A Cayman Islands Golden Visa for Americans (Are You Eligible)

Cayman Islands Golden Visa

Cayman Islands Residence-By-Investment

US Citizens is one of the top Residence by Investment Visa Programs available to expatriates seeking to take a break from the IRS and US tax filing. Unlike other programs, the Cayman Island Golden Visa Program refers to a permanent residence program and not immediate citizenship (as compared for example to the St Kitts and Nevis Golden Visa). Unlike other programs, the Cayman Island Investor Residency Status comes with a pretty hefty price-tag. But, unlike other locations, the Cayman Island has a welcoming vacation setting and English is spoken throughout the island(s).

Cayman Islands Residency Investment Requirements

In order to apply to the Residency by Investment Program, the has different options available to them.

As provided by WORC:

Certificate of Permanent Residency for Persons of Independent Means 

• • • Persons who invest a minimum of two million Cayman Islands’ Dollars in developed real estate in the Cayman Islands may apply for a Certificate of Permanent Residence for Persons of Independent Means. As the Certificate title denotes, a holder has the right to reside indefinitely in the Cayman Islands.

    • A holder will also have the option of seeking naturalization as a British Overseas Territories Citizen and, thereafter, the right to be Caymanian.

    • A holder and his spouse may also have their permission to remain varied to allow the right to work in the Cayman Islands.

  • 2M CI Investment
  • Path to Naturalization
  • Unlimited Residence
    • Form R5

Residency Certificate for Persons of Independent Means 

• • • This facility is for persons who wish to reside long-term in the Cayman Islands without the right to work. Applicants will be required to demonstrate that they have invested a prescribed minimum amount in developed real estate in the Islands and that they meet certain financial standing requirements.

    • A successful applicant will be granted permission to reside in the Islands for a period of 25 years (renewable).

  • 1M Investment
  • Annual Income of 120K CI
  • 400,000 CI In local bank
    • Form R2

Certificate of Direct Investment 

• • • The Certificate of Direct Investment is for persons who invest, or propose to invest, a minimum prescribed amount in a licensed employment generating business in the Cayman Islands and in which he/she will exercise substantial management control.

    • An applicant must demonstrate a substantial business track record or an entrepreneurial background, including specific professional, technical and other knowledge relevant and necessary to carry on the business.

  • 1 M in an employment generating business
    • Form R8 

Residency Certificate (Substantial Business Presence)

• • • This facility is for persons who invest in, or who are employed in a senior management capacity within, an approved category of business in the Cayman Islands.

    • A successful applicant is granted a Residency Certificate valid for 25 years (renewable) which entitles him to reside in the Islands and to work in the business in which he has invested or is employed in a senior management capacity.

  • Varies based on business investment; limited-status
    • Form R6

Travel on the Cayman Islands Passport

• Nearly 100 countries passport free and other countries VOA (Visa on Arrival)
  • No part of the Schengen Area (Schengen Visa is Required
  • Not Part of the EU

Path to Naturalization

If the applicant pursues the Certificate of Permanent Residency for Persons of Independent Means, they can become a naturalized citizen of the Cayman Islands.

Safety in the Caymans

The Cayman Island is well-known as a relatively safe location with wonderful coastal properties.

Cayman Islands Currency 

The local currency is the Cayman Island Dollar — 1CID/1:20USD

A Proven Residency Investment Program

The Cayman Islands Residency by Investment program has many options available to expatriates. Depending on whether the end-game is citizenship or residency, as well as if the applicant seeks employment will help determine the best path forward for those seeking residency and possible subsequent citizenship.

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