture Test
• Caymanian Connections
• Demographics and Cultural Diversity
• Age

Points can also be deducted based on a number of factors.   Reside are well placed to guide you and your family through the process including assessing your prospects and assisting you in attaining the required points. We welcome the opportunity to help aspiring Permanent Residents.  If you would like to arrange a formal consultation, please click the button below.

CAYMAN ISLANDS

NATURALISATION

The British Nationality Act governs applications for Naturalisation (and Registration) as a British Overseas Territories Citizen by virtue of a connection with the Cayman Islands.  All persons who are British Overseas Territories Citizens are eligible to apply for Registration as a British Citizen.  Persons who are Naturalised or Registered by virtue of a connection to the Cayman Islands can apply for and hold a BOTC (Cayman Islands) passport.  If such persons are also British Citizens, they are eligible to apply for and hold a British Passport. For Permanent Resident adults without a Caymanian spouse, attaining Caymanian Status involves a crucial step – Naturalisation as a British Overseas Territories Citizen (BOTC). After maintaining Permanent Residency for 12 months and residing in the Cayman Islands for five years, application under the British Nationality Act for Naturalisation as a BOTC on the grounds of Residence becomes viable. The British Nationality Act sets expectations as to physical presence. For those applying on the basis of Residence, applicants are generally expected to have limited absences from the Islands to no more than ninety days in any one of the five years preceding their date of application.  For those applying on the basis of Marriage to a BOTC, this expectation applies to the three years preceding the date of application. Any applicant for Naturalisation must have been “settled” (i.e. be a Permanent Resident or a Caymanian) for at least twelve months before being eligible to apply. Persons who are BOTC’s and meet varying Residency requirements depending on their circumstances become eligible to apply for the Right to be Caymanian (Caymanian Status). Children are eligible to seek Registration as a BOTC upon satisfying particular requirements.  This may be achievable independent of their parents’ citizenship.

CAYMANIAN

STATUS

The Right to be Caymanian (commonly and previously known as Caymanian Status) is the formal recognition that an individual is a Caymanian.  It is the basis of our nationality and can be obtained by grant (whether by the Caymanian Status & Permanent Residency Board, or in rare circumstances, the Cabinet of the Cayman Islands, or by Right.  Further, children who meet qualifying criteria and whose parent becomes Caymanian are eligible to apply to become Caymanian “ by Entitlement”.  Particular caution must be exercised as children who are Caymanian by Entitlement automatically lose that status on their eighteenth birthday and must apply for Continuation when they are seventeen. Being granted the Right to be Caymanian is a privilege and can be achieved only after satisfying criteria set out in applicable legislation.  Wide discretion is available to the Board in determining whether or not a particular applicant is deserving of a grant. Please reach out should you wish to discuss your own personal circumstances.