Cayman residency by investment guide

Overview

If you are a person of independent means or a qualified business investor, the path to obtaining permanent residency in the Cayman Islands can be a straightforward process.

Provenance Properties, the official Christie’s Real Estate affiliate in the Cayman Islands, can help you to find a home if you are seeking to achieve permanent residency in this thriving British Overseas Territory. With four residency certificate options to choose from, a growing number of discerning individuals now live and work in one of the world’s top 10 financial centres.

In this guide:

RBI

The Cayman Islands has four options for seeking residency by investment

Many benefits

With few restrictions on foreign ownership, the tax-neutral Cayman Islands is an attractive option for relocation

Easy lifestyle

Residents enjoy access to international brands through local shops, and fine dining through many high-quality restaurants

Stable government

Democratically elected Government and Governor appointed by UK monarchy

How to get residency in the Cayman Islands

The simplest and quickest path to permanent residency in the Cayman Islands is through the purchase of developed real estate valued at US$2.4 million or higher. For example, purchasing this three-bedroom luxury beach home at The Residences at Seafire, which offers optional turnkey furniture packages from Restoration Hardware, qualifies buyers to apply for Cayman Islands residency if all requirements are met.

Our team have a wide range of listings available to help satisfy this requirement while finding your ideal home.

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According to the Cayman Islands Government, the following residency certificates are currently offered to “Persons of Independent Means and Investors”:

1

Residency Certificate for Persons of Independent Means grants the right to live and work.

2

Certificate of Permanent Residence for Persons of Independent Means grants the right to live but not work.

3

Residency Certificate - Substantial Business Presence allows business owners and/or its senior management to live and work in the Cayman Islands for 25 years.

4

Certificate of Direct Investment is granted to those with an “employment-generating business”.

The benefits of Cayman Islands residency

No restriction on foreign ownership of land
No direct taxation in the form of corporate, capital gains, inheritance, personal income or property taxes
Convenient location with nonstop flights to London Heathrow and major North American cities, including a 90-minute flight to Miami
A sophisticated infrastructure with modern hospitals, reliable telecommunications, quality education and an extensive paved road network
Strong and stable economy:
An estimated 3.4% growth in 2018 (GDP)*

Current unemployment rate of 2.8%*
Significant government surplus of 136%**
Stable, democratic government and a Governor appointed by the UK monarchy permanently in residence
Low crime rate thanks to a well-established police force
Judicial system based on English common law with the UK’s Privy Council serving as the highest court of appeal
High-quality shops, services, hotels and restaurants
Friendly, welcoming and educated population

*Cayman Islands Economics and Statistics Office
** Cayman Islands Ministry of Finance and Economic Development

Depending on which residency certificate you hold (or propose to hold) and whether you wish to progress towards citizenship, there are different requirements as to the number of days that you and your dependants must spend in the jurisdiction each year. Click here for more on this from Daniel Altneu, Senior Associate at Bedell Cristin.

Helpful resources

Other guides that contain useful and comprehensive information about obtaining residency are available from Cayman Islands-based law firms Ogier and Bedell Cristin, both based in Camana Bay.

These law firms can also assist in guiding you through the process should you wish to proceed on the path to Cayman Islands residency.

Guide: Cayman Islands residency by investment