Relocating to the Cayman Islands? What you need to know.

If you’ve been offered a job in the Cayman Islands, or you’re starting to consider applying, you are likely to have quite a few questions about the process of obtaining a work permit and relocating to Cayman.

We speak with lots of job seekers, so we’ve gathered together some advice and information which we think will be useful for anyone relocating to Cayman.
It’s an exciting time so don’t stress 🙂

Which documents do I need to supply for a Cayman work permit application?
You should receive directions from whoever is processing your work permit, but as a rule you will need to supply a police clearance from your home country (or your place of residence for the past 6 months), a full medical assessment including a chest x-ray and blood lab report and a passport sized photo with a white background. You will also need to complete an application form, an accommodation form and a health & pension form.

How long will my work permit take to process?
A temporary work permit will usually take up to 10 business days to process. A full (permanent) work permit can take around 4 to 6 weeks to process.

Can I bring dependents on my work permit?
This will depend on your position and your agreement with your employer. As a rule, you will need to earn over CI$36,000/annum to bring one family member as a dependent on your work permit.

Can I relocate with my pet?
This needs a bit of forward planning – Your dog/cat will need to be at least ten months old to be allowed entry into the Cayman Islands. You will need to complete an Import Permit application and submit with an official health certificate, a rabies laboratory report and the processing fee for the import permit. There is also a list of dogs, which are not allowed to enter Cayman! Check out the CI Customs website for more details on this.

How does health insurance work in the Cayman Islands?
Your employer in Cayman will be responsible for providing health insurance for you and this coverage should be taken out immediately. If you have dependents on your work permit, your employer will also have responsibility for covering their insurance. The Health Insurance Law states that an employer is liable to pay the total cost of your health insurance but is entitled to recover up to 50% of the cost of the premium from your salary.

How do pension schemes work in Cayman?
If you are employed in Cayman, both you and your employer must contribute towards your pension. The contributions that both of you make are related to your total earnings. As an expat in Cayman, you are allowed nine months before legally having to begin paying into a pension scheme.

Hopefully some of the above info was helpful for you. If you have any other questions or would like to discuss your move with us, please feel free to leave a comment or email us on [email protected].